In this episode of ClassHorrorCast, I sit down with Gilbert Adler, the acclaimed producer, writer and director behind some of the most memorable films and television projects in horror and beyond. We take a deep dive into his early career in writing and directing, exploring projects like Bordello of Blood and Children of the Corn II, before heading into the world of Tales from the Crypt and Freddy's Nightmares. We also explore his influential role at Dark Castle Entertainment, revisiting the making of horror favourites like House on Haunted Hill (1999), Thirteen Ghosts (2001) and Ghost Ship. Plus, we discuss his incredible work on Constantine and Superman Returns, along with the stories, experiences and behind-the-scenes insights that have shaped his remarkable career. Join us for a fascinating conversation with one of the people who helped bring some of horror's most iconic films to life. For more of my content - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror

We’re opening the Lament Configuration and diving headfirst into Clive Barker’s iconic Hellraiser (1987)! In the first episode of our journey through the Hellraiser franchise, we explore the inspirations behind this groundbreaking horror classic, the incredible mythology and lore surrounding its characters, and the unsung heroes and villains who helped bring this twisted world to life. We’ll dig into the film’s unforgettable practical effects and SFX, the creation of the Cenobites, fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and trivia, the movie’s troubled and unconventional production, and plenty more. From Frank and Julia to Kirsty, the Engineer and, of course, Pinhead and the Cenobites, there’s far more to Hellraiser than meets the eye. The box is open. We have such sights to show you. For more of my content - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror

It’s time to open the box once again and head back to Hell on Earth! In this episode, we take a nostalgic trip back to 1992 and revisit Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth. We dive into the movie from every angle, exploring the behind-the-scenes stories, production, characters, scene breakdowns, kills and gore, while digging deep into the mythology and lore that expands the Hellraiser universe. We also look at the film’s memorable Cenobites, Pinhead’s evolution, its wild set pieces and everything that made this such a great entry in the franchise. So grab the Lament Configuration and join us for a big blast of Hellraiser nostalgia as we unleash Hell on Earth! If you enjoyed this - Check out my other content https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror

In this episode, we’re joined by filmmaker Rob Schmidt, the director behind the cult classic Wrong Turn, as well as Crime + Punishment in Suburbia, The Alphabet Killer, Masters of Horror, and more. We dive deep into his career, exploring the stories behind his films, the challenges of bringing them to life, and what it was really like working within the horror genre during a very different era. Rob shares behind-the-scenes insights on Wrong Turn, discusses the evolution of the franchise, and opens up about whether he’d ever consider returning. Beyond film, we also get into his work in true crime television, including Your Worst Nightmare, Swamp Murders, and Dead Silent, and talk about the growing fascination with real-life horror stories. It’s an honest and wide-ranging conversation covering creativity, industry realities, and the ups and downs of pursuing a career in filmmaking, with some genuinely valuable advice for anyone trying to follow their passion. For more of my content - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=75f81942-a44b-4e87-9c3f-a1597b1a0e37

In this episode, we sit down with director and cinematographer John R. Leonetti for a deep dive into his incredible career and lifelong love of filmmaking. We talk about his early beginnings in the industry and his work behind the camera on iconic films including The Mask, Mortal Kombat, Dead Silence, Insidious, Insidious: Chapter 2, and The Conjuring. That naturally leads into the conversation about his transition into directing with Mortal Kombat: Annihilation and how that experience shaped the next phase of his career. We also explore his entry into The Conjuring Universe with Annabelle, including discussion around some of the real-life mythology and inspiration behind the infamous doll. John shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from across his career, opens up about why films like Dead Silence continue to build passionate cult followings, and even talks about the possibility of Dead Silence 2. And to top it all off, he reveals an incredible upcoming project that horror fans will absolutely not want to miss. If you've ever wanted to hear stories from inside the making of some of modern horror and cult cinema’s most memorable films, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. For more of my content and to grab your copy of the book - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror

