LONGBOW
2019
The Feature film forerunner of The Welsh Braveheart - the true story of warrior Prince, Llewelyn the Great, and Joan, daughter of King John of England, and the uniting of the country of Wales
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Written by Lynn John
Directed by Edilberto Restino
The Pitch
LONGBOW is an epic historical drama set in 13th-century Wales and England — a sweeping tale of love and war, loyalty and betrayal, conquest and forgiveness.
At its heart is Prince Llewelyn of Wales, a charismatic warrior determined to unite his fractured land, and Joan, his young, beautiful wife — and the illegitimate daughter of his sworn enemy, King John of England.
Their marriage, forged as a political alliance, becomes an unexpected and passionate love story that defies nations and bloodlines. Against the backdrop of brutal wars, castle sieges, and political treachery, their bond is tested by scandal, betrayal, and the weight of impossible loyalties.
Above all, LONGBOW is the true story of how love and forgiveness helped forge a nation — and how one man’s mercy became legend.
Synopsis
Born outside wedlock to King John, Joan is used as a pawn in her father’s relentless struggle for power. She is married off to Llewelyn, Prince of Wales, the man John most despises.
What begins as a cold political match transforms into a powerful love affair. Llewelyn — brilliant, fierce, and visionary — unites the Welsh tribes under a single banner for the first time in history. But England strikes back. Twice, the armies of King John invade Wales, leaving blood and ruin in their wake.
Torn between her husband and her father, Joan’s heart becomes a battlefield of its own. Then, in a moment of weakness and longing, she surrenders to the advances of William de Braose, a young nobleman. When Llewelyn discovers the affair — catching Will in Joan’s chamber — he exacts brutal justice. Will is hanged. Joan is exiled.
Months later, in an act that defies every code of kingship and vengeance, Llewelyn does the unimaginable: he forgives her. Publicly, defiantly, he restores her as his consort — silencing all who would condemn her.
It’s not legend. It’s history.
LONGBOW is a tempestuous, emotionally charged, and visually stunning true story of passion, power, and redemption — set against the birth of a nation.
🎨 VISUAL MOOD & TONE
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Cinematic Scope: Expansive mountain vistas, mist-shrouded castles, and roaring battles evoke the grandeur of Braveheart and Gladiator.
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Intimate Emotion: Close, candlelit interiors highlight human vulnerability — reminiscent of Atonement or The Crown.
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Color Palette:
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Wales: Emerald greens, stormy grays, and golden light — nature’s power and resilience.
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England: Cold stone, steel blue, and crimson — the color of authority, sin, and blood.
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Camera Style: Sweeping drone shots of landscapes juxtaposed with handheld intimacy during emotional moments.
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Tone: Poetic and visceral — a balance between historical authenticity and timeless human drama.
Financing & Production Overview
Scale and Vision
LONGBOW is conceived as a prestige historical epic in the vein of Braveheart, Elizabeth, and The Last Kingdom, blending sweeping battle sequences with intimate, character-driven drama. With its strong historical foundation and emotional resonance, the film is designed for both theatrical release and streaming platform acquisition.
The visual and production scope supports either:
· A feature film (120–130 min), or
· A limited series (6–8 episodes) adaptation, depending on financing strategy and partner involvement.
Locations
Principal photography will take place in:
· Wales – Snowdonia, Conwy, Gwynedd, and Pembrokeshire, for authentic medieval castles and rugged landscapes.
· England – Historic fortifications and royal interiors (e.g., Dover, Winchester, Alnwick) for the English court sequences.
· Potential co-production shooting in Eastern Europe (Hungary, Czech Republic, or Romania) for cost-effective large-scale battle and village reconstructions, depending on budget alignment and tax incentives.
Estimated Budget Range
Depending on final creative approach and format:
· Feature Film: USD $15–25 million
· Limited Series: USD $25–40 million (6–8 hours total runtime)
The budget allows for:
· High production value (period costumes, castles, battle set pieces)
· International cast
· Top-tier cinematography and score
· Location authenticity and VFX support for historical recreation
Financing Structure
LONGBOW is structured for international co-production and financing, leveraging:
· UK and Welsh Government incentives, including the UK Film Tax Relief (up to 25%) and Creative Wales funding.
· European co-production treaties (UK–Ireland, UK–France, UK–Czech Republic, etc.)
· Private equity investment, gap financing, and presales (especially to streamers with a focus on historical drama, e.g. Netflix, Amazon, or Sky).
· Potential public broadcaster partnership (BBC, S4C, or ITVX) for UK exposure.
Co-Production Potential
The project is ideally positioned for:
· UK–EU co-production through European funding bodies such as Eurimages.
· US/UK partnership to attract American investment and distribution, leveraging the film’s strong English-language script and universal themes.
· Collaboration with Welsh production partners for authenticity, locations, and cultural endorsement.
Given the true historical narrative of Welsh unification and Anglo-Welsh conflict, LONGBOW also offers rich potential for educational, tourism, and heritage tie-ins through Welsh historical sites and cultural institutions.
