ARE MATURE TALENT AT A DISADVANTAGE?

LAURIE

What is the number one thing that is an instant 'no' when sorting through mature male talent?

SEAN

I'm going address this question in GENERAL as opposed to specifically MALE talent.

To answer the question, the one thing that I would decline a mature talent over, based on their application email, would be a lack of understanding of the industry. I need to know that they can hold their own in the industry alongside the younger talent on the books, and most of the time they can.

It's a new industry and just like any new industry, you've got to learn the ins and outs of how the business of it works. Talent of any age who doesn't know the business side can be quite frustrating for any rep. Learn what makes a good headshot, what the tools you have to work with, what's your best marketing materials and have a sense of self evaluation and KNOW where your abilities are at - and be realistic about them. The good thing is, mature talent usually have this ability down to the tee!

I find that, if anything, mature talent are at an advantage in this industry because they've lived a life. All the life experience they've gained allows them a larger toolbox to draw upon during their performance. Also I find they are at peace with not landing EVERY audition but will look forward to the next one as they know there will always be another opportunity.

I also find that talent, no matter how old they are, are generally still insecure about their abilities however when it comes to life, they're confident so I invite mature talent to bring that confidence with them into the audition room and classroom and apply that to their abilities as they usually don't have to do much to convince the audience of their truth.

CHECKLIST:

- Mature talent are at an advantage due to life experience.

- Mature talent have a larger pool to draw upon.

- Mature talent "don't care" as much.

- Mature talent understand that it can take time.

Want to connect with Laurie? Here's where you can go - http://www.imdb.com/name/nm8827552/

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