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.

18 videos

I Built the Project Hail Mary Cockpit Control Panel
23:07
DIY PropsIntermediate$50–$150 (based on listed components)

I Built the Project Hail Mary Cockpit Control Panel

Creative Geekery recreates the cockpit control panel from the sci-fi novel and film adaptation Project Hail Mary, working from minimal reference material. The build combines 3D printed parts, laser-cut plywood, physical controls like dials and buttons, and integrated LCD screens with custom UI graphics. Trial and error played a central role, making this an honest look at the iterative prop-making process. The finished piece is a convincing, functional-looking spaceship console built on a maker budget.

Creative Geekery· 8,920 views
Building a Star Wars Hologram!
12:57
DIY PropsAdvanced

Building a Star Wars Hologram!

VanOaksProps walks through a full build of an Andor Season 2-inspired Star Wars holoprojector prop, combining vintage part sourcing and modification with 3D printing, laser cutting, and practical electronics. The build integrates an ESP32 microcontroller, Neopixel lighting, and a hologram fan to achieve an in-universe screen-accurate effect. Weathering is accomplished through airbrushing, oil paint washes, liquid latex, and Rub n Buff, giving the finished piece an authentic, battle-worn look. Downloadable files are available for creators who want to replicate the project.

VanOaksProps· 51,041 views
I made a HoloProjector Inspired by Andor Season 2!
0:26
DIY PropsIntermediate

I made a HoloProjector Inspired by Andor Season 2!

VanOaksProps builds a DIY HoloProjector inspired by the aesthetic of Andor Season 2, combining 3D printing, laser cutting, and weathering techniques to create a screen-accurate sci-fi prop replica. The video appears to be a showcase or teaser, with the full step-by-step tutorial linked separately. The build incorporates electronics to achieve an authentic holographic display effect. It sits at the intersection of cosplay prop-making and Halloween/haunt set dressing for sci-fi themed spaces.

VanOaksProps· 11,237 views
I Crafted the Minecraft Movie Sword in Real Life! #mincraftmovie #mincraftshort #mincraftsword
0:45
DIY PropsIntermediate

I Crafted the Minecraft Movie Sword in Real Life! #mincraftmovie #mincraftshort #mincraftsword

This short-form video shows the creation of a real-life prop replica of the sword from the Minecraft Movie, built using laser-cut wood and chrome paint. The creator plays up the in-game crafting mechanic as a fun framing device before revealing a polished finished replica. Despite the brief runtime, the result is an impressive screen-accurate-style prop. A full build breakdown is available on the creator's website.

Creative Geekery· 1,889 views
Minecraft Movie Sword – I Built a Real One (DIY)
14:46
DIY PropsIntermediate

Minecraft Movie Sword – I Built a Real One (DIY)

The creator reverse-engineers the iconic sword from the Minecraft Movie — originally fabricated by Wētā Workshop — using only a blurry screenshot as reference. Working with laser-cut plywood layers and strategic paint techniques, he builds a screen-accurate-looking replica without any official plans. A free downloadable template and guide are offered on his website for viewers who want to replicate the build. The finished prop is revealed at the end of the video.

Creative Geekery· 33,702 views
I Built Severance’s Speaker – And It Actually Works!
16:08
DIY PropsIntermediate

I Built Severance’s Speaker – And It Actually Works!

A passionate Severance fan builds a fully functional replica of the iconic Lumon boardroom speaker from scratch, walking viewers through every stage from 3D printing and laser cutting to painting, texturing, and wiring in real audio electronics. The build uses a mix of digital fabrication and hands-on finishing techniques to closely match the on-screen prop. As a fun finale, the creator takes the finished piece to Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ — the real-world filming location for Lumon HQ — to gauge reactions. The video also honestly covers what went wrong during the build and how the replica compares to the actual show prop.

Creative Geekery· 9,975 views
I Made My Own YouTube Play Button! See How I Did It
0:29
Other

I Made My Own YouTube Play Button! See How I Did It

A YouTube creator reached 10,000 subscribers without receiving an official play button award, so they decided to build their own from scratch. The video documents the fabrication process and reveals the finished replica. Laser cutting appears to be among the techniques involved in creating the custom piece.

Creative Geekery· 2,006 views
Make Your Ghost Trap Smoke! - Using the Ghostbusters Spirit Halloween Trap!
8:31
DIY PropsIntermediate

Make Your Ghost Trap Smoke! - Using the Ghostbusters Spirit Halloween Trap!

This tutorial walks through modifying the Spirit Halloween Ghost Trap toy into a screen-accurate smoking prop inspired by the Ghostbusters films. The creator integrates a mini smoke machine into the trap using a combination of 3D-printed parts, laser-cut components, and some basic wiring. A full kit list with links to all required parts is provided, making it straightforward for builders to source everything they need. The result is a visually impressive prop upgrade that adds a working smoke effect to an off-the-shelf Halloween product.

Creative Geekery· 7,011 views
DIY Star Wars Data Panel with VIDEO!
11:13
DIY PropsIntermediate

DIY Star Wars Data Panel with VIDEO!

VanOaksProps walks through building a Star Wars-inspired data panel as a personal display piece, centered around a 10-inch digital photo frame that plays looping video content. The build layers laser-cut panels, EVA foam details, split loom and drain hose greeblies, and LEDs to achieve an authentic sci-fi control panel aesthetic. Airbrushing and oil paint weathering give the finished piece a battle-worn, screen-accurate look. SVG and 3D files for the panel design are available through the creator's Etsy shop.

