Creating Space for Writers of a Certain Age

It’s a tale as old as time – ageism in Hollywood. There is some irony in that as the industry seems to be incredibly disjointed from these storytellers that have been working hard to perfect their craft for decades, and most likely could write any youngster under the table. They’ve lived life. They’ve had experiences. They’ve seen some stuff. And they’re the ones to tell their stories.

The Grey List was created by writer and filmmaker Brad Johnson, who saw an opportunity to uplift his fellow scribes who have stories worth telling. Recently, we spoke with a handful of writers who were selected to showcase their work on The Grey List about the importance of this platform, why their stories matter, and advice for those thinking about submitting to The Grey List.

Elizabeth Ditty

Having grown up on Disney and DAYS OF OUR LIVES, Elizabeth Ditty fell for rule-bending escapism and fairytale love stories early on. Now, she writes stories across genres about earnest characters struggling through coming-of-middle-age crises and finding romance along the way. Elizabeth is based in Kansas City, where she’s raising two rule-bending children of her own.

What was it about The Grey List that intrigued you to submit? If recommended by industry pro, the significance of that nomination?

I was incredibly honored to be nominated for The Grey List. We write stories to both feel seen and show others they’re seen, so whenever anyone connects with one of my scripts, it’s a true joy. And certainly, having had someone like my silly little horror comedy enough to nominate it for a fabulous thing like The Grey List is a huge compliment.

Why is it important to have a platform like The Grey List that highlights writers over the age of forty?

Writers over 40 have lived, you know? There’s a lot to be said for the exuberance of youth, but there’s a special wisdom that comes with having lived through several decades that lends itself so well to telling stories that really connect with what it is to move through this world. The Grey List not only acknowledges that but celebrates it.

Putting an end to ageism in the industry. Why your stories matter and your point of view/voice matters?

Humans have a grand tradition of passing down stories from generation to generation, and it’s vital not to lose that. Collectively, the more we’re willing to share with and listen to one another, the more we can learn from one another — and the better our chances of continuing the trajectory of humanity toward progress. That’s why diverse stories from all kinds of people matter.

Any success stories or writing career trajectory since having joined The Grey List? Can you tell us about the script/pilot you submitted?

My horror comedy, THAT BITCH, is a story about three coworkers from three different generations (Gen X, elder millennial, and Gen Z) who are kidnapped by their toxic boss and have to troubleshoot their way to escape before she feeds them to her demon-possessed corgi. It’s the only thing I’ve ever written that was inspired by my old day job, and while it was incredibly cathartic to write it, I’m glad to say I never had a boss quite that bad. In truth, it’s really a love letter to the coworkers who keep you sane when you’re going through the kinds of crazy shenanigans Corporate America is famous for.

Advice for writers over forty who are considering submitting (maybe doubting their abilities, unsure of the outcome, etc) to The Grey List?

There’s nothing wrong with writing only for yourself. If you’re just writing to exorcise some personal demons, then that is absolutely OK. But if you ever want to experience the joy of having someone connect with your story, of finding your audience, of seeing people champion your work because it spoke to something true about life — you’ve got to put your work out there. And The Grey List is a great place to start.

Thuc Doan Nguyen

Thuc Doan Nguyen was born in Vietnam and was a child boat person refugee. She grew up in the American South and has lived in London, NYC and Los Angeles. She studied screenwriting at UCLA-Extension and has worked as a producers’ and writers’ assistant for both Warner Brothers and Jerry Bruckheimer Television.

What was it about The Grey List that intrigued you to submit? If recommended by industry pro, the significance of that nomination?

Life really starts at 40. Before 40, there have been so many trials and tribulations. It's nice to look back and reflect and write about them, being older and wiser.

Why is it important to have a platform like The Grey List that highlights writers over the age of forty?

Hollywood thinks women over 40 don't exist and it's high time we show that we do and that our stories matter.

Putting an end to ageism in the industry. Why your stories matter and your point of view/voice matters?

I have met very few people who are refugee women over the age of 40 of my ethnic group in life- especially ones who speak both Vietnamese and English and understand the Vietnamese and American cultures. Hollywood has always gotten it wrong about people like me. We are a vanishing breed, so I feel it's important that I share my stories from my POV and lived experience, which is extremely rare in the world.

