Ted Raimi seems truly happy directing Morbid Minute, his new horror anthology web series for Break.com. Raimi has appeared in nearly 100 movies and TV shows, including genre favorites like the Evil Dead films, Candyman, Shocker, Midnight Meat Train, Drag Me to Hell, and Maniac Cop 3. Now the actor steps behind the camera for Morbid Minute, which he is writing and directing.

Today I am on set, watching Raimi direct his fifth Morbid Minute. "Today happens to be the goriest of all the Morbid Minutes I wrote," he says before directing the makeup girl to "Glop them up!" - the actor's hands, in fake blood. Raimi commiserates with his actor - he himself no stranger to the gooey stuff - while not getting a drop on his shiny black Oxfords. I am unaccustomed to seeing a director work in a sports jacket and tie (I am usually thrilled to see them in a clean t-shirt and unripped jeans), yet Raimi doesn't seem out of place in his nice duds.

With only 30 "morbid" minutes for lunch, Raimi was kind enough to give me half of those so we can find out more about his creepy new series.

What were the origins of Morbid Minutes?

I wanted to do a horror anthology show, but one that was less [focused] on blood n' guts and more in the vein of Alfred Hitchcock Presents or The Twilight Zone. I felt like the gore stuff was getting out of control, and I wanted to bring it back to classic storytelling techniques. Originally I took it to 20th Century Fox to see if they were interested in my stuff. They weren't. But Steve Hyne over there directed me to Danila Koverman at Break Media. She and Johnny Wickham were really receptive, and they said "sure." 

What can horror fans expect from Morbid Minutes?

A return to a more traditional kind of short-form horror story. You will not find any monsters - no vampires or zombies or werewolves. If you are looking for that, look elsewhere - there is plenty to find - and plenty of fine stuff. That stuff I find to be more fun. With Morbid Minutes, I'm trying as hard as I can to create a show that will touch at more of the base horror in all of our lives. For example, things like, "you had a lot of money, now you have to live on the street." Things like that that are purposefully shocking to many of us, things that we don't want to think about.

What is it about the horror genre that lends itself so well to the anthology format?

The origins go back, in American popular culture, to Ambrose Bierce or O. Henry. The short, strange tale is something that Americans have always really loved. I don't know why - perhaps it just goes with our need to be entertained quickly and efficiently. 

Are you directing all of the episodes?

Yes. They may bring other directors in, but I am very grateful to Break for giving me the chance to make them.

How many are you shooting this season?

Today we are shooting #5. We hope to do 10 or 12 by the end of the season.

Has years of acting taught you how to direct actors?

Most definitely. More specifically, how to handle more "rambunctious" actors. I've been very lucky on this show - I haven't had any problems with the actors. So far...

Do you find yourself directing actors in a way that you hated to be directed and always told yourself you wouldn't do? Like when you always said you would never treat your kids the way your parents treated you - then find yourself doing the same thing?

That's a good question. No, I would say that I try to do the exact opposite. I know I was always very needy when I was an actor - "Did I do well? Was that okay?" - so I try to praise actors where it is due.

Will you be appearing in any of the episodes?

In the future, I will. I have not yet. In a few months I am hoping to shoot an episode with my old buddy Bruce Campbell. I'd also like to get my old friends Lucy Lawless and, if I ask real nicely, Jeffrey Combs. So I am looking forward to shooting more.

Do you have roles planned for all of them?

I have roles for all of them. I have a stack of stories at home written for them. 

How is Oz the Great and Powerful coming?

It's a lot of fun.  

Who are you playing?

None of your damn business! I'm just teasing - but honestly, I'm not allowed to tell. I had to sign a waiver that says if I tell anyone, the ghost of Michael Eisner will come for me, and Walt Disney, too, and I will be buried at the Haunted Mansion. In other words, it is a very closely guarded secret. But I will tell you that Oz the Great and Powerful looks super cool!

Have you heard anything on the Evil Dead reboot?

I have absolutely no information on that one. I'm so sorry.