DIY Animated Living & Moving Tombstone HALLOWEEN Prop

[@TroyKristoffer]

I think that this may be the highest production value Halloween DIY I've ever seen! Thanks!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Hey Troy, looks like I missed your comment a few months ago, sorry about that. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and that you thought so highly of this video.

[@acarguycandreamright634]

I just realized I could do this same technique in a tiki style rather than a tombstone. What a great addition to my future tiki bar!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Cool, I would love to see a picture or video of it when it is finished.

[@truckshackley373]

This technique is amazing. I could totally see this being adapted to make the "Marley's ghost" door knocker (from A Christmas Carol) for a stage play

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Hi Truck Shackley. What a great idea you have, thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment.

[@HollywoodHaunter]

This is incredible! Thank you so much for taking the time to put out such detailed tutorials. I have a feeling Spirit Halloween will copy this idea somehow.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Hollywood Haunter for the nice compliment, coming from you two that means a lot! Ahhhh, who knows a good patent lawyer?!

[@HollywoodHaunter]

🤣

[@maggiesue4825]

Pretty darn cool!!! So much better than the big store stuff!!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Maggie Sue, we should be posting more Halloween DIY videos next month. Stay tuned!

[@GothGuy885]

that is Disney Imagineer quality right there!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Jimbo, that is the ultimate compliment.

[@SuperKevin2121]

What a Great prop!!! I have been building props for 20 years and this truly is a showstopper. Your instructions were very pricice and your “what to buy list” was dead on. I just completed this last week and it came out great. I wish I could download the video. thank you so much and keep the “Spooky” coming!!!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Kevin! What a wonderful compliment and I will do my best to keep the "Spooky" coming.

[@SuperTonkers]

Will definitely be adding this to our build list. What a ridiculously creative prop and your tutorials are honestly the best! Always draw a to the way y’all stylize your creations. And I second Hollywood Haunter. Spirit will totally be replicating this gem!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

K&T Do Halloween, thanks for your wonderful complement!

[@TheSteveAS]

Wow! The overall effect of this prop is so impressive! This is definitely a more advanced build, but your step-by-step instructions are impeccable as always. Your sculpting and painting skills make all the difference and really "sell" the final product. Well done Paul! I wish I could come see all your props in the (decaying) flesh!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Steve for the very nice compliments. The great thing about Halloween is that at night with special lighting and sound effects you really can create magic.

[@stevemurch3245]

Incredible. The creativity, ingenuity and clarity and generosity of explaining it all is much appreciated.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Wow Steve, what a great comment. Thanks you for those kind words and for your support.

[@michaelevans2798]

Legit prop, such a great artists and the best tutorials!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Michael for the nice compliment!

[@artsymaddieDIY]

This is SO BRILLIANT 🌟🤗🖤🧡🕸️🕷️What an incredible tutorial, so happy to be recommended your channel!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

I am so glad that you found my channel, thanks for watching and for commenting!

[@alixhice]

This is amazing work. You must be an engineer. I wish my husband was interested in doing projects like this very cool, but way over my head.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Alixandra Hice for the nice compliment. We have simpler projects, perhaps you might feel comfortable tackling one from our other videos. All the best!

[@totalnonstopholidays]

This is freaken cool!! that came out so awesome!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks nonstop, I'm glad that you liked it. Thanks for watching and commenting too!

[@stevenhulbert7540]

Thanks for posting this, the intricate explanations separate your videos from others. Nothing is assumed and the effect is awesome. I hope to build something like this, my old prop motor shorted out, gotta wait for the new one.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Steven for watching and commenting, I really appreciate the feedback. Best of luck with your build, I hope that I was able to both motivate and ignite your imagination.

[@wrlSivan16]

Speechless!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

I appreciate the compliment, thanks.

[@wherethetatosat]

Not going to lie, that's a lot of steps and parts but it's a very unique effect.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

I agree, it is a more complicated build... but worth the effort for the end effect.

[@tiffanyt4005]

This is just like Madame Leota's tombstone I saw at the entrance of the Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Hi Tiffany and thanks, I always take any comparison of my props to 'The Haunted Mansion' as a great compliment. Thanks also for watching and for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@fanfan6290]

C'est vraiment génial, je recherchais a mettre en mouvement merci beaucoup vos explications sont très bien. Merci

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Vous êtes le bienvenu. I'm so glad that you liked the video and that you found the explanations to be very good. Thanks for watching and also for leaving such a nice comment.

[@richardhelm7183]

Easier to sandwich fabric between store bought mask and Styrofoam face then paint. Will definitely try it.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Great idea richard helm, have fun making it your own and thanks for watching.

[@richardhelm7183]

@@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms Thank you for being inspiring!

