Ageism in Hollywood and how to break in as a writer over 40.
Unfortunately, ageism in Hollywood is definitely real. The many lawsuits and payouts over the years are proof of the fact that the industry views more mature writers a little differently from those in their 20s and 30s.
For some reason, the general theory goes that if a writer hasn’t produced anything of quality by the time they reach, say, 45, they’re unlikely to… ever.
Yes, this thinking is as silly as it sounds, but it’s all part of the uphill struggle many aspiring writers face when trying to break in, and so deserves to be addressed.
But here’s the good news: age discrimination in Hollywood is often not the determining factor in whether a writer over 40 breaks in or not…
The determining factor is much more likely to be the writer themselves.
In this post, we’re going to show you the top five actions you can take right now to combat ageism in Hollywood. So let’s jump on in.
1. Focus on your strengths as an “older” writer.
If you’ve been writing for a number of years, ask yourself if you’re a better writer now than you were ten years ago. Chances are, you’re a much better writer now than you were then and therefore much better positioned to break in.
Could a 25-year-old have written Marriage Story or The Irishman? Possibly, but it’s highly unlikely. Write down what you bring to the table as a more mature writer: your experience, life skills, writing craft, personal confidence, and so on.
Yes, a writer in his or her 20s may be better positioned to write a sitcom starring a bunch of millennials or a high school coming-of-age movie. But so what? You’re probably better positioned to write practically everything else.
What’s your life story? What makes you unique among all the thousands of writers out there trying to break in? Write it down and turn a negative—your lack of youth—into a positive—your experience.
2. Ask yourself if you’re using age as an excuse.
Have you ever written a script and feared that if you sent it out you would be told, “Sorry, it’s a fantastic script but you’re too old”?
Just like the protagonist in 90 percent of movies, your biggest enemy might be yourself. Make sure you are not using the “Hollywood is ageist” line as an excuse to not give it a proper shot.
Don’t let the fear of rejection hold you back. If you’re over 40 and think that you’re too old to become a writer, then that could well turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Take the exact same steps to break in now as if you were still in your 20s (within reason, of course). Stick to a strict writing schedule, move to Los Angeles if possible, network, etc.
If you have the drive, the means, the writing chops, put in the work and remove an even bigger obstacle than ageism in Hollywood itself: fear.
3. Write feature scripts instead of TV scripts.
Yes, ageism in Hollywood exist in both movies and TV. But it’s probably worse in the television market than the feature market. There are some practical reasons for this, however, that you should be aware of.
TV writers’ rooms work long anti-social hours. If you have a husband/wife and kids, you may find it harder to convince an executive that you’ll be able to put in the hours and cope with the pressures.
The shows have a quicker turnaround than movies, as do the TV creative executives themselves. Consequently, the television industry tends to go for younger writers who, the theory goes, can keep up with the pace and demands of the work.
Now, we’re not saying you should simply give up if your goal is to break into TV market. Older writers do it all the time. But they all have one thing in common: a crazy work ethic that matches or even exceeds their younger peers.
4. Remain “young at heart.”
If you’re still holding on to the idea that you can crank out scripts at home, send them out and not really have to interact with anyone in person, you can eject it from your mind right now.
While it’s true an exec or producer often can’t tell how old a writer is just from reading their script, the problem of ageism in Hollywood can arise once they meet said writer in person.
So if you’re an “older writer” and go into a meeting complaining about having climbed a few stairs, you’re more likely to be perceived as an “older writer. If you keep steering the conversation back to the 1980s and struggle to get out of your seat at the end of the meeting, you’re more likely to be perceived as an “older writer.”
In other words, you want to work on your image and make sure you come across as “young at heart” as you can. Both in appearance and outlook. Many older aspiring writers like to adopt a “take me or leave me” attitude, but they do so at their peril.
5. Get inspired by other creatives who broke in “late.”
We tend to think that everything vital and enduring is (and has been) created by the young. After all, Orson Welles was only 26 when he directed, co-wrote and acted in Citizen Kane. Brian Wilson was only 24 when he recorded Pet Sounds. And Steve Jobs was only 22 when he achieved wealth and fame with Apple.
But in reality, these are the exceptions to the rule. The majority of people who “make it” in their chosen pursuits (apart from in sports or other physically demanding activities) usually do so at a much more leisurely pace.
Here are just a few of the many writers, actors and creatives who did just that and hearing about their story may just help ease some of your angst about ageism in Hollywood:
• David Seidler was 51 before he got his first movie script produced, and 73 before he hit the big time with his screenplay for The King’s Speech.