VanOaksProps· 14,245 views
Building the Ultimate DIY Animatronic Dinosaur Cage: Can We Do It?
12:42
DIY AnimatronicsAdvanced

Building the Ultimate DIY Animatronic Dinosaur Cage: Can We Do It?

This video is the final installment in a multi-part DIY animatronic dinosaur series, focusing on building a Jurassic World-inspired raptor containment cage to house the completed animatronic. The build covers fabricating the cage frame using laser-cut wood and heat-bent pipes, fitting and detailing the dinosaur head, and finishing the structure with paint, weathering, chains, and lighting. The creator walks through each construction phase in a roughly chronological workflow, from design and framing through final atmospheric touches. The result is a highly detailed prop suitable for home haunts or display installations.

Creative Geekery· 3,454 views
Turning my Smart Thermostat into HAL 9000 from 2001: a Space Odyssey
8:04
DIY PropsIntermediate

Turning my Smart Thermostat into HAL 9000 from 2001: a Space Odyssey

VanOaksProps transforms an everyday smart thermostat into a screen-accurate HAL 9000 replica from Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. The build centers on a laser-cut grill panel — a free downloadable file the creator shares — combined with brushed aluminum vinyl and metallic spray paint to achieve the iconic look. The result is a functional thermostat that doubles as a striking sci-fi display piece. An Adafruit project is credited as the original inspiration for the replica design.

VanOaksProps· 10,281 views
Easy DIY animatronic dinosaur
8:59
DIY AnimatronicsAdvanced

Easy DIY animatronic dinosaur

This is part three of a multi-part series documenting the build of a life-sized animatronic Velociraptor inspired by the Jurassic World raptor containment scenes. The episode focuses specifically on adding servo motors and a controller board to bring the dinosaur to life with realistic movement. The creator walks through integrating 3D-printed components and laser-cut parts into the animatronic rig. It sits within a broader home haunt project built in a garage setting.

Creative Geekery· 7,455 views
How to make a DIY animatronic dinosaur (Part 2 - Eyes)
9:40
DIY AnimatronicsAdvanced

How to make a DIY animatronic dinosaur (Part 2 - Eyes)

Part 2 of a multi-part series documenting the construction of a life-sized animatronic velociraptor for a home haunt, this episode zeroes in on building realistic animatronic eyes. The creator walks through 3D printing an eye mechanism sourced from a community model, fitting glass lenses, painting irises with acrylics, and sealing with clear coat. Servo motors are incorporated to bring the eyes to life with movement, echoing the look of raptors seen in Jurassic World attractions.

Creative Geekery· 6,425 views
March Livestream - Q&A, Haunted Mansion Project, and more!
59:14
DIY Props

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
Custom Star Wars Lightsaber Display with Lights!
6:14
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$80

Custom Star Wars Lightsaber Display with Lights!

VanOaksProps builds a custom vertical display stand for a Damiensaber lightsaber, incorporating LED strip lighting to give it a dramatic illuminated effect. The build draws on laser-cut components, PVC pipe, and aluminum tape finished with spray paint. The video was produced in partnership with Damiensaber, who provided the prop at no cost. While Star Wars-themed rather than strictly Halloween, the prop-display techniques translate directly to haunted-house and themed-room set dressing.

VanOaksProps· 5,139 views
Making a Star Wars Millennium Falcon Lamp Replica | Smuggler’s Run
7:30
DIY PropsIntermediate

Making a Star Wars Millennium Falcon Lamp Replica | Smuggler’s Run

VanOaksProps builds a screen-accurate replica of the iconic corridor lamp from inside the Millennium Falcon, as seen at Galaxy's Edge Smuggler's Run. The build combines laser-cut MDF and acrylic panels with LED neon strip lighting and a PVC pipe core. A detailed painting and weathering process — including chrome finishes, an oil paint wash, and a satin clear coat — brings the prop to a convincing, battle-worn finish.

VanOaksProps· 11,500 views
Laser cut a jack o lantern extreme pumpkin carving
1:36
DIY Props

Laser cut a jack o lantern extreme pumpkin carving

StiltbeastStudios showcases an extreme approach to jack o lantern creation using laser cutting technology, pushing classic pumpkin carving well beyond traditional hand-carving methods. The short-form video offers a glimpse into the prop-making mindset behind a professional haunt studio. It serves as both an inspiration piece and a channel promotion for their Patreon community.

StiltbeastStudios· 6,077 views
Disneyland/Disneyworld Tower of Terror Elevator Dial Replica | Hollywood Tower Hotel
9:16
DIY PropsIntermediate

Disneyland/Disneyworld Tower of Terror Elevator Dial Replica | Hollywood Tower Hotel

VanOaksProps recreates the iconic service elevator floor-indicator dial from the Tower of Terror attraction as a detailed display replica. The build combines laser-cut MDF and acrylic pieces with a multi-step faux copper patina painting process to achieve the aged, antique look of the original Hollywood Tower Hotel prop. Airbrushing, dry brushing, and Rub n Buff are layered together to convincingly mimic oxidized copper. The finished piece is a faithful collectible tribute to the beloved attraction, particularly for California fans where the original ride no longer exists.

VanOaksProps· 11,932 views