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

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
Faux Vintage Harpoon Halloween Prop #halloweenprops #yardhaunt #homehaunt
1:00
DIY PropsBeginner$5–$20

Faux Vintage Harpoon Halloween Prop #halloweenprops #yardhaunt #homehaunt

This short-form build video from Hauntcast walks viewers through constructing a faux vintage harpoon prop using common PVC pipe fittings and jute cord. The design leans into a nautical horror aesthetic and is well-suited for yard haunts or home haunt set dressing. The combination of standard plumbing fittings makes this an accessible, low-cost project. Jute cord wrapping adds a convincing aged, weathered finish.

Hauntcast· 1,390 views
SPIDER HILL PROP WORKS INTERVIEW: Ryan Discusses His PVC Fittings & Kits - Black Market
32:42
Prop Reviews

SPIDER HILL PROP WORKS INTERVIEW: Ryan Discusses His PVC Fittings & Kits - Black Market

In this Hauntcast 'Black Market' segment, host Baker sits down with Ryan of Spider Hill Prop Works for an in-depth conversation about the company's specialty PVC fittings and ready-to-build prop kits. Ryan walks through what makes his products useful for haunters at all levels, from home haunters to professional attraction builders. The discussion gives listeners a vendor-side look at how purpose-built PVC components can streamline prop construction. This podcast-format video is light on visuals but strong on practical product insight.

Hauntcast· 211 views
DIY Medieval Torch Prop
11:44
DIY PropsBeginner$20–$40

DIY Medieval Torch Prop

VanOaksProps walks through a one-day scratch build of a medieval-style torch prop using PVC pipe, craft foam, and an LED flame bulb. The build relies on accessible hardware and craft supplies, with a free downloadable template provided to guide shaping. Painting and weathering steps give the finished piece a convincing aged-iron look suitable for costumes, cosplay, or haunted displays. The project is sponsored in part by Surebonder, whose cosplay hot glue sticks are used throughout.

VanOaksProps· 68,498 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
DIY Halloween Fence Build - PVC and Wood
6:09
DIY PropsBeginnerlow (budget-friendly materials)

DIY Halloween Fence Build - PVC and Wood

Inspired by a cemetery tour in New Orleans, VanOaksProps builds a gothic-style haunt fence from PVC pipe and wood furring strips to complete a DIY family crypt display. The fence is elevated with 3D-printed finials and corner brackets, then finished with rubberized undercoating and rust-colored spray paint for an aged wrought-iron look. The build is designed to be accessible and budget-friendly while delivering a high visual impact as part of a larger graveyard scene.

VanOaksProps· 30,171 views
Hot Glue Candelabra Prop
8:12
DIY PropsBeginner$20–$50

Hot Glue Candelabra Prop

VanOaksProps walks through the construction of a gothic candelabra prop built primarily from PVC pipe fittings, with hot glue serving as both a structural adhesive and a creative texturing agent to disguise the underlying framework. The real challenge — and the heart of the build — was finding an elegant way to conceal the pipe joints and make the piece read as a convincing ornate candelabra. Silicone molds, a Leviton lamp holder for functional candle sockets, and a multi-step paint finish using rubberized undercoat, Rub n Buff, and acrylic patina bring the prop to a polished, aged-metal look. The video is sponsored by Surebonder, whose tools are featured throughout the build.

VanOaksProps· 26,703 views