How old is too old?
All my life I’ve been fascinated with the process of movie making. Throughout my twenties I focused on acting (workshops, plays, student films, local commercials, etc) but never found much enjoyment or satisfaction. I’m now 32 and just starting my college education and wondering what road to go down (writing, producing, etc). I guess my question to you is have you seen many 30-somethings start later in life and manage to be taken seriously in our unfortunately youth obsessed culture?
–Dave
You read so many stories about young people storming the film world that it’s easy to think that no one successful was born before 1970. The truth is, most of the movies you see were written, directed and produced by people in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. The reason why 19-year old wunderkinds are so fascinating is because they are so rare.
I started working in Hollywood when I was 22, ten years ago. I’m a better writer now than I was then, partly through experience in the industry, and partly through the simple passage of time. As you experience more of life, you simply have more to write about, and a better understanding of the subtleties of the world.
Will you have a tougher time starting out in your 30’s, rather than your 20’s? Maybe. But starting a career in film is difficult at any age, so if it’s 15% more difficult, I can’t imagine that would deter you. Yes, Hollywood can be youth-obsessed, but it’s also a meritocracy at a certain point. People don’t care where you come from as long as you can do the job well.
Looking back, I think the only real advantage I had with youth is that I was willing to be poor. Since I came straight out of college, it didn’t really bother me to eat spaghetti five nights a week, to sleep on the floor rather than a bed, or drive a rusted-out Honda. If I had been better established in life, with a comfortable job and a distaste for ramen noodles, it might have been hard to give those things up.
Articles
March 15th, 2005 at 9:10 pm
Hello, my name is Veronica and I am 13 years old. I have been writing most of my life, but most recently thought of writing for movies. I think it is because a good movie leaves me breathless, inspired, and ready to try it for myself.
Before I would write poetry, songs, and anything that could come to mind. I can for sure see myself writing screenplay, and it is something I am very serious about. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
March 16th, 2005 at 11:28 am
Veronica, you’re very young so if I was you I’d get a great head start by watching films and reading. Read comic books, produced screenplays, a screenwriting basics book and watch films. Soak it up so it becomes second nature to you. Learn all you can about dramatic writing and story telling and you’ll be on your way to a great future in films. Good luck.
March 16th, 2005 at 1:58 pm
Any 13 year old who can identify her emotional reaction to films so succinctly and beauifuly is well on their way.
Mark makes a good point regarding education, which I find a distasteful word for something that can be so enjoyable and fullfilling in terms of film. Becoming inspired seems more appropriate.
The only I might add is to in every era as well. So many today are obsessed with the modern that we dismiss the beauty and richness of what’s come before. It wasn’t until my father died that I started trying to know him better through the music of his life. That’s when I discovered incredible musicians like Thelonious Monk, Hank Williams Sr., Benny Goodman, etc. I realized then how important it is for me to know history rather than focus on being cutting edge. After all, good stories are timeless and based on human emotions that are tmeless as well. People still go to see the star-crossed lovers of Romeo and Juliet, and even adapt new works on it, though it was written over 400 years ago. Take it in. Appreciate it .
A few of my personal favorites, if you need a start. are the works of D.W. Griffiths, Murnau, Charlie Chaplain, Buster Keaton (Johnny Depp’s inspiration for his performance Benny & Joon), Frank Capra, Elia Kazan, Arthur Penn (Little Big Man — one of my favorites), Peter Bogdanovich (Paper Moon), Norman Jewison — the list goes on (yes, it even includes modern work). But the point is, find what moves you and understand why. My favorites may not be yours. But find the stories you like. Discover.
Also, listen to music in every form and every age too. A good story has rhythm, fast, slow, loud and quiet, just like music. Rhythm is for me an indispensible tool.
On a personal note, I came from a place where artistic aspirations were something you’re supposed grow out of. I never did and I never will. You just have to keep believing. The film world needs writers. There’s no reason one can’t be you. And from your two short paragraphs, I believe it will be. Stay strong. Believe. Tell good stories.
Doug
March 17th, 2005 at 10:51 am
*The only I might add is to [explore work from ] every era as well
One of my larger typos. Dang-it-all. I yearn for the day web forums support automatic spell and grammar checks.
March 17th, 2005 at 10:52 am
** The only [thing} I might add is to explore work from every era as well.
See?
March 17th, 2005 at 10:13 pm
Thank you, I will keep that all in mind.
Veronica.
July 18th, 2005 at 1:13 pm
Thanks John, you made my day. There are many distractions fighting in the trenches and age can be one of them.
JDC
July 19th, 2006 at 7:56 pm
William Goldman is how old….