Video Theme

Monster Making

Videos built around the monster making theme — pulled together so you can study how others bring this atmosphere to life.

77 videos

Distortions Unlimited Jack Widow FIRST PAINT TEST in Jan. 2022 Behind the Scenes

Distortions Unlimited Jack Widow FIRST PAINT TEST in Jan. 2022 Behind the Scenes

Distortions Unlimited offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the early paint-testing process for their 2022 Jack Widow Giant Halloween Spider prop. Artists Ed and Tom each painted one side of the prototype using different color schemes, allowing a direct side-by-side comparison before Marsha weighed in with creative direction. The footage documents how the team iterated through multiple paint designs before arriving at the final production look. Jack Widow went on to become one of the company's most popular props of the 2022 season.

DistortionsUnlimited· 9,959 views

Half mask mold.wmv

DIY PropsBeginner

Half mask mold.wmv

Stiltbeast Studios walks through the process of molding an original sculpture to produce a wearable half mask, emphasizing how approachable the workflow is for newcomers to mask making. The video covers the key steps involved in taking a sculpt and converting it into a functional half-mask mold. It appears to be part of the studio's broader series on special effects prop and costume fabrication.

StiltbeastStudios· 9,796 views

Sculpting Tips for Large Sculptures Using Armature, Anatomy and Tools | Monster Lab

DIY PropsIntermediate

Sculpting Tips for Large Sculptures Using Armature, Anatomy and Tools | Monster Lab

In this episode of the Monster Lab tutorial series, veteran sculptor Tom Cassidy of Distortions Unlimited shares practical tips for tackling large-scale clay sculptures, covering armature construction, anatomical considerations, and tool selection. A high-speed sculpting demo gives viewers a real-world look at his workflow in action. The episode is part of an ongoing series aimed at helping DIY enthusiasts build professional-quality Halloween props and masks. Distortions Unlimited is a well-known professional prop and costume house, lending the instruction credibility and depth.

DistortionsUnlimited· 9,764 views

Its Not Easy Making Monster Videos | Behind the Scenes of Distortions Goes To Palefest Promo

Its Not Easy Making Monster Videos | Behind the Scenes of Distortions Goes To Palefest Promo

This short behind-the-scenes clip follows Distortions Unlimited founders Ed and Marsha Edmunds, along with Adam, as they attempt to film a promotional trailer for Palefest 2022. The lighthearted video captures Ed struggling to deliver his lines while wearing the Creetonian Elder latex hands, highlighting just how tricky on-camera work can be. Palefest is a mask-focused festival hosted by The House of Masks, where Distortions Unlimited had a vendor booth that year.

DistortionsUnlimited· 9,433 views

Halloween Props & Animatronics | Distortions Unlimited Making Monsters Since 1978

Halloween Props & Animatronics | Distortions Unlimited Making Monsters Since 1978

Distortions Unlimited is a veteran Halloween prop and animatronics manufacturer with roots going back to 1978, producing handcrafted masks, costumes, animated displays, and Shocktronics for haunts and themed attractions. This short promotional video highlights the company's reputation for quality and durability within the professional haunt industry. The brand is widely recognized, including a feature on the Travel Channel series 'Making Monsters,' led by owners Ed and Marsha Edmunds.

DistortionsUnlimited· 9,199 views

Sculpting Goblin & Wolf Spider Halloween Props at Distortions Unlimited

Sculpting Goblin & Wolf Spider Halloween Props at Distortions Unlimited

This behind-the-scenes video takes viewers inside Distortions Unlimited's professional monster-making studio as sculptors Tom Cassidy and Jordu Schell work on three new 2025 Halloween props: the Wolf Spider, Goblin, and Demon Legend. Company founders Ed and Marsha review the sculptures in progress and discuss the design direction for each piece. Jordu shares insight into WED clay, the material of choice for these prop sculptures, including his personal history with it. It's a rare look at how a major Halloween prop company brings original creatures from concept to physical form.

DistortionsUnlimited· 9,026 views

hair and fur tips

Makeup TutorialsIntermediate

hair and fur tips

Stiltbeast Studios shares focused tips on working with hair and fur in the context of werewolf mask making. The video is a quick, practical rundown aimed at creature builders looking to refine their finishing techniques. Despite being a shorter, faster-paced release, it delivers useful insight into how hair and fur are applied or styled for monster masks.

StiltbeastStudios· 8,491 views

Sculpt a Witch Halloween Mask

DIY PropsIntermediate

Sculpt a Witch Halloween Mask

Industry veteran Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited walks viewers through sculpting a witch Halloween mask from clay. The tutorial is part of the Monster Lab series, which covers the full spectrum of professional mask-making skills including sculpting and painting. The concise runtime makes it an accessible entry point into character mask design from a respected name in the haunt industry.

