Society has taught us that the path to success is getting an early head start at a young age. It was ingrained in us that we must follow a precise path to become somebody at a certain age. This kind of mindset has unconsciously killed a lot of our hopes and dreams more than anything because we think we’ve become failures if we haven’t reached our goals at a time when we’re expected to.
If you’re pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, this imaginary ticking time bomb in our mind gets louder as we age, making us believe that we’ll never make it if we’re passed our prime years. For those aiming to establish their own entertainment firm at any age, leveraging the best online LLC formation service can be a strategic move to ensure your business starts on firm legal ground. However, the reality is that age is just a number and we can be who we want to be at any age and point in our lives. Whether you’re a child actor or someone in their 20s, 50s, or 70s, there will always be available opportunities right up your alley. Let’s explore some of the ways you can follow in order to find your place in the entertainment industry later in life.
Paving Your Own Path
Pursuing a career in film and TV is not for the faint of heart. Entering this territory means that you are opening yourself into a life of uncertainty, rejections, and challenges. This competitive industry is designed to make it difficult for people to break into and there’s no guarantee that you ever will. Regardless of what part of the industry you’re looking to enter – as an actor, producer, cinematographer, critic, or anything in-between. (There are convenient websites for those looking for a career as a film critic.)
However, the upside of it is that there is no rule book that dictates that one must reach a certain age to make it big in the show business. Most renowned people who now work in entertainment have gone through a career change in their late 20s or 30s and there are some who have found success in their late 50s. Some notable names who have found success later in life include Stan Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Alan Rickman, Harrison Ford, J.K. Rowling, Viola Davis, Oprah, and the list goes on.
Oftentimes, starting a career in entertainment later in life puts you at an advantage
Oftentimes, starting a career in entertainment later in life puts you at an advantage because you are already equipped with the necessary professional skills and life experiences that will help you excel in your role. Bringing your knowledge, wisdom, work ethic, and network from your previous work experiences will enable you to bring something new to the table, which will almost always get you ahead in the game.
For aspiring actors, there is a notion that starting young in the industry is the only way to make it. Although, most young actors do not realize the fact that opportunities are greatly diminished because they are actually competing with hundreds and thousands of people in the same age group. On the other hand, older actors oftentimes have more opportunities because their group tends to be smaller and less competitive.
If you just made the jump into the industry, it may be a daunting undertaking in the beginning, considering the uphill battle you have to climb and endure. However, there are simple and effective steps you can take to help you better navigate the system.
Learn the Craft
First and foremost, you need to learn the craft. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, director, producer, or writer, learning the basics will get you a long way. Some people would go to film school, take short courses, or utilize free resources online. By knowing how the industry works, who the key players are, what the process involves, and how your role or position impacts the entire system, you will be equipped with the necessary tools to create an effective strategy that will lead you in the right direction.
Networking is Key
While your talent and knowledge are powerful foundations, your network is ultimately your best asset and armor to help you succeed in your career. In the entertainment industry, we live by the old adage “it’s not what you know but who you know,” and the people you surround yourself with will make all the difference. Nowadays, connecting with important people in the industry is as simple as a click of a button. You can simply reach out via email, LinkedIn, or other social media platforms.
Knowing people in the industry is crucial because they can give you insider knowledge as well as opportunities that are undisclosed to the public. If you live in Los Angeles, you should take advantage of networking events and parties as much as possible. The people you meet in these places will eventually become the next studio executive or key player in the industry, and you want to be the person they remember when they have an opportunity to give.
Utilize Social Media
Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube are influential tools that can do wonders to your career, especially when you’re starting later in life. Today, you can easily share your work and get discovered by people in the industry through these platforms. In fact, industry executives are strategically looking for talent or creatives who are making a name for themselves online.
Some people use these platforms as their creative portfolio to show what they can do and bring to the table. Create videos, short films, monologues, tutorials, etc. that highlight your capabilities in the field or role you’re trying to break into. This is definitely a clever way to showcase yourself and get people’s attention without going through the politics of working your way from the ground up at a studio or production company. Next thing you know, industry professionals will come swarming in to give you the opportunity of a lifetime.
Don’t Limit Yourself
In reality, anything is possible if you stop putting limitations on yourself and your capabilities. The key is focusing on your craft and putting yourself out there no matter which phase or stage you are in life. As long as you have the energy, commitment, ambition, patience, and grit, you will become successful in any endeavor you pursue. Artists and creatives do not simply pursue a career in entertainment solely for the fame and fortune, most go into this to fulfill a higher purpose to inspire and empower others through the art they create.
So, it ever too late to pursue a career in entertainment? Never.
