A Second Innings In The Entertainment Industry

Trainer, casting director Anita Mithra & actor, and model Kalpana Rao share some entertainment industry tips for newcomers.

Anita Mithra is a marketing consultant, trainer and casting director. She has been using theatre as an effective tool for training and interventions. As a casting director, she has been the starting point for many in the modelling, acting and entertainment industry. 

Here’s a candid chat with Mithra on older people making their space in the entertainment industry.

Are older people getting more visibility in the entertainment industry now, especially ads? Does it make it easier for older adults to step in?

Yes, you will notice that in Indian advertising, dadis and nanis are all in demand now. But it takes a lot of patience and determination to get work. This is because people don't get selected just because they put their good photographs out there. The director has a vision, and the selection is done according to that. If the casting is for a family, for example, then everyone in the 'family' should have a resemblance to each other, and the choice would be based on that. The result must serve the script's interest in the film/ad and not the actor/model, no matter how good the photograph is. As a new entrant, you must keep doing auditions to find that break. So you must put yourself out there and keep trying auditions for various formats (films, ads, shorts) until you find something. 

How do you do these auditions?

The initial auditions are done on your phone by yourself. It requires a little knowledge of how you should shoot yourself, the right lighting and a certain kind of packaging. Aspirants usually do these videos on their own. When shooting videos, you have to do your research and figure it out by trial and error. You need to learn gradually how to deliver in a way that the production agency finds it easy to understand whether you suit the role or not. Those kinds of things require practice and knowledge. Some people have it instinctively but most people need a bit of practice, which comes after a few times.

How do people circulate photos and videos?

Through social media. You can find casting groups on Instagram and Facebook. There are WhatsApp groups you can join. Honestly, I find the best way is to ask people, so if you have a fellow actor, ask them who they're dealing with, and send your profile there. It's a networking exercise.

Is this people can depend on for a second career?

No, you cannot depend on it at all. By and large, I would say 99% treat it as a hobby. It is fun. And occasionally you get some good money too. 

What are the reality checks?

It's a very physically taxing profession if you do it full time. Because your shooting call can start at five in the morning and you sometimes go all night. So you have to be able to travel and stay awake and all that can be quite physically taxing. You have to be able to be prepared for all that.

Having said that, with the increased demand, many people are keen on this field. I’m working with a client, and for a shoot, they asked for six people last year, all older adults. This year the same client has asked for 18 older adults. I have sent them 80 options. The numbers should tell you how many people are available. 

It is important to determine your worth in the market and establish a rate that is not based on your previous experience. If you were a CEO before doesn't mean that you're going to be paid more here. You will be treated as a newcomer. So you have to be aware of the market trend and adapt when it comes to money or long hours. 

Remember that most production houses are poorly equipped to handle children or older people. They treat you like everybody else. So you have to look after yourself. You need to bring your medications along if you’re taking any; if you are diabetic and need to eat on time, carry some food with you. Self-care is very important. You have to be proactive but patient. You need to get used to last-minute requests from production houses. So you will need to adapt to how the industry works.

On an average, what is the money like for a newcomer?

Starting from around Rs 7000 for the day, the money could go up to Rs 25,000 for the day, depending on the shoot, work duration and other factors. 

What is the age group that is more in demand among older adults?

I would say 60 plus because the directors want to see grey hair and lines. So a very well-maintained 56-year-old will not cut it if the role is for a sweet, older grandparent. 

But age is not a bar to an inning in this industry if you have the physical capability. I have somebody in her 80s, and people love her performance. So it depends on the person too.

What are the upsides to a career in the entertainment industry?

You need a lot of patience and determination, but even if you do only one ad in your whole life, that experience is something you will never forget! You will meet a completely new set of people. The experience of being on a set is completely different to anything. 

I would recommend this as a second-inning option, so long as you don't depend on it for your livelihood but as an add-on. Unless, of course, things are different, and you have managed to crack it. I’d say most enjoy the experience and let it be an interesting hobby.

Good to know: Mithra is the force behind The GirlsQuad- A one-minute theatre show featuring 32 women and 48 stories, where Silver Talkies Club members Jayanti, Madhu, Rani, Rema, Shaila, Shakuntala and Vijaya performed along with others. In celebration of women, the play explored senior women and their relationships with the younger women in their lives. Silver Talkies created an opportunity for its members who were interested in acting to participate in the same. To know more about what members can benefit from, click here.

Kalpana Rao, businesswoman turned successful actor, moved to Mumbai to create her successful second innings as an actor and model in her 50s. She had always wanted to be in front of the camera, so her confidence level was always high, and she decided to make the important but unusual move.

Here’s what she had to say:

Networking with people is what helped me find work.

There is no particular right way to approach casting agencies and model coordinators. Google search and scout Instagram and Facebook for casting groups and casting directors. Email or DM them with info about yourself and your pictures. Big names are obviously genuine, but that does not mean others are fake. Trial and error teach a person but do use your judgement.

Few things to remember: First of all, a person needs to have the passion and desire to be in front of the camera. Secondly, it's not a 9-5 schedule. They'll call for a shoot at 4 am and even 9 pm for a full night shift. We often have to wait hours to get called on set, so you must have patience. Use this time to network and learn. 

There are no guarantees; this is one of the most uncertain fields. There are times I have gone through long stretches without getting any shoots. What one is supposed to do is network. It is what gives us the right contacts to get work but again no guarantees; it's a game of patience. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out and put yourself out there. 

Kalpana Rao speaks on her career in the book Rethink Ageing by Silver Talkies co-founders, Reshmi & Nidhi. “If you are focused on something, then work towards it, despite what people say and don’t ever think of age. She now has several ad films and even roles in films with Shah Rukh Khan and Rajinikanth behind her. Find the book here.