Behind the Frame: The Conjuring 2 (Crooked Man Sequence)

How does one of horror’s most unsettling sequences go from an idea in a director’s mind to the screen?

In the first installment of Behind the Frame, a new Roll the Credits series exploring memorable moments in film through the eyes of the artists who helped create them, we’re revisiting The Conjuring 2 (2016), directed by James Wan.

Joining us is storyboard artist James Doh, who worked directly with Wan to help visualize the film’s unforgettable Crooked Man sequence.

Using his original storyboards, James walks us through the creative process, from interpreting the script and collaborating with Wan to planning camera movements, building suspense, and developing the creature’s terrifying reveal.

Along the way, we explore how storyboards shape the language of a scene, why certain shots make it into the final film while others don’t, and how even the smallest creative decisions can transform the way an audience experiences fear.

A huge thank you to James for joining us and sharing such a fascinating look into his creative process.

Explore more of James’s work: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2568535/