Today, we’re chatting with Steve Crawshaw, whose journey from teaching PE in Yorkshire to a thriving career in screenwriting and acting epitomizes the power of passion and perseverance. With over three decades of teaching behind him, Steve’s love for storytelling led him to adapt best-selling books into award-winning scripts while also making a mark as an actor, notably in “Ready Player One.” His commitment to supporting student filmmakers reflects his belief in nurturing future talent, despite the challenges of gaining industry traction without representation. Steve’s scripts, ranging from heartfelt Irish tales to gripping horror, showcase his storytelling finesse, offering invaluable lessons in perseverance for aspiring writers.

1. Can you share with us your journey from teaching to becoming a successful screenwriter and actor?
   I was a Physical Education teacher for over thirty five years and on leaving the profession I wanted to continue my creativity. When I read a book I often think they would make a good film or television series. Therefore I approach the writers of the book and ask permission to create a screenplay. I regularly send what I have done to the author for approval and feedback. Acting wise I have performed in amateur dramatics when I was younger then became an extra/supporting artiste. My first role was in Ready Player One in Birmingham, England and Steven Spielberg was the director. I was fascinated by how a film is made. Everyone doing their jobs, many takes and preparation for filming.  One meets lovely people too and everyone is very professional. Since Ready Player One there have been numerous roles on television; Poldark, Peaky Blinders, Victoria, The Confessions of Frannie Langton and Father Brown, to name but a few.  I have also appeared as Dennis is Briefs, a sitcom set on a solicitors. 

2. What inspired you to transition from teaching to pursuing a career in the film industry?
   I think it was an interest in books and films. I also believe in the scripts I write as they are from best selling books with a loyal following. My dream is to see a script made into a film. I am fortunate to be cast as Jayden Anderon, the SAmerican president in The World Mission, an action/ adventure/ fantasy film shooting in the next year or two. 

3. You’ve mentioned supporting student films. How has this impacted your own creative process and career trajectory?
   I took notes for students with disabilities at Staffordshire University and met a filmmaker there.  `Please Hold` contributed to his first class honours degree. On an acting platform in England there were opportunities to act in films written and directed by students. They are the filmmakers of tomorrow and I enjoyed helping and advising them. Using my wisdom!

4. Given your extensive experience as a screenwriter with award-winning scripts, what strategies do you employ to garner attention from production companies and television networks without the representation of a literary agent?
   Thereby lies the problem! I just need a break. I have spent far too much money on entering international film festivals and always hoped production companies would contact me. They never did! I know numerous people in America who have made films and they are reaching out to production companies on my behalf so fingers crossed.

5. Your scripts have garnered significant recognition in various film festivals. Could you tell us about your approach to storytelling and what you believe sets your scripts apart?
   The books are successful so I try to follow the storyline of the book. The beauty is that I can change the order around sometimes to get the audience guessing and interested. For example,  have a scene which is near the end of the book as the first scene then flashback a couple of months then repeat the first scene towards the end of the script. I am aware that a director may want to cut scenes and/or change the order. 

6. You’ve written screenplays adapted from books like “Fallen Angel” and “Rebellion.” What draws you to adapt existing works, and how do you approach the adaptation process? 
   I use a scriptwriting tool called Celtx and the method I use is to strip descriptive locations from the book as the viewer can see it on screen. Some dialogue needs cutting too. I am not a big fan of scenes that are too short or too long. Flipping from one scene to another and back again a few times could be confusing to the viewers. 

7. How can FilmmakerLife assist you in your journey?  
   I would hope that the exposure will “get me out there.” I have several scripts that I would love production companies to consider. As stated before, the readership is out there and with the correct casting and direction should be very successful. International Film Festivals are aware of my work and I get many invitations but I have spent far too much money and have not been approached by anyone wanting to take the scripts further. I can be reached on email,  [email protected]

8. As someone deeply involved in both the creative and business sides of filmmaking, how do you balance the artistry of storytelling with the practicalities of marketing and promoting your scripts to potential buyers?
   Another problem! I have created  presentations using Powerpoint and a couple have gone to production companies along with the scripts. Again, without a literary agent I am swimming against the tide.  My “method” is write the script, get the green light from the author and take it from there. 

9. “Tales From Coolshannagh”, “Fifteen Times a Killer” and “Fitzwilliam High” have received accolades in various film festivals. What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your storytelling?
   These three are very different from each other. Tales from Coolshannagh are from Ireland 1876-1916 and are gentle, amusing stories of life there. The Irish have great wit and I try to convey that in the script. Fifteen Times a Killer as the title suggests is what could be classed loosely as horror but it more than that. Why is the man killing people with no relation to each other? Who will be number fifteen and why? As an ex teacher there are many stories to tell and Fitzwilliam High is a `mockumentary` set in a school in the 1990s. in England.  Each episode starts with a briefing from Clevor Trevor as he is known and end with the caretaker cleaning the toilets where we see graffiti. 

10. In your opinion, what role does networking play in the process of getting your scripts into the hands of decision-makers, and what advice would you give to aspiring writers looking to make connections in the industry?
    I haven’t had much success with networking currently but I am optimistic. As I said earlier I just need a break. For aspiring writers I would say don’t give up and believe in yourself.