Effects Archive

The Scene: Steve Freeling is surprised by a massive face that pops through the doorway. How It Was Done: A clever trick called “force perspective” was used. A “force perspective” shot uses an in-camera trick to alter one’s perception of the distance and/or size of...

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The Scene: “The Beast” appears to Diane in the hallway. How It Was Done: A 7×5 tank was built with 2 1/2 inch thick glass, which was then filled with water. The puppet, designed by John Bruno and Nilo Rodis, was then placed in the tank....

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Scenes: Storm clouds approach Cuesta Verde and a tornado attacks the Freeling residence. How They Were Done: A “cloud tank” was used for some of the effects shots. A 7×5 tank was built with 2 1/2in thick glass, which is half-filled with salt water with a peice...

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Scenes: Carol Anne Gets Abducted, Diane on the Walls How It Was Done: These scenes were shot on a gimbal set. A gimbal set is, for lack of a better definition, a large, rotating set. Variations of gimbal sets have been used for decades to...

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