DistortionsUnlimited· 8,031 views

We Make Monsters - Marsha & Ed Owners of Distortions Unlimited

We Make Monsters - Marsha & Ed Owners of Distortions Unlimited

This short clip offers a personal glimpse into the lives of Marsha and Ed, the husband-and-wife co-owners of Distortions Unlimited, one of the Halloween industry's most storied prop and animatronics companies. Sourced from a Great Big Story feature filmed roughly eight years ago, it celebrates their decades-long creative and romantic partnership. The piece leans more into the human story behind the brand than technical instruction, showcasing what it looks like to build a monster-making empire alongside a life partner.

DistortionsUnlimited· 7,685 views

We Make Monsters Archive Video | Distortions Unlimited

We Make Monsters Archive Video | Distortions Unlimited

This archival short from Distortions Unlimited offers a rare glimpse into the studio's legendary prop-making operations, featuring founders Ed and Marsha Edmunds alongside long-time crew members. Footage captured by Adam Taub documents hands-on work including the refinement of the Giant Skull and a production run of corpse props. The clip underscores the studio's more than four decades of professional monster fabrication. It functions as both a historical document and a celebration of the craft behind one of Halloween's most respected prop houses.

DistortionsUnlimited· 7,393 views

Sci Fi Horror Alien Animatronic

DIY Animatronics

Sci Fi Horror Alien Animatronic

Distortions Unlimited showcases their Xenovore animatronic, a sci-fi horror alien creature built entirely in-house. The short feature highlights the full production pipeline the studio uses, from initial concept and sculpture through mechanics, molding, and finishing paint work. With over four decades of monster-making experience, the company demonstrates the level of craftsmanship behind a professional-grade Halloween animatronic.

DistortionsUnlimited· 7,351 views

Distortions Unlimited Ed Edmunds Talks Monsters and Making

Distortions Unlimited Ed Edmunds Talks Monsters and Making

In this short interview-style clip, Ed Edmunds — co-owner of Distortions Unlimited and a veteran of the Halloween manufacturing industry — reflects on his lifelong passion for monsters, shares his favorite monster, and speaks candidly about the challenges and rewards of making monsters professionally. Distortions Unlimited, based in Greeley, Colorado, produces animatronics, props, masks, and costumes for haunted attractions, theme parks, and the broader Halloween market. Ed's career spans more than four decades and includes recognition through the Travel Channel series Making Monsters. The video offers an intimate glimpse into the mindset of one of Halloween's most influential craftspeople.

DistortionsUnlimited· 6,552 views

Distortions Unlimited Time Machine to the Past | Employees and Scenes

Distortions Unlimited Time Machine to the Past | Employees and Scenes

This archival retrospective video from Distortions Unlimited takes viewers on a nostalgic look back at past employees and scenes from the company's history spanning over four decades of Halloween manufacturing. Founded by Ed Edmunds and Marsha Taub Edmunds, Distortions Unlimited is a well-known name in the haunt industry, recognized for animatronics, props, masks, and costumes. The clip offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the people and environment that built one of Halloween's most prominent prop and animatronics companies. Fans of the Travel Channel series Making Monsters will find this especially appealing as an insider look at the studio behind the show.

DistortionsUnlimited· 6,365 views

fix a plaster mold, repair a mask mold, latex mask mold repair

DIY PropsIntermediate

fix a plaster mold, repair a mask mold, latex mask mold repair

Stiltbeast Studios walks through the process of repairing a damaged plaster mold used for casting latex Halloween masks. The video covers practical techniques for restoring a mold back to a usable condition, extending the life of an existing tool rather than starting from scratch. This is a hands-on, workshop-style tutorial from a studio with a professional creature-making background.

StiltbeastStudios· 5,908 views

TREX Sculpt in Danger! Distortions Making Monsters Behind the Scenes

DIY Animatronics

TREX Sculpt in Danger! Distortions Making Monsters Behind the Scenes

This behind-the-scenes clip from the Making Monsters TV show takes viewers inside Distortions Unlimited's studio as Ed Edmunds, Marsha Edmunds, Ryan Taub, Mondo, and the Warm Springs crew work on a large T-Rex sculpt — with some nail-biting drama along the way. Ed's genuine, bleeped-out reactions give the short video a candid, unscripted energy that fans of the show will appreciate. Distortions Unlimited is a well-established Halloween industry manufacturer known for animatronics, props, masks, costumes, and their Shocktronics line.

DistortionsUnlimited· 5,521 views

Sculpting Tools for Clay and Mask Making | Monster Monster Lab Mash Up

DIY PropsIntermediate

Sculpting Tools for Clay and Mask Making | Monster Monster Lab Mash Up

Three experienced sculptors from Distortions Unlimited — Ed Edmunds, Mikey Rotella, and Tom Cassidy — share their go-to clay tools for creating masks, props, and SFX pieces. The video is part of the Monster Lab instructional series, which teaches Distortions' professional approach to sculpting monsters and Halloween creations. Viewers get a practical overview of essential tool types, including rakes, wires, wooden tools, and sponges, and how each is used in the sculpting process.