In this episode, we sit down with chef, filmmaker, and horror fanatic Joe Gatto for a conversation that goes far beyond the kitchen. From his early love of movies to a deep-rooted passion for horror, Joe breaks down what makes the genre so powerful, and why it continues to capture our imagination in ways nothing else can. We dive into his journey from food to film, and how he’s carved out a unique space by blending both worlds together. We talk all about his horror project Chompers, the creative process behind it, and the challenges of bringing an idea to life. Joe also shares insights into his work with Fangoria, the films that shaped him, and what excites him most about the future of horror. This is a conversation about passion, persistence, and backing yourself, even when the path isn’t clear. If you’ve ever wanted to create something of your own, this one will hit. If you enjoyed this - Check out my other content here - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror Check out more of Joe https://linktr.ee/chefjoegatto?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=cb71cb6f-9725-4601-9611-e0f6f9f1cbfe

In this episode we’re joined by psychotherapist Katie Evans for a fascinating conversation about the deep psychological connection between horror and the human mind. We explore Katie’s lifelong love of the genre and how her professional background has shaped the way she understands our attraction to the dark, the macabre, and the things that scare us. Why are we drawn to horror? What does our fascination with monsters, violence, and taboo ideas actually say about us? Together we dig into the psychology behind horror fandom - from repressed desires and difficult emotions to the safe space the genre creates for audiences to confront fear, grief, and the unknown. We also look at how different types of horror reflect different parts of the human psyche, and what they reveal when you scratch beneath the surface. Beyond the films themselves, we talk about the powerful sense of escapism and community that horror offers, and why so many people find comfort within the genre. Katie also shares details about her upcoming book, the incredible tour of talks she’s currently delivering across the UK and Ireland, and what’s next on her journey exploring the psychology of horror. If you’ve ever wondered why we love the things that frighten us, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. If you enjoyed this - Check out my other content here - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror

Writer and director Keith Thomas joins us for an in-depth conversation covering his journey into filmmaking, his passion for horror, and the stories behind some of his biggest projects. We explore the fascinating folklore and mythology that inspired The Vigil, the challenges of bringing such a unique horror film to life, and whether there could ever be a sequel or prequel expanding that world. Keith also reflects on directing Firestarter, discussing how the project came together, the realities of adapting a beloved Stephen King story, and his honest thoughts on the film's release and reception. The conversation then turns to the critically acclaimed The First Omen, where Keith takes us behind the scenes of one of 2024's standout horror films, sharing insights into its development, his writing process, and what makes psychological horror so effective. Along the way, Keith offers invaluable advice for aspiring writers and filmmakers, shares stories from his career, and even teases some exciting news about what could be coming next. If you're passionate about horror filmmaking, writing, or the creative process, this is an episode you won't want to miss. For more of my content - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror Check out Keith - https://www.instagram.com/keiththomasofficial

The episode that started it all. In my very first interview as host of ClassHorrorCast, I was fortunate enough to spend over two hours talking horror with The Blair Witch Project co-creator and director Eduardo Sánchez. Looking back, I was inexperienced, asked way too many questions and probably kept Eduardo talking far longer than I should have but he was incredibly generous with his time and stories, helping shape what ClassHorrorCast would eventually become. Over the years we stayed in touch, exchanged some very cool gifts and remained connected through our shared love of horror cinema. In this wide-ranging conversation we discuss The Blair Witch Project, found footage horror, Seventh Moon, the fantastic Bigfoot film Exists, the criminally underrated Lovely Molly and much more. Whether you know these stories already or are hearing them for the first time, this conversation remains one of my favourite episodes we've ever recorded. The episode that started it all, and Eduardo returns to ClassHorrorCast in 2026. For more of my content or to grab a copy of my book - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=e10a7462-ebc0-4896-a10d-7e9d07afa5ea

