Halloween Universe

Video Theme

Monster Making

Videos built around the monster making theme — pulled together so you can study how others bring this atmosphere to life.

77 videos

Great Stuff Spray Foam DIY Pumpkin
14:51
DIY PropsIntermediate

Great Stuff Spray Foam DIY Pumpkin

Stiltbeast Studios walks through the process of creating a Halloween pumpkin prop using Great Stuff expanding spray foam. The build demonstrates how an accessible, hardware-store material can be shaped into a convincing haunted-attraction-quality piece. Allen Hopps shares his hands-on fabrication approach suited for home haunters and professional prop makers alike.

StiltbeastStudios· 809,233 views
TRANSWORLD Halloween Show 5 Years at the Distortions Unlimited Booth 2015 - 2019
9:55
Professional Haunted Attractions

TRANSWORLD Halloween Show 5 Years at the Distortions Unlimited Booth 2015 - 2019

This video compiles five years of Distortions Unlimited's presence at the Transworld Halloween and Attractions Show from 2015 to 2019, offering a sweeping look at the company's booth across that span. Viewers get an up-close look at signature creations including the Electric Chair Animatronic, Zombie Shock, Demon Shock, Shocktronics, and the Shock and Awe beheaded illusion. The Transworld show itself serves as the backdrop — a major industry trade event drawing haunted attraction operators, Halloween retailers, theme parks, and dark attraction professionals. Filmed and edited by Adam Taub of Distortions Unlimited, the video doubles as both a product showcase and a historical record of the company's evolving catalog.

DistortionsUnlimited· 343,277 views
How to Make a Gremlin Prop! Sculpt, Two Piece Mold, SFX, & Paint | MONSTER LAB
51:45
DIY PropsAdvanced

How to Make a Gremlin Prop! Sculpt, Two Piece Mold, SFX, & Paint | MONSTER LAB

In this extended Monster Lab episode, Distortions Unlimited founder Ed Edmunds walks viewers through the complete process of creating a latex gremlin character from scratch. The tutorial covers three major stages: sculpting the creature in clay, constructing a two-piece plaster mold, and painting the finished latex pull for a professional SFX result. Running at nearly an hour, the video provides a thorough, professional-level breakdown of techniques used in the Halloween manufacturing industry. It serves as a valuable reference for anyone looking to move beyond basic prop-making into full creature fabrication.

DistortionsUnlimited· 152,695 views
make glass eyes
18:42
DIY PropsBeginnerlow (under $20)

make glass eyes

StiltbeastStudios walks through a DIY method for crafting realistic glass eyes using round glass cabochons — an affordable and accessible technique suited for Halloween masks, creature props, and haunted attraction builds. The tutorial draws inspiration from an existing online method and adapts it with the creator's own approach. At roughly 19 minutes, it covers enough detail to take a viewer from raw materials to finished, striking prop eyes. The result can achieve dramatic effects like an 'Eye of Sauron' look for large-scale monster builds.

StiltbeastStudios· 87,343 views
BEST Clay for Making Monsters! WED Clay Sculpting Demo | Monster Lab
45:55
DIY PropsIntermediate

BEST Clay for Making Monsters! WED Clay Sculpting Demo | Monster Lab

In this episode of Monster Lab, Distortions Unlimited founder Ed Edmunds makes the case for WED clay as his preferred medium for sculpting monster masks and large Halloween props. Originally developed for Disney animatronics, WED clay is a water-based, air-dry material prized for its smooth, pliable working properties and slower drying time — qualities Ed demonstrates hands-on with a monster mask sculpt. He also honestly addresses when oil-based clays may be the better choice, such as for SFX appliances or small figurines. The episode is part of a long-running tutorial series aimed at bringing professional prop-house knowledge to DIY builders.

DistortionsUnlimited· 82,849 views
We Need to Put 2500 Pounds of Clay Onto This Giant Gorilla Sculpture...TODAY!
4:49
DIY AnimatronicsPro

We Need to Put 2500 Pounds of Clay Onto This Giant Gorilla Sculpture...TODAY!

