by Donal Thompson

The Story

PDF file

Angelswood.pdf

2 MB

The Pilot

PDF file

Episode 1 (Pilot).pdf

119.6 KB

Angelswood: Complete 8-Episode Series
All Episode Beat Sheets
Episode 1: "Target Practice" (Pilot)
Tone: Realistic wartime drama → gentle fantasy
Total Beats: 18
TEASER (1 beat)
  1. Mabel finds glowing book, animals' eyes catch light strangely
ACT I (6 beats)
  1. Classroom scene - why Hitler bombs the Potteries
  1. Mother's hope about Dad coming home
  1. Air raid shelter scene
  1. Kids chase Mabel with mouse
  1. Bomb falls through bandstand floor
  1. Mabel trapped, children run for help
ACT II (6 beats)
  1. Captain Banks arrives to defuse bomb
  1. Captain Banks introduces himself to Mabel
  1. Bomb disposal conversation and growing tension
  1. Captain Banks sees bomb is more complicated
  1. Explosion and transition to afterlife
  1. Meeting Aphriel, learning about death
ACT III (4 beats)
  1. Exploring Olysia, Triangel meeting
  1. Finbarr Mooney Crossing in Ireland
  1. Aphriel explains Crossings and Plantings
  1. Setting up future work together
TAG (1 beat)
  1. Mysterious figure in pilot jacket follows them, orchid glows
Episode 2: "Clouds, Angels, and Crossings"
Tone: Wonder and discovery building to mystery
Total Beats: 21
TEASER (1 beat)
  1. Waking in Olysia for first full day
ACT I (7 beats)
  1. Nectar gardens with flowing streams
  1. Meeting other souls from different eras
  1. Discovering Angelswood monuments and temples
  1. The Mutatis Mutandor ancient device
  1. Time travel demonstration - seeing all of history
  1. Mabel's reflection changing through ages
  1. Assignment from Council for urgent Crossings
ACT II (10 beats)
  1. WWII submarine sinking in Atlantic
  1. Mabel's first real Crossing with young submariner
  1. Learning different souls need different approaches
  1. Siberian coal mine, 1956 - language barriers
  1. Cultural understanding with Russian miner
  1. Manchester hospital 2008 - Alya's crossing
  1. Respectful inclusion of Islamic beliefs
  1. Debriefing the three different Crossings
ACT III (3 beats)
  1. Hall of Records - Books of Lives introduction
  1. Finding Mabel's section - books are missing
  1. Keeper's alarm - this is unprecedented crisis
TAG (1 beat)
  1. Dark figure rewriting Books: "Soon, all their stories will be mine"
Episode 3: "The Meeting in the Pastures"
Tone: Epic mythology building, musical spectacle
Total Beats: 20
TEASER (1 beat)
  1. Impact of theft shown across Olysia
ACT I (4 beats)
  1. Mabel asks how there can be thieves in paradise
  1. Olysian War history - Iblis's rebellion
  1. Meekayel's victory and current disappearance
  1. Massive gathering in pastures to discuss crisis
ACT II (12 beats)
  1. Council of Angels descends in blinding light
  1. Hours of debate with no resolution
  1. Mabel's frustration with endless talk
  1. Decision to find Meekayel themselves
  1. Dawn departure, Aphriel disguised
  1. Into Angelswood, shadowy figure watching
  1. Meeting the Gardener with singing flowers
  1. Learning about Olysia Day Festival
  1. Rumors about Meekayel's whereabouts
  1. Village nightlife, meeting Jimi rushing
  1. Wolfy's invitation to concert hall
  1. Dark concert hall, Carolan's tin whistle
ACT III (3 beats)
  1. Musical-light spectacle - signature series moment
  1. Full orchestra performance with light effects
  1. Eros appears offering dangerous shortcut
Episode 4: "Animus"
Tone: Character growth, mounting urgency
Total Beats: 18
TEASER (1 beat)
  1. Testing whistle, howl interrupts practice
ACT I (4 beats)
  1. Bulldog emerges, Mabel terrified
  1. Understanding fear and animal nature
  1. View of vast Animus plains teeming with life
  1. Animals drawn to visitors, Mabel overwhelmed
ACT II (10 beats)
  1. Lion and lamb harmony, submarine cat recognition
  1. Mabel's panic flight into forest
  1. Meeting Ganesha, falling and being rescued
  1. Awakening by stream with all animals watching
  1. Discovering memory loss problem
  1. Mouse memory - can't recall what happened
  1. Lake Animus gathering under stars
  1. Understanding animal nature vs. human fear
  1. Panda's farewell - environmental themes
  1. Mabel's confident speech to assembly
ACT III (3 beats)
  1. Ganesha's blessing, whale journey
  1. Shadow watches from Underworld
  1. Setting course with new confidence
Episode 5: "River Styx"
Tone: Mythological adventure building to revelation
Total Beats: 21
TEASER (1 beat)
  1. Eros offers dangerous Underworld shortcut
ACT I (5 beats)
  1. Eros summons Hades with arrow
  1. Hades agrees to guide them
  1. Historical context - cosmic order changes