This week on ClassHorrorCast, I’m joined by screenwriter Jeff Barker for one of the most thoughtful and inspiring conversations we’ve had on the show. Jeff is not only a writer in his own right, but also the father of filmmaker Curry Barker, whose new film Obsession has been making a huge impact. We talk about the incredible success surrounding the film, Jeff’s own contributions to the project, and what it’s been like watching something that started so small become such a major moment. We dive deep into Jeff’s lifelong love of cinema, how he developed his voice as a writer over the years, and the kinds of stories and emotions he’s always been drawn to expressing creatively. We also discuss some of the filmmakers and movies that continue to inspire him. Beyond filmmaking, this episode becomes a conversation about family, passion, and perseverance. Jeff opens up about his relationship with Curry through the years and what it means to now witness everything they’ve achieved together. We also talk about Curry’s next film, which has already wrapped, and Jeff shares his thoughts on the upcoming A24 Texas Chainsaw project. Along the way we explore imposter syndrome, navigating difficult periods in life, staying positive, and continuing to chase creative goals no matter where you are in the journey. We also spend time discussing Jeff’s fantastic YouTube channel, The Screenplay Lab, where he creates brilliant screenplay breakdowns and insightful analysis of some truly great films. This is a unique, honest, and incredibly interesting conversation with someone whose own creative journey feels like it’s only just beginning and someone who may have some very exciting years ahead. Enjoy the episode. More of my content and to purchase my book https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror Jeff Barker's https://www.youtube.com/@jeff-barker https://jeff-barker.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jbark27/

This week on ClassHorrorCast, we sit down with filmmaker, writer, adventurer and one of cinema’s true originals - Richard Stanley. We begin with a look back at his cult classic Hardware and discuss why its themes feel more relevant today than ever before, before moving into Dust Devil and how the film has continued to find new audiences year after year. From there, we dive headfirst into one of the most infamous stories in movie history. The Island of Dr. Moreau. Richard tells the full story of being hired to direct the film, being fired, the complete chaos that surrounded the production, and the strange aftermath that followed. We also talk about how he feels about the experience today and whether his original vision for the film could still one day be seen. We also explore Richard’s work as a writer on films such as The Abandoned and Imago Mortis, his process for writing, and his years spent away from filmmaking before making a remarkable return in 2019 with Color Out of Space starring Nicolas Cage. Bringing things right up to the present day, Richard tells us the unbelievable story of writing the third installment in the Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey franchise and how he ended up playing the role of villain… or hero… Balthazar von Woozle. Outside of film, Richard has spent years pursuing interests that go far beyond cinema. Living in the French Pyrenees, we discuss his fascination with the Holy Grail, Cathar history and the remarkable story behind his 2001 documentary The Secret Glory, which explored the life of Otto Rahn and his strange place in history. We also talk about his recent book Otto Rahn, Grail Hunter. Finally, we touch on projects still waiting to emerge from the shadows and Richard’s continued desire to bring his long-held vision of The Dunwich Horror to life. This is a wide-ranging, fascinating and completely unpredictable conversation with one of genre cinema’s most unique voices and one you definitely don’t want to miss. For more of my content and to grab a copy of my book - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror For more on Richard's work - https://theofficialrichardstanley.com/

In this episode, I sit down with legendary cult Italian director and writer Luigi Cozzi for a fascinating deep dive into a life dedicated to cinema. From his early days in film journalism and writing, Luigi shares how his passion for movies shaped his path into filmmaking. We explore his deep love for both science fiction and horror, and how those genres gave him the freedom to create bold, imaginative, and unforgettable films.We dive into some of his most iconic work, including Starcrash, Contamination, and Paganini Horror including the ideas behind them, the challenges of bringing them to life, and the lasting cult legacy they’ve built over the years. Luigi also reflects on the magic of cinema itself. Why it continues to inspire, how it captures our imagination, and what it truly means to dedicate your life to storytelling. Along the way, he shares honest advice for aspiring filmmakers and creatives trying to find their voice in an ever-changing industry. This is a conversation about passion, persistence, and the power of film to transport us somewhere else entirely. For more of my content - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=2917e177-c392-43b2-bd97-950b32f3f831

