Screenwriting : Tough getting old by Gary Rose

I think that movie producers and executives are trying to catch the dollar of the young crowd whether it’s 2023 or 1973, I don’t think that ever changes. But what people never admit to is there are always always exceptions. Maybe nine out of 10 people aren’t looking for what you have written, but somebody out there is. Didn’t Harrison Ford just have that into the wild movie, the movie with the dog? I feel like that falls in the same category and that movie was very successful considering the budget, and critically acclaimed. I’m sure if I look around there is other stuff that has been recently released that falls within that category. There was another posting on here about a World War II script, and it got a lot of responses so there are definitely people who are looking for new material even in those kind of niche genres. I say keep writing what you like to write

Thanks, William. That is everyone's hope, that someone will fall in love with a script that others passed on.

Dan, he wasn't making the point about the age of the actors. His point is that most films aimed at Baby Boomers go to steaming networks. Maverick was banking on the success of Top Gun. As Speilberg pointed out, Maverick saved Hollywood, which, in the last two years has lost $500 billion dollars in each year.

Characteristic 18-29 30-44 45-54 55-64 65+

Animated 77% 78% 76% 67% 56%

Live-action 70% 77% 76% 71% 73%

Drama 76% 83% 73% 91% 91%

Thriller/mystery 82% 84% 85% 83% 86%

Horror 68% 66% 53% 55% 30%

Sci-fi 73% 69% 76% 68% 61%

Fantasy 76% 73% 73% 68% 62%

Action 87% 91% 90% 88% 84%

Adventure 89% 89% 90% 92% 89%

Comedy 91% 93% 90% 89% 87%

Romantic comedy 68% 76% 79% 78% 77%

Romance 63% 75% 70% 67% 69%

Crime 80% 84% 82% 82% 81%

Gary: I think Hollywood, the land of extended childhood and anxiety about aging, makes movies for the 21-35 age group because it is into virtue signaling and risk aversion. (Otherwise known as adolescent creative cowardice) Theater attendance has decreased across the board because tickets are too expensive for what movies have to offer, also known as drivel. .... don't tell me people who play hours of video games are waiting with baited breath for the next installment of Harry Potter Falls for the Vampire Chick. Yes, younger people will go see the latest installment of "woke girl saves the world" because that's all they're offered, but not for much longer, as the streaming services are doing the same thing. I can get thousands of movies on my streaming services, and I wind up saying, water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink ---most of the stuff on streaming is woke garbage as well. I read log lines here that would make for great stories and they will never be made because Hollywood demands gate keepers to keep the club exclusive even as their Titanic sinks.

Agreed. Thanks Jenean

Gary Rose I don't entirely agree with your producer friend. The industry has ALWAYS geared toward young adults as the film industry rose with the creation of "teenagers" in the mid-20th century, yes, that was the baby boomer generation, but Hollywood quickly switched to Gen X when they came of age and I don't see how that's changed. Also there are producers specifically looking for projects for older audiences (some of those movies you listed weren't for older audiences, they were for families - Remember The Titans especially). I would say look up these producers, like Amy Baer at Landline (who also has done webcasts here on Stage 32 and is a judge on the RomCom Contest).

If you're talking about a decline in mid-budget adult films (which is everyone 22+), then yes, the industry talks all the time about how the demand is there but little content (Knives Out and EEAAO tapped into this). But I disagree that there isn't content for an entire generation when there are producers who are actively seeking it

I am 44 years old. I have no problem choosing movies. I will say that on the contrary, there are few young people in the main roles in blockbusters.

The 'Four Quadrants' that a film production company looks at when considering your script are very clear. When writing your story/script, you have to consider WHAT audience you are going for, and whether that 'quadrant' is your market. Of course, if you can write a story/script that has all FOUR - then you are onto something. In every project I have considered, I have always tried to be in all Four - but, I know that isn't always possible. You have to first 'write for yourself' - right?

very true @james!

Thanks Emily, obviously you are a person of great intelligence, beauty and grace.

Yep. Makes sense. I have to drive many suburbs to find particular films, like “Good Liar”. That was an hour drive for me.

I know I am going to sound like a dickhead. But this is. business. We don’t have a right to have our films made. If we cannot find an audience for our work, then the love of the art will have to be enough.

Good reply, Craig. Yep, 'love of the art' goes a long way, and along the way getting paid for some of us is just a perk. Meanwhile, keep your day job and pray a lot.

I don't bother with that as I'm a "hired gun" last few months I did a script where a guy had her relative raped over drug deal gone bad and now imma write children's series on explaining filmmaking...you want me do army jets, fine, wanna do vampires, fine too, wanna do romantic dramedy, no problem sir...I made this far in any industry I've been involved cause I do it all...QA? fine, floor management, I'm on it, you name it, it's done...

If you're not me then horror is best place to start any time be it you're zoomer, millenniaoomer or (what the hell is) baby boomer...