How Old is Too Old to Be a Screenwriter?
- Thread starter Raghu
- Start date
Err - you have heard of copyright, haven't you?
I'm fairly sure copying someone else's article 'for your reading pleasure' isn't covered under fair use/fair dealings.
Just leave a summary of it (like a short excerpt) and a link to the original.
Good luck,
Mac
(Edited to add: Thanks for removing the copy. The link is great.)
I'm fairly sure copying someone else's article 'for your reading pleasure' isn't covered under fair use/fair dealings.
Just leave a summary of it (like a short excerpt) and a link to the original.
Good luck,
Mac
(Edited to add: Thanks for removing the copy. The link is great.)
Last edited:
It is on the internet, no copyrights involved, sorry to disappoint you.
Besides I've already provided a link !
Raghu
how old
Raghu,
east Indians have a shelf life of 60. while the WASPs have a shelf life of 70. let us assume you have 5 years to get yourself to the level of executing 6 screenplays per year and also be able to market them then take your age and do the math.
regards,
Ace.Inc1
Raghu,
east Indians have a shelf life of 60. while the WASPs have a shelf life of 70. let us assume you have 5 years to get yourself to the level of executing 6 screenplays per year and also be able to market them then take your age and do the math.
regards,
Ace.Inc1
Last edited:
Ace,
I did the math as you suggested and my complicated mathamatical equations show me that I have age left for half a screenplay. WOW !
Raghu
I did the math as you suggested and my complicated mathamatical equations show me that I have age left for half a screenplay. WOW !
Raghu
Incidentally here are a few more interesting facts.
The world's youngest screenwriter.
NIKKI REED, 15, has set a Hollywood record for being the youngest screenwriter. She is the co-star and co-writer of the film "thirteen,” about two affluent girls who live the fast life of drugs, sex and petty crime. Reed wrote the film with director Catherine Hardwicke.
The world’s oldest screenwriter.
At 91 Horton Foote is the oldest living screenwriter in Hollywood or rather, the oldest living screenwriter still working. Foote has worked in film often during his 66 years as a writer — in 1962 he won an Oscar for best screenplay adaptation for “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and another in 1983 for best original screenplay for “Tender Mercies”
Raghu
The world's youngest screenwriter.
NIKKI REED, 15, has set a Hollywood record for being the youngest screenwriter. She is the co-star and co-writer of the film "thirteen,” about two affluent girls who live the fast life of drugs, sex and petty crime. Reed wrote the film with director Catherine Hardwicke.
The world’s oldest screenwriter.
At 91 Horton Foote is the oldest living screenwriter in Hollywood or rather, the oldest living screenwriter still working. Foote has worked in film often during his 66 years as a writer — in 1962 he won an Oscar for best screenplay adaptation for “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and another in 1983 for best original screenplay for “Tender Mercies”
Raghu
Last edited:
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2008
- Messages
- 1,746
- Reaction score
- 247
True story.
I finally get an agent in L.A. call me. He loves my RomCom. Wants to rep it. Can he meet me?
Sure thing. I drive down to L.A. from San Francisco - take a meeting.
He loves the story, thinks it's great. "What else ya got?" I pitch some other award winning scripts. "Terrific - that's good." He says he'll rep me.
"Great" I say. "I can always drive down for a meeting, took me five hours. Or I can be here in two on a flight... not a problem."
He looks at me, then kind of glances away.
"Yeah... you're like, what... forty?"
"Forty two."
"Yeah... well, that's not gonna work for a lot of people... I'm going to keep you out of meetings at first..."
And this guy was at least fifty-five.
So yeah, there's definitely ageism at work. A couple of months later, I'm meeting with two 'producers' at a fancy restaraunt in LA. They were kids. In their twenties, but highly connected. They loved the RomCom.
"I have to tell you - and I don't mean to be, uh... I don't mean it as an insult, really ... but you wrote the teenage dialogue really really well...And now, to see you... I mean, obviously you've lived a full life and all... but, really the dialogue was just dead on,......"
I looked at these kids and said. "Look, I can REMEMBER being eighteen - you have NO IDEA what its like to be forty."
So yeah, there's ageism out there.
But I love Giles last line of his article.
But that's all the more reason to try. Why? Because you're a writer, so you know that the best stories are always the ones when your hero triumphs over insurmountable odds.
