Interview - Screenwriter Tim O'Rawe

Tim O'Rawe wrote the Action Screenplay Competition winning screenplay, GOLDEN YEARS: When time-traveling Special-Forces seize Fort Knox in 1939, an average Joe must stop them in order to save the gold and rescue the woman he loves.

We spoke with Tim about his background as a screenwriter leading up to the win.

How did you first become interested in writing?
I've always loved movies. Storytelling seemed to be the best fit for me. Once I figured how to do it, I enjoyed telling stories no one had told before. I enjoyed creating action in ways I had never seen before.

Who or what inspired you to write this particular story?
It occurred to me no one had made a movie about stealing the gold at Fort Knox. (Goldfinger came the closest). Fort Knox is such a iconic yet mysterious place. Around that same time I had an idea for an opening scene involving time traveling special forces. (I LOVE writing opening/teaser scenes. I think I'm good at it. The challenge is writing a script after that!). I knew the only way you could write a heist story set in Fort Knox was to set it in the past so the two things merged together.

What movies or filmmakers would you consider your greatest influences as a screenwriter?
I think Luc Besson (I'd love for him to read this script) and John McTiernan have made some classic action films over the years. Clint Eastwood rivals John Ford for making true American westerns. Die Hard, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Kelly's Heroes, The Hot Rock, Lawrence of Arabia, Return of the Living Dead, A Christmas Carol (1951) -- I've been influenced by so many.

How much planning and outlining went into your process of writing this script?
I probably don't plan and outline as much as most writers. I have ideas for scenes which to lead to other scenes. I have a sense of where I'm going. I always know the beginning and ending. I research. Many of my scripts involve history (I'm a History teacher).

What advice would you give to aspiring screenwriters who are working their first script?
I don't know if I'm the person who should be giving advice. There are so many great prolific writers who make it seem so easy. I started out by adapting books, using the descriptions and dialogue. Over time the writing developed from copying to creating to my own ideas. I would say make sure it's a great idea -- something you'd pay to see. I would absolutely pay to see all my scripts in the theater. They'd be worth every penny! Golden Years would make a great Summer movie. A coverage actually said that. I just need to convince a producer or manager.

A big thanks and congratulations to Tim O'Rawe!