Scheherazade flees an arranged marriage, joining forces with legendary allies across the Sassanian Empire to uncover her mother’s fate, as magic wanes and a rising empire threatens their world.
Type:
TV Pilot
Status:
For sale
Page Count:
66pp
Genre:
Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Budget:
Blockbuster
Age Rating:
17+
Based On:
The tales from 1001 Nights, a.k.a. The Arabian Nights
Synopsis/Details
Set against the backdrop of the Sassanian Empire during its twilight years, A Thousand Legends interweaves the lives of three iconic characters—Ali Baba, Scheherazade, and Morgiana—who are thrust into an epic tale of magic, ambition, and survival. The story begins with a sweeping view of the Sassanian Empire, under siege from Roman and Byzantine forces and facing internal threats from the rise of Islam. Scheherazade introduces us to this world through her narration, setting the stage for the empire’s decline and her personal journey. Ali Baba, a humble woodcutter, stumbles upon a magical cave that holds untold treasures stolen by a gang of ruthless mercenaries. His discovery sets off a chain of events as he seeks to protect his family from the thieves who will stop at nothing to reclaim their loot. Morgiana, a brave and resourceful young woman, witnesses the destruction of her tribal home by the same mercenaries. Forced to flee for her life, she vows vengeance, her path crossing with Ali Baba in a twist of fate that binds their destinies. Meanwhile, Scheherazade, the daughter of the King’s Vizier, grapples with societal expectations as she is pressured into an arranged marriage with a soldier she barely knows. Determined to chart her own course, she embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth about her mother, rumored to be alive in a distant land. As the mercenaries continue their raids, their leader forges alliances with powerful forces, including the enigmatic Al-Muthana, who has his sights set on expanding the Rashidun Caliphate and its new religion, the Islam. In a parallel narrative, the political intrigues of Ctesiphon come to light, with King Shahryar, his Queen, and Vizier Jafar navigating power plays that will determine the empire’s future. The pilot combines action, romance, and intrigue, introducing viewers to a richly imagined world. From the golden sands of Mesopotamia to the bustling streets of Ctesiphon, the narrative weaves historical events with fantastical elements, paying homage to 1001 Nights while crafting a fresh and dynamic story. Themes: The series explores themes of freedom, loyalty, and self-discovery, set against a vivid historical and mythical backdrop. It delves into the complexities of human relationships, the consequences of ambition, and the resilience required to survive in a world of shifting power dynamics.
All Accolades & Coverage

Quarterfinalist, Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards Winter 2024.

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The Writer: Roberto Ruiz-Duarte

Spanish screenwriter based in Edinburgh, specialising in adventure and thriller with elements of magic, paranormal phenomena, and dark psychology. Passionate about storytelling, I aspire to join a TV writing team to craft captivating narratives. Go to bio
Roberto Ruiz-Duarte's picture