Alliance Studios, Folktellers Studios, Emagine Partner to Bring ‘Guidebook’ to the Silver Screen

Emagine Theatres, Alliance Studios, and Folktellers Studios are partnering to adapt Josef Bastian’s series, “Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook,” into a live-action fantasy series, bringing a literary work to life in a cinematic format designed for modern audiences.

By Tim Keenan -April 1, 2026

Emagine Theatres, Alliance Studios, and Folktellers Studios are partnering to adapt Josef Bastian’s series, “Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook,” into a live-action fantasy series, bringing a literary work to life in a cinematic format designed for modern audiences.

Building on the Folktellers for Literacy initiative, the collaboration bridges the gap between literature and film, transforming the imaginative universe of the seven-book series into episodes crafted for digital and theatrical showcase.

The format will highlight key moments, characters, and themes from the books, making the story accessible, engaging, and visually dynamic for viewers of all ages, according to the creators.

The partnership also aligns with ongoing literacy efforts supported by Emagine Theatres and Folktellers for Literacy, which promotes reading, storytelling, and filmmaking as tools for education and personal growth.

Select episodes may be featured as part of community programming and special screenings at Emagine Theatres, further connecting audiences to the magic of storytelling on the big screen.

“This partnership with Alliance Studios allows us to expand storytelling into a new format that meets audiences where they are today,” says Stephen Sadler, executive producer at Folktellers Studios. “This series is powerful because it delivers emotional, meaningful narratives in a short span of time. With ‘Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook,’ we’re inviting viewers to experience imagination in a way that is immediate, cinematic, and deeply human.”

Carl Weyant, CEO of Alliance Studios says, “We see tremendous potential in adapting this series, while still allowing for the full cinematic experience. The stories are rich, thought-provoking, and visually inspiring. Our collaboration with Folktellers Studios and Emagine reflects a shared commitment to innovation, creativity, and meaningful content.”

Weyant, serves as a judge, along with Emagine CEO Paul Glantz, DBusiness magazine Editor R.J. King, and Terri Lee Chandler, a producer and film critic, for the Folktellers for Literacy Program, which is a program created to encourage young readers to become a filmmaker by scripting, directing, producing, while inspiring kids to see their stories come alive on the big screen.

“Being part of the judging panel has shown me firsthand how storytelling can transform lives,” Weyant says. “This partnership is a natural extension of that mission — encouraging people not only to read stories, but to see them, feel them, and ultimately create their own.”

By combining cinematic expertise with a passion for literacy and storytelling, Emagine Theatres, Alliance Studios, and Folktellers Studios say they aim to create a new model for adapting literature into accessible, visually engaging content. The collaboration represents a continued commitment to fostering creativity, promoting literacy, and celebrating the power of storytelling across mediums.

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