Distortions Unlimited offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the early stages of building a massive animatronic gorilla head, with the team racing to apply over 2,500 pounds of clay onto a large metal armature in a single day. The build is driven by a tight deadline tied to the Transworld Halloween Show, where the finished piece is intended to serve as a photo opportunity at the Distortions Unlimited booth. The video showcases the sheer scale and team effort required for professional-grade animatronic fabrication at this level.

DistortionsUnlimited· 52,887 views
Making the Last Creep Show Clown Animatronics this Halloween Season | Inside Distortions Unlimited
9:10
DIY Animatronics

Making the Last Creep Show Clown Animatronics this Halloween Season | Inside Distortions Unlimited

Distortions Unlimited offers a behind-the-scenes look at their professional prop workshop as the team races to complete the final batch of Creep Show clown animatronics before Halloween 2022. Viewers get a glimpse into the production floor where multiple large-scale animatronics are being finished and prepped for shipment to both home haunters and professional haunted attractions. The video highlights the scale and pace of a professional Halloween prop manufacturer with over four decades of experience.

DistortionsUnlimited· 47,201 views
Distortions Unlimited Behind the Monsters | Making Animatronic Props
30:49
DIY AnimatronicsPro

Distortions Unlimited Behind the Monsters | Making Animatronic Props

This behind-the-scenes video from Distortions Unlimited — a Halloween industry veteran with over 40 years in the business — pulls back the curtain on professional animatronic prop production. Viewers follow the team through multiple production stages, including the mechanical build of the Fartman and Demon Fury animatronics, sound selection, and a timed painting demonstration with Ed Edmunds and Tom. The roughly 30-minute runtime gives an unusually candid look at how a commercial Halloween prop company operates across its various departments.

DistortionsUnlimited· 47,172 views
Halloween Mask Sculpting Tutorial How to Sculpt a Zombie | Monster Lab
40:47
Makeup TutorialsIntermediate

Halloween Mask Sculpting Tutorial How to Sculpt a Zombie | Monster Lab

Industry veteran Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited walks viewers through sculpting a custom-fit zombie mask from clay as part of the Monster Lab instructional series. The tutorial covers building an armature, working with clay, and applying sculpting techniques to create a form-fitting, moveable latex mask. The video is part of a multi-part series that will continue with mold-making, painting, and full costume assembly. The techniques taught are transferable beyond zombies and can be applied to sculpting virtually any character.

DistortionsUnlimited· 43,532 views
Monster Make A Wish at Distortions Unlimited
12:36
DIY Animatronics

Monster Make A Wish at Distortions Unlimited

Distortions Unlimited hosts a Make-A-Wish recipient named Jackson, whose wish was to design a Halloween prop at their shop. The team brought his concept to life by sculpting, molding, and pouring it in latex, then let him pick the paint color and activate the finished animatronic, which moves, shakes, and spits. Jackson named his creation "Crimson" and will feature it in his own yard haunt. The video blends a heartfelt charity story with a behind-the-scenes look at professional prop production.

DistortionsUnlimited· 39,918 views
Latex Mask Making Magic Formula & How to Mix Paint for Masks | Monster Lab
15:49
Makeup TutorialsBeginnerlow (common household and craft supplies)

Latex Mask Making Magic Formula & How to Mix Paint for Masks | Monster Lab

In this Monster Lab episode, Distortions Unlimited's Ed Edmunds walks through the studio's proprietary 'magic formula' for mixing paint used on latex masks. The recipe combines indoor house paint, water, and mask-making latex to create a flexible, durable paint that adheres properly to latex surfaces. The tutorial is presented as a clear refresher of techniques covered across the Monster Lab series, making it easy for newcomers to get up to speed quickly.

