 Durston had previously directed several sexploitation films and ABC's financially successful TV series "Tales of Tomorrow" (1951-1953).As Durston later recalled, "[Gross] said he wanted to make the most graphic horror film ever produced, but he didn't want any vampires, man-made monsters, werewolves, mad doctors, or little people".Gross had been impressed by Durston's work in "Tales of Tomorrow" and made a deal with Durston that if he came up with a good idea, he would double his previous writing and directing contract with the Guilds.