Any success stories or writing career trajectory since having joined The Grey List? Can you tell us about the script/pilot you submitted?

I did punch-up work on The Lost City for Paramount Pictures. The lead star of that movie is a woman over 40 actress, playing a woman over 40 character - Sandra Bullock as Loretta Sage. Her last name really says it all.

Advice for writers over forty who are considering submitting (maybe doubting their abilities, unsure of the outcome, etc) to The Grey List?

All you can do is try. Writers over 40 have a good a chance as anyone else. There is no time like the now.

Eric Anderson

Eric Anderson is a writer/producer and one of the founders of Corn Bred Films which has released two films – OTHER PLANS (rom-com) and LOVE UNDER FIRE (documentary). He is also currently developing ORIOLE PARK (The Grey List 2023), a coming-of-age thriller set against the Gacy murders, and JUNE, a resurrection horror film with producer Sonny Mallhi (THE STRANGERS).

What was it about The Grey List that intrigued you to submit? If recommended by industry pro, the significance of that nomination?

All exposure is good exposure, and it’s even better when you’re also supporting an idea that you believe in. Ageism is an antiquated notion that needs to go away. 

Why is it important to have a platform like The Grey List that highlights writers over the age of forty?

Because ageism is an antiquated notion that needs to go away. It’s exciting seeing the way that barriers in society that have been challenged in the last few years. The most successful movie of the last year was written and directed by a (supremely talented) woman. “Parasite” won best picture. “Reservation Dogs” had three glorious seasons. What I mean is, stories that weren’t getting told and people who weren’t given the chance to tell them are now getting their chance. And I think opening more doors for creatives of different age groups is just an extension of that.

Putting an end to ageism in the industry. Why your stories matter and your point of view/voice matters?

I think that while audiences love the roller coaster rides of event films, there’s a hunger for interesting new takes, new voices, new ideas. And while people often associate “new” with “young,” I don’t think that’s always the case. Writers with more life experiences and less f***s to give are often more willing to throw caution to the wind and follow whatever muse is speaking to them, and I find that exhilarating.

As a writer of darker tales, most of the stories that are thrilling me lately are from “creatives of a certain age” like Jennifer Reeder (Perpetrator), Toby Poser (Where the Devil Roams), Mike Flanagan (Fall of the House of Usher), Demián Rugna (When Evil Lurks), and others who are really pushing at boundaries in their storytelling.

Any success stories or writing career trajectory since having joined The Grey List? Can you tell us about the script/pilot you submitted?

My co-writer Amelia Dellos (who is also my wife) and I were on The Grey List last year for “Oriole Park,” which is a long-gestating project about growing up in John Wayne Gacy’s neighborhood in the months leading up to his arrest. That project has a director attached and it opened the door to getting reads for this year’s Grey List project, “June.” Where “Oriole Park” is a coming-of-age thriller, “June” is a horror movie inspired by the anxiety of watching your child grow into an adult and realizing that you can no longer protect them from the world.

The story is about a father who is riddled with guilt and grief after the death of his teenage daughter, who is told that if he makes a certain sacrifice, his daughter will come back. It treads familiar ground (Pet Semetary, Monkey's Paw, etc.), but in an interesting/new way and there are emotional undercurrents you don’t find in a lot of horror movies.

So right now, I’m working with a producer to find the right partners to get both projects produced in the near future.

Advice for writers over forty who are considering submitting (maybe doubting their abilities, unsure of the outcome, etc) to The Grey List?

Clearly, your time is running out, so you’d better get over yourself and get your stories out there! I’m obviously half kidding, but if you’ve finished a screenplay -- no matter your age -- that’s a major accomplishment and you should showcase it whenever and wherever you can. The idea is to get noticed, get read, and (hopefully) get produced. So anything that brings eyes to you work is a good thing.

Emily Asplan

Emily is a working-class writer from the Midlands in the UK. The first person in her family to go to university, her drive has brought her to America where she has secured, not just her green card, but representation and numerous competition wins and placements. Emily loves to write dark dramas with complex, messy, working-class women at the helm.