  1. Preparation, Eros gives Mabel bow and arrows
ACT II (12 beats)
  1. Meeting Charon, boarding ferryman's boat
  1. Crossing River Styx with exposition
  1. Cerberus - three-headed guardian
  1. Love-arrow solution, heads licking each other
  1. Into dark underground tunnels
  1. Narrow bridge over chasm with demons below
  1. Discovery - Aphriel's feather reveals identity
  1. Aphriel's wings revealed, gryphon rescue
  1. Hades stays behind, mysterious pursuer
  1. Arrival at Pin's Head tavern
  1. Inside warrior's haven - diverse historical fighters
  1. Finding Meekayel playing solitaire
ACT III (3 beats)
  1. Plea for help, Meekayel's firm refusal
  1. Departure in defeat and despair
  1. Harold enters tavern demanding "Where is he?"
TAG (1 beat)
  1. Father revealed in RAF uniform
Episode 6: "The Hall of Wreckords"
Tone: Family reunion, mounting crisis, epic battle begins
Total Beats: 21
TEASER (1 beat)
  1. Harold confronts Meekayel about letting Mabel leave
ACT I (6 beats)
  1. Harold's military assessment of cosmic threat
  1. Role reversal - Harold leads, Meekayel advises
  1. Learning about the buried celestial sword
  1. Iblis explains rewriting methodology
  1. Iblis retrieves Mabel's specific Book
ACT II (12 beats)
  1. Mabel and Aphriel imprisoned in pit
  1. Iblis interrogates about missing Crossing page
  1. Memory erasure begins - erasing mother
  1. Harold's army assembled with musicians
  1. Musical-light assault on Hall of Wreckords
  1. Full-scale battle erupts across Underworld
  1. Pit rescue during musical-light blast
  1. Father-daughter reunion on battlefield
  1. Meekayel frustrated with inferior swords
ACT III (3 beats)
  1. Iblis returns three times larger
  1. Broken sword, battle moves to Olysia sky
  1. Watching from Angelswood
TAG (1 beat)
  1. Sword location mystery established
Episode 7: "Meekayel and Iblis"
Tone: Epic climax, ultimate good vs. evil
Total Beats: 21
TEASER (1 beat)
  1. Titanic battle raging across sky
ACT I (5 beats)
  1. Celestial-scale combat across multiple realms
  1. Meekayel clearly losing without proper weapon
  1. Watching from Angelswood, seeking answers
  1. Mabel's cardigan snags on vine
ACT II (12 beats)
  1. Sign reads "Angelsword" not "Angelswood"
  1. Iblis sees it too, furious howl
  1. Magnificent sword emerges from earth
  1. Mabel races through demons
  1. Reaching Meekayel with the sword
  1. Enchanting weapon with mystical gestures
  1. Sword soars into night sky like shooting star
  1. Iblis's last defiant stand
  1. Divine justice - sword strikes down evil
  1. Dawn breaks over restored Olysia
ACT III (4 beats)
  1. Victory celebration throughout realm
  1. Incomplete victory - mother's memory still missing
  1. Divine consultation about Mabel's status
  1. Hope remains in secret conversations
TAG (1 beat)
  1. Reflecting on price of victory
Episode 8: "Lethe Water"
Tone: Bittersweet resolution, hope restored
Total Beats: 20
TEASER (1 beat)
  1. Hollow victory - photo without memories
ACT I (6 beats)
  1. Harold's private moment with family photo
  1. Triangel's verdict - unprecedented choice offered
  1. Could return to life with alterations
  1. Captain Banks reveals secret plan
  1. Aphriel offers Lethe Water option
ACT II (10 beats)
  1. Understanding the choice to forget everything
  1. Taking Lethe Water, peaceful sleep
  1. Dreamlike return to bandstand scene
  1. Altered rescue - this time it succeeds
  1. Dog kindness showing character growth
  1. Mother's relief at reunion
  1. Drawing changed - both parents in cockpit
  1. Harold's impossible return home
ACT III (3 beats)
  1. Family dinner - normal life touched by magic
  1. Unconscious memories in daily life
  1. Final Spitfire drawing with complete family
  1. Aphriel's continuing watch from Olysia
  1. Orchid's eternal glow with musical light
TAG (1 beat)
  1. Worlds forever linked - "All will be well"
SERIES TOTALS
Total Episodes: 8
Total Beats: 160
Average Beats per Episode: 20
Beat Distribution by Episode:
  • Episode 1: 18 beats
  • Episode 2: 21 beats
  • Episode 3: 20 beats
  • Episode 4: 18 beats
  • Episode 5: 21 beats
  • Episode 6: 21 beats
  • Episode 7: 21 beats
  • Episode 8: 20 beats
Perfect Balance: Each episode runs 45-50 minutes with consistent pacing and structure while building toward the ultimate resolution where love conquers even cosmic law.
Character Arc: Mabel transforms from fearful child (Episode 1) → confident young woman (Episode 4) → cosmic hero (Episode 7) → restored daughter (Episode 8)
Thematic Completion: Every promise made in Episode 1 is fulfilled by Episode 8, with Aphriel's "All will be well, all will be well in the end" proven absolutely true.
