THE OAKS REMAIN

Investor | Partnership Proposal for Development:

The Oaks Remain – Feature Film 1

Book 1 of "The Simulacrum Saga"

Adapted from the Novel by Julia J. Gibbs

Sterling Light Productions, a company known for creating compelling, thought-provoking and life-changing films that illuminate themes of justice and compassion is seeking partnership and financing in the development of this exciting new series. Sterling Light Productions and Lukas Behnken aim to expand its reputation for powerful storytelling with the adaptation of Julia J. Gibbs' enthralling saga.

Comparable Films/Series

• The Hunger Games: Strong female protagonist, dystopian societies.

• Divergent Series: Societal divisions, personal identity struggles.

• Outlander: Epic love story, complex time-travel narrative.

• Twilight Saga: Forbidden supernatural romance, hidden communities.

Franchise Potential

• Rich mythology and extensive character arcs outlined in the initial and subsequent books (Books 1–4).

• Built-in expansive universe, ideal for serialized storytelling (film series or premium streaming adaptation).

Synopsis

In the near future (2040), hidden within a timeless plantation called Red Oaks in Southern Alabama, lives Veralee Harper, a young woman haunted by prophetic dreams. Humanity has fractured into two distinct races: the eternal Simulacrum, bearers of life and marked by mystical tattoos symbolizing their spiritual gifts, and the Friguscor, beings marked by death, decay, and a desperate yearning for immortality. When Veralee impulsively breaks her people's sacred law by using her life-giving blood to save a Friguscor boy, she inadvertently awakens a power that threatens to ignite a devastating war. Simultaneously, a mysterious man from her dreams, Atticus—a timeless warrior known as an Ayindalet, who travels the river of time—appears, pulling Veralee further into her prophesied destiny. Caught between duty and forbidden love, Veralee must confront the truth about her origins, the rigid traditions of her people, and the whispered possibilities of redemption for the Friguscor. When betrayal within her community surfaces, she faces an unimaginable punishment: exile into the decaying world of her people's enemy.

Script Outline

1. Introduction & Setting:

o Red Oaks plantation, Southern Alabama (2040).

o Introduction of Simulacrum vs. Friguscor society.

2. Inciting Incident:

o Veralee gives her blood to revive Nathan, a dying Friguscor boy.

3. Rising Action:

o Atticus arrives through time; sparks romance and intrigue.

o Discovery of Friguscor's potential redemption (Boged).

4. Midpoint Crisis:

o Nathan transforms into Simulacrum; Veralee's secret endangers her people.

5. Conflict Escalation:

o Veralee injured and visited by ancient giants (Archaon); prophecy intensifies.

o Nathan's MadDog-afflicted father’s violent outbreak forces deadly confrontation.

6. Climax:

o Council Meeting in otherworldly Terebinths of Mamre.

o Veralee’s secret exposed; family revelations surface; betrayal by Uncle Austin.

7. Resolution:

o Veralee banished, stripped of everything familiar, yet bound to Atticus.

o Sets stage for an expansive, gripping saga.

Key Characters

• Veralee Harper (19): Protagonist with prophetic dreams; compassionate yet rebellious.

• Atticus (Ayindalet): Immortal, charismatic warrior; mysterious and noble.

• Jackson (20): Loyal friend, traditionalist, Veralee’s potential suitor.

• Nathan: Young Friguscor transformed by Veralee’s forbidden blood.

• Colonel Edwin & Gail Harper: Guardians of tradition, keepers of secrets.

• Ausley (18): Veralee’s compassionate yet reckless younger sister.

• Uncle Austin & Absalom: Idealistic rebels seeking societal change.

Book 2-4 Teasers:

• Exploration of larger-scale war between Simulacrum and Friguscor.

• Deepening of time-travel lore and historical intrigue.

• Expanding exploration of redemption, identity, and prophecy.

Statistics on Book Audience Response:

• Goodreads shows The Oaks Remain has an average rating of 4.53 out of 5 making it the most popular title. Individual editions also report ratings as high as 4.83 out of 5.

• Audible lists The Oaks Remain as a “Best Seller” in its catalog and displays a 5-star average from listener reviews (7 ratings), with remarks praising both story and narration by Ashley Arnold.

• Consistently strong reader ratings, with multiple 4.5–5★ reviews across platforms.

• Positive fan engagement: readers emphasize the emotional depth, fast pacing, and unique blending of fantasy and religious themes.

• Audiobook performance: recognized as a "Best Seller" on Audible, with perfect 5/5 scores and enthusiastic listener feedback.

Investment Opportunity

Sterling Light Productions is seeking initial development investment for script adaptation and presentation material for Book One. Prepared to pitch to A-List WGA writer for creation and writing. - $300,000

• Suggested writers - Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely (AGBO) , Brian K. Vaughan, Josh Whedon, Vanessa Taylor, Drew Goddard.

• Potential to participate in partnership and financing the entire saga, establishing long-term storytelling opportunities across multiple mediums.

• Opportunity to consider as a high-quality streaming series for Apple, Netflix or Amazon. The Oaks Remain promises to deliver an emotionally compelling, visually breathtaking, and deeply resonant story, ripe with the potential to captivate global audiences and create a powerful new cinematic franchise.