About Folktellers Studios
Folktellers Studios was founded on a bold vision: to create a transformative world of storytelling rooted in myth and legend.
Our Story
Folktellers Studios was founded on a single conviction: a story, well told, can change the world. Writer and instructional systems designer Josef Bastian conceived the universe, and in 2017 partnered with Stephen Sadler — a writer, engineer, and technology innovator whose inventions had been licensed by Walt Disney Studios and other major entertainment companies — to build a groundbreaking media platforms.
Rooted in Detroit, where innovation has always turned raw potential into enduring reality, the Bastian launched his vision in 2009 with the successful book series The Legend of the Nain Rouge. Since then, Folktellers Studios has steadily expanded into a rich canon through original book writing and publishing (with over 100 ISBNs across award-winning series such as Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook, The Chronicles of Silver Jack, Mindset, Jack's Mettle, Hero's Journey, and others), film and television production, music composition and live performances, video gaming, and interactive live events.
Today, Folktellers Studios stands at the threshold of a new slate of projects with leading partners across the entertainment industry, delivering family-safe, immersive storytelling experiences that span literature, screen, and sound.
Awards and Recognition
Our commitment to meaningful, family-oriented entertainment has earned significant acclaim:
- Published over 100 ISBNs, with more than 100,000 books in print.
- 2026 – Released the award-winning Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook, a seven-book series. (38,000 in print)
- 2026 – Launched the highly successful Folktellers for Literacy program and awards ceremony in partnership with Emagine Entertainment, engaging 1,300 student participants.
- 2026 – Started production and released the streaming TV series Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook.
- Two-time recipient of the Children’s Moonbeam Book Award (Young Adult Fantasy).
- Five-time recipient of the Mom’s Choice Gold Medal (Fantasy Fiction).
- Recipient of the American Book Fest Gold Award (Pre-Teen Fantasy).
- National Indie Book Award Finalist (Best New Fantasy Series).
- Multiple “Highly Recommended” reviews from Kirkus Reviews.
Folktellers Studios continues to build a compelling catalog of stories that entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences worldwide. We are the alchemists of modern mythology—turning dreams into shared experiences that endure.
Folktellers: Stories to Shared Podcast
What do crafting marketing tech for Hollywood blockbusters, professional basketball, and award-winning novels have in common? Stories — and far more than you'd expect.
Join hosts Kurt David, Stephen Sadler, and Josef Bastian for captivating tales, genuine conversation, and insightful interviews exploring the mysteries and wonders at the heart of every extraordinary story. Whoever holds the story wields the power.