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.

This Halloween Bust Follows You With Its Eyes! (DIY Monument Prop)

VanOaksProps walks through the construction of a cemetery monument prop featuring a bust with a classic 'following eyes' optical illusion — the face appears to track viewers as they move past it. The build relies primarily on XPS foam, a cardboard tube column, and a bust sourced from a third-party supplier, finished with textured coatings and earth-tone paints to mimic aged stone. Weathering techniques including dry brushing and wash layers give the piece convincing graveyard patina. The result is a striking, customizable centerpiece suited for yard haunts, home haunts, and cemetery scenes.

VanOaksProps· 18,845 views

How to Make Fallout NCR Cosplay Chest Armor - Free Foam Template - Paint Foam to Look Like Metal

13:52

Costume TutorialsIntermediate

How to Make Fallout NCR Cosplay Chest Armor - Free Foam Template - Paint Foam to Look Like Metal

This tutorial walks through building Fallout NCR chest armor from HD foam using a free downloadable PDF template. The creator covers the full fabrication process from cutting and shaping foam to assembling the chest piece, then dives deep into a multi-step painting and weathering workflow designed to make lightweight foam convincingly resemble battered wasteland metal. Techniques include sealing, base coating, metallic sprays, graphite powder, and rust effects to achieve an authentic worn look.

SKS Props· 12,657 views

Starship Troopers Cosplay Upgrades - Resin Cast M3 Helmet and 3D Printed Morita Finishing Techniques

13:09

Costume TutorialsIntermediate

Starship Troopers Cosplay Upgrades - Resin Cast M3 Helmet and 3D Printed Morita Finishing Techniques

SKS Props creator walks through the finishing process for a Starship Troopers Mobile Infantry cosplay build, focusing on a resin-cast M3 tactical helmet and a 3D-printed Morita rifle. The tutorial covers surface preparation, painting, and weathering techniques applied to HD EVA foam armor components, which are praised for their light weight and paint-friendly surface. Free PDF templates for the chest and helmet are available on the creator's website, and all materials and sourcing links are provided in the description.

SKS Props· 4,300 views

8:23

DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$70

DIY Foam Axe Prop!

VanOaksProps walks through the full build process for a foam replica of Jack Torrance's iconic axe from The Shining, designed to be lightweight and safe for Halloween haunts and convention use. The blade and handle are both constructed from EVA foam floor mats, shaped with a heat gun and Dremel, then finished with a multi-step painting process that mimics real steel and wood grain. Sponsored Surebonder Cosplay Stik hot glue is used throughout the assembly. The result is a screen-inspired prop that is durable, convention-compliant, and visually convincing.

VanOaksProps· 21,478 views