I finally get an agent in L.A. call me. He loves my RomCom. Wants to rep it. Can he meet me?
Sure thing. I drive down to L.A. from San Francisco - take a meeting.
He loves the story, thinks it's great. "What else ya got?" I pitch some other award winning scripts. "Terrific - that's good." He says he'll rep me.
"Great" I say. "I can always drive down for a meeting, took me five hours. Or I can be here in two on a flight... not a problem."
He looks at me, then kind of glances away.
"Yeah... you're like, what... forty?"
"Forty two."
"Yeah... well, that's not gonna work for a lot of people... I'm going to keep you out of meetings at first..."
And this guy was at least fifty-five.
So yeah, there's definitely ageism at work. A couple of months later, I'm meeting with two 'producers' at a fancy restaraunt in LA. They were kids. In their twenties, but highly connected. They loved the RomCom.
"I have to tell you - and I don't mean to be, uh... I don't mean it as an insult, really ... but you wrote the teenage dialogue really really well...And now, to see you... I mean, obviously you've lived a full life and all... but, really the dialogue was just dead on,......"
I looked at these kids and said. "Look, I can REMEMBER being eighteen - you have NO IDEA what its like to be forty."
So yeah, there's ageism out there.
But I love Giles last line of his article.
But that's all the more reason to try. Why? Because you're a writer, so you know that the best stories are always the ones when your hero triumphs over insurmountable odds.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2006
- Messages
- 7,508
- Reaction score
- 800
- Location
- Winter Haven, Florida
- Website
- www.donaldmichaelplatt.com
Back in 1963 I was 31 when I landed my first agent, who was in his 60s. He told me I should give my age as 25 if anyone asked.
I strongly believe that eventually your writing will speak for itself. If it's a head or two above the rest, it will stand out despite the ageism. If you're writing really sucks, being 22 won't save you.
Writeknight,
Great point. Age translates into experience and there is absolutely no substitute for experience. None whatsoever.
I love it too.
Icerose,
Agreed, but how are you going to change the way the industry thinks and behaves?
Raghu.
Great point. Age translates into experience and there is absolutely no substitute for experience. None whatsoever.
I love it too.
Icerose,
Agreed, but how are you going to change the way the industry thinks and behaves?
Raghu.
Generally speaking, anyone old enough to run for president is too old to break into Hollywood.
There are exceptions, of course, but they're... exceptional.
I'm thinking about getting a UCLA acting student to pretend to be me in meetings. I guess I'll pretend to be his manager or assistant or security guy or something.
There are exceptions, of course, but they're... exceptional.
I'm thinking about getting a UCLA acting student to pretend to be me in meetings. I guess I'll pretend to be his manager or assistant or security guy or something.
Icerose,
Agreed, but how are you going to change the way the industry thinks and behaves?
Raghu.
By putting out writing that knocks them over before they ever learn your age.
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2008
- Messages
- 1,746
- Reaction score
- 247
Just for one more take on the age issue.
I was at a film festival last April. Attended a screenwriting seminar, hosted by a moderately succesfull screenwriter. (Mostly TV credits, but some Features.) Not much new covered in the seminar, but afterwards I corner him in the coffee shop. (The reason to GO to film festivals, networking... right)
I pump him for information on his new approach to 'marketing' films via the internet - but I also ask him a question about "The AGE issue." (I figure him to be forty)
"Look.... who's your favorite screenwriter?"
I think for a moment, "Probably William Goldman."
"Would you KNOW him if he was sitting at that table?"
I admitted I didn't know what he looked like.
"What about your top five authors, could you spot them walking down the street?"
Aside from the fact that three of them are DEAD - well, I THINK I'd recognize Bradbury, I met him once...
"So look, your writing opens the door. They love it or they don't. After that, it's personality, can they WORK with you? Sure, its a superficial town - go to the gym. But count on your work opening the door. Don't worry too much about it."
I took that as encouraging.
And I just got back from the gym.
I was at a film festival last April. Attended a screenwriting seminar, hosted by a moderately succesfull screenwriter. (Mostly TV credits, but some Features.) Not much new covered in the seminar, but afterwards I corner him in the coffee shop. (The reason to GO to film festivals, networking... right)
I pump him for information on his new approach to 'marketing' films via the internet - but I also ask him a question about "The AGE issue." (I figure him to be forty)
"Look.... who's your favorite screenwriter?"
