DMF Episode 300 — Writer and Producer Alan Katz (Complete Interview): "Discover How I Transformed Tales from the Crypt into a Horror Icon!"

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 Background00:00:34 - Early Career and Shift to Writing00:02:48 - Moving to Los Angeles and Screenwriting00:06:15 - Meeting Gil Adler and Partnership00:08:11 - Working on Tales from the Crypt00:12:02 - Impact of Tales from the Crypt on HBO00:12:47 - TV Economics and HBO's Business Model00:15:33 - Financial Struggles and Changes in Tales from the Crypt00:16:41 - Introduction of Gil Adler and Alan as Producers00:18:43 - Creating the Character of the Crypt Keeper00:21:02 - The Crypt Keeper Becomes the Franchise00:21:34 - Attempts to Revive Tales from the Crypt00:22:16 - Joel Silver's Influence on Tales from the Crypt00:24:04 - Developing the Crypt Keeper's Character00:25:05 - The Crypt Keeper's Impact on the Horror Genre00:27:25 - The Challenges of Writing for the Crypt Keeper00:29:01 - Behind the Scenes of the Crypt Keeper Segments00:30:50 - The Crypt Keeper’s Commentary and Popularity00:32:05 - Writing for the Crypt Keeper00:33:52 - The Crypt Keeper as a Franchise Character00:38:15 - Universal Pictures’ Interest00:41:07 - From Dead Easy to Bordello of Blood00:44:59 - The Challenges of Rewriting and Filming00:50:08 - Casting Conflicts: Dennis Miller and Others00:56:19 - The Angie Everhart and Stallone Story01:03:57 - The Struggles of Filming Bordello of Blood01:07:27 - The Aftermath and Career Struggles01:10:30 - Battling Depression and Self-Discovery01:15:32 - Joining Dads from the Crypt Podcast01:17:17 - Reconnecting with Gil Adler01:18:36 - The Success of How Not to Make a Movie Podcast01:19:29 - The Donor: A DNA Horror Story01:26:46 - The Hall Closet: Donna Hall’s Story01:29:24 - Founding Kostard & Touchstone Productions01:32:46 - The Power of Podcasting and Storytelling01:34:48 - The Story of Yellow01:37:50 - The Making of You, Murderer01:44:14 - Working with Renowned Actors01:49:29 - Writing Whirlpool and Production Challenges01:56:22 - Collaboration and Creative Growth01:58:00 - Writing and Producing Deadweight02:06:23 - Working with Christopher Reeve and Typecasting02:11:49 - Moving the Series to England02:21:38 - Shooting Tales from the Crypt Overseas02:25:39 - Reflections on the Final Season02:32:49 - Current Projects and Future Work02:36:24 - Finding Purpose and Daily Routine02:38:15 - Nighttime Ritual and Meditation02:45:55 - Fitness, Reading, and Watchlist02:52:04 - Closing Remarkshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0441623/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thedonorpodcast.com/