Midnight Stories

Beneath the serene facade of a seemingly idyllic scout camp in the Svarbudos forest lies a dark underbelly, where local legends intertwine with the scouts' deepest fears, blurring the line between reality and nightmare.

Beneath the serene facade of a seemingly idyllic scout camp in the Švarbūdos Forest lies a dark underbelly, where local legends intertwine with the scouts' deepest fears, blurring the line between reality and nightmare.

Main country of production

Lithuania

Director's note

MIDNIGHT STORIES will be told in a manner when worlds of different tales, different periods and different characters will interact and mix with those at the scout campsite. Beautiful lake and forest near by will turn into to trap for curious minds at nights. Danger is unknown. Secrets are hidden in tales.

At the camp fire, each of the characters will hear a story that will resonate directly with her/him. As if someone knew their hidden secrets. Each time story will be told - this kid will walk out and will never comeback again.

One will be left. Alone, abandoned, scared, exhausted and helpless . We’ll follow him till the end only to find a path to unknown place where clothes of others lays resting unguarded at the shore - the place already seen in the stories. Maybe that’s the end, maybe the new beginning, maybe just a dream.

All stories will be told in a cinematic way except the last one, that will be shot on the phone in a documentary style as one of the characters POV. When camera will go off - last one standing is gone. The end. No.

Producer's note

The TV series will be based on the bestselling book Šiurpnakčio istorijos by acclaimed author Aušrinė Tilindė, which was awarded “Book for Teenagers of the Year” in Lithuania in 2024. We believe this is the perfect moment to adapt the work for the screen.

Playful yet unsettling, the stories tap into childhood fears with a mix of humour and suspense, offering a unique blend of folkloric inspiration and a contemporary voice. Its critical acclaim and strong readership demonstrate its cultural resonance, while its universal themes make it a strong candidate for international adaptation.

With its distinctive Baltic atmosphere and strong cinematic potential, the book naturally lends itself to a screen adaptation — a fresh and original addition to the children’s fantasy-horror genre.

Currently, Lithuania lacks substantial content targeted at teenagers and young adults, despite this demographic being an active and voracious audience. This series aims to fill that gap with high-quality, engaging storytelling that reflects local culture while appealing to global viewers. We will employ modern filmmaking techniques and potentially incorporate new technologies to enhance the viewer experience, all while staying true to the series’ distinctive aesthetic.

Screenwiter's note

As a parent, I believe children can handle darkness and fear in storytelling. Historically, fairytales were filled with unsettling elements that helped children process complex emotions and understand the world. Modern commercial storytelling often sanitises these elements, which I aim to restore in a thoughtful and age-appropriate way.

I also believe that exploring folklore is a valuable way for children to learn about different cultures and develop a sense of wonder about the world. MIDNIGHT STORIES will be an opportunity to introduce audiences to the rich and fascinating folklore of Lithuania, while also tackling universal themes that resonate with viewers of all ages.

Subjects:

friendship, mysticism, youth