ShAARP Session: Observations from AARP

Results tagged “Hollywood” from ShAARP Session

Aug '08 25

Alejandra Owens | 4:14 PM | 0 Comments

A huge age discrimination lawsuit was recently settled (one of 23 to be resolved) over Hollywood talent agency International Creative Management. And the agency is only one of many others who are being sued by screenwriters over 40 who are saying they were "gray-listed" by the TV industry and pushed out of their jobs in preference for younger writers.

This isn't just some typical Hollywood scandal lawsuit; it's apparent that this is a problem within the industry, so much that ICM has also agreed to to develop an panel of experts to examine its representation practices, as well as create a "job relief" program designed to promote the top 25 percent of older TV writers.

Paul Sprenger, lead attorney for the writers, says "What we're trying to do is factor age out of decision-making."

ICM actually hasn't admitted to doing anything wrong, and the $4.5 million in settlement they're paying in one case will come out of insurers, but at least they're taking action with this new panel and program. Some other defendants in this slew of cases are major U.S. networks like ABC and Fox, and huge production companies Walt Disney Co and Warner Bros. We can only wait to see how those pan out.

Jul '08 21

Alejandra Owens | 2:46 PM | 0 Comments

I definitely have movies and Hollywood on the brain (saw Batman this weekend!!). I was perusing our website today and found this great article:

Former Philadelphia cop Patricia Getty is making the most of her retirement years. After more than a quarter of a century on the force, Getty began a second life as an actor. Recently she appeared as Margaret Tutweiler, the director of communications for the George Bush 2000 election team, in the hit HBO film Recount. You can read more about Getty in the AARP Bulletin.

How about you - do you have a dream role you want to pursue in your golden years, or have you already?

Jul '08 21

Alejandra Owens | 2:41 PM | 0 Comments

I won't lie that I'm thrilled Mamma Mia! has gone Hollywood. While some classic theater hits gone to the silver screen may not have worked, I predict that this will be a great film, and I'll tell you why - the cast. Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth? Buy me a ticket.

The best thing about this story is that the majority of main characters are 50+ and in the midst of the drama and heartache. It seems most movies with older main characters these days (which are few and far between) are ones like The Bucket List or Away from Her, which aren't the lightest of movies.

This is not to take away from the power and depth of movies about getting older, but it'll be refreshing to see a movie with older characters finding love again and partying their butts off in the Greek islands - what can get better than that? Check out the trailer below.