[@aurozappa305]

This is such a nice Prop ! I love it !

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

I'm so glad that you like it Auro. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@raymitchell9736]

Well, from the get-go I knew I wanted to make this prop... and this year I'm *finally!* going to make it.... I'm so excited!!!! I've ordered the supplies and they are on their way. I'll have to say It's been tough tracking down materials for this project... I found the frame and other things at Michael's, but the stretchy fabric material was difficult to find, I found on Amazon a 90% poly / 10% spandex in a stretchy charcoal grey that is sold by the yard that I think will work. The other thing I wished for was more instruction on preparing the head, I lack the formal training that sculptors and painters have, still, I think I can do a reasonable job if I had just a little more instruction.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Hi Ray. A different approach to the face is to look for a realistic latex or vinyl mask, then cut off the nose, ears, chin, eyes, etc. Glue those pieces onto the fabric with adhesive caulking (after you have used the nails in the fabric and foam to bring out the shape of the head). Base coat paint those mask pieces the same color as the fabric before doing the additional high and low light painting. Hope that helps.

[@raymitchell9736]

@@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms I thank you for that suggestion, but I still think the method you shown in the video w/ the Styrofoam head, fabric, caulking, and painting is the way to go to produce the best effect. I watch Allen Hopps over at Siltbeast Studios explain sculpting and dry brushing techniques, so I have _some_ idea how to make it and your video shows a rough sequence how to make... so I'm going to give it a shot. May I make a suggestion? Could you please make a video tutorial on faux painting, highlighting, etc it doesn't even have to be a prop build per se, or do an expanded discussion on the next prop video you make? And thanks a bunch for these tutorials, I know they are a labor of love to produce and it shows. I also like the fact that you monitor your videos and respond! Who does that these days?!? I can't say thank you enough!

[@msvsalt]

Absolutely amazing!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Hi Laura, thanks for watching and for leaving such a nice comment.

[@paprikaphd]

Just phenomenal. Subscribing immediately.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thank you so for for subscribing!

[@VanOaksProps]

Absolutely brilliant.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks VanOaksPropFoundry, coming from you that means a lot.

[@OhClaire714]

Thank you for another excellent video. Love the way you explain the construction of your props. Very easy for a non-tech like to follow and understand!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Hi Kelly, I really appreciate your feedback. I do try to make these projects approachable, especially since they are somewhat advanced. Thanks for taking the time to watch them and for leaving comments.

[@stevemcgregor4737]

This is freaking amazing

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Steve, we appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. Please check out our other videos as well.

[@drewdatification]

Wow. What an incredible build.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Double-D, I appreciate the nice comment.

[@StevesHauntedYard]

That is so awesome! Great job i cant get enough of your videos.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Steve, thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and for watching our videos. Your complements are greatly appreciated!

[@MontclairsLair]

Amazing prop! I thought I'd seen it all when it came to tombstones, but this is completely new and original. Fantastic video, as well! The only thing that I hesitate on is its durability in the elements. I'd think that closing off the back with wood instead of fabric, and painting that might solve the problem, but who knows how well the fabric would hold up? Regardless, truly an amazing prop!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks for the comment Montclair's Lair. I guess coming from Northern California the elements are not that big of a concern in October. Yes, you will need to modify how to best close off the back depending on where you live.

[@chase5682]

I just found your channel. I have been waiting for a channel like this for YEARS! LOVE IT!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Chase, we are glad that you found us! Thanks for the nice comment and please tell your friends.

[@chase5682]

HALLOWEEN DIY & HOW-TO by Saul Films Oh I definitely will! Please keep making videos. Your content is SO good! You deserve millions of subs!

[@kevinfinkel5536]

I'm speechless... That's...genius!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

We appreciate the nice comment Kevin, thanks.

[@edtsch]

Awesome! Not everyone could pull this off!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Ed! This prop of mine is one of my personal favorites.

[@meloneeleddington7664]

Wow how do you come up with such creative ideas. That is awesome. Very creepy and cool🧡🤎💛🍁🍂

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Well, my inspiration comes from many different places and I am just naturally curious and like to experiment. Sometime it takes a lot of trial and error to perfect the finished prop to where it is ready for a how-to video. Thanks for asking.

[@Rustbukkit69]

This is phenomenal! Never seen anything like it from stores or other haunters. Great work, and thanks for sharing!!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

I'm happy to share my ideas and props, thank you in return Rustbukkit69 for watching and commenting.

[@mr.lourod6175]

Awesome n trying it out soon. Thanks for sharing n again AWESOME!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Lou Rodriguez! Please let me know how the build goes.

[@MadMansCosplay]

I love this channel 💀💀💀

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks MadMan for watching, commenting and by the way, please tell your friends!