We’re heading back to Hell for a deep dive into one of the most ambitious horror sequels ever made! In this episode of ClassHorrorCast, we take on Hellraiser II: Hellbound, breaking down the movie from the opening scene all the way to its descent into the Labyrinth. We’ll be looking at behind-the-scenes stories, production trivia, deleted scenes, special effects, practical gore and Cenobite creations, as well as breaking down the movie scene-by-scene. We’ll look at the kills, discuss the bloodiest moments, examine the mythology and themes, and dig into the characters, performances and all the bizarre details that make Hellraiser II such a memorable piece of horror cinema. And of course, we’ll be asking the big questions! Expect Cenobites, gore, nightmares, trivia, production secrets, plenty of laughs and a whole lot of horror nerd discussion. So grab your puzzle box, prepare yourself for sights you may not be ready to see… and come with us. For more of my content - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror

This week on ClassHorrorCast, I'm joined by one of the most respected voices in the haunted attraction industry, Ted Dougherty. An acclaimed writer, producer, director and award-winning author, Ted has helped shape some of the biggest names in Halloween entertainment. Throughout his career, he's worked in creative roles with Knott's Scary Farm, Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights, Queen Mary's Dark Harbor, Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, Cedar Point Halloween Haunt, Six Flags Entertainment, Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment, Lionsgate, FX Network, Paramount Scares and many more, while also lecturing and educating the next generation of haunt creators. In this fascinating conversation, we discuss: How Ted first fell in love with haunted attractions and turned that passion into a career. His award-winning book The History of Knott's Scary Farm, exploring the incredible legacy of the world's most influential Halloween event and the impact it's had on the haunt industry. Behind-the-scenes stories from the many world-class attractions and entertainment companies he's worked with throughout his career, including the creative process behind designing immersive scares and unforgettable guest experiences. We also talk about the evolution of the haunt industry, what separates a good scare from a great one, how modern attractions continue to push the boundaries of immersive storytelling, and where the future of Halloween entertainment is heading. Whether you're a lifelong haunt fan, a horror enthusiast, or someone interested in themed entertainment and attraction design, this is an episode packed with insight, history and inspiration. Sit back and enjoy an incredible conversation with one of the true pioneers and historians of modern haunted attractions. For more of my content - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=e10a7462-ebc0-4896-a10d-7e9d07afa5ea Check out Ted's work - https://teddougherty.com/

In this episode, we sit down with director, producer, and author Craig Singer for a deep dive into a career that spans filmmaking, studio leadership, and the business side of Hollywood. Craig takes us back to his early days in the industry and the path that led him to creating films like Dark Ride, Perkins’ 14, and 6:45. We get into the stories behind these projects, the realities of independent filmmaking, and what it takes to bring bold ideas to the screen. We also discuss his latest project, The Block, and what continues to drive him creatively after decades in the industry. Beyond directing, Craig shares insights from his time as a VP at Disney, the decision to step away from the corporate world, and how he transitioned back into filmmaking and entrepreneurship, building and selling businesses along the way. A major part of the conversation focuses on his book, Moguls: The Lives and Times of Hollywood Film Pioneers Nicholas and Joseph Schenck, which explores the history of Hollywood through the rise of the Schenck brothers - from the silent era and the Roaring Twenties, through the Golden Age, World War II, and the paranoia of the McCarthy era. It’s a story that mirrors the evolution of Hollywood itself and the enduring pull of the American Dream. Packed with behind-the-scenes stories, industry insight, and a genuine love of film, this is a conversation that covers every side of what it means to build a life in the movies. For more of my content - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=2917e177-c392-43b2-bd97-950b32f3f831 Order Moguls - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moguls-Hollywood-Pioneers-Nicholas-Schenck/dp/0806543086

In this episode, I sit down with director Brandon Christensen to talk about his latest film Bodycam, a unique found-footage horror told entirely through the perspective of police bodycams. We get into the idea behind it, the challenges of working within that format, and what makes it such an effective way to tell a story. From there, the conversation opens up into a deeper look at Brandon’s love for film as an art form - from the movies and games that shaped him, to the drive to create and tell stories through cinema. We also get into something a lot of horror fans feel but don’t always talk about, how movies feel different now. The nostalgia of the 80s and 90s, the experience of discovering films back then, and the slow loss (and recent resurgence) of physical media and collecting as part of the culture. Of course, we dive into horror itself and why the genre continues to connect so strongly with audiences, and how it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves, both at the box office and on the awards stage. This is a laid-back, honest conversation about horror, nostalgia, and what keeps us coming back to movies in the first place. Check out more of my content here - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=64be11b1-73e8-423a-9092-d9bcb5322c1f