• Annie Proulx of Brokeback Mountain fame was 57 before she published her first novel.
• David Webb Peoples toiled away for many years as a film editor while writing scripts on the side, before, aged 42, he was hired to co-write Bladerunner.
• Ron Bass was a lawyer for 17 years before having his first movie made from an adaptation of his novel aged 43.
• Raymond Chandler was 51 before his first novel, The Big Sleep was published having only turned to writing after his career as an oil executive hit the skids during the Great Depression.
To read more about other high achievers who broke in later in life, check out the book Late Bloomers by Brendan Gill.
Ageism in Hollywood: conclusion.
Yes, screenwriting is maybe slightly harder to break in to when you’re over 40. But it’s hard for people under 40 too. Ultimately, what’s more important than anything is your talent, determination and marketing strategy.
What’s the point of being a 25-year-old screenwriter if your writing sucks or you’re impossible to work with? If you’re over 40 but talented, hard-working and easy to get along with, your age won’t matter as much as you might think.
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Are you concerned about ageism in Hollywood hampering your chances of becoming a writer? Have you had direct experience of age discrimination in Hollywood? What do you think of our strategies to combat it? We’d love to hear your comments in the section below!
Enjoyed this post? Read more about how to break into Hollywood…
How to Become a Screenwriter: A Pro’s Guide to Unlocking Your Career
5 Proven Paths to a Screenwriter Career That Will Motivate You Today
How to Pitch a Movie Idea and Sell Your Script With Style
[Photo credits: Unsplash, Wikimedia]
As a viewer, I welcome the older perspective. The things I care about do not seem to get the air time they used to. This has translated for me into money I don’t spend at the movie theater. This may seem insignificant. But as a movie goer for 40 years, my 10.-20. not spent per week and on holidays adds up. In addition, more moral messages are being woven into the shows I watch in places where they are not necessary to the story. Some older writers are doing this. But not in such great numbers as younger writers tend to do. If anything, I am an age-ist when it comes to writing what you don’t know because you can. Mark Twain, Ray Bradbury….they all say write what YOU know!
Thanks for your comment, Kathy. We agree and best of luck with your writing!
As the older( over 50) crowd is now increasing as a large demographic of streaming viewership, Hollywood needs older writers to fill this void especially as we turn to more period set programs . Having existed in the 60s, 70s, 80s or 1990s adds life to the programs. It can’t be faked
Good point, Dave!
I feel as if ageism may never completely disappear, just as we’ll always have war and poverty with us. This doesn’t mean, however, that we should give up. Never! We won’t ever be any younger than we are today, so I would say to live your life, write your scripts, and don’t worry about fools who choose youth over experience. As was mentioned by several screenwriters here, the quality of much coming out of Hollywood is not that good–and you will find, among those scripts, that the majority were written by the young. I believe if you write something good, endearing and meaningful, you stand a much greater chance of it being produced. Do your best and rest easy in that.
Wonderful words, Stephanie – all the best with your writing 🙂
I was recently told by a development executive that wouldn’t read me because I’m over 40. They looked at my IMDb profile and saw my age, and said that aren’t willing to read anything from someone my age, and only want scripts from writers in their 20’s and early 30’s.
Thanks for sharing, Ed. That’s tough – would be interested to hear if that was that for a TV or feature script.
Great article and addresses a harsh reality in a positive and inspiring way. Thank you!
Glad you liked it. thanks Rich!
I’m gonna get my daughter who’s young and attractive to front up to any 1:1 meetings while I pen kick-ass scripts drawing on a life-time’s experience in the background. Let’s hope she reads them carefully.
Good Information. Thanks.
Maybe Hollywood should look at writers who are over 40, 50, 60 because what’s coming out of Hollywood these days is not very pretty. I’ll keep writing.
Yep, keep at it Rosa – wishing you all the best of luck with your writing!
Just wow. I am still encouraged as an way over 40 writer. Its not over till both the fat and skinny ladies sing! These days they are sitting around at home drinking herb tea
Go for it, Ms. P! Glad you enjoyed the article 🙂
It’s all about the story and the script and how well its pulled together. I’m over 40 but inspired by all of this new information to get this happening. Thanks
Fantastic – thanks, Jeff!
The best piece of advice I’ve found, is to use the same rules on your writer’s resume, as you would a job resume and GET RID OF ALL THE DATES. If they need to know, they can ask. The only thing I put a date on, is when I place or win a contest.
