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.

66 videos

Painting a Giant Skull Animatronic at Distortions Unlimited
0:16
DIY AnimatronicsPro

Painting a Giant Skull Animatronic at Distortions Unlimited

Ed Edmunds, the founder of Distortions Unlimited, demonstrates his painting process on the company's Giant Skull talking animatronic. The video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the professional-level artistry that goes into finishing a large-scale Halloween animatronic prop. Viewers get an up-close view of the paint application techniques used to bring this skull character to life.

DistortionsUnlimited· 2,060 views
Distortions Unlimited Behind the Scenes | Getting Ready For Transworld Halloween 2026
6:44
DIY Animatronics

Distortions Unlimited Behind the Scenes | Getting Ready For Transworld Halloween 2026

This behind-the-scenes tour follows the Distortions Unlimited team as they prepare new creations for the 2026 Transworld Halloween Show. Viewers watch the crew inspect, sculpt, build armatures for, and paint a lineup of monsters and animatronic props, including pieces named Grumpy Grandpa, the Kong Armature, FrankenCats, Savage Shock, and Corpse Legend. It offers a look at the studio's prop-making process rather than a step-by-step build.

DistortionsUnlimited· 7,427 views
Theming a Star Wars Room
41:35
Set DesignIntermediate

Theming a Star Wars Room

VanOaksProps presents a marathon compilation of five prop builds inspired by the signage, lighting, and environmental details of Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland. Each segment breaks down a different build step-by-step, covering fabrication, painting, and weathering techniques to achieve an authentic Star Wars 'lived-in' look. The video draws on a mix of accessible materials — including EVA foam and 3D printing — to help home builders recreate the feel of an in-universe environment. Though not Halloween-specific, the set-design and prop-making skills translate directly to sci-fi haunt and themed-room builds.

VanOaksProps· 7,690 views
Prop Culture Builds Marathon
41:58
DIY PropsIntermediate

Prop Culture Builds Marathon

This marathon compilation from VanOaksProps walks through the construction of six iconic movie props, including the Goonies Copper Bones, the Indiana Jones Holy Grail, Ghostbusters Ecto Goggles, Jack Torrance's axe from The Shining, Doc Brown's binoculars from Back to the Future Part II, and HAL9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Each build showcases practical fabrication techniques including 3D printing, painting, weathering, and finishing aimed at achieving screen-accurate results. The format is a compiled deep-dive suited for makers at multiple skill levels looking to tackle cinematic replicas from scratch.

VanOaksProps· 9,209 views
Saber Tooth Tiger Cosplay Skull #cosplay #videogamecosplay #evafoam
0:25
DIY PropsIntermediate

Saber Tooth Tiger Cosplay Skull #cosplay #videogamecosplay #evafoam

This tutorial walks through the full process of building a wearable saber-toothed tiger skull prop from HD foam, covering both construction and painting stages. The creator demonstrates how to weather and age foam using acrylic and metallic paints to achieve a primal, battle-worn aesthetic suited to cosplay or video game-inspired looks. The finished piece is notably lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. Free downloadable PDF templates are available on the creator's website to help viewers replicate the build.

SKS Props· 18,269 views
How to Make a Star Wars Comlink Replica | The Last Jedi
9:26
DIY PropsIntermediate

How to Make a Star Wars Comlink Replica | The Last Jedi

VanOaksProps walks through a complete screen-accurate build of the Resistance Comlink seen in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, referencing the official visual dictionary to nail the design. The process covers resin 3D printing a small, highly detailed part and tackling the unique challenges that come with it. Multi-step painting techniques are demonstrated to achieve convincing metallic surfaces, a faux leather grip, and realistic battle weathering using an airbrush and sponge work.

VanOaksProps· 4,078 views
Xenovore Alien Animatronic Test and Paint at Distortions #alien
0:40
DIY Animatronics

Xenovore Alien Animatronic Test and Paint at Distortions #alien

Distortions Unlimited offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at their Xenovore alien animatronic being tested and painted on the shop floor. The short clip captures the professional fabrication process at one of the industry's well-known Halloween prop manufacturers. It provides a rare look at the craftsmanship and live mechanical testing that goes into a high-end horror animatronic before it ships.

