Screenwriting : Age of main characters question. by Sandra Hildreth

I think it could work really well if you explore their past too—maybe with a few scenes from childhood or youth leading up to 65. Just my personal thought, but that could add a lot of depth and make it even more interesting

Sandra, I'm glad you've written a script about four 65-year-old women...and I say: "Go for it! Pitch that script just the way it is!"

And here's to lots of success with the script!

Hi, Sandra Hildreth. I agree with Jim. Pitch your script the way it is. Just target producers, directors, etc. who make this kind of movie.

Sandra Hildreth Hi and welcome to Stage32! I agree with Jim Boston and Maurice Vaughan . Pitch your script the way it is. Target producers, directors, etc. who make these kinds of movies and series. Golden Girls was a huge hit and a global hit. , I'm glad you've written a script about four 65-year-old women...and I say: "Go for it! Pitch that script just the way it is!"

Wow! Thank you all for your responses. I'd hoped this would be the consensus, and it is!

You're welcome, Sandra Hildreth.

I think you should write it the way it makes sense for you, and honestly older protagonists can be way more interesting and fun than younger ones (we all love the little old ladies who don't give a damn anymore lol).

Nonnas on netflix. Grandmothers rejoin the workforce as cooks.

I agree with Banafsheh. Write what feels good to you. If it doesn't work after the first draft then try another way in your next draft. Unless you're writing on a deadline it's okay to take your time and get it right.

Jon, I'll watch this. Thank you!

Hey Sandra Hildreth This is such a smart question, and honestly, your instincts about the aging population might be more commercially astute than you think!

Why 65-year-old protagonists could be perfect timing:

Audience Demographics: The 55+ demographic is one of the most underserved yet economically powerful audiences in entertainment. They have disposable income, attend movies regularly, and are hungry for representation that reflects their experiences. Older audiences aren't doom scrolling on their phones or programmed for streaming as much, which could be to your benefit.

Market Trends: We're seeing increased success with older protagonists - think "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," "Book Club," "80 for Brady." These films proved there's real commercial appetite for stories about people starting new chapters later in life.

Authentic Stakes: 65-year-olds opening a boutique has different, arguably more compelling stakes than fresh graduates. They're potentially risking retirement security, dealing with ageism, proving they're not "past their prime" - that's rich dramatic territory.

The Golden Girls Comparison: Don't fear it - embrace it! That show was beloved for decades and proves the concept works. Your boutique setting and entrepreneurial focus already differentiates your story. From the base level of the premise, it's clear there's a lot of opportunity for clear conflict and tense moments of drama.

Consider this angle: What if their age IS the hook? Maybe they face investors who doubt them, suppliers who underestimate them, or a marketplace that assumes they don't understand modern business. That generational conflict could be your unique selling point in a world of online shopping, drop-shipping, and stunt social media marketing.

The real question: Does changing their age serve your story, or just perceived marketability? Authentic storytelling often trumps demographic calculations.

What specific themes are you exploring about starting over at 65? Those themes might be your strongest selling points.

Pat. All of your points are perfect! I have the base stories down for the pilot and several episodes, and am now "personalizing" everything. This truly helps.

You're welcome, Sandra Hildreth

Don’t change the age of your characters if that’s the heart of your story.

Authenticity always stands out – and audiences want to see diversity on screen, including older protagonists. There are so many vibrant, funny, capable people over 60 who rarely get to see themselves as the heroes of a story.

If you’ve created interesting characters with meaningful arcs, that will resonate regardless of age.

And if you're worried about selling it – remember that shows like Grace and Frankie proved there’s a market for stories centered around older women. Instead of changing your characters, consider making the emotional themes more universal, so people of all ages can connect.

So: don’t reshape your story to fit the market – let the market discover the strength of your unique voice.

Thank you, Mateo! Great comments.

To be honest, I love stories with an older cast. I feel like a lot of people watch movies to gain a different perspective, even if it’s something small like the age of the characters. Honestly, I remember telling my friends we were going to watch 80 for Brady, and I had a wonderful time.

Thank you, Terry!

I love that Sandra Hildreth and I think you are targeting the best average. We need stories with characters in that age. Don’t change.

Awww. Thank you!

There’s absolutely a growing audience for stories centered on older women, especially when it’s done with heart, humor, and authenticity. Age shouldn't be seen as a barrier to marketability. Shows like Grace and Frankie and films like Book Club proved there’s a demand for vibrant, funny, and layered stories about people over 60.

