TWIN brothers have written a movie screenplay based in their hometown of Rugby.
Simon and Chris Raven wanted to create a story that explores the lives of the people working in warehouses before the industry is completely automated and replaced by robots and AI.
The first work of fiction by the Raven Brothers, The Big Fork Off: To the Edge – An Original Screenplay is described as a high-action drama set in the heart of the UK’s logistics golden triangle, centred around a misfit crew of warehouse workers who enter a forklift truck competition.
Former Lawrence Sheriff School students Simon and Chris are the co-authors of five published travel books, with a sixth on the way, following a 2,000km cycle ride to the Shetland Islands last summer.
For many years the brothers – who now live in Daventry – financed their travel and writing by working in warehouses on the DIRFT Industrial Estate.
The Big Fork Off marks a transition for the author duo into screenwriting, and will be closely followed by the comedy-drama for radio Jack & Laurel Can’t Travel, which is due for publication in May.
Simon said: “The Big Fork Off was inspired by our fascination with the often-overlooked world of warehouse life. There’s so much drama, intensity, and human struggle in these environments that we felt were ripe for exploration.”
Chris added: “We wanted to create a story that delves into the lives of people working in these settings, showing their personal battles, relationships, and resilience. It’s a world where every character carries their own weight, and we were keen to bring that to a screenplay.”
Not for the faint-hearted, The Big Fork Off revolves around the central character Jay Branagan, an ex-con.
Chris said: “Jay is a complex character, haunted by his past and driven by a sense of duty to his dying mother. He is trying to navigate a world that isn’t very forgiving. His involvement in a forklift truck rodeo adds a unique layer of tension and competition to the narrative.”
Simon added: “Jay’s relationship with other characters, especially Max, adds depth to his journey. Max, a disillusioned public school dropout, and Jay form an unlikely bond. Their shared experiences and individual quests for redemption create a powerful dynamic that propels the story forward.
“We hope audiences connect with the characters and their stories. There’s a lot of heart in this screenplay. Resilience and complexity of the human spirit are key themes to the plot.”
Chris concluded: “And we hope they enjoy the ride! It’s a thrilling journey that we believe will resonate with readers on multiple levels.”
The Big Fork Off: To the Edge – An Original Screenplay by The Raven Brothers is available in paperback from book retailers.