DistortionsUnlimited· 6,701 views
The Secret to Making LOTS Halloween Props at Distortions Unlimited
7:45
Professional Haunted Attractions

The Secret to Making LOTS Halloween Props at Distortions Unlimited

This behind-the-scenes look at Distortions Unlimited follows founder Ed Edmunds as he paints a Bound Corpse prop while sharing production secrets for manufacturing Halloween props at volume. Team members Tom and Trevor also weigh in with practical tips for maintaining consistent paint quality across large runs of animatronics like the Xenovore. The video offers a rare insider glimpse into the workflow and craft philosophy of one of the haunt industry's most recognized prop studios.

DistortionsUnlimited· 13,951 views
Part 22 DIY Graveyard Bust Dish Soap Secret Level Up Your Action Figure Painting NOW! #sculpture
0:40
DIY PropsIntermediate

Part 22 DIY Graveyard Bust Dish Soap Secret Level Up Your Action Figure Painting NOW! #sculpture

StiltbeastStudios shares a quick painting tip centered around using dish soap as a secret weapon for leveling up prop and action figure painting. This short-form episode is part of an ongoing DIY graveyard bust series, focusing on a specific finishing technique. The clip is designed to offer a fast, actionable insight for prop builders working on sculpted Halloween pieces.

StiltbeastStudios· 4,181 views
Part 20 DIY Graveyard Bust Art Secrets Turn Busts to Life & Join Monster Camp! #sculpture #halloween
0:44
DIY Props

Part 20 DIY Graveyard Bust Art Secrets Turn Busts to Life & Join Monster Camp! #sculpture #halloween

Part 20 of Stiltbeast Studios' ongoing graveyard bust series offers a brief glimpse into the art of transforming sculpted busts into convincing, lifelike Halloween props. The video is part of a larger Monster Camp community project encouraging viewers to follow along and develop their own creature-making skills. As a short-form teaser, it promotes deeper engagement through the creator's Patreon channel where the full build content lives.

StiltbeastStudios· 1,568 views
Purple People Eater Animatronic Painting at Distortions Unlimited
0:15
DIY Animatronics

Purple People Eater Animatronic Painting at Distortions Unlimited

This behind-the-scenes clip from Distortions Unlimited shows master fabricator Ed Edmunds applying a base coat of paint to a Purple People Eater animatronic figure. The footage offers a rare look at the professional finishing process used on large-scale commercial animatronic props. The completed piece was destined for a Monster Mini Golf themed attraction, showcasing the kind of custom work Distortions Unlimited produces for entertainment venues.

DistortionsUnlimited· 21,710 views
Surviving Poppy Playtime In Real Life!
16:51
DIY AnimatronicsAdvanced

Surviving Poppy Playtime In Real Life!

Wicked Makers built a fully immersive Poppy Playtime escape room around their previously constructed life-sized DogDay animatronic, constructing a detailed jail cell set complete with puzzles, traps, and interactive surprises. Friends Evan and Katelyn were invited to test the experience against a 20-minute countdown. The build combines 3D printing, foam fabrication, servo mechanics, and pneumatic elements to bring the video game environment to life. It serves as an inspiring example of giving a large animatronic build a purposeful, repeatable interactive context.

Wicked Makers· 2,998,841 views
Giant Alligator Prop In Swamp Scene
0:52
Prop Reviews

Giant Alligator Prop In Swamp Scene

This short feature showcases a giant alligator prop from Distortions Unlimited as it is painted and then staged within a swamp scene presented by Gatorland at IAAPA. Built with a latex skin over a foam-filled body, the piece is designed for a highly realistic look suited to theme parks, zoos, and haunted attractions. It serves as a brief promotional spotlight rather than a step-by-step build.

DistortionsUnlimited· 4,609 views
Creating a Ghostly Fog Effect!
7:53
Fog & Chiller EffectsBeginner$20–$50

Creating a Ghostly Fog Effect!

VanOaks Props demonstrates a beginner-friendly technique for adding a ghostly fog effect to a Halloween display prop using an ultrasonic mister. The build centers around a 3D-printed prop — a steaming thermos — combined with paint and self-adhesive vinyl to sell the illusion. The approach is designed as a simple plug-and-play solution that enhances atmosphere and storytelling in a haunt or yard display.

VanOaksProps· 13,027 views
Giant Alligator Prop Being Painted!
0:20
DIY Props

Giant Alligator Prop Being Painted!

This behind-the-scenes clip from Distortions Unlimited showcases Ed crafting and painting a large latex alligator prop. Viewers get a look at how the reptile sculpt is brought to life with realistic paintwork and detailing. It functions as a showcase of the studio's prop-making process rather than a step-by-step tutorial.