Great advice – thanks, Karen!
Living in a world that more than not looks for reasons to exclude people rather than include them is a flimsy excuse at best for not pursuing a dream by any (appropriate) means necessary.
Is screenwriting a vocation for everyone? No. Anymore than trapeze artist or firefighter. One thing that (hopefully) any older writer has found is their own voice.
Is it always a voice that people want to read? Or see? Or hear? Not necessarily
Sometimes, we have to seek the path to our own dreams. And, that is one thing that I can bring to the table.
I have been on that path long enough to know that hard work, adaptability and skills will always bring me closer.
Keep up the good work folks.
You are still among the most helpful and informative group of people working in the “break in” Industry when it comes to screenwriting.
Thanks so much for the feedback and comments, DL. It’s definitely true that screenwriting’s not for everyone, but there’s nothing to stop you giving it a shot it is.
Delligence, Confident and double effort can break any limits
Well said – thanks, Orji!
I don’t reveal my age or past work history, so I’m sure ‘ageism’ isn’t a factor with me. Not yet anyway… I have used SRP’s list of agents/managers-accepting-new-clients. I’ve used your suggestions for writing query letters as well as modifications of my own. I use a combination of calls and emails – sort of a one-two punch. To date, no one has returned a phone call or responded to an email. I’ve also talked to a human twice. Both said they only accepted submissions from other agents. Oddly, I’m not that disappointed. I knew going in this wouldn’t be easy. Last note… SRP might want to update the above list. There’s a few that have moved, changed phone numbers, or don’t really take unsolicited material.
Thanks for the feedback, Glen. It’s hard to keep on top of the changing worlds of managers but we’ll try and get to it soon. Cheers!
I am 77 years young, and don’t give a damn about this “ageism” crap. Moreover, I don’t, for one minute, think I have to move to California/Hollywood just to “network” to improve my chances. The Midwest, and East Coast, have outlets just as usable if not better. I have a huge background in life’s experiences for which I am applying the writing background techniques I have learned and use for writing a screen play. . I am writing a screenplay for the challenge and fun of writing one. For me it is terrific therapy to keep busy for something I can produce and see come to life. Makes me feel useful each day. -30-
THAT’S the attitude – best of luck with the script!
Being over forty is an advantage. Younger people haven’t lived. They have over half their life ahead of them. As you become older, you have so much more experience.
More mature in thought. Readier to accept advice. See the point of view of others.
I’ll still be writing when they incinerate me. Look for my message on the coffin lid: “Let me out. It’s too bloody hot in here.” And if you don’t agree, I’ll haunt you.
Agree, Speaking from experience, ageism exists in many creative industries.
For example, advertising in much worse. Creative Writers or Art Directors over 40, the agencies see them as old 4 football players. Experience is not a skill anymore. Also, if you’re younger companies can pay much less.
It’s a shame yes, but at least once you join the WGA the rates are the same.
* ageism….proofreading is key (but not to ageism)… lol
It can be spelt both ways and we went with “ageism” as it’s more searched for on Google 🙂
I don’t find agism a negative. You have to have a young mind to keep up. Know the lingo, catchphrases, take gender off the page. When someone reads your script, do they ask how old you are before they read? No. Your age is on the page unless you are writing a period piece.
* ageism….proofreading is key (but not to ageism)… lol
It can be spelt both ways and we went with “ageism” as it’s more searched for on Google 🙂
That’s good advice right there, thanks.
WHY DO YOU HAVE TO TELL THEM YOUR AGE IN THE FIRST PLACE?
You’re right, you don’t.
Thank you for addressing this issue. I often wondered about being an “older” writer and how it would affect me. I haven’t been a writer my whole life and got started at 50 now 57. I once asked Linda Seger if there is ageism and she promptly came back with yes. In fact, some hire a younger person to pitch for them. I can say I would never do that. My writing will speak for itself even if I am walking a bit slower than the 20-year-old with the hoodie. Tough to break in anywhere really especially starting a whole new career but I am going to consider it a big adventure! Thanks again and please write more encouraging us who have lots of experience in life and deserve a respectful break.
That’s the right attitude, Carrie – thanks for sharing!
How bout “write a great.script”?
True, thanks David.
Write a good story. That’s the answer to ageism.
Yep, that’s the way forward.
Ageism is rampant across industries. Welcome to the gig econ.
True, thanks for the comment, Emjay.