What was it about The Grey List that intrigued you to submit? If recommended by industry pro, the significance of that nomination?

While the industry is doing a better job at elevating underrepresented demographics, it’s disheartening that ageism isn’t one of the “isms” considered. There are many opportunities for “new voices” but so often they’re combined with a mandatory younger age bracket. I love that The Grey List specifically exists to serve this demographic.

Why is it important to have a platform like The Grey List that highlights writers over the age of forty?

My journey as a writer has been heavily shaped by my working-class roots. We never had much money, so ensuring that I had a steady-well-paid job to put food on the table was a priority. I was socialized to believe that becoming a writer was frivolous and reserved for the bourgeois who could afford it. It takes years not only to create the economic stability to be materially able to take a risk like pursuing writing as a career, but to surpass the psychological barrier that says you don’t belong here, in this space.

For me this meant that it took until my early thirties to not only have the means, but the self-belief that this was something I could be “allowed” to pursue. By highlighting writers over forty, you’re also highlighting writers that have often come from more challenging, fraught backgrounds. And more often than not, that will result in more unique and brilliant stories!

Putting an end to ageism in the industry. Why your stories matter and your point of view/voice matters?

Giving the opportunity to every age group matters - in every aspect of the arts. Each age group has a different perspective on life. Age should be irrelevant in art.

Any success stories or writing career trajectory since having joined The Grey List? Can you tell us about the script/pilot you submitted?

Based on the real-life story of Diamond Alice and her Victorian gang of female jewel thieves, the Forty Elephants. Set in 1850, when the Met police were brand new and women had no rights, Alice and her diverse gang of women fight for survival in this brutal gangster drama that asks what it means to be a criminal in an unfair, unequal world.

Advice for writers over forty who are considering submitting (maybe doubting their abilities, unsure of the outcome, etc) to The Grey List?

Switch off that inner critic and do it. Brilliant writing stands out, and reps, pro-cos, and studios won’t care how old you are. They’ll just care that the writing is good, so keep plugging away and just be the best, most authentic writer you can be.

Leah Simmons

Leah Simmons is a horror and sci-fi writer based out of South Dakota. Her roller derby thriller feature, VALENTINE CRUSH, has received over a dozen awards including Best Feature, Audience Award, and Best Original Soundtrack.

What was it about The Grey List that intrigued you to submit? If recommended by industry pro, the significance of that nomination?

I heard about it in the inaugural year and thought it was such a brilliant way to spotlight a talented pool of writers that are often overlooked. Aside from that, I really enjoyed that it was a peer-nominated process. No one appreciated the hard work that writers put in like other writers, so to be able to recognize, celebrate, and spotlight that hard work within our little community is a real gift.

Why is it important to have a platform like The Grey List that highlights writers over the age of forty?

There are so many lists that celebrate the accomplishments of young people, but very few that champion the other end of the spectrum. It’s also important to not overlook the sense of community that a platform like The Grey List provides. Writing can be a lonely pursuit, and knowing that you have people like you working hard to improve and chase their writing dreams is inspirational.

Putting an end to ageism in the industry. Why your stories matter and your point of view/voice matters?

I think the most powerful stories are the ones that draw on lived experiences. This isn’t to say that young writers don’t have incredible experiences to share in their stories, they are just often overrepresented in popular media. Making space for those stories and writers is crucial to represent the wider human experience.

Any success stories or writing career trajectory since having joined The Grey List? Can you tell us about the script/pilot you submitted?

Since this is my first year on the list, I don’t have any success stories to share as a result of my inclusion (just yet!), but I was thrilled to learn that my sci-fi pilot 3LLA was selected for this year’s Grey List.

The script idea began with the thought of what a CINDERELLA story would look like in a GHOST IN THE SHELL universe. In the pilot, a grief-stricken scientist downloads her deceased daughter’s consciousness into an android body of her own design. Though the procedure is a success, the daughter has no memories of her previous life or notion that she is not human. The idyllic life the mother tries to make for her new daughter comes to a halt when her former employer discovers what she’s done, and the profitable potential behind such a “device.”

The story explores far beyond the question of when a machine is considered “human”, but goes a step further to ask how it is that we define our own humanity? In a world of unimaginable cruelty, does the definition of our humanity matter?

