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Director's Dungeon

Director's Dungeon

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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.

© 2025 Director's Dungeon Art
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    Épisodes
    • Thor Knai - Rebel Moon Actor & Professional Dungeonmaster

      Thor Knai - Rebel Moon Actor & Professional Dungeonmaster
      Aug 7 2025

      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
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      52 min
    • His work includes Halo, COD:MW, and Mortal Kombat One. Undertone FX's founder, David "DJ" Johnson

      His work includes Halo, COD:MW, and Mortal Kombat One. Undertone FX's founder, David "DJ" Johnson
      Jul 17 2025

      David Johnson is an award winning Visual FX artist, CEO of Undertone FX, and the most passionate Dungeons and Dragons fan on the planet.

      1.DJ’s Legendary D&D Room

      •Imagine a room packed wall-to-wall with every edition of D&D books, custom-built gaming tables (complete with slots for whiskey glasses!), and hundreds of meticulously organized minis. DJ walks us through his collection and how he uses it to bring unforgettable moments to life at his gaming table.

      •Want to see his setup? It's in this episode.

      2.The Gamer Assistance Program (GAP): Giving Back to the RPG Industry

      •Learn how GAP helps RPG designers, writers, and artists who’ve given us so much joy but often didn’t have access to retirement plans or healthcare. From covering medical bills to providing a new roof, GAP steps in when it matters most.

      •Support the cause or nominate someone in need: Page Charity.

      3.Making Games Magical

      •DJ’s gameplay is anything but ordinary. Whether he’s using a soundboard for character voices, painting live terrain during a game, or literally decapitating miniatures to match the story, he takes immersion to the next level.

      •Curious about DJ’s adventures? Watch highlights and behind-the-scenes moments from his games on his YouTube channel.

      4.Creating a Welcoming Space for New Players

      •DJ talks about running one-shots and campaigns for players of all experience levels. From high-octane adventures like Randy Macho Man Strahd to long-form campaigns, DJ’s goal is always the same: to ignite a love for storytelling and tabletop gaming.

      5.The Human Element of D&D

      •We discuss the beauty of D&D as a platform for connection. Whether you’re a fan of 1st Edition, 5th Edition, or a homebrew mix, the passion unites us all. As DJ says, “In the end, it’s all about storytelling with people you care about.”

      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
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      16 min
    • Agency in Gaming: David Andrew Laws Talks Narrative and TTRPGs

      Agency in Gaming: David Andrew Laws Talks Narrative and TTRPGs
      Jul 15 2025

      In this episode of Directors Dungeon, Chris Moreland sits down with David Andrew Laws, a passionate creator and co-founder of the popular 20-Sided Tavern. David takes us through his journey of blending storytelling and gameplay, creating immersive experiences for Dungeons & Dragons and tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) fans around the world.

      David's love for D&D began in his childhood, where his stepdad, a devoted D&D player, introduced him to the world of sourcebooks and miniatures. Early on, David was captivated by the infinite possibilities that D&D offered, not just as a game but as a way to explore creativity and identity. This fascination with D&D would evolve into a deeper connection with role-playing games as a means of self-exploration, something he shares in this episode.

      A major highlight of David's career has been the creation of 20-Sided Tavern, a groundbreaking live D&D show. He explains how the idea grew from an experiment in his basement to a full-scale international show. With co-creator Sarah Davis Reynolds, David reimagined how D&D could be experienced, turning the audience into active participants. The 20-Sided Tavern has allowed fans to not only watch but also engage in the storytelling, making every session unique and unpredictable. David explains how the blend of agency, curiosity, and joy has become the foundation of their work, and how this philosophy continues to shape everything they create.

      Throughout the episode, David reflects on the importance of agency in TTRPGs, emphasizing how critical it is for players to feel that their decisions have real consequences. For David, the game is not just about dice rolls but about authentic choices made by characters in a world full of infinite possibilities. This mindset is something he has carried into his work at 20-Sided Tavern, ensuring that each game is crafted with care, making every player's actions impactful and every outcome rewarding.

      David also shares his love for the performative aspects of D&D. As an actor and storyteller, he found a natural connection to role-playing, where he could immerse himself in imaginary circumstances and create dynamic characters. His personal character, Tamberlain the Greatest, has become a throughline in his gaming life, appearing not only in 20-Sided Tavern sessions but also in video games like Fallout New Vegas and Skyrim, showcasing the deeper connection between player and character.


      • Instagram: @davidandrewlaws
      • X (formerly Twitter): @DavidAndrewLaws
      • TikTok: @davidandrewlaws
      • Official Website: davidandrewlaws.com
      • Instagram: @thetwentysidedtavern
      • TikTok: @thetwentysidedtavern
      • Official Website: thetwentysidedtavern.com

      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
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      16 min
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