I get asked all the time, “Why haven’t I made it yet?” and of course the answer can vary, person to person … **But** at foundation level, it’s basically down to wanting something enough in order to do whatever it takes. It’s as simple – and as difficult! – as that. Here’s Glyn with some realisations of his own … If you like his post, make sure you check out his Kickstarter and/or share it on your social media profiles. Over to you, Glyn!

1. I didn’t write enough

I wrote quite a bit. Five feature scripts, 12 shorts, half a novel. Nothing to be ashamed of, what with the job and the family and the myriad distractions life offers. But… I didn’t write that killer piece that wowed the right person. I don’t know which piece it is, but it’s still in my head. I don’t know which person, but without material, I go naked into the filmic world.

To paraphrase Alec Baldwin in Glengarry Glen Ross: … always be writing! MORE: How Do I Become A Professional Scriptwriter?

2. I didn’t make my own films enough

Having realised that for whatever reason, no-one was rushing to turn my Courier 12-point into pixels, I decided to make one or two films myself. But a short film every two years did nothing: I didn’t build on the steep learning curve, I didn’t improve my film-making skills, I didn’t have product to boast of, and, on reflection, they were vanity projects, not part of a strategy. It wasn’t that I shouldn’t have done them. I should have done more.

Back to Alec: … always be filming! MORE: 10 Lessons Of A Microbudget Movie

3. I wasn’t talented enough

Well, look. Who knows how talented they are? Who doesn’t have self-doubt? Who wants to be the arrogant shit who appears to have no self-doubt? What I try to remember is that 90% of all film work is about craft, and craft can be learned. It has to be learned on a basic foundation of talent, for sure, but I do have that basis. Don’t we all? If not, we probably wouldn’t be passionate enough to care in the first place.

You know what’s coming: … always be learning! MORE: Talent is the Tip of The Iceberg

4. I didn’t network enough

It’s no good having the screenplays and the films if no-one’s reading or watching them. And you don’t learn doodly squat from books. We need other people, because in the film world, no-one can open doors alone. We need other people to learn from, to get work, to find collaborators, to find investors. Networking is how we are recognised. Not being in London is a disadvantage, but with social media, London isn’t essential (look at Lucy).

All together now: … always be networking! MORE: 4 Indispensable Social Media Platforms For Writers 

5. I didn’t want it enough

You know, I thought I did. But to get ahead of the people who are getting ahead, you have to be single minded and blinkered. You not only have to want it, you have to behave as if you want it. You have to be not just focussed but obsessive. You have to make sacrifices. I left the day job to do this full-time. I put up my life savings, such as they are. That’s how much I want it.

Once more with feeling: … always be hungry! (that was me, not Alec). MORE: Why You Need Self Belief And A “Can Do” Attitude

Thanks Glyn!!

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BIO: Glyn Carter recently set up Stories into Light as a film production company. The first short film being made is a romcom called A CHANGED MAN and SiL is trying to raise £2,500 through crowdfunding. This will ensure cast and crew can be paid, and create high-quality short film. Please check out the Kickstarter campaign and share it on your social media profiles.