Advice for writers over forty who are considering submitting (maybe doubting their abilities, unsure of the outcome, etc) to The Grey List?

It’s important to remember that the world needs your story. The life you’ve lived has given you incredible insight and perspective into the world that should be shared. Forget the naysayers and that little voice in your head that’s always making you doubt your abilities, someone out there is ready to love your story.

And though it’s a cliché, you can’t win if you don’t play. If you missed out on this year’s submission period, NOW is the time to start working, polishing, and planning to submit for next year. 

Kay Tuxford

Kay Tuxford is a fearless bisexual, in a 10-year-plus throuple, who writes angry, smart women who are distrustful of society (for good reason) – but, of course, need connection with their fellow human beings to make this world worthwhile. Kay is the writer of THE MISEDUCATION OF BINDU, EP’d by the Duplass Brothers and currently on Peacock TV and Tubi. She is a 2x Nicholl Semi-Finalist, a Script Pipeline TV Winner, a WIF x Black List Episodic Lab Semi-Finalist, and a TV pilot she once wrote earned her a handshake from Ari Emanuel in an elevator.

What was it about The Grey List that intrigued you to submit? If recommended by industry pro, the significance of that nomination?

My friend Rob made the list last year for his project and I saw that the spotlight helped him get read and shine a spotlight on his brand/voice. He encouraged me to apply this year and even though I’m pretty loathe to enter contests and all of that hullabaloo in general, I liked the aspect of being nominated by people who read and enjoyed my script on their own time rather than a tired reader slogging through a pile on a tight deadline. Also, I felt The Grey List was particularly appropriate for my project, Hotel Story, which stars an over 40 female lead in a romantic role. Though that’s not a requirement for Grey List, I know there’s a lot of talented older actresses looking for something to sink their teeth into.

Why is it important to have a platform like The Grey List that highlights writers over the age of forty?

For me, now a woman over 40, if you looked at media and our society, I might as well be dead or someone’s grandma by now. As far as my writing ability is concerned, however, I’m the strongest I’ve ever been. I started out as a script reader and have read thousands of professional and amateur scripts, I’ve put in my 10,000 hours writing, I placed in the Nicholl, I won contests, I’ve had projects filmed, I’ve been hired to fix scripts, and I now teach Feature and Short Screenwriting Workshops at my alma mater, Chapman University. I’ve been living and breathing story for the past 18 years now and every day is one day more of honing my craft. You’d think that type of experience would be exciting- I find it exciting, which is why I’m here, doing it. Yet, ageism has been a problem in this industry where we have these seasoned, well-trained older writers who suddenly are seen as obsolete and past their prime.

If I were to don a conspiracy hat, I think part of the reason agism exists is we’ve been in the industry long time to spot bull&%@& a mile away. We’re not as manipulatable or ready to sign any agreement tossed our way like it’s candy. We’ve been here a while, we’ve seen some things, maybe even fell for doing stuff like doing free work when we were younger, but now we have boundaries, we have self-respect. That scares people who need to feel powerful. But I feel it’s people I wouldn’t be missing out on anyway.

Anyway, sorry for the tangent, I’m allowed to be grumpy in my old age. The Grey List goes back to what we all came here for in the first place: a good story. You can put the rest of the industry politics and cliquishness aside and just cleanse our palettes and remember, at the end of the day, we’re all here because we want to tell stories. And The Grey List highlights good stories first and the older (and often quite experienced) writers who write them.

Putting an end to ageism in the industry. Why your stories matter and your point of view/voice matters?

Putting an end to any type of discrimination means breaking a cycle and to break a cycle, you must step out of complacency and what has been done before. And because, at the end of the day, Hollywood is fiscally conservative, it’s not enough to yell at the industry in hopes that will make everyone do the right thing—they’ll hang their heads in shame all the way to the bank. What we need to do is show older writers are treasures and the stories they are telling, the ones Hollywood might be sleeping on, are big fat hits they’re missing out on. FOMO works wonders. Shame, not so much. We need a few brave production companies to get the ball rolling. Just like Blumhouse did with horror, and A24 did with their brand of lower-budget offbeat films.