In this very special episode, we sit down with Spookyworld founder and creator David Bertolino for an incredible journey through the history of one of the most influential names in the Halloween and haunt industry. David shares the story of how Spookyworld began, how it evolved from a passion project into the world’s first horror theme park, and the challenges, risks, and triumphs that came with creating such a groundbreaking attraction. He opens up about the highs and lows of running a massive Halloween event, the importance of adapting when things don’t go to plan, and how he stayed committed to his vision through decades of change. We dive into David’s fascinating life beyond Spookyworld, including his family’s legendary costume, joke shop, and Halloween superstore, his time working with Rubie’s Costume Company, and the many incredible friendships and relationships he built throughout the Halloween industry. David also discusses his brand-new book, documenting the full history of Spookyworld — a stunning collection filled with behind-the-scenes stories, rare photos, memories, and the incredible journey behind one of the most iconic haunt attractions ever created. We talk about the upcoming documentary exploring his life and the creation of Spookyworld, his current work promoting the book at haunt conventions, and his exciting plans for a second book that will serve as a travel guide to the best Halloween, horror, and theme park experiences across America. David is truly one of the kindest and most passionate people in the industry, with a lifetime of stories, experiences, and connections with some of the biggest names in horror, Halloween, and entertainment. Whether you love haunted attractions, theme parks, Halloween history, or the behind-the-scenes stories of how legendary experiences are created, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. A must-listen for every Halloween and haunt fan. For more of my content - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=04af526b-0a7f-4e5e-986a-e11c75365cfd

This week on the show, we descend into the haunting world of Jacob's Ladder - a film that, on the surface, feels like a straightforward psychological horror about demons, paranoia, and a man losing his grip on reality. But scratch beneath that surface and you’ll find something far more profound. What if this isn’t just a story about madness… but about death? About grief? About the terrifying space between holding on and letting go? In this episode, we explore the film’s deeper themes - the idea of being trapped between life and death, the fear of accepting the inevitable, and how resistance can turn peace into torment. We break down the behind-the-scenes origins of the film, the philosophical concepts that shaped it, and why its message may be one of the most emotionally devastating in horror history. Is it a demonic nightmare? A psychological breakdown? Or something far more spiritual? Sometimes the scariest thing isn’t the monster in the shadows - it’s the truth waiting at the end. If you enjoyed this - Check out my other content https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror

Join me for another episode of the podcast, on this episode we talk to renowned director Corin Hardy (The Nun, The Hallow) about his newest movie Whistle. We talk all about writing and creative processes, inventing new and unique kills and scares, how it was designed an aztec death whistle from scratch. Beware if you haven't seen the movie there are some spoilers in this chat - among many other cool and interesting things! If you enjoyed this - Check out my other content https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror

In this special episode of ClassHorrorCast, we sit down with filmmaker Adam MacDonald for an honest and in-depth conversation about his journey through the world of horror. From his early love of film and beginnings in acting to stepping behind the camera to tell his own stories, Adam reflects on the path that led him to create some of the genre’s most compelling modern work. We dive into his cult survival thriller Backcountry, discussing its lasting impact, the pros and cons of its reception, and how it found its audience. We also explore the haunting atmosphere of Pyewacket and the creative risks that define his filmmaking style. Adam opens up about always choosing passion over convention, his writing process, and how he crafts stories that feel intimate, tense, and emotionally grounded. We also talk about the differences between directing feature films and working in television, including his work on the horror anthology series Slasher. Finally, we discuss his latest project, the adaptation of the novel This Is Not a Test, and the unique challenges of bringing a beloved story to the screen.  This is a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look at creativity, independence, and what it truly means to build a career in horror on your own terms. If you enjoyed this - https://linktr.ee/FirstClassHorror?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=f3b64029-c7c5-4d48-8f67-781b9b8be9f2