DistortionsUnlimited· 37,791 views
Halloween Prop Making Mayhem | Inside Distortions Unlimited
6:49
DIY Animatronics

Halloween Prop Making Mayhem | Inside Distortions Unlimited

This behind-the-scenes video takes viewers inside Distortions Unlimited's Colorado workshop as the team races to fulfill Halloween 2022 orders for props and animatronics. The footage showcases the hands-on craftsmanship involved in producing pieces like a dragon head, an electric chair animatronic, and other creature-based props. Distortions Unlimited has over 40 years of experience creating professional-grade monsters, masks, and animatronics for haunted attractions, events, and home decorators. The video offers an energetic, fast-paced look at what goes into bringing high-impact Halloween creations to life at a commercial scale.

DistortionsUnlimited· 31,755 views
Human Skin DIY
18:15
DIY PropsIntermediate

Human Skin DIY

StiltbeastStudios walks through the process of crafting a realistic human skin prop or wearable piece suitable for haunted attractions and Halloween displays. The tutorial covers techniques for achieving convincing skin-like texture and appearance. It is geared toward haunters and prop makers looking to add a disturbing, high-impact element to their setups.

StiltbeastStudios· 24,001 views
Distortions Unlimited Outtakes, Mishaps, and Scenes
16:05
Other

Distortions Unlimited Outtakes, Mishaps, and Scenes

This lighthearted compilation offers a behind-the-scenes peek at Distortions Unlimited, one of the longest-running Halloween prop and animatronics manufacturers in the USA. Featuring studio founders Ed and Marsha Edmunds alongside their crew, the video showcases candid outtakes, mishaps, and bloopers from the monster-making floor. It doubles as an entertaining glimpse into the culture and personality of a professional Halloween production company with over four decades in the industry.

DistortionsUnlimited· 22,177 views
Brain sculpt part 2.wmv
9:33
DIY PropsIntermediate

Brain sculpt part 2.wmv

This is the second installment in StiltbeastStudios' brain sculpting series, continuing the process of building a realistic brain form using water-based clay. The video focuses on the hands-on sculpting techniques required to render convincing organic anatomy. Viewers follow along as the prop takes further shape under the sculptor's hands, with an emphasis on surface detail and form refinement.

StiltbeastStudios· 15,706 views
molding a half mask
2:07:26
Makeup TutorialsAdvanced

molding a half mask

Stiltbeast Studios' Allen Hopps walks through the full process of molding a wearable half mask in this in-depth, feature-length tutorial. Clocking in at over two hours, the video is geared toward haunted attraction performers and prop builders who want professional-quality facial appliances. The session covers the mold-making workflow from start to finish, reflecting Stiltbeast's signature focus on practical, haunt-ready creature work.

StiltbeastStudios· 15,573 views
Distortions Unlimited Getting Ready For Transworld 2022 | March Behind the Scenes Tour
7:50
DIY Animatronics

Distortions Unlimited Getting Ready For Transworld 2022 | March Behind the Scenes Tour

Distortions Unlimited opens their workshop doors for a behind-the-scenes look at production life as the team prepares for Transworld 2022. Marsha guides viewers through multiple departments, showcasing the Creepshow clown animatronic, a Yeti prop mid-hairing in the paint room, and sculptor Tom Cassidy's work-in-progress Mutant spitting animatronic. Ed and Marsha weigh in on the Mutant sculpt's creative direction, offering a rare glimpse into the professional feedback loop that shapes finished haunt-industry products.

DistortionsUnlimited· 15,340 views
A Day Making Monsters for Halloween 2025
4:22
Professional Haunted Attractions

A Day Making Monsters for Halloween 2025

This behind-the-scenes look at Distortions Unlimited captures a day on the production floor as the team fabricates a range of Halloween props for 2025. Viewers watch crew members foam and detail Goblin Legend figures, paint Dragon Legends, Haunted Trees, and Super Skulls, and begin assembling Zombie Podiums. The short clip offers a rare, candid glimpse into the scale and craftsmanship of a professional Halloween prop manufacturer. It's a quick but compelling window into how commercial-grade monsters are brought to life.

