THE LIVING WOOD
helen, constantine and discovery of the true cross
fEATURE FILM PITCH
What is "THE LIVING WOOD"?
"THE LIVING WOOD" is a feature film pitch based on the novel by best-selling author LOUIS DE WOHL (option rights secured), who sold over a million copies across 60+ books. It is about two monumental figures of real history - St. Helen, and her son Constantine, who would later become Roman Emperor. St. Helen is known for locating and discovering the True Cross - the very cross Jesus died upon, about 300 years earlier. Constantine unified Rome by winning the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, and ultimately ending Christian persecution and legalizing Christianity across the Empire. This movie and book is about their incredible lives, which have changed history as we know it. "The LIVING WOOD" combines history, legend and mysticism; faith and loss in one sweeping tale over the course of fifty years.
Pitchdeck, Treatment, Storyboard, Script all in One Paperback Book
Meet the Writer
Mike peterson
A few years ago, I stumbled upon Louis de Wohl’s novel and was immediately captivated by Helen’s quest to discover the True Cross and her son’s adventures to reclaim Rome for Christ. I’ve always been fascinated by how tangible objects and symbols can move people and spark imagination. After all, it was the Shroud of Turin that led to my own
conversion in the first place. I have also always been in awe of the grandeur of cinema and storytelling. Sitting in the movie theater with the
community experiencing larger-than-life movies became memories as much as any other significant life events. From this book, I imagine the
two colossal historical figures in – Helen and Constantine – on the big screen, inviting audiences to experience their own pain, loss and triumphant discovery of the Cross with them.
The Living Wood re-imagines the familiar settings of the Roman Empire and Jerusalem three hundred years following Christ’s sacrifice. I want
audiences to emotionally invest in the journeys of Helen and Constantine as they experience growth through pain, loss, and triumph. I want parents
to relate to Helen as a mother and people of faith to experience her elation
when finally discovering the True Cross and pulling it out of the dirt. Perhaps the movie will draw audiences towards biblical archeology the
same way Jurassic Park drew them towards paleontology.
I want audiences to be captivated by Constantine as he overcomes his foes – both self-inflicted ones and his rivals. And ultimately, for the audience to walk away inspired with a new rigor towards their own faith, goals and dreams.
