I’ve been acting on and off since the age of 15, professionally for almost 11 years. So why now? Most people my age have either retired, or are dreaming of the day they can retire and, do what?…travel to exotic locations, go on wine-tasting tours to France, play golf, play tennis, or heck, just read a book or take a nap uninterrupted. Why now? Why jump off a cliff blindfolded (metaphorically speaking) and write a 110+ page screenplay when I know nothing about writing? I’ve never even been disciplined enough to keep a journal regularly (much less exercise regularly – yuck).

Part of it, I’m sure, is because as I grow older I have become more and more sensitive to the ageism present in entertainment. I’m sure it’s always been there – my senses have just become more and more attuned to it. I think back to “As Good As It Gets”. No one blinked an eye when Jack Nicolson (in his 60’s at the time) had a romantic relationship with Helen Hunt (in her 30’s). Now reverse those numbers – ewwww – no one wants to see that! Why? Because somehow, we’ve been brainwashed to believe that men in the 70’s can still be sexy, but women…well, they’re just old and wrinkly.

Women in American film and television (certainly past the age of 50, unless you’re Meryl Streep or another A-lister) are relegated to supporting roles of mother, auntie, grandma, or worse…not cast at all. The UK seems to do a better job of allowing women over the age of 40…gasp…look like women over the age of 40. Especially when it comes to crime dramas. Watch Vera, Unforgotten, and Happy Valley. They all have lead actresses who look like real women – no skin-tight skirts and 6” heels clicking along to fight crime.

We all fit into different boxes. Whatever your age, ethnicity, skin color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical disability or ability, attractiveness (that’s a slippery one), mental disability or ability, weight, and…there are many more. How you’re perceived by others determines the several boxes you fit. And WE check off those boxes for each other. Some of those boxes give you a thumbs up, some a thumbs down. As an actor, the more “thumbs up” boxes you check off, the more likely it is you’ll be given the opportunity to audition, and potentially land a role. And this doesn’t apply just to actors. The more “thumbs up” boxes YOU are perceived to check off determine whether you’ll be successful in any vocation, avocation, relationship, or endeavor you choose.

I’ve never been a “leading lady” type – I’m a character actor, and I know it. It’s rare for a character actor to be given a “lead” role under the best of circumstances, and I’ve realized that at my age, I check very few boxes now. My best chance in the industry is to be cast in a supporting or guest star role as a mother, auntie, grandmother, or nosy neighbor (and I appreciate and look forward to every one of those opportunities). But I’m more than that. I know that even if no one else does.

Kate Warne knew that about herself too. She boldly went where no other woman had gone before. Thousands of women have done (and are doing) what I’m doing, so I’m not under the delusion that I’m doing something special. But it’s special to me. Kate Hugo: Diamond Detective Agent is an opportunity to show that I’m more than the boxes I’ve been put in, and an opportunity to provide that same opportunity to others who find themselves in a similar situation.

I admit this is a MUCH bigger undertaking than I ever imagined when I started writing the screenplay 1-1/2 years ago. But, if I knew then what I know now, I probably would have been too intimidated to start, so I guess it’s a good thing I went into this with the naivety of a child. I’ve never attempted to executive produce anything (that traditionally means raising the capital to fund the project). I’ve offered limited financial support to other independent filmmakers because I love to help people achieve their dreams. But now I’m faced with the “business” side of “show business” and it’s scary. I mean REALLY scary. Creating an LLC, contracts, lawyers, insurance, production accountants, Payroll companies, Producers, schedules, set design, props, locations, finding cast and crew, PAYING cast and crew, FEEDING cast and crew…and don’t forget, I’ve cast myself as the lead character, Kate Hugo. Oh yeah…let’s not forget that one.

So, ladies and gentlemen – that’s the essence of it. Why now? If not now, when? I’m not getting any younger…and I want to show the world (okay, that’s a little grandiose) that you can make a captivating, quality, lucrative film that appeals to the masses with talented actors, producers, and crew that don’t necessarily check the requisite boxes we’ve come to expect. The screenplay has already won some awards – it’s being refined to be even better by the time we start filming in April of this year. Kate Hugo: Diamond Detective Agent is going to be an awesome film.

Why you? Stay tuned.  

With warmest regards, Elizabeth