Mythic Picnic and Thunder Mouse Productions join forces for a fresh new horror concept.

Writer JD Kirk Teams Up with Director Alessio Avezzano and Producer Mick Betancourt for a Big Monster Movie About Scotland's Tiniest Terrors

Midges, or midgies (mi-jees), as they're known in Scotland, are a species of biting midge found in the Scottish Highlands. Though small, midgies are regarded by locals as Scotland's most fearsome creature.  This formidable wee beastie inspired celebrated crime author and screenwriter Barry Hutchison, who pens his best-selling ‘DCI Logan’ series under the pseudonym JD Kirk, to conceive a horror story about genetically modified ‘ubermidges.’

Hutchison remarked, "What started as an inside joke on Twitter has grown legs, and wings to boot, in a matter of weeks. We’ve gone from a title and a few concept images to a growing production plan, and we can’t wait to bring this film to life on a scale that has never been seen by the humble midge before.”'

Midgies' will follow Marcie and her teenage daughter Isla as they embark on a road trip through the Scottish Highlands. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they find themselves thrust into a harrowing struggle for survival against a deadly swarm of mutated midgies.

Aiming for production in 2024, "Midgies" draws inspiration from the monster movie and elevated horror genre, including standout Korean films like 'The Host' and 'Train to Busan,' as well as British classics such as 'Dog Soldiers' and 'Shaun of the Dead.' These films serve as exemplary models of mixed-genre horror that seamlessly blend elements of comedy and drama.

Director Alessio Avezzano, founder of Mythic Picnic Productions and known for his work on BBC's 'Islelanders' and various viral shorts, expressed, "The explosive audience reaction has allowed us to dive headfirst into this project, knowing that there's a demand for a Scottish film that can join the ranks of the great monster movies. We hope to create a thrilling rollercoaster ride of a film that does Scotland proud and can hold its own in the international market.”

Veteran writer/producer and Chicago native Mick Betancourt brings his vast industry expertise to “Midgies." With a rich track record that includes standout series like 'The Purge,' 'Deadly Class,' and 'Reacher,' he remarked, “I was blown away by the script. It's a masterful blend of terror and humour, echoing the kind of stories I love watching and producing."

While full details, including additional on and off-screen talent, remain under wraps for now, further updates on the project will be released as it progresses.