Animatronics & Special Effects

Characters Built
to Come Alive

From seasonal characters for civic celebrations to creatures for haunted attractions, Dustin builds figures with movement and personality. Over 100 animatronics created.

Frosty the Snowflake animatronic in a top hat and scarf, built by Dustin Weatherby for the City of Dublin, Ohio, beside a lit Christmas tree — “Frosty the Snowflake” — animatronic built for the City of Dublin, Ohio

From The Scarefactory to SculptDecor

Dustin honed his animatronics craft at Columbus fabrication studio: The Scarefactory. Over more than a decade, he has designed and built animatronics for haunted houses, theme parks, film sets, and promotional events.

He's contributed to the design and fabrication of 60+ haunted houses worldwide, creating creatures that move, growl, lunge, and come alive. In 2021, his skills took him to Disney+ for "Foodtastic" and previously to the History Channel for "Surviving History," where he fabricated medieval weaponry and historical artifacts.

Today, through SculptDecor, Dustin takes on custom animatronics projects directly — from single figures to complete themed environments. Every figure is handcrafted for its setting.

100+Animatronics Created

60+Haunted Houses Worldwide

10+Years in SFX Fabrication

How a Character Comes to Life

A look inside one build — the “Frosty the Snowflake” animatronic, from bare steel armature to a finished figure installed in downtown Dublin, Ohio.

Hand-bent steel wire armature for the Frosty the Snowflake animatronic, with a straw hat and plaid scarf test-fitted — It starts as a hand-bent steel armature — the skeleton every figure is built on.

Frosty the Snowflake animatronic body built up in white Fosshape over the steel frame — Fosshape thermoplastic felt is heat-formed over the frame to build the body.

Tan fiberglass shell pieces for the Frosty animatronic on the studio workbench — A fiberglass shell is laid up for a weatherproof, road-tough exterior.

Assembled tan fiberglass Frosty the Snowflake animatronic standing in the studio before paint — The shell is assembled and stands on its own, ready for finishing.

Dustin Weatherby heat-finishing the painted white Frosty the Snowflake animatronic with coal eyes and a carrot nose — Painted, faced, and detailed by hand — the character comes alive.

More From the Workshop

Haunt-industry repairs, original characters, and the sculpt-to-mechanism process behind a custom build.

Dustin Weatherby repairing a Scare Factory zombie animatronic in his studio — Back in the studio — Dustin diagnosing and repairing a Scare Factory zombie animatronic.

Clay sculpt of a pumpkin-character animatronic head — An original "Pums-kin" character begins as a clay head sculpt.

Cast latex pumpkin head on a sculpting stand — The sculpt is cast in latex for a flexible, paintable skin.

Welded-steel armature and servo mechanism of an animatronic, close-up — Underneath: a welded-steel armature and servo mechanism drive the movement.

Finished pumpkin-headed scarecrow animatronic figures by SculptDecor — The finished Pums-kin figures, ready to install.

Plaster life-cast of the sculptor's own head for mold-making — A plaster life-cast — the starting point for a custom character mold.

A Na’vi (Avatar) face sculpted in clay.

What We Build

Animatronic Figures

Full-body animated characters with pneumatic or electric movement, sound triggers, and sensor activation. From table-top scares to 12-foot towering creatures.

Props & Set Pieces

Static and semi-animated props for haunted attractions, escape rooms, film/TV productions, and themed environments. Skulls, bodies, creatures, furniture, and atmospheric elements.

Haunted Attraction Design

Complete scene design and fabrication for haunt operators. From a single signature scare room to a full walkthrough attraction. Concept, fabrication, and installation.

Prop Rentals

Rent from our existing inventory of animatronic props and Halloween decorations for seasonal events, parties, and corporate functions. Available September through November.

Disney+

History Channel

National Ice Carving Championships

100+ Animatronics

Industries We Serve

Haunted Attractions

Commercial haunted houses, hayrides, corn mazes, and seasonal horror experiences across the Midwest and beyond.

Theme Parks & FECs

Themed environments, dark rides, and interactive installations for family entertainment centers and amusement parks.

Film & Television

Practical effects, creature fabrication, and prop creation for productions. Credits include Disney+ and the History Channel.

Corporate & Events

Branded installations, experiential marketing activations, and themed event environments that create unforgettable impressions.

Have a Creature in Mind?

Whether it's a single animatronic figure, a complete haunted scene, or a themed installation, let's talk about bringing your vision to life.

Discuss Your Project

Planning your project

A few answers to help you take the next step.

What kinds of projects can I discuss with SculptDecor?

Contact the studio about animatronic figures, custom props and themed installations. Share the character, setting, intended motion and project timing to begin a conversation about the scope.

Does the portfolio include Dustin’s earlier industry work?

Yes. This page describes Dustin’s experience at Scarefactory as well as his sculpture practice. Historical work illustrates his experience; contact SculptDecor about the scope and availability of a new commission.

How do I confirm installation and ongoing support?

Include the installation location and intended use in your inquiry. Ask the studio to specify controls, installation responsibilities and any support arrangements in the project proposal.

Have a specific date or idea? Contact the studio orexplore Dustin’s work.

Characters Built to Come Alive