Interested in how to make movie quality halloween props- and tips on security?

Question

This is for a "home type haunt" headstones animating props etc. only on the "cheap"
Plus ideas on vandal/thief proofing-the props

Answer 1

Last year I picked up this great DVD called "How to... Haunt your House!!" It's produced by a company called Fun World and gives tips, directions, and some blueprints for props and ways to haunt your house. Props include making a coffin (includes blueprint), a bleeding skull, an electric chair (includes blueprint), a gallows, a chainsaw that sparks when it strikes metal (the chain is removed for saftey), and a guillotine (includes blueprints). The tips are for things like lighting, sound effects, the use of fog machines, etc. You can try visiting them at www.halloweenworld.com, though right now they have a meassage about their new site coming soon. If you can find and get a copy of the DVD at a party store or someplace else, it may be rather helpful to you.

Also, try looking online. There are plenty of websites out there that can help you produce your props. I'm gonna give you some links to check. Some of 'em will give how-to advice, others will give ideas of things you can do.

As for ideas as to how the make them vandal/thief proof, I'm not entirely sure how you can accomplish that save for waiting until as close to Halloween as possible.

Answer 2

This should help get you started:
http://www.halloweenmonsterlist.info/
We have so many props we had to rent a storage unit for Halloween. Each year we add new tombstones (hand make them all ourselves) and then one bigger thing. 2 years ago it was a full sized Mausoleum. Last year it was the Flying Crank Ghost (scroll down to the bottom of the link and you will see a list of different versions). It was amazing - I can't tell you the reaction from that one!
We have already started on tombstones this year and I think the big one this year will be the Axworthy Flying Ghost.
If you will have foggers then building a chiller is a must. Very easy/cheap to do.

Answer 3

The Monster List is a great resource. Also try www.HauntProject.com

Sadly, people today have lost much respect for private property. Haunters frequently get their stuff damaged or stolen. The only sure-fire method is to put out stuff only when you can supervise it. Barring that, haunters have resorted to cameras, chains, even mini alarms on their props. Many put up fences to protect their items, theming the fence to match their scene (ie wrought iron for a graveyard).

Answer 4

So.....how do we make em?