Why This Works for Screen
  • Clear episodic arcs anchored by a central quest.
  • High variety in locations & tone: WWII realism, whimsical Olysia, mythic Underworld, cosmic battlefields.
  • Built-in spectacle (music-as-light battles, mythical creatures, historic cameos) with intimate emotional core (a child searching for her mother).
  • Strong emotional bookends in 1941, allowing audiences to feel they’ve travelled full circle.
ANGELSWOOD
Series Pitch Deck
LOGLINE
When 10-year-old Mabel dies in a WWII bombing, she becomes apprentice to an angel who helps souls cross from life to death. But when an ancient evil steals the Books of Lives—including her own—she must journey across mythological realms to prevent him from rewriting the history of human existence.
THE HOOK
What if death was just the beginning of the greatest adventure?
Angelswood is His Dark Materials meets The Good Place with the scope of Lord of the Rings—but told through the eyes of a brave 10-year-old girl who discovers that love can change even cosmic law.
WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
Musical-Light Combat
  • Never seen on television: Warriors fight using music that creates light
  • Mozart + Hendrix: Classical and rock musicians as cosmic warriors
  • Signature visual: Each instrument creates distinct light patterns
  • Budget-friendly: Emphasizes practical effects and creative sound design
Cross-Generational Appeal
  • Family viewing: Suitable for ages 8+ while engaging adults
  • Historical elements: WWII setting grounds fantasy in real emotion
  • Musical heritage: Spans classical to rock, appealing to all ages
  • Universal themes: Love, family, growing up, overcoming fear
Complete Story Arc
  • 8 episodes: Full story with satisfying conclusion
  • No cliffhangers: Each season tells complete narrative
  • Binge-friendly: Perfect length for streaming platforms
  • Expansion potential: Rich world allows for additional stories
GENRE & COMPARISONS
Primary Genre: Family Fantasy Adventure
Comparable Series:
  • His Dark Materials - Epic scope, young protagonist, parallel worlds
  • The Good Place - Afterlife comedy-drama, moral philosophy
  • Stranger Things - 80s nostalgia, kids facing supernatural threats
  • Good Omens - Angels, demons, humor, British sensibility
What Sets Us Apart:
  • Unique combat system (musical-light warfare)
  • Wartime emotional grounding (not just fantasy escapism)
  • Cross-realm journey (multiple mythological worlds)
  • Family-first storytelling (love drives every decision)
TARGET AUDIENCE
Primary (8-16 years)
  • Adventure seekers: Multi-realm journey with real stakes
  • Character growth: Relatable protagonist overcoming fears
  • Family themes: Missing parents, reunion desires
  • Fantasy elements: Magic without being too dark
Secondary (Adults)
  • Wartime drama: Historical authenticity and emotional weight
  • Music appreciation: Cross-generational musical elements
  • Mythology: Classical and modern mythological elements
  • Family viewing: Quality content to watch with children
Global Appeal
  • Universal themes: Death, family, growing up
  • Historical setting: WWII resonates internationally
  • Mythological elements: Draw from multiple cultures
  • Musical language: Transcends linguistic barriers
SERIES OVERVIEW
Episode Structure
  • 8 episodes × 45-50 minutes
  • Complete story arc from death to resurrection
  • Three-act structure: Discovery → Adventure → Resolution
  • Escalating stakes: Personal → Mythological → Cosmic
Story Engine
  • Crossings: Help souls transition from life to death
  • Plantings: Inspire brilliant ideas in living humans
  • Quest: Recover stolen Books of Lives
  • Growth: Mabel transforms from fearful child to cosmic hero
Visual Worlds
  • 1941 England: Authentic WWII Stoke-on-Trent
  • Olysia: Beautiful afterlife realm
  • Underworld: Classical mythology meets modern sensibility
  • Animus: Peaceful animal kingdom
  • Mount Olympus: Mythological grandeur
CHARACTER ARCHETYPES
Mabel Young - The Heart
  • Age: 10 years old
  • Arc: Fearful child → Confident young woman → Cosmic hero
  • Relatable: Every child's fear of loss and abandonment
  • Inspiring: Proves children can be heroes too
Aphriel - The Guide
  • Nature: Angel fascinated by human psychology
  • Arc: Clinical observer → Emotionally invested protector
  • Unique: Studies humans rather than judging them
  • Growth: Learns about love through Mabel's humanity
Harold Young - The Father
  • Role: Missing RAF pilot, protective spirit
  • Arc: Lost → Guardian → Military leader → Restored parent
  • Stakes: Father's love transcending death itself
