The filmmakers had a most practical way of performing the 360 degree panorama shot of the classroom transforming into Langer's torture chamber with actress Josie Maraninside of it. First, the set was built to resemble a classroom. The camera was then brought in and bolted firmly to the ground. The shot was filmed and a protective bag placed over top the camera while the art department made the room into a dungeon. The camera was then unbagged and the shot repeated. Blending the two takes together created a perfect precision transformation. Actress Josie Maran was then superimposed into the scene.
Director Mike Mendez fought against the opening of the film with Oakley Stevenson (his real-life wife) and has said he wished it wasn't in the film, but the sales company said "they gotta know it's a horror movie" and insisted someone die. He was so opposed to the idea that he refused to direct the sequence, which was ultimately directed by producer Al Corley.
The character of Frances Culpepper was inspired by Velma from Scooby-Doo.
The location used for the Parapsychology institute had been abandoned for years. It had no electricity or running water at the time of shooting. Several large generators had to be brought in to power the sets and camera equipment.
During the Director Commentary on the DVD, director Mike Mendez and composer Joseph Bishara played a drinking game every time they saw a lit lamp during the film.