Halloween Universe

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.

7 videos

I Made a Functional Gonk Droid Projector
18:40
DIY PropsIntermediate

I Made a Functional Gonk Droid Projector

VanOaksProps presents a full-length, single-video build of a functional full-size Gonk Droid prop that doubles as a working projector. The build combines everyday materials like storage bins and plumbing parts with 3D printed components, then brings the droid to life through careful painting and weathering techniques. Originally released as a two-part series in 2022, this marathon edition walks through every stage — design, fabrication, electronics integration, and finishing — in one continuous watch.

VanOaksProps· 15,321 views
How to Build a Jedi Comlink (Qui-Gon Jinn & Obi-Wan Kenobi)
13:54
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$80 depending on parts sourced

How to Build a Jedi Comlink (Qui-Gon Jinn & Obi-Wan Kenobi)

VanOaksProps walks through a detailed, screen-accurate build of the Jedi Comlink seen in the hands of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi across two Star Wars prequel films. The foundation is a vintage Gillette Sensor Excel razor — the same found object used by the original prop department — enhanced with custom 3D-printed parts, laser-cut acrylic, and hard-to-find specialty hardware like Coughtrie screws and aerospace pins. The tutorial concludes with a full weathering sequence using primer, spray paint, and oil washes to achieve a convincingly worn, screen-matched finish. It's a masterclass in blending digital fabrication with traditional kit-bashing for obsessive prop accuracy.

VanOaksProps· 11,310 views
Building the Hoth Scanner Prop | Star Wars Prop Replica
11:27
DIY PropsAdvanced

Building the Hoth Scanner Prop | Star Wars Prop Replica

This detailed build video walks through the full process of recreating Han Solo's Hoth Scanner prop from The Empire Strikes Back, combining FDM printing, resin printing, and real metal hardware for a screen-inspired replica. The creator covers prop research, surface preparation, and achieving convincing chrome and metallic finishes using accessible paints and buffing compounds. Assembly tips address structural durability, making the finished piece suitable for display or cosplay use.

VanOaksProps· 7,849 views
Star Wars Skeleton Crew Gatekeeper Droid Build
12:23
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$80

Star Wars Skeleton Crew Gatekeeper Droid Build

VanOaksProps walks through a full scratch build of the Gatekeeper Droid from Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (also seen in Return of the Jedi), using a combination of 3D-printed parts, PVC pipe, and everyday hardware-store materials. The eye dome is a repurposed clear Christmas ornament housing a NeoPixel ring driven by a custom-edited Arduino Nano sketch. Finishing involves layered spray paints and Fuller's Earth weathering to nail the worn, galactic aesthetic. Free templates and code files are linked in the description to help builders replicate the project.

VanOaksProps· 16,571 views
Making Galaxy’s Edge Magic at Home!
8:37
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$80

Making Galaxy’s Edge Magic at Home!

VanOaksProps walks through building a DIY replica of a prop canister inspired by Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge queue areas and Black Spire Outpost stalls. The build centers on a surplus WWII gas mask canister as a base, dressed up with a custom 3D-printed greeblie patch and finished with a multi-layer paint and weathering process. Oil paints, Fuller's Earth, and chrome paint are layered to achieve a convincing worn, sci-fi industrial look. The result is a screen-accurate-feeling Star Wars set piece achievable on a modest budget.

VanOaksProps· 6,108 views
Making a Star Wars Inspired Cooler for Charity
7:12
DIY PropsIntermediate

Making a Star Wars Inspired Cooler for Charity

VanOaksProps transforms a plain ice chest into a Star Wars-themed prop for a charity auction, giving it the look of Beskar-inspired hardware from the Star Wars universe. The build relies on airbrushing with Alumaluster chrome paint alongside a multi-color weathering approach to sell the worn, galactic aesthetic. Structural details are added using epoxy and craft materials before the final paint layers are applied. The finished cooler is destined for the Imperial Surface Bucket Bash charity event.

VanOaksProps· 7,219 views
We made a FLOATING Bottle that pours forever! (Halloween Prop)
9:58
DIY PropsBeginner$20–$50

We made a FLOATING Bottle that pours forever! (Halloween Prop)

Wicked Makers' Jay and Jaimie build a mesmerizing Halloween prop that makes a wine bottle appear to float in mid-air while endlessly pouring colored liquid. The illusion is driven by a small recirculating water pump hidden inside a cup, with a clear acrylic tube acting as both the structural support and the hidden return channel for the liquid. The build relies on inexpensive, widely available materials and requires only basic tools, making it very accessible for first-time prop builders. The finished piece works especially well as an eye-catching indoor Halloween centerpiece or party decoration.

Wicked Makers· 305,225 views