  • Resolution: Family reunited against impossible odds
EPISODE BREAKDOWN
Episode 1: "Target Practice" - The Hook
  • WWII girl dies in bombing, meets angel, learns about afterlife
  • Tone: Realistic drama → gentle fantasy
  • Stakes: Personal - understanding new existence
Episodes 2-3: "Discovery" - World Building
  • Crossings across time, musical-light introduction, Books stolen
  • Tone: Wonder and mythology
  • Stakes: Cosmic threat revealed
Episodes 4-5: "Adventure" - Character Growth
  • Animal fears overcome, mythological journey through Underworld
  • Tone: Character development → mythological adventure
  • Stakes: Personal growth → family reunion
Episodes 6-7: "Battle" - Epic Climax
  • Cosmic war, sword revelation, ultimate good vs. evil
  • Tone: Epic fantasy warfare
  • Stakes: Universal - fate of all existence
Episode 8: "Resolution" - Emotional Payoff
  • Choice to return, altered timeline, family restored
  • Tone: Bittersweet → hopeful resolution
  • Stakes: Personal choice with cosmic consequences
PRODUCTION CONSIDERATIONS
Budget-Conscious Approach
  • Musical-light effects: Practical lighting + post-production
  • Multiple realms: Distinctive color palettes and practical locations
  • Child-friendly: Limited violence, emphasis on wonder
  • UK production: Take advantage of period drama expertise
Casting Requirements
  • Mabel: Authentic child actor, strong emotional range
  • Aphriel: Tall, commanding presence with gentle authority
  • Harold: Mature, warm, believable RAF officer
  • Musicians: Charismatic performers who can handle action
Production Timeline
  • Pre-production: 6 months (world-building, effects planning)
  • Principal photography: 8 months
  • Post-production: 10 months (musical-light effects)
  • Total: 24 months from green-light to delivery
COMMERCIAL APPEAL
Streaming Potential
  • Binge-friendly: 8-episode complete story
  • Family co-viewing: Increases household engagement
  • Rewatchability: Rich mythology rewards multiple viewings
  • International sales: Universal themes, British production value
Merchandising Opportunities
  • Musical instruments: Tie-in with music education
  • Books and audiobooks: Rich source material
  • Theme park potential: Multiple immersive worlds
  • Educational content: History, music, mythology
Awards Potential
  • Children's television: BAFTA Children's Awards
  • Family programming: Emmy Family/Children's categories
  • Technical achievement: Visual effects, sound design
  • Music: Original score combining classical and contemporary
CREATOR'S VISION
"Angelswood is about the power of love to change even cosmic law. It's a story that says death isn't the end—it's the beginning of understanding what really matters. Through Mabel's journey, we explore what it means to grow up, face our fears, and discover that the strongest force in any universe is a family's love for each other."
- Donal Thompson, Creator
WHY NOW?
Market Opportunity
  • Family content demand: Streaming platforms seeking quality family programming
  • Fantasy saturation: Need for fresh take on familiar genres
  • Musical content trending: Success of musical films/series
  • Positive messaging: Audiences seeking hopeful, uplifting content
Cultural Relevance
  • Mental health awareness: Dealing with loss and trauma
  • Family separation: Resonates with current global experiences
  • Environmental themes: Animal extinction subplot
  • Intergenerational bonding: Music bridging age gaps
THE ASK
Distribution Strategy
  • Premium streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+
  • International co-production: BBC, potential European partners
  • Theatrical consideration: Feature-length pilot or finale
Development Timeline
  • Scripts: 6 months (all episodes)
  • Pre-production: 6 months
  • Production: 8 months
  • Post-production: 10 months
  • Delivery: 30 months from green-light
CLOSING STATEMENT
Angelswood is more than a fantasy series—it's an emotional journey that proves love can overcome any obstacle, even cosmic law itself. With its unique musical-light combat, rich mythology, and universal themes, it offers something truly original in the crowded fantasy landscape.
This is a series that will make families cry together, laugh together, and believe together that all will be well in the end.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Donal Thompson
Creator
Email: [email protected]
Location: Madrid, Spain
"Sometimes the best stories come from the most unexpected places—like a dream about a brave little girl who changed the universe."
Contact
Donal Thompson
+34 676 447 873
Calle Herrenzuela 46
Los Molinos
28460
Madrid
Spain