DistortionsUnlimited· 14,895 views
Monster Camp 14 Final Products!
4:25
Makeup Tutorials

Monster Camp 14 Final Products!

Stiltbeast Studios showcases the finished monster creations from their Monster Camp 14 workshop, giving viewers a look at the completed wearable creature builds. Allen Hopps presents the final products, highlighting the craftsmanship that goes into professional-level haunted attraction characters. The short showcase format gives both aspiring and experienced monster makers a glimpse at the quality of work produced during the intensive camp experience.

StiltbeastStudios· 13,128 views
HALLOWEEN Trade Show DISTORTIONS Booth Mash Up | Haunted House Props Expo in St Louis
7:36
Professional Haunted Attractions

HALLOWEEN Trade Show DISTORTIONS Booth Mash Up | Haunted House Props Expo in St Louis

This video offers a compiled walkthrough of the Distortions Unlimited booth at the HAA Transworld Halloween and Attractions Trade Show in St. Louis, drawing footage from four consecutive years (2016–2019). Viewers get an inside look at the company's range of professional-grade haunted house products, including animatronics, Shocktronics, masks, SFX pieces, and large-scale displays. Distortions Unlimited, a veteran Halloween manufacturer operating since 1978, is well-regarded in the haunt industry for handcrafted, durable creations. The video serves as both a brand showcase and an industry snapshot for haunt professionals and enthusiasts alike.

DistortionsUnlimited· 11,526 views
Making Monsters Together for Over 40 Years!
0:33
Professional Haunted Attractions

Making Monsters Together for Over 40 Years!

This short-form video spotlights Distortions Unlimited, the professional Halloween prop and animatronics company helmed by husband-and-wife duo Ed and Marsha Edmunds. The clip celebrates over four decades of the pair crafting monsters, props, masks, and costumes together. It serves as a brand story vignette highlighting the passion and longevity behind one of the haunt industry's well-known names.

DistortionsUnlimited· 11,374 views
Making Mutant Baby Props for Monster Day 2023 | Distortions Unlimited Behind the Scenes
7:40
DIY Props

Making Mutant Baby Props for Monster Day 2023 | Distortions Unlimited Behind the Scenes

This behind-the-scenes tour follows the Distortions Unlimited crew as they finish a batch of mutant baby props dubbed 'Mutinee' for Monster Day 2023. Alongside painting the latex creatures, the team is shown trimming, welding, completing electric chair props, and shipping out mutant animatronics. It offers a glimpse into how a long-running American prop studio brings its monsters to life.

DistortionsUnlimited· 10,256 views
Distortions Unlimited | Halloween Business Owners Marsha & Ed Edmunds Interview
31:49
Other

Distortions Unlimited | Halloween Business Owners Marsha & Ed Edmunds Interview

Distortions Unlimited co-owners Ed Edmunds and Marsha Taub-Edmunds sit down for a candid interview covering their history and passion for Halloween manufacturing. The conversation ranges from personal topics like their scariest childhood movies to professional highlights including their favorite creations. As one of the haunt industry's most recognized manufacturers — known for animatronics, masks, props, and costumes, and featured on the Travel Channel's Making Monsters — their insights offer a rare look inside a major Halloween company.

DistortionsUnlimited· 9,965 views
Distortions Unlimited Jack Widow FIRST PAINT TEST in Jan. 2022 Behind the Scenes
6:11
Prop Reviews

Distortions Unlimited Jack Widow FIRST PAINT TEST in Jan. 2022 Behind the Scenes

Distortions Unlimited offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the early paint-testing process for their 2022 Jack Widow Giant Halloween Spider prop. Artists Ed and Tom each painted one side of the prototype using different color schemes, allowing a direct side-by-side comparison before Marsha weighed in with creative direction. The footage documents how the team iterated through multiple paint designs before arriving at the final production look. Jack Widow went on to become one of the company's most popular props of the 2022 season.

DistortionsUnlimited· 9,955 views