[@mrscb5303]

Your directions make me feel like I could actually build these things! By any chance were you a teacher at some point? Amazing videos, so putting me in the Halloween mood!🎃

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks MrsC B, I am so glad that this put you into the Halloween mood! Nope never a teacher, I designed and built homes, props and sets. Thanks for watching and for the comments.

[@kokopop4896]

You are amazing with your ideas, this is so detailed and yet easy to follow! Thank you for sharing your imagination with the world.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks KoKoPop, what a wonderful thing to say!

[@ooddities]

Wow, wow, wow!!! Eerie coolness!!!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks ooddities! Yep, eerie was what I was going for.

[@betsycoe9172]

That's amazing!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Betsy, Im glad that you think so!

[@shonuffmofo997]

Your videos are amazing. Thanks!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Ryan Zanercik thanks for taking the time to not only watch them but to also leave such a nice comment. Please tell your friends!

[@maggiesue4825]

Brilliant!!!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Maggie Sue!

[@Diana-wg1tm]

Amazing !!!

[@Pollypole]

Your projects blow my mind every time! Thank you for sharing your creativity!!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Punky H, We always appreciate your comments.

[@double_digit_life.9268]

I can't wait to make this this year! maybe a pair, make and female! Thank you so much! I can't wait for more tutorials!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Hi Heather, thanks for your post. We have more tutorials planned for this coming season.

[@raymitchell9736]

UPDATE: 8/5/23... I have started construction of this prop, I have the face attached to the Masonite 10x10 and my plywood marked up... it is coming along. Just curios: how is your prop holding up after a few seasons? This is such an excellent prop!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks for asking Ray. I have placed this prop in my Halloween display each years since I first invented it and published its video. I do little more than take it out of storage and remove the plastic covering over it. I of course run it through a few cycles first while watching the back of it, just to make sure there might not be some maintenance needed... but so far nothing. Please keep me informed of your progress.

[@flywithbart]

I'd love to see a prop that can peek back and forth around a tombstone sort of like what Spirit Halloween has but larger for home made tombstones.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks flywithbart, I will add that to my list of things ... possibly for next year.

[@flywithbart]

That would be great!

[@LordHog]

That is incredible! Look absolutely amazing!!!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks LordHog for the nice comment!

[@22fretts]

awesome

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks dean, glad you like!

[@colemyst]

Amazingly creepy, I love it.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks finding magic, just what I want to hear!

[@RGJubilee]

Grate job looks cool!!!!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks for the nice comment RG and for watching!

[@mari-atonjalkanen9920]

The Best ever!!

[@Bobsheaux]

Madame Leota wishes she had this tombstone.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

They make a lovely pair!

[@katgraepel]

Impressive!!!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

kat graepel, so glad that you like it and thanks for the nice comment.

[@spit53]

Thank you for your wonderful instructional videos! This is awesome! Well done! Just a suggestion but you might be able to use 3” eye lag screws (used for suspending drop ceilings). Home Depot and the like have these. They have an eye at the end so you wouldn’t have to use a tube to hold the spring at the top of the screw. Again, thanks!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks spit53 for the great idea. Hopefully viewers will be motivated (like you), to make improvements and changes according to what they may have available. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@spit53]

HALLOWEEN DIY & HOW-TO by Saul Films You certainly are inspiring!

[@janehouck1906]

Wow! I love it ❤️!! You are amazing, creative n talented. I love all your projects. Wish I could buy the tombstone and/or floating tea pot if they were for sale and if I could only afford them 😥. Thanks for sharing your wonderful projects. I look so forward to seeing them. You're great at explaining in detail as well. God bless you! 🙏🤗❤️

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

You are way too kind Jane Houck, thanks for the wonderful comment.

[@mandy5313]

Oh wow this is amazing

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Mandy!

[@mandy5313]

HALLOWEEN HOW-TO by Saul Films You’re welcome. I just subscribed as well. Great channel and you are very talented 👍

[@Rikerism]

This is incredible! I will definitely be adding this to my build list. Your tutorials are fantastic!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Rikerism, we appreciate the very nice comment. Good luck with your build list!

[@rowlanzo]

REALLY WELL DONE - I don't think I've ever seen anything like this! In lieu of the Picovolt controller (quite expensive), I wonder if the wheel could be a cam instead to still give it a pseudo-random movement... must think about this!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

I really appreciate your comment RowlandHarris. It sounds like we got your creative juices going ... that's good!

[@na_dann_mal_los]

Awesome!