Changing the characters to fresh graduates might shift the entire tone and soul of your story. If your original intention was to highlight the experiences, friendships, and reinvention of older women, lean into that, it could be what makes your script stand out in a youth-obsessed industry.

If anything, maybe tweak the tone or pacing, but not the age, the right producer will appreciate the uniqueness.

Write what you most relate with, the way you can tell the story in a way no one else can. If the characters you created, dreamt, or envisioned already exist within your mental framework and you have sat down and had breakfast, lunch, and dinner with them, why change? No one will be able to tell whatever story that you have gathered them to tell like you.

Smith and Renae, thank you for your comments. They really help.

Everyone else has spoken, but I just want to add that I LOVE this concept and would 100% watch this movie. :)

Erin, thank you. All of these comments have really given me confidence.

Tell the story yo uwant to tell. The "silver dollar" is still a paying audience.

That's a great idea to remake Casablanca — but there's one major issue.

Today’s world is mostly open, and even if you arrive in a city like Istanbul, you don’t really need any special documents to leave it. The stakes are different now. The only places where such restrictions might still apply are countries like Russia, where entry and especially exit are tightly controlled. Maybe also some Islamist regimes or North Korea — but then again, showing love, happiness, or even explaining why characters would choose to go there becomes a creative challenge.

Still, I believe there’s room to imagine a new kind of constraint — one that works in today's geopolitical or even digital reality. It just needs the right context.

The four proprietors would be different characters with different issues and foci if you made them 20-somethings. You would have to re-write what you have now because they would be making different choices and in very different relationships. Develop what you have. Just because they are the ages of the characters in The Golden Girls doesn't mean the tone or the situations would be call-backs to that show (unless you are using those four characters as inspiration). If you still feel your show would be too close, add or subtract from the number of lead characters. That could well change the dynamic enough to avoid comparison. You could also watch episodes of Designing Women (which showed business women in a wider age range) or Frankie and Grace for inspiration in their interactions.

I haven’t read all the comments, so maybe someone already mentioned this — but what if the four main characters were of different ages? A mix of both younger and older women. That way, the story could appeal to a wider audience. Everyone could see a bit of themselves reflected on screen. Plus, it opens up a great opportunity to explore the dynamics and interactions between women from different generations.

Aleksandr. Thank you for your suggestion, but there are children and grandchildren to bring in the age mix and show the different attitudes between the ages and relationships. Their back story depends on the main characters being the same age.

James, the dynamics are completely different in my screenplay vs the Golden Girls. I am truly trying not to have a remake, but a very fresh group of today's time and atmosphere.

There's an audience for everything. Write what you're passionate about and never forget why you write this story.

IMHO, full disclosure I'm 70, I think there is a niche for stories revolving around older characters. You already have this script. See how it goes. There is probably nothing to stop you from also writing a script around 4 fresh graduates starting a business. Then you'll have two scripts to sell. All the best to you.

Sandra, I think you should stick to your original idea and keep it true to the genre. The story is the most important element and if it's good it will attract all ages. Ageism is a real bias in Hollywood and giving in to industry demands deprives you of creative energy and purpose. Hollywood's age bias is childish and meanspirited as a teen who walks into a pizza parlor and says, "I hear you make the best pizza in town, but I'm not going to try it because, well, you're kinda old."

Thank you, Jamie. I appreciate all the comments and am keeping with my original concept.

Robert and Geoffroy - thank you for your comments. I, too, truly believe there is a niche for this age-inspired script and am forging ahead!

If the story is compelling and grabs the reader's attention, then I think a story could be written about individuals of any age. It's all about the story you're puzzle piecing together. Your story is the way you create it and as always keep creating!!!

look up the movie "Nonnas" on Netflix. It topped the charts on mother's day weekend. It has Vince Vaughn and his character risks everything to honor his mother by opening an Italian restaurant with actual grandmothers as the chefs. Stick with your idea! You can pitch Netflix exes or producers by using that film as a comp. :)

Thank you, David! I will certainly take your advice!

At last! Someone telling a story with human and socially imposed vulnerabilities centre stage. Nice one Sandra. I hope you can get past the restricted streamers, those subscriptions are the first to go when income is unstable, well they are here in the UK, and instead I hope to be watching this on the big screen soon, snuggled down with a pefect drink and popcorn at the ready.

Best of luck.