DistortionsUnlimited· 5,271 views

sculpt demo1.wmv

DIY PropsIntermediate

sculpt demo1.wmv

Stiltbeast Studios walks through a variety of sculpting tools and demonstrates how to use them for prop and mask creation. The instructional portion is followed by a time-lapse sequence showing a sculpture taking shape from start to finish. It offers a practical, visual introduction to the sculpting workflow used in professional haunt prop-making.

StiltbeastStudios· 5,063 views

Mikey Rotella Talks Horror Movies & Thriller | Sculpting at Distortions Unlimited

Mikey Rotella Talks Horror Movies & Thriller | Sculpting at Distortions Unlimited

In this short behind-the-scenes segment from Distortions Unlimited, sculptor Mikey Rotella works on a gorilla sculpt while discussing his lifelong passion for monsters and horror. He reflects on the classic films that inspired him — including Dawn of the Dead, The Exorcist, and An American Werewolf in London — as well as more recent fare and pop-culture touchstones like Michael Jackson's Thriller. Rotella, who has appeared as a guest sculptor on the TV series Making Monsters, brings both professional credibility and genuine enthusiasm to the conversation.

DistortionsUnlimited· 5,013 views

Monster Tales: Mikey Rotella Sculpts Interpretation of God

Monster Tales: Mikey Rotella Sculpts Interpretation of God

In this episode of Distortions Unlimited's Monster Tales series, renowned sculptor Mikey Rotella shares the personal story behind one of his more unconventional pieces — a sculpted interpretation of God, created as a gift for his Italian grandfather. The short interview-format video offers an intimate glimpse into Rotella's creative mindset and the emotional context that drives his work. It's a compelling blend of personal narrative and professional artistry from one of the haunt industry's respected sculptors.

DistortionsUnlimited· 4,354 views

How Halloween Masks & Monsters Are Made | Distortions Unlimited On Channel 7 News Vintage Late 90's

Professional Haunted Attractions

How Halloween Masks & Monsters Are Made | Distortions Unlimited On Channel 7 News Vintage Late 90's

This vintage late-1990s Colorado Channel 7 news segment, reported by Anne Trujillo, takes viewers inside Distortions Unlimited to see how their Halloween masks and monster props are produced. The short feature highlights animatronics such as the Electric Chair, an alien, and an alligator, alongside masks and scenes from the company's Brutal Planet haunted house. It serves as a nostalgic behind-the-scenes look at a well-known haunt prop manufacturer.

DistortionsUnlimited· 4,294 views

Distortions LiVE Paint Room Tour

Professional Haunted Attractions

Distortions LiVE Paint Room Tour

Distortions Unlimited co-founders Ed and Marsha lead a live walkthrough of the company's dedicated paint room, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how professional Halloween props get their finished look. Viewers get an inside glimpse into the production facility of one of the haunted attraction industry's most recognized prop makers. The tour highlights the scale and craftsmanship involved in bringing large-scale Halloween creations to life.

DistortionsUnlimited· 4,001 views

Kappa- monster in a minute

Kappa- monster in a minute

A fast-paced highlight reel showcasing the creation of a Kappa, a creature from Japanese folklore, built using paper mache techniques by Stiltbeast Studios. The condensed format offers a quick visual overview of the build process from start to finish. A full-length tutorial version is available separately on the creator's channel for those wanting step-by-step guidance.

StiltbeastStudios· 3,966 views

What I Learned Making Monsters For 50 Years - Ed Edmunds | Distortions Unlimited Podcast Ep. 1

What I Learned Making Monsters For 50 Years - Ed Edmunds | Distortions Unlimited Podcast Ep. 1

In this debut podcast episode, Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited reflects on more than five decades spent designing and building Halloween monsters, props, and animatronics. He shares the personal and professional lessons gathered across a long career in the haunt industry. The conversation leans toward inspiration and business wisdom rather than hands-on technique.

DistortionsUnlimited· 3,635 views

Part 13 DIY Graveyard Bust Spray Paint Problems Styrofoam vs EVA Foam Quick Fix! #sculpture

DIY PropsIntermediate

Part 13 DIY Graveyard Bust Spray Paint Problems Styrofoam vs EVA Foam Quick Fix! #sculpture

This short episode in StiltbeastStudios' ongoing graveyard bust series tackles a common prop-making pitfall: spray paint reacting poorly with styrofoam. The creator demonstrates a quick fix and contrasts styrofoam's behavior against EVA foam when exposed to spray paint. It's a concise, practical tip aimed at saving builders from a frustrating and potentially prop-ruining mistake.

StiltbeastStudios· 3,533 views