[@na_dann_mal_los]

@GARDNER & WELLS by Saul Films It's very inspiring to watch your videos. You have such a lot of interesting projects, I'm surely going to rebuild. Please keep on presenting that cool and awesome content. I love Halloween. Best regards & wishes from Germany!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

@@na_dann_mal_los , so glad that you appreciate the How-To videos ... and all the way from German! I initially answered with our other channel by mistake, please check out it's spooky animated web series here: kzbin.info

[@jp040759]

That us so cool. Nothing else to say except Genius.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

What an incredible compliment, thank you and thanks for watching!

[@HappyHaunting]

Wow. Well done!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks TheBestThings, we just release our most recent video "Animated Slithering Snakes", that you might also like.

[@scotth6238]

Awesome! Do you use a black light to get the glowing effect?

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Scott. No I did not use a blacklight just a blue spotlight on a dimmer. I think because it is painted monochromatic that it comes across that way. You can certainly use a blacklight and blacklight paint for this prop. FYI - A blacklight can even give a non-blacklight painted prop an interesting effect ... it all depends on the paint and materials being used. I have even used a combo of lights and paint types on the same prop. Thanks for asking and watching!

[@RestlessHollow]

So awesome!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks for the great compliment Restless Hollow, we appreciate it.

[@kevdogcle9955]

Very cool,bro. Your very skilled full like me.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Kev, I appreciate the compliment and for you taking the time to watch and comment.

[@nellyc4410]

Amazing!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks for the compliment Nelly.

[@dylxnchn]

*that one dislike was from Spirit Halloween*

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Honey Subs, that made my day!

[@dylxnchn]

@@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms *♡♡♡ your channel is amazing keep up the astonishing work!! I love & adore your creativity so much!! Hoping your future be positive and free from all negativity!♡♡♡*

[@BronyNumber4096]

Oh. I thought this was one of those concave image things where you have to look at it with one eye and the head seems to move as you move around it. Never could get those things to work for me.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

No, this is a bit different but I have thought of doing a video on that effect... perhaps next season. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment.

[@jeffpearson2645]

This is an excellent tutorial...5 stars my man!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

What a great compliment, thanks Jeff Pearson!

[@collapse2135]

u are magician :O i wish i could do that

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Hi Collapse. You can, start small and work your way up to more difficult projects. Thanks for watching.

[@Salguod2k]

I would love a list of items that I could print out and take with me when I hit the hardware store.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks for the suggestion, perhaps next off-season I can add that to the descriptions.

[@ScotCampbellwindowpainter]

You're amazing!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Scot Campbell for the very nice comment and thanks for watching!

[@sheliakirk2901]

Freaking awesome. Keep the ideas coming

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Hi shelia kirk, look for more How-To videos later this year. Thanks for the comment.

[@july1962]

What software do you use to make your videos and include those great arrow graphics?

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Hello july1962 and thanks for asking. I used ProPoint Hand-Drawn by Pixel Film Studios with my FCPX editing software.

[@huckleberryharfe6603]

What type of saw would I need?

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

To cut the perimeter of the plywood into the shape of a tombstone, a handsaw or skill saw will work. For the interior hole for the face, a jig saw or keyhole saw would be best. Thanks for asking Huckleberry.

[@huckleberryharfe6603]

HALLOWEEN DIY & HOW-TO by Saul Films Thank you!

[@tj4034]

Wow, that's amazing. I wonder how it would look if it had diffused red LEDs in the eyes and it would start with the leds off and then bring them up gradually to a soft glow and then start to move the head. Or maybe paint the center of eye with florescent paint and have a led uv light shining on the eyes. Start with the uv light off and gradually bring it up, then start moving the head.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Tim for your comments and thoughts. I hope that these videos inspire others to "make them your own" by adding personal ideas and touches to these props.

[@gritz1701]

The controller is no longer available, Is there another that you like to use?

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks for informing me on this. Let me look into this and get back to you.

[@bquietson]

There's no way I could do that myself.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Just the same, thanks for watching Michael.

[@JOHNJ0HN9111]

creepy idea!!!

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks JonJohn 9111, creepy is what we were going for.

[@1964amora]

That would be much better if u were to make him talk

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Sometime less is more when trying to keep it to a skill level that more viewers can take on, but thanks for the suggestion.

[@an_what]

Did you just say Jaws like that

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

?

[@raymitchell9736]

Excellent tutorial, in fact all the videos you've posted are AWESOME! I can't wait to incorporate these ideas into my props for my haunt this year (check out my channel for last year's haunt I did -- mostly all custom props / re-purposed store props with pneumatics and ATMOSFX video.) -- Please! Keep the AWESOME ideas coming.

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Hi Ray, loved the video of your Haunted Garage!

[@oscarvela7110]

🤙😜🤘👻💀

[@HALLOWEENHOWTObySaulFilms]

Thanks Oscar.