I think for a moment, "Probably William Goldman."
"Would you KNOW him if he was sitting at that table?"
I admitted I didn't know what he looked like.
"What about your top five authors, could you spot them walking down the street?"
Aside from the fact that three of them are DEAD - well, I THINK I'd recognize Bradbury, I met him once...
"So look, your writing opens the door. They love it or they don't. After that, it's personality, can they WORK with you? Sure, its a superficial town - go to the gym. But count on your work opening the door. Don't worry too much about it."
I took that as encouraging.
And I just got back from the gym.
I don't think age limits one from creating a great screenplay. The question is: does age prevent one from breaking into the industry to become a working screenwriter?
A working screenwriter, from what I've heard, does much more than write spec scripts. In fact specs are a small part of the job description. Most working screenwriters take on assignments most of the time.
So the older a writer is, the less stamina and less drive the person has. Therefore, I would think an agent or studio would prefer to take on an eager twenty-something who has many years of productivity ahead, rather than an unknown older writer.
This doesn't mean that if an unknown older writer creates a great spec script, it won't sell. When you get to my age, 67, and have been at screenwriting for two years, I think that's what you should shoot for.
A working screenwriter, from what I've heard, does much more than write spec scripts. In fact specs are a small part of the job description. Most working screenwriters take on assignments most of the time.
So the older a writer is, the less stamina and less drive the person has. Therefore, I would think an agent or studio would prefer to take on an eager twenty-something who has many years of productivity ahead, rather than an unknown older writer.
This doesn't mean that if an unknown older writer creates a great spec script, it won't sell. When you get to my age, 67, and have been at screenwriting for two years, I think that's what you should shoot for.
I worry about this honestly. I am quickly closing in on the end of my 20s and I know your stock goes down quite a good amount when your 30. At least I've always looked young for my age and can probably pull of 20s in my early 30s. But I'm just not sure I can finish all the screenplay work (I work a lot of over time in my regular position as an editor so it takes me longer than it should to finish screenplays) I want to before actively pursuing that career direction before hitting 30.
I know a lot of people on here are older than that so they are probably like 'boo hoo' at me, but I'm already female and disabled so I have a lot working against me. Being young and attractive is all I have going for me! That and talent of course
I know a lot of people on here are older than that so they are probably like 'boo hoo' at me, but I'm already female and disabled so I have a lot working against me. Being young and attractive is all I have going for me! That and talent of course
I'm about to experience this very problem, at least I hope so in a way. Wrote a spec TV pilot. The story involves mainly young people in the music business. A producer enthusiastically bought it. Though we've never met face-to-face, she knows my age (almost old enough to be her father), and knows that I have more hair on the backs of my hands than on the top of my head. She never raised my age as an issue. Her company even put up the money to film a teaser. She's pitched the concept to several networks and other buyers and received enthusiastic responses all around. The poo will hit the fan if and when one of those potential buyers wants to meet the series creator and writer. I do have prior credits, but nothing spectacular, so I'm not a wizened veteran of the business. They'll just see me as a bordering-on-old fart.
I found an online supplier of rock star wigs. Is that the answer? Could be appropriate under the circumstances. Maybe a quick course of human growth hormones, like Sylvester Stallone recommends. I am seriously considering hiring an acting student, just like someone else mentioned. And I'm not joking!
The ageism in all entertainment and art fields is such utter bullcrap. I would ask these barely post-pubescent hotshot producers whom they would rather trust on the operating table: the surgeon in his 50s or the one with the trendy haircut fresh out of internship? Why should writing and art be any different?
I found an online supplier of rock star wigs. Is that the answer? Could be appropriate under the circumstances. Maybe a quick course of human growth hormones, like Sylvester Stallone recommends. I am seriously considering hiring an acting student, just like someone else mentioned. And I'm not joking!
The ageism in all entertainment and art fields is such utter bullcrap. I would ask these barely post-pubescent hotshot producers whom they would rather trust on the operating table: the surgeon in his 50s or the one with the trendy haircut fresh out of internship? Why should writing and art be any different?