I’m not here to tell anyone my stories matter, because taste is subjective, and we all watch movies for different reasons. I will say the reason I fell in love with movies is because the best ones made me feel something. And in this tiny little life on this spec of dirt in the solar system, movies can take me anywhere, be anyone, feel just about anything for a while. And that collective feeling of connection with each other is good for us as a humanity. It breeds understanding and empathy. And while you all reading this might not be a middle-aged queer woman in a poly throuple with 3 kids and 4 cats, while you read my scripts you are just for a little while as I tell you a little story I know… or dreamed up.

Any success stories or writing career trajectory since having joined The Grey List? Can you tell us about the script/pilot you submitted?

This is my first year being a part of the Grey List, so I don’t know what the future holds just yet. I’m hoping more people read and enjoy Hotel Story and it builds excitement for my low-budget/microbudget brand. I have an indie film heart at the end of the day, and I especially like writing things that can get made by a handful of excited passionate people. In my experience, a handful of passionate people are capable of practically anything.

My project, Hotel Story, is the only project of mine that came to me in a dream. It was a stress dream, of course, as I had been producing some short projects during the pandemic. I dreamed we had a location we had access to that was about to be torn down and we only had a week to shoot and there was no script. The location was a lovely Art Deco hotel in Los Angeles—and I had to pitch a scene for each room I was being escorted through during a tour of the hotel. By the end of the tour, I had gotten the greenlight. In the dream, the pitch was about a woman in her 40s who desperately wanted to get pregnant because she thinks the stall in having children has wounded her marriage, so she hired a young man to meet her at her hotel while away at a business conference to impregnate her and hopefully save her marriage. And, well, that still is the plot of Hotel Story, now fully actualized. I don’t recommend expecting all your stories come to you fully formed in a dream, but I have always been grateful my REM cycling brain gave me this freebie.

Advice for writers over forty who are considering submitting (maybe doubting their abilities, unsure of the outcome, etc) to The Grey List?

Absolutely submit. Having a career in the business is a lot like being like a tree—you have to put your branches in every direction because there’s no telling where the sunlight might hit. If it gets one person excited about your voice and your writing, then it’s everything. There were a few women over who advised me not be a part of the Grey List because it would advertise my age and could be a possible deterrent—which I am sympathetic to because this is not an easy business as a woman. But for me, as a woman, queer person, and now someone over 40, I’ve come to the point (and maybe finally had enough therapy) that I realize I can’t please everyone and I’m the best artist I can be when I’m my most authentic self. So far all it has given me is positivity, light, and gotten other people I’ve talked to hopeful that their work is worth seeing as well. If I were a writer out there considering applying, I’d give it a shot all over again. Writers need to let their stories out and that’s what The Grey List is here for. 

Aaron Isaac Vasquez

Austin-born and now Portland-based, Aaron Isaac Vasquez is a writer and director specializing in thriller and horror stories with a dramatic twist – often featuring strong Latina and Latino leads. His diverse portfolio of short films and screenplays showcase his dedication to captivating storytelling and contributing to the film community with a unique perspective.

What was it about The Grey List that intrigued you to submit? If recommended by industry pro, the significance of that nomination?

I think it's great that there are still opportunities for our stories to be seen and heard even after we've passed what the industry considers our prime..

Why is it important to have a platform like The Grey List that highlights writers over the age of forty?

Life happens and things take up our time a little more when we get older but having a list for over 40 is a great encouragement to older writers who maybe even have just started out and it gives hope.

Putting an end to ageism in the industry. Why your stories matter and your point of view/voice matters?

As we age, it becomes even more important to highlight the stories of those who are older. Older writers bring with them a wealth of life experiences that add depth to their storytelling

Any success stories or writing career trajectory since having joined The Grey List? Can you tell us about the script/pilot you submitted?

Being among the selected writers has fueled the fire within me to pursue my career as a writer and director with even more passion.

Advice for writers over forty who are considering submitting (maybe doubting their abilities.

You never know what you can achieve unless you try. It's never too late to be discovered and share your stories with the world. Personally, I love screenwriting because I can keep doing it until I'm very old. Keep going. It’s never too late!

To learn more about The Grey List and upcoming submission dates, click here.