Welcome to the DMF with Justin Younts!
This is the 300th episode of the DMF, and to mark this milestone, we’re bringing you something truly special — the complete Alan Katz experience. This episode features all of Alan Katz’s appearances on the show, merged into one in-depth conversation celebrating creativity, storytelling, and the darkly humorous legacy of Tales from the Crypt.
Alan Katz — writer and producer behind some of the show’s most iconic episodes — joins Justin to discuss the creative process, production challenges, and the unforgettable moments that made Tales from the Crypt a cult classic. From his early days as an aspiring actor to shaping the Crypt Keeper into one of television’s most beloved horror hosts, Alan shares incredible insights into what made the series tick.
Along the way, he opens up about filming in England, working with legendary actors like Christopher Reeve and Tim Curry, and navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood. Together, we explore the lasting impact of Tales from the Crypt, the lessons learned from collaboration, and the resilience required to keep creating.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the show for the first time, this special 300th episode is packed with laughter, storytelling, and a bit of horror nostalgia you won’t want to miss.
00:00:01 - Introduction and Guest Background
00:00:34 - Early Career and Shift to Writing
00:02:48 - Moving to Los Angeles and Screenwriting
00:06:15 - Meeting Gil Adler and Partnership
00:08:11 - Working on Tales from the Crypt
00:12:02 - Impact of Tales from the Crypt on HBO
00:12:47 - TV Economics and HBO's Business Model
00:15:33 - Financial Struggles and Changes in Tales from the Crypt
00:16:41 - Introduction of Gil Adler and Alan as Producers
00:18:43 - Creating the Character of the Crypt Keeper
00:21:02 - The Crypt Keeper Becomes the Franchise
00:21:34 - Attempts to Revive Tales from the Crypt
00:22:16 - Joel Silver's Influence on Tales from the Crypt
00:24:04 - Developing the Crypt Keeper's Character
00:25:05 - The Crypt Keeper's Impact on the Horror Genre
00:27:25 - The Challenges of Writing for the Crypt Keeper
00:29:01 - Behind the Scenes of the Crypt Keeper Segments
00:30:50 - The Crypt Keeper’s Commentary and Popularity
00:32:05 - Writing for the Crypt Keeper
00:33:52 - The Crypt Keeper as a Franchise Character
00:38:15 - Universal Pictures’ Interest
00:41:07 - From Dead Easy to Bordello of Blood
00:44:59 - The Challenges of Rewriting and Filming
00:50:08 - Casting Conflicts: Dennis Miller and Others
00:56:19 - The Angie Everhart and Stallone Story
01:03:57 - The Struggles of Filming Bordello of Blood
01:07:27 - The Aftermath and Career Struggles
01:10:30 - Battling Depression and Self-Discovery
01:15:32 - Joining Dads from the Crypt Podcast
01:17:17 - Reconnecting with Gil Adler
01:18:36 - The Success of How Not to Make a Movie Podcast
01:19:29 - The Donor: A DNA Horror Story
01:26:46 - The Hall Closet: Donna Hall’s Story
01:29:24 - Founding Kostard & Touchstone Productions
01:32:46 - The Power of Podcasting and Storytelling
01:34:48 - The Story of Yellow
01:37:50 - The Making of You, Murderer
01:44:14 - Working with Renowned Actors
01:49:29 - Writing Whirlpool and Production Challenges
01:56:22 - Collaboration and Creative Growth
01:58:00 - Writing and Producing Deadweight
02:06:23 - Working with Christopher Reeve and Typecasting
02:11:49 - Moving the Series to England
02:21:38 - Shooting Tales from the Crypt Overseas
02:25:39 - Reflections on the Final Season
02:32:49 - Current Projects and Future Work
02:36:24 - Finding Purpose and Daily Routine
02:38:15 - Nighttime Ritual and Meditation
02:45:55 - Fitness, Reading, and Watchlist
02:52:04 - Closing Remarks
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0441623/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436
https://thedonorpodcast.com/
