The Documentary

This upcoming documentary will explore the history and background of one of the most controversial works of modern children’s literature: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. In many American libraries of the '80s and '90s these books developed a growing interest from boys and girls who were taken in by the gothic tales, the whimsical tone, and the ghostly illustrations. Now the Scary Stories book series stands as the most challenged children’s book of the last 30 years and a testament to the power of something that is often taken for granted: a good scary story.

Topics explored will include: 

• the history of gothic children's folklore
• the publication history and spread of the Scary Stories series and its illustrations
• censorship and the challenging of children's literature
• artists inspired by the illustrations
• the role of storytelling for children's literature
• the history of illustrations in gothic children's literature
• origins of specific tales told in the books
• the life of Stephen Gammell's artwork over the years
• the journey Alvin Schwartz took to find and compile the stories

So far...

We have conducted the first batch of interviews and some other additional footage. Interviews have included a representative of the American Library Association, scholars of children's and gothic literature, gothic artists who have been inspired by the illustrations, and others. It was these first interviews that helped us define what this documentary was going to be about, and they give you an early taste of what you are going to see in the full documentary. These were done with a bare-bones budget, involving no travel and little compensation for crew members.

For more information about the crew, as well as a wealth of information we have begun to accumulate about the Scary Stories books, please visit our website.

What We Need

We want to produce a full-length documentary. We need the funding to make that a reality. The goal of $28,000 will allow us to film throughout the summer of 2015, while any funding beyond that will help us add more shoot days to the schedule, more travel, additional music and animation, and generally add more "flavor" to the story we want to tell.

Below represents what the goal funding would go towards, while additional funding will primarily add more to the Production/Crew, Post-Production, and Travel portions of this graph.

What You Get

This film is also being produced under the fiscal sponsorship of Chicago Filmmakers. If you would like to contribute directly to the documentary, a tax-deductible payment can be made by clicking here.

Ah! Get a scary THANKS! ($10)

In return for supporting our film, you'll get a hearty THANKS in the form of a mention at the end of the documentary. You will also be mentioned on a special Thank You page of our website.

Aah! Watch out for the FILM! ($30)

Along with a THANKS, you get the FILM. Yes, the documentary itself. Get a digital copy of the film when it is complete. You an expect this by the end of 2015. At this level a $5 donation will also go to the literacy efforts of Open Books.

Aaah! Run BACKSTAGE! ($45)

All above and a BACKSTAGE pass. You will get an online streaming behind-the-scenes featurette this summer. See early interview footage and get the inside scoop on the documentary your inner child has always wanted and just didn't know it. At this level a $5 donation will also go to the literacy efforts of Open Books.

Aaaah! Get an early CUT! ($60)

All above and an invitation to a special Chicago-area Banned Books event with a preview of the film. Every September City Lit Theatre performs readings of banned books throughout Chicago as part of their Books on the Chopping Block events. We are coordinating with City Lit Theatre to arrange a special event honoring banned gothic children's literature and specifically the Scary Stories series. This will include a special early viewing of portions of the documentary. For those unable to attend the event, an online streaming version and footage of the event will be available in time for Halloween! At this level a $10 donation will also go to the literacy efforts of Open Books.

Aaaaah! Get a PIECE ($110)

All above and limited edition artwork. That's right. We had three amazing artists take one of the illustrations and reimagine it in in their own personal style. The illustrations of Stephen Gammell have gone on to inspire generations of artists. These pieces pay respect to those as well as send the message that the art is alive and well in the artists of today. Contributing at this level will get you one of these, your choice, personally signed and delivered via mail. At this level a $10 donation will also go to the literacy efforts of Open Books.

With a degree in illustration and graphic design, 20+ years’ experience drawing and designing for the horror genre and over 15 years’ experience in web design, the artwork of Chad Savage has appeared in (and on the cover of) numerous books and magazines and garnered awards from same. Website | Twitter | Instagram
Wednesday Wolf wants to make the world a little stranger. This Seattle-based artist is known for putting his own ghoulish twist on some of our culture's most iconic images.   Website | Twitter
Gareth Walsh is an artist and illustrator from the UK. He has studied art and design and has had his artwork published in a book of poetry.  Instagram | Twitter | Etsy

Aaaaaah! Be a scary STAR! ($2100)

All above, plus, get ready. You or a friend are going to be in the movie! That's right. You may be interviewed or we may find a more creative way to include you in the documentary. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in the film devoted exclusively to this childhood favorite. At this level a $100 donation will also go to the literacy efforts of Open Books.

FAQ