DistortionsUnlimited· 14,104 views
Painting Pyramid Head Day 2 #pyramidheadcosplay #pyramidheadhelmet
0:20
Costume TutorialsIntermediate

Painting Pyramid Head Day 2 #pyramidheadcosplay #pyramidheadhelmet

This short follow-up video captures day two of hand-painting a Pyramid Head helmet with a convincing rusty finish, filmed on-location while the creator was appearing as a cosplay guest at Planet Comicon Kansas City. The clip serves as a teaser for a full rust-painting tutorial available elsewhere on the SKS Props channel. The focus is on the weathering and aging process that gives the iconic Silent Hill 2 helmet its worn, menacing look.

SKS Props· 16,787 views
10 DIY Halloween Props Under $10
1:10:23
DIY PropsBeginnerUnder $10 per prop

10 DIY Halloween Props Under $10

VanOaksProps compiles ten of their most popular budget Halloween prop builds into a single 70-minute video marathon, with each project costing under $10. The lineup spans a wide range of themes — from pirate rum bottles and treasure chests to a prop scythe, medieval torch, and smoldering log effect. Each segment links to its original standalone tutorial, making it easy to jump to specific projects. The format works equally well as a step-by-step guide or background viewing while already building in the workshop.

VanOaksProps· 218,719 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
Distortions Unlimited is live painting Monsters!
32:25
DIY Props

Distortions Unlimited is live painting Monsters!

In this live session, the team at Distortions Unlimited paints monster props on camera, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how their creatures get their finished look. Viewers can watch the painting process unfold in real time and follow along with the studio's creative approach. The stream also invites audiences to join the channel for additional member perks.

DistortionsUnlimited· 9,515 views
Real INK DEMON Animatronic that actually attacks Us!
26:22
DIY AnimatronicsPro

Real INK DEMON Animatronic that actually attacks Us!

Wicked Makers' Jaimie and Jay build a large-scale pneumatic animatronic of the Ink Demon from Bendy and the Dark Revival, marking a significant step up in complexity from their previous builds. The project combines welded steel framing, foam-and-wire muscle structure, a custom 3D-printed and sculpted head, and a full black silicone skin to achieve the character's signature inky look. Movement is driven by a pneumatic system and coordinated through a prop controller supplied by Purgatory Props. The result is a full character animatronic capable of physically lunging or striking — true to the threatening nature of the source material.

Wicked Makers· 3,521,475 views
Giant Alligator Latex Prop Painting
0:53
DIY Props

Giant Alligator Latex Prop Painting

This short takes you inside the Distortions Unlimited studio for a quick look at painting a giant alligator prop built from latex and foam. The clip highlights the finishing-paint stage of a large creature display from a veteran prop and animatronics maker. It's a brief behind-the-scenes glimpse rather than a step-by-step tutorial.

DistortionsUnlimited· 8,625 views
Distortions Unlimited LIVE Making Monsters in the Paint Room
1:03:43
DIY Props

Distortions Unlimited LIVE Making Monsters in the Paint Room

Distortions Unlimited hosts a live behind-the-scenes session from their paint rooms, where staff members Ed and Tom each work on finishing monster props and animatronics. For the first time, both paint rooms run simultaneously, and the stream checks in on each artist's progress throughout. It offers a candid look at the studio's professional prop-making workflow rather than a step-by-step tutorial.

DistortionsUnlimited· 5,650 views
Raptor Dinosaur Animatronics and Props by Distortions Unlimited
7:58
Prop Reviews

Raptor Dinosaur Animatronics and Props by Distortions Unlimited

This showcase highlights Distortions Unlimited's professional-grade velociraptor animatronics and static props, presented in three versions: Raptor, Raptor Attack, and Raptor Display. The animated models use pneumatic cylinders to drive lifelike motion in the mouth, head, limbs, tail, and hip pivot, and ship with programming, an audio amp, and a fog machine. Each piece is hand-sculpted and painted in-house and offered in orange, blue, or green color options, aimed at theme parks and large events.

DistortionsUnlimited· 23,842 views
Distortions Unlimited in the Paint Room LIVE
15:50
DIY Props

Distortions Unlimited in the Paint Room LIVE

This live stream takes viewers inside the Distortions Unlimited paint room on a Friday afternoon as the team wraps up production. They show the painting and finishing stages for a batch of their Mutiny props along with a few Scare Wolf props and animatronics. It's a casual behind-the-scenes look at how a professional prop studio completes a production run rather than a step-by-step tutorial.

DistortionsUnlimited· 2,969 views