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2005
- Messages
- 194
- Reaction score
- 10
I couldn't agree with you more! How limiting to think that only people ages 18-29 can produce good material. Give me a break. I understand they're looking for people to continue producing work for a good many years, but this is where it gets even more moronic than it already is. Are we ready for the grave at age 30? 40? 50? Come on.
I think the difference is that most of them are already well established in the business, so for them it doesn't matter their age.
Still, it's kind of funny, isn't it? These screenwriters are productive in their later years, but someone new to the industry with the same age can't possibly be. Mmkay.
Good thread. I would posit that young writers face an unfair competition from older writers - they can't hope to compete with our insight, knowledge, professionalism and emotional maturity. And then I would don a flame retardant suit and run.
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2005
- Messages
- 2,068
- Reaction score
- 130
- Location
- NYC area
- Website
- www.josephcalabrese.com
Yes. There is a glass ceiling for age and no there isn't. Depends on the views of the person sitting on the other side of the desk.
40 is the new thirty and studio execs and producers are not all in thier twenties although it seems that way sometimes.
Right now I am working with two twenty-something producers who care less that their combined ages nearly approaches mine. They love the fact that I can write in an 80's style for this project we're doing now (which really needs to have an 80's style.)
That's my take.
Come back to me when I hit 50. I'll let you know if there is any change.
40 is the new thirty and studio execs and producers are not all in thier twenties although it seems that way sometimes.
Right now I am working with two twenty-something producers who care less that their combined ages nearly approaches mine. They love the fact that I can write in an 80's style for this project we're doing now (which really needs to have an 80's style.)
That's my take.
Come back to me when I hit 50. I'll let you know if there is any change.
Icerose said: I strongly believe that eventually your writing will speak for itself. If it's a head or two above the rest, it will stand out despite the ageism.
Raghu said: Agreed, but how are you going to change the way the industry thinks and behaves?
Icerose said: By putting out writing that knocks them over before they ever learn your age.
Qwerty says: Been there, done that, but it didn’t follow through.
I had agency staff buzzing about my novel, and the editor who worked on it with me was excited about putting it to their screen writing department. Then the agency boss discovered I’m way past forty and pulled the plug.
I’m now signed with a different agent who hasn’t even asked my age, but if I ever have to deal with a publisher . . .
Raghu said: Agreed, but how are you going to change the way the industry thinks and behaves?
Icerose said: By putting out writing that knocks them over before they ever learn your age.
Qwerty says: Been there, done that, but it didn’t follow through.
I had agency staff buzzing about my novel, and the editor who worked on it with me was excited about putting it to their screen writing department. Then the agency boss discovered I’m way past forty and pulled the plug.
I’m now signed with a different agent who hasn’t even asked my age, but if I ever have to deal with a publisher . . .
As qwerty has pointed out, it seems that in this day and age where anyone and everyone even remotely connected to an entertainment-related busienss is a "celebrity", it's as much about the creator's looks as the quality of the product. It's been known in the book business for years that publishers want new authors who look great on the back cover photo. A new male novelist can be older, maybe up to mid-40s, as long as he has a full head of hair and an athletic, rugged look. And I've noticed even serious psychology books written by female authors seem to require a certain amount of cleavage for their cover photos.
Even though studios mostly don't exhibit the scriptwriters, they still like to let slip in the press releases that a movie was written by a trendy young hotshot who was living in his car. makes for better buzz than that a movie was written by a first-time writer aged 53. That dude must have just had some sort of midlife crisis. i.e.: A loser.
It's pretty clear that unless you're a long-time veteran in the business, anyone aged 40 or above has a lot more obstacles in trying to get into publishing, scriptwriting, even comics.
The above is less true outside the USA, but it's creeping in everywhere. Seems all us older folks are good for is being made into soylent green.
Even though studios mostly don't exhibit the scriptwriters, they still like to let slip in the press releases that a movie was written by a trendy young hotshot who was living in his car. makes for better buzz than that a movie was written by a first-time writer aged 53. That dude must have just had some sort of midlife crisis. i.e.: A loser.
It's pretty clear that unless you're a long-time veteran in the business, anyone aged 40 or above has a lot more obstacles in trying to get into publishing, scriptwriting, even comics.
The above is less true outside the USA, but it's creeping in everywhere. Seems all us older folks are good for is being made into soylent green.