As income inequality in the U.S. skyrockets, a new narrative emerges. A generation of intelligent women who once chose to step away from their careers are now eager to re-enter the workforce. In this climate, showrunner Max Greene is revitalizing himself by adapting Pamela Redmond Satran’s novel, “Younger.” This series features Broadway star Daisy Reed as Lila, a single mother in her 40s, struggling to find employment. With encouragement from her friend Claire (played by Mia Long), Lila embarks on a journey to reinvent herself, pretending to be 26 to land a job as an assistant in a publishing house.
I recently met with Greene on the set of “Younger” in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with the skyline of Manhattan serving as a stunning backdrop. We discussed his new show, which is set to debut on TV Land this January.
Younger
Get More: Younger Official TV Show Website
Your work often reflects the cultural moment. Why is this series timely?
Greene: I first stumbled upon the book “Younger” several years ago and was drawn to its premise: a woman who has spent over a decade raising her children now finds herself irrelevant and unqualified in the job market. While I appreciated the concept back then, it didn’t feel like the right moment to bring it to life. Fast forward to today, and the generational gap is more pronounced than ever. The skills of the 20-something crowd often overshadow those of people in their 40s, particularly in areas like social media. They grasp the essence of disruption in a way that older generations may struggle to understand.
For a woman in her 40s to need to disguise herself as a younger version to secure a job resonates with many, especially as she navigates the unfamiliar waters of a youth-driven workplace.
Do you find yourself needing to catch up in the realm of social media?
Greene: Absolutely. Crafting this show has allowed me to explore these challenges personally. It’s crucial for a writer to connect with the story they’re telling, and through this process, I’m learning alongside our main character.
Are you active on platforms like Facebook and Twitter?
Greene: No, I don’t engage with any social media platforms.
Do you feel at a disadvantage without them?
Greene: Not really. I’ve tried using Facebook, but it didn’t capture my interest. I prefer to express myself through my shows rather than tweet daily updates. It might simply be a generational difference for me.
Given the show’s focus on social media, do you see it as a new level playing field for younger generations?
Greene: Definitely. Social media gives 20-somethings a platform to make their voices heard in ways that weren’t possible before.
Let’s discuss Daisy Reed for a moment. It’s an uncommon choice to transition a Broadway actress to television. What made her the right fit for this role?
Greene: I’ve admired her work for years. I first saw her in “Modern Millie,” which was a breakthrough role for her. She has this innate ability to evoke empathy from the audience while making her character’s experiences feel authentic. Although her character is 40, Daisy can convincingly portray a 26-year-old, which was paramount in casting. The success of this show hinged on finding the right actress for this role.
How long did the casting process take? Was Daisy always in your thoughts?
Greene: She was on my initial shortlist. The challenge was convincing the network of her suitability since they weren’t as familiar with her talent. She is a recognized name in certain circles, yet many audiences don’t know her, which I find advantageous. This way, viewers won’t have preconceived notions about her age.
Would someone like Sarah Jessica Parker, with her established character Carrie, face challenges in today’s publishing landscape?
Greene: Carrie is already a writer, so I doubt she’s struggling to get published. However, I believe many women, including those who share Carrie’s traits, are attempting to reinvent themselves in a competitive industry.
Having a robust career in television, do you see parallels between yourself and Lila’s character?
Greene: I do. The struggle to remain relevant in any profession resonates with me. In television, as long as you continue to produce work, opportunities will arise. The real issue occurs when someone takes a lengthy break, which can be detrimental in this industry.
However, this phenomenon often affects women more than men, as they are more likely to take time off for family responsibilities. I anticipate many mothers will find Lila’s journey relatable, particularly in her fight to re-enter the workforce.
What advice would you offer to these women?
Greene: I empathize with your challenges. You possess the same intelligence and capability as your male counterparts, yet society often judges you based on age and employment gaps.
As we step into 2024, how would you define our current culture?
Greene: Oh, that’s a tall order. Defining culture is complex. It involves creating work that resonates in the present, which can only truly be assessed in hindsight.
Your body of work serves as a cultural timeline, capturing the essence of various eras. How do you tap into these intangible elements?
Greene: I strive to tell stories that reflect my lived experiences and the times we inhabit.
Regarding Lila’s character, she accepts a job that pays significantly less than what she could earn in her 40s, likely around $28,000. Her choice is driven by a desire for self-worth. While it’s unethical for her to lie about her age, audiences may sympathize with her motives, believing she’s making a compromise to reclaim her place in the world.
Will viewers discover Lila’s true age, or will it remain a secret akin to the Snuffleupagus on Sesame Street?
Greene: That’s something you’ll have to keep watching to find out!
This article was originally published on April 1, 2015.
Summary:
In the interview with Max Greene, the creator of “Younger,” we delve into themes of ageism in the workplace, the challenges faced by women re-entering the job market after a hiatus, and the relevance of social media today. The series, featuring Daisy Reed as Lila, aims to resonate with audiences experiencing similar struggles, highlighting the personal and professional hurdles many face. Greene’s insights reveal the importance of staying relevant in an ever-evolving landscape, while also portraying a relatable journey through humor and authenticity.
Keyphrase: Midlife vs Millennials in the Workplace
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