Hollywood’s Graylist: Writers and Ageism : THE WRITERS : Some Friendly Advice

T imes staff writer Nina J. Easton’s article on ageism and writers in film and television (“Hey, Babes! How Old Is Too Old for Hollywood?,” Nov. 17) has produced an usually large response from readers. A sampling of their views appears here and on the facing page: This reminds me of a script I wrote a couple of years ago. I took it to an agent at a medium-size agency, a guy, well, maybe 52 or 53. When he finally read it and called me, he said, “It’s terrific--but what a pity you’re not some young kid straight out of AFI. Then I could sell it in a minute.”

I couldn’t bite my tongue at that stinger and answered back: “And isn’t it a pity you’re not one of those 25-year-old hotshot agents over at CAA or ICM.”

After being dropped by William Morris some years ago, I managed to sell several scripts to studios. But in recent years the wall has been impenetrable. Instead of disappearing, I decided to write, produce and direct low-budget, independent features.

I think older writers should pursue this direction--painful as it will be. The Catch-22 is that you must find the money--or the deal--and work for low-end money and deferreds and points that you will very rarely ever see. But at least go screaming and kicking into the good night!

NORMAN THADDEUS VANE

West Hollywood