Late Bloomers Fest: Creating space for storytellers over 50

A conversation about launching Late Bloomers Fest, a film festival built to celebrate creatives over 50 and the stories they want to tell. Clare Pickering, Gary Boulter, and Ali Aitken share why the festival exists, who it’s for, and how it aims to challenge ageism in film and television.

We discuss the realities of making work later in life, the difference between ageism for men and women in the industry, and how the festival is designed to be more than a screening event - it’s also a way to connect filmmakers, cast, and crew.

Key topics

• Clare Pickering explains how the idea began after a Tropfest panel where she asked why support for emerging filmmakers rarely includes people who start later in life
• Late Bloomers Fest is open to creatives over 50, with at least 50% of cast and crew over 50, and stories focused on people over 50
• Submissions opened on 1 July 2026, close on 1 November 2026, and the screening event is planned for 6 December 2026 as a red carpet celebration
• Gary Boulter describes the festival as a response to how rarely mainstream screen stories center people in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond
• Ali Aitken shares that many people feel overlooked after leaving acting and returning later in life, especially outside the traditional drama school route
• The panel discusses how older creatives bring lived experience, organization, and perspective that can’t be taught in film school
• Clare argues that ageism is especially strong for women, noting that auditions and roles often drop sharply after 40
• The group contrasts theatre and screen, suggesting theatre may be more open to older performers than film and television
• The festival is also intended as a networking space, with plans for a community page where filmmakers over 50 can find collaborators, crew, and advice. Join us today at Late Bloomers Fest Cast & Crew

Late Bloomers Fest - Information and Submission

TEXT or VOICEMAIL The Late Bloomer Actor a Question or Comment.

Support the show

Please consider supporting the show by becoming a paid subscriber (you can cancel at any time) by clicking the 'Support' button in your player and you will have the opportunity to be a part of the live recordings prior to release.

And please Rate the show on IMDB.

This episode was recorded on RiversideFM - click the link to join and record.

And I listen to my favourite podcasts on TrueFans. TrueFans is a podcasting marketplace where listeners discover the podcasts they love but only pay the price they want for the value they receive. Download in your Apple or Google playstores.

Check out The Secret Actor Society a community and educational platform to help propel your career forward. Use this link for 40% off your first two payments (after two free trial months.)

I am a huge advocate for and user of WeAudition - an online community for self-taping and auditions. Use the PROMO code: LATEBLOOMER for 25% of your membership.

This episode was recorded LIVE in July 2026 as a special tribute to Season 5 and something different/special.

This episode dives deep into the realities of building an acting career later in life, navigating rejection, leveraging personal experience, and the importance of community and perseverance. We explore how to sustain motivation, make strategic career choices, and find fulfillment regardless of age or stage.

In this episode:

• The value of persistence and continuous learning in acting
• How to handle rejection and stay motivated after initial setbacks
• Strategies for building a showreel without traditional credits
• The significance of treating acting as a business from day one
• Balancing acting with family, habits, and other life commitments
• The impact of personal life experiences on acting authenticity
• The power of community, collaboration, and sharing opportunities
• Practical advice on training, self-taping, and regional filming opportunities
• The importance of embracing your unique story and authenticity
• Lessons learned from industry veterans and guest interviews

Resources & Links:

• Jeff Seymour’s The Real Life Actor
• Les Chantery’s Life in a Midshot
• Dean Carey’s The Acting Edge
• Audrey Helps Actors Podcast
• Self Tape May Challenge

TEXT or VOICEMAIL The Late Bloomer Actor a Question or Comment.

Support the show

Please consider supporting the show by becoming a paid subscriber (you can cancel at any time) by clicking the 'Support' button in your player and you will have the opportunity to be a part of the live recordings prior to release.

And please Rate the show on IMDB.

This episode was recorded on RiversideFM - click the link to join and record.

And I listen to my favourite podcasts on TrueFans. TrueFans is a podcasting marketplace where listeners discover the podcasts they love but only pay the price they want for the value they receive. Download in your Apple or Google playstores.

Check out The Secret Actor Society a community and educational platform to help propel your career forward. Use this link for 40% off your first two payments (after two free trial months.)

I am a huge advocate for and user of WeAudition - an online community for self-taping and auditions. Use the PROMO code: LATEBLOOMER for 25% of your membership.

In this episode, we explore the journey of embracing craft, community, and authenticity in acting — especially as a late bloomer. Greg Poppleton shares his unique story, blending jazz, acting, and lifelong learning, offering practical advice for actors at any stage of their career.

Key topics:

• How diverse life experiences become your greatest acting asset
• The importance of responding versus performing and the value of authenticity
• The role of community and consistent practice in acting growth
• Minimalist self-taping techniques and trusting storytelling over technical perfection
• Transitioning between stage and camera: distinguishing performance from living the character
• Embracing lifelong learning and staying curious regardless of age
• Using small exercises and micro-challenges to stay sharp between gigs
• The significance of technical skills, but prioritizing natural response and ideas
• Why variety in training methods enriches your craft, not limits it
• The power of attitude: showing up prepared, easy to work with, and authentic

Resources & Links:

• Greg Poppleton - The Authentic Jazz Singer
• The Audition Technique
• StageMilk
• Castability
• WeAudition

Connect with Greg Poppleton:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

Final thoughts:

This episode urges late bloomers and seasoned actors alike to stay curious, practice consistently, and remain authentic. Your lifetime of experience is not a hindrance but an asset — a reservoir from which rich, truthful performances flow. Keep learning, keep storytelling, and never stop playing.

TEXT or VOICEMAIL The Late Bloomer Actor a Question or Comment.

Support the show

Please consider supporting the show by becoming a paid subscriber (you can cancel at any time) by clicking the 'Support' button in your player and you will have the opportunity to be a part of the live recordings prior to release.

And please Rate the show on IMDB.

This episode was recorded on RiversideFM - click the link to join and record.

And I listen to my favourite podcasts on TrueFans. TrueFans is a podcasting marketplace where listeners discover the podcasts they love but only pay the price they want for the value they receive. Download in your Apple or Google playstores.

Check out The Secret Actor Society a community and educational platform to help propel your career forward. Use this link for 40% off your first two payments (after two free trial months.)

I am a huge advocate for and user of WeAudition - an online community for self-taping and auditions. Use the PROMO code: LATEBLOOMER for 25% of your membership.