MovieBytes Interview:
Screenwriter Robert Gately

An interview with screenwriter Robert Gately regarding the ZoieFest Writing Competition.

A: The title is HAT TRICK, and it's a comedy where three retirees get to do the Full Monty at the Super Bowl. It's more of a character study of three guys who overcome some difficulties in life, but they show us that retirement can be a fun time.

A: A couple of things made me enter this contest. First, the price was right. As you enter contests the price becomes important. This one was $25. It also employed the internet as it's venue to celebrate and showcase films and screenplays. I liked that, plus I like the fact that Victoria Lynn Weston was heading it. She's has a fairly good rep as a writer. Besides being the president of Zoiefest, she founded PsychicVista, AkashicUniversity.com, and Akashic Who's Who. Of course, I have entered other contests with HAT TRICK. Many others. In fact, Hat Trick has made into number one spot as winningest screenplay in moviebytes database with this win. But I don't anticipate it being there for long. I'd keep my eye out for Howell's "Paper Route" and James Ossi's "Healing Marie". We've been leap frogging over each other for the past year, and we will probably continue doing so.

A: Yes. Right now it's too soon to tell, but Victoria has made some commitments to present HAT TRICK to some managers/agents, and I expect that she'll do just that.

A: I'm expecting feedback shortly.

A: I'm planning on using this win quite extensively. Since it has propelled the script into the lead in the moviebytes database, I'm going to use this opportunity to promote myself with agents and producers before those clowns Howell and Ossi overtake me. Ossi has already threatened to stalk my family and harrass them at the supermarket (and stuff like that) if I win another contest. In fact, I'm looking out the window now and I think I see him behind the oak tree.

A: Yes. Since retiring early in 1998, I've written 8 screenplays, 2 stage plays and a novel. No television scripts as of yet, although a couple of screenplays could be pushed as MOWs. I'm going broke, though. I've entered all these manuscripts into contests. I win some and lose some. To date I've placed in 92 contests since retiring.

A: I'd move there, certainly. Everyone has his price. Mine is cheap because I'd do anything to get away from Ossi.

A: I'm working on a book. My first non-fiction. However, I have a couple of ideas floating for new screenplays. Too early to talk about.

Posted Thursday, March 31, 2005