The nightmarish artwork by Stephen Gammell has also been a subject of criticism. Among the groups who have attempted to have the book removed from school libraries are local parent groups and Concerned Women for America; defenders have included the American Library Association and The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. Defenders of the books have claimed that they are aimed at "middle-school kids, who are perfectly able to cope with this kind of thing," and that the stories "help children deal with reality by putting faces on what they're afraid of." In 2019, a documentary about the book series titled "Scary Stories" was released. It explores the process of the books' creation (including the artwork and the folkloric inspiration of the stories), their legacy, and the controversy surrounding attempts to ban them. Featured interviews include family members of the deceased Alvin Schwartz, as well as R.L. Stine and several other authors of 1980s and 1990s children's horror. It debuted at Panic Fest in Kansas City. The Horror Writers Association announced on February 9, 2018, that they would be compiling a new tribute anthology entitled Don't Turn Out The Lights, to be edited by Jonathan Maberry, and featuring submissions from HWA members. It will be released September,1,2020. In 2013, CBS Films acquired the rights to the "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" books from 1212 Entertainment who initially optioned the material, with the intent of producing the material as a potential feature film. It was announced in 2014 that writer John August was set to pen the film. On January 14, 2016, it was reported that Guillermo del Toro would develop the project for CBS Films, and would also potentially direct. On February 24, 2016, CBS Films hired screenwriting brothers duo Dan and Kevin Hageman to polish the draft written by August, and the script was ultimately credited to the Hagemans, with Del Toro, Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton receiving a "story by" credit. Del Toro produced the film along with Sean Daniel, Jason Brown, and Elizabeth Grave, with Roberto Grande and Joshua Long executive producing. In August 2018, Michael Garza, Austin Abrams, Gabriel Rush, Austin Zajur and Natalie Ganzhorn were cast, with André Øvredal directing. The film was released on August 9, 2019, by Lionsgate and CBS Films.