Is it possible to become a producer/director at my age (Late 30s) ? If so, whats a good career route (UK) ?

Question

I'm a science (not arts) graduate and have a lot of project management experience, and have always wanted to be involved in tv, film or theatre production/directon, but never really knew how to about it - - I'm now in my late thirties and have the chance for a career change....if its feasable !. Can anyone give me any advice as to what kind of studies or work might lead to this, or point me at some good places to get info ?

Answer 1

Start by looking for a local theater group. Most will take anyone who walks in the door. They may make you work (or act) in a show or two first, but they are a good place to learn, and then get to do either producing or directing.

Try to get a spot assisting the current director for a show, so you can see what all is included. Then volunteer to be "stage manager". The producers and directors work up to opening night, and then turn the show over to the stage manager. They will train you HOW to run a show.

Once you have that under your belt, audition to produce a show. As a project manager you have all the qualifications to do that. The producers do very little with the actors (beyond helping to audition them). They are responsible for finding people for all the back stage and support positions, including the director.

Watch, learn , take notes, and ask questions of the director(s). They can show you the job. After two or three shows you should be ready to try it yourself.

You get to learn and gain experience, and it is free. Some local theaters even pay the producers and directors (but usually a token amount only.) But if you are like me, you are in it for the thrill and the learning, not the money. That comes in time.

Have been in local theater for 30 years and have watched more than one producer, director and actor go on to "bigger" things.

Answer 2

Of course it's possible!

Your life is what you make it. Take a chance (perhaps your only one?!) and follow your dreams! How exciting!

I have completed a Certificate IV in screen and am now at university studying media production.
I live in Australia - so I can't really help you out with different learning facilities sorry - however I just happened to stumble across my first course searching the Internet. Trust me, you'll find what you're looking for if you look hard enough.

If you don't wish to go back to school (although I highly advise it!) why not try and find some independent film makers? - Offer your services free of charge, let them know your keen to learn and will help out where ever it's needed. Always be enthusiastic! At least this way you will get some hands-on experience and can discover whether it's something you REALLY want to pursue or not (before you end up spending big bucks...eek!)

Don't let age be a lame excuse to hold you back either! The oldest person in my class at film school was 50 (she was also the only other female in my class). Like me, she had hardly touched a video camera and was a complete beginner. She, like you...simple craved a career change...and what she got, was a life change. What an inspiration!

I might only be 22 years old, but hey - life ain't over...'till it's over, baby! You only get one shot at it...so, Go Hard!

Good luck and Best Wishes!!!

Answer 3

Becoming a producer/director is all about giving your heart and life to it. I have been in love with movies my entire life and i perused it no matter what people told me or what happened to me. I feel all people have to make sacrifices to become what they truly want to become. I am only 19 years old, but because i have pushed the limits of what people said was possible and used negativity as fire to strive further I am now about to produce my first TV show at 19 and it will be premiering this fall. I have never had any family connections to the industry so i started from the bottom.
Its possible for anyone so if you want to make the leap!! and its a big leap!! and you are willing to take the risk go for it because anyone can if they have an ounce of talent in them. its all bout drive. Im sorry it sounds like im blowing smoke but I feel that if i can do it, than any person who wants to do it can.
Read a book called The Alchemists it will change you and guide you.

But my best tip would be to find something that makes you love directing and producing and use that... FOR me it was that i always felt i saw the world as a more beautiful place than most people and i wanted to share it with them.