Class Horror Cast (Horror Movie Podcast)

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.

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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.

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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.

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Check out Ted's work - HERE

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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.

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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.

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For more on Richard's work - CLICK HERE

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