Director's Dungeon
Director’s Dungeon is a conversation-driven podcast about the people behind the games we play—and the stories that make them matter.
Hosted by filmmaker and storyteller Chris Moreland, this series began as an offshoot of Roll For Togetherness (formerly 50 Years of Fantasy), a documentary exploring the cultural legacy of Dungeons & Dragons and tabletop roleplaying games. But as the documentary evolved, so did the community around it—and Director’s Dungeon emerged as a space to slow down, dig deeper, and talk directly with the creatives shaping the future of storytelling in games.
Each episode features a guest from the wider world of tabletop and interactive media: game designers, dungeon masters, performers, producers, and even veterans of the original TSR days. You’ll hear from names like Frank Mentzer, co-creator of the Red Box era of D&D; Clint McElroy of The Adventure Zone; and The GM Tim, known for theatrical storytelling and immersive live games. But you’ll also meet artists, activists, and behind-the-scenes builders whose names may not be household yet—but whose impact is deeply felt in the communities they serve.
This isn’t your average game history podcast. Chris approaches each conversation less as a host and more as a curious collaborator—someone who’s worked in the trenches of film, games, and event production, and who knows the power of asking the right question at the right moment. Interviews are relaxed, personal, and unscripted—just two (or more) people swapping stories and insights from across the creative spectrum.
What binds the episodes together is a love of narrative craft, community-building, and the evolving ecosystem of play. Whether it’s a chat about military service and nonprofit grant-writing with Kaylee York, or a deep-dive into horror performance and Call of Cthulhu live tours with Mark Meer, Director’s Dungeon is always looking for the why behind the what. What drives someone to pour hundreds of hours into a homebrew campaign? Why does collaborative fiction matter in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms? What lessons can we learn from 40 years of dice rolls?
And like any good dungeon, it’s a little messy. Some episodes start with mic issues. Others get derailed by talk of mycology, mini painting, or the emotional gut-punch of winning (or losing) at a film festival. But every conversation returns to the human element: the relationships, risks, and rewrites that define life in the creative world.
Director's Dungeon
Thor Knai - Rebel Moon Actor & Professional Dungeonmaster
In this episode of the Director's Dungeon podcast, Chris and Katie Moreland are joined by actor and game designer Thor Knai, and video game special effects artist David “DJ” Johnson. Together, they jump into their shared experiences at D&D in a Castle, discuss the art of Dungeon Mastering, and explore the creative processes behind immersive storytelling.
Episode Highlights:
• D&D in a Castle Adventures: Thor and DJ recount their time at D&D in a Castle, sharing memorable moments and the unique atmosphere of playing Dungeons & Dragons in a historic setting.
• Mastering the Game: The trio discusses techniques for creating engaging campaigns, balancing player dynamics, and the importance of collaborative storytelling in tabletop gaming.
• Behind the Scenes with Thor Knai: Thor offers insights into his acting career, including his role as Hjalmar in Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon films. He also shares his passion for integrating Norse mythology into his game design.
• Visual Effects and Gaming with DJ: DJ talks about his work with Undertone FX, highlighting the intersection of visual effects and gaming, and how his professional expertise enhances his approach to game mastering.
Connect with Us:
• 50 Years of Fantasy:
• Website: 50yearsoffantasy.com
• Facebook: 50 Years of Fantasy on Facebook
• Instagram: @dnd50years
• X (formerly Twitter): @50yearsoffantasy
• YouTube: 50 Years of Fantasy Channel
• Undertone FX: Explore the world of real-time visual effects at undertonefx.com.
• Thor Knai: Learn more about Thor’s acting career on his IMDb page.
• D&D in a Castle: Discover the ultimate immersive D&D experience at dndinacastle.com.
Join us for an engaging conversation that bridges the worlds of acting, game design, and the enduring legacy of fantasy storytelling.
Support the film at: https://www.50yearsoffantasy.com/fantasy-fund
Follow our progress on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50yearsoffantasy
X: https://x.com/50YrsofFantasy
Instagram: @dnd50years
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/50yearsoffantasy/
Produced by: Build Something Media