Meet Henry Woodman: Storyteller, Visionary, and Producer
Henry Woodman has worn many hats: Explorer in Search of a Lost City, Emmy Award-Nominated Producer, Tech Entrepreneur and trilingual MBA graduate. His life has been an odyssey of creativity and innovation. From co-founding WoodMark Productions in 1984 to producing the vibrant Chilean game show Machos, and revolutionizing the travel industry with IcePortal, Henry’s journey reflects his passion for storytelling in all forms. Now, with the publication of his father’s work and its development into a streaming series, he steps into a deeply personal and creative mission.
This one-on-one interview shares Jim’s background and experience writing the book, and Henry’s experience publishing the book and developing it into the TV streaming series, Slippin’.
Tell us about The Reincarnation of Marie. A Timeless Love Story.
The Reincarnation of Marie is not just a book; it’s an invitation to experience love’s enduring power. For anyone who has felt the ache of loss or yearned for a connection that transcends the physical world, this story will resonate deeply.
Set against the backdrop of 1950s Paris, French Army officer Yann Roussel faces the grim reality of enlistment in the Algerian War. Seeking solace, he discovers the diary of Marie Bashkirtseff, a 19th-century French-Russian artist whose bohemian life was cut tragically short. Her journal, filled with sensual detail and raw emotion, becomes an obsession for Yann, drawing him into a love affair with the spirit of a woman long gone.
When Yann meets Marya, a young art student who eerily mirrors Bashkirtseff’s essence, his obsession turns into a doomed romance. Convinced she is Marie reincarnated, Yann embarks on a journey that blurs the lines between reality and the metaphysical. At its core, the story poses a haunting question: Can Love Truly Conquer All—Even Death?
Tell us about your father, Jim Woodman, the author.
“My father was a force of nature,” Henry reflects. “He lived with passion, positivity, and an insatiable curiosity about the world.”
Jim Woodman’s illustrious career as an entrepreneur and writer spanned decades. As the author of numerous travel and adventure books for esteemed publishers, he earned a reputation as an icon of Latin American travel. His work included hosting documentary specials and holding senior roles at Pan American World Airways and Travel Advertising International. He even founded Air Florida Airlines. Yet, amidst this whirlwind of achievement, he nurtured a creative spirit that led to the writing of The Reincarnation of Marie.
What inspired you to publish the book?
“The book has been a labor of love spanning four decades,” Henry shares.
The journey began in 1984 when Henry first read the manuscript. “I was moved to tears and couldn’t put it down. I called my dad immediately and asked about his plans. He said it was a tribute to a friend but had no intentions of publishing it.”
Henry envisioned its cinematic potential and secured the rights. Despite life’s detours—his own career in television, technology, and entrepreneurship—the dream endured. “I promised myself I would bring this story to the world,” he says. Forty years later, Henry fulfilled that promise, publishing the book on his father’s birthday. Henry and partner Doug Weiser created Anemoia Media to bring Marie to screens as a TV series. “The definition of Anemoia is a feeling of nostalgia for a time or place that someone has never experienced,” shared Henry.
You’re developing a TV series based on the book called Slippin’. What is it like going from page to screen?
“The book is a passionate tale of love and loss, but Slippin’ expands the universe,” Henry explains. “It dives deeper into interconnected souls across timelines—Slippin’ through time itself.”
The series introduces the concept of “Time Slippers,” individuals who navigate non-linear realities, confronting their inner shadows and unlocking untapped potential. Viewers will be drawn into a narrative that challenges conventional perceptions of time, space, and love. “Audiences today are yearning for stories that make them question the nature of existence,” Henry notes. “Slippin’ will invite them to ponder life’s deeper mysteries.”
Currently, Henry and his partner Doug are assembling the perfect team—from showrunner to cast—to bring this visionary series to life.
What is one message you would like readers to remember?
Henry shares a poignant quote from Marie Bashkirtseff:
“To live is to embrace the beauty and tragedy of existence—to find meaning amidst the chaos and to leave an indelible mark upon the world.”
This, he believes, encapsulates the essence of The Reincarnation of Marie. It’s a story that lingers, inviting readers to explore the infinite possibilities of love, time, and the human spirit.
Purchasing the Book
The Reincarnation of Marie is available for sale as an eBook, Paperback and Audiobook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online bookstores. Readers are encouraged to purchase their copy today: https://www.amazon.com/Reincarnation-Marie-Reborn-Paris-History/dp/1964377064/
To connect with Henry and learn more about the book, visit: www.MarieTheStory.com. You can also find him on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
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