The Screening Room

The Halloween Video Library

A curated, searchable archive of the dark craft — DIY props and animatronics, home-haunt walkthroughs, makeup, lighting, fog, and effects. Every film embedded from its creator, organized so you can actually find what you need.

March Livestream - Q&A, Haunted Mansion Project, and more!

This nearly hour-long livestream from VanOaksProps blends a community Q&A session with progress updates on an ongoing Haunted Mansion-themed prop project. The creator discusses build techniques and takes questions from supporters in real time. References to a 3D printer, laser cutter, and CNC router suggest these are recurring tools in the workflow shown throughout the stream.

VanOaksProps· 2,058 views

PROP LAB: Building Star Wars Cargo Crates

8:19

DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$80

PROP LAB: Building Star Wars Cargo Crates

VanOaksProps builds a pair of Star Wars-themed cargo crates to complement a dedicated prop display case, inspired by a visit to Star Wars Celebration Anaheim. The crates are shaped using an Inventables X-Carve CNC router, then finished with layered spray paints, wax paint, and weathering techniques to achieve a battle-worn, screen-accurate look. Liquid latex and steel wool add tactile texture before the final paint stages, giving the props convincing depth and age.

VanOaksProps· 12,510 views

Carving Halloween Tombstones with a Robot?!

4:10

DIY Props

Carving Halloween Tombstones with a Robot?!

VanOaks Props showcases using the Inventables X-Carve CNC machine to carve custom Halloween tombstones from foam, describing it as a dream workflow for bringing detailed tombstone designs to life with precision. The video highlights how CNC automation elevates the quality and repeatability of handcrafted Halloween props. Custom tombstone props created with this method are also available for purchase through the creator's Etsy shop.

VanOaksProps· 10,449 views

We built a huge glowing skull (for our workshop!)

8:11

DIY PropsIntermediate

We built a huge glowing skull (for our workshop!)

Wicked Makers duo Jay and Jaimie construct a large, eye-catching backlit skull sign for their workshop using a CNC router and birch plywood built up in two layers. LED strips are routed behind the skull cutout and controlled by an Arduino Micro to produce a dramatic glowing effect. The project blends woodworking, basic electronics, and CNC design into an approachable weekend build. Full Arduino code and schematics are available on the creators' website for anyone who wants to replicate it.

Wicked Makers· 44,754 views