Mercury Filmworks, renowned for its acclaimed productions such as Hilda and The Lion Guard, has joined forces with the celebrated French animation studio La Chouette Compagnie, known for Droners and Taki Tanuki, to develop, produce, and distribute a groundbreaking original horror/suspense anthology series titled Don’t Walk Home Alone After Dark. This ambitious project is taking shape at their headquarters in Ottawa, where creativity and innovation thrive.
Currently in the development phase, this 2D-animated series targets a youthful audience, specifically teens and young adults. The series draws its inspiration from the popular YouTube channel that shares the same name, creatively crafted by animating prodigy Andy Coyle, who previously worked on Hilda. This anthology delves into a rich tapestry of modern folk tales that not only ignite the horror within but also resonate with profound coming-of-age experiences, striking a perfect balance between eerie and poignant. It uniquely bridges the worlds of podcast-style storytelling and lo-fi YouTube content. Each episode functions as a standalone mini horror film, yet they are interwoven within a broader narrative universe, ensuring that fans will have the pleasure of uncovering “hidden connective tissue and easter eggs” that enrich the storytelling and enhance viewer satisfaction, as noted by the studios.
“We’re thrilled to join forces with La Chouette and collaborate once again with Andy Coyle on Don’t Walk Home Alone After Dark,” expressed Chantal Ling, Vice President of Original Series & Co-Productions at Mercury Filmworks. “Andy’s distinctive creative vision brings a fresh and electrifying twist to the horror genre. Having worked alongside him on Hilda, we know firsthand his remarkable ability to blend heart and suspense seamlessly. This anthology series will not only thrill existing fans of the YouTube shorts, but also captivate new audiences around the globe with its unique storytelling. Whether watching or listening, we’re eager to expand on the series’ established fanbase and share these spine-tingling tales with viewers everywhere.”
“Don’t Walk Home Alone After Dark promises to be a fun ride for fans of the horror genre with each episode delivering a new tale, and we look forward to working with Andy and the team at Mercury to make this an epic series that will appeal to teen audiences around the world,” added Mariam Hachmi, CEO of La Chouette Compagnie, highlighting the anticipation surrounding this innovative endeavor.
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—Laurén brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
**Interview with Andy Coyle, Creative Director of ”Don’t Walk Home Alone After Dark”**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Andy! This new anthology series, “Don’t Walk Home Alone After Dark,” sounds fascinating. What inspired you to create this project alongside Mercury Filmworks and La Chouette Compagnie?
**Andy Coyle:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration came from my experiences working with various storytelling formats and my passion for horror. The original YouTube channel was a platform where I could experiment with ideas that blend suspenseful narratives with relatable coming-of-age themes. Partnering with Mercury Filmworks and La Chouette was a natural next step to take these concepts to a broader audience in a compelling animated format.
**Interviewer:** It’s exciting to hear about this collaboration! Can you tell us more about the unique aspects of the series? What sets “Don’t Walk Home Alone After Dark” apart from other offerings in the horror genre?
**Andy Coyle:** Absolutely! One of the key distinguishing factors is the anthology format, allowing us to explore a variety of stories and styles from episode to episode. Each story is rooted in modern folk tales, appealing to the teen and young adult demographic while reflecting their struggles and fears. We aim to create an atmosphere that’s both eerie and emotionally resonant, making it relatable to our audience.
**Interviewer:** Sounds intriguing! How do you envision the 2D animation style contributing to the storytelling and overall mood of the series?
**Andy Coyle:** The 2D animation allows for a more stylized and artistic interpretation of the stories. It brings a unique aesthetic that can enhance the suspenseful and sometimes surreal aspects of horror. With skilled animators on board, we can use visuals to evoke emotions and complement the narrative—heightening tension and creating an immersive experience for viewers.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned targeting teens and young adults. How do you plan to engage that specific audience?
**Andy Coyle:** We want to create stories that resonate with their experiences and fears—stories about identity, belonging, and the challenges of growing up. By incorporating relatable themes while maintaining a suspenseful tone, we believe we can engage young viewers who appreciate both horror and meaningful storytelling.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like a perfect balance! What next steps can viewers look forward to as the series progresses?
**Andy Coyle:** Right now, we’re in the development phase, and we’re excited to unveil more details at MIPCOM in Cannes. We’re forging partnerships with international media to ensure a wide reach. As we move forward, we hope to share sneak peeks of the animation and engaging promotional content that showcases what “Don’t Walk Home Alone After Dark” has to offer.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for sharing this insight, Andy! We can’t wait to see what you and the team create.
**Andy Coyle:** Thank you! I’m excited too, and I appreciate your support. Stay tuned for more updates!
