Have you ever found yourself stuck in the mid-afternoon slump, staring at your screen as the words begin to blur, struggling to keep your eyes open, or missing a deadline because your energy fizzled out just before the finish line? If you’ve been there, the problem might not be the workload or the coffee — you might just be starting your day wrong. I think its all about your breakfast. Let me explain:
The first hour after you wake up holds a kind of magic. It’s a fresh slate, a moment to set the tone for the rest of the day. Over the years, I’ve picked up insights from filmmakers, writers, directors, and producers about what makes a successful start. Since founding Raindance in 1992, I’ve seen how much a well-planned morning can make or break a creative day. Here are seven essentials for a Filmmaker’s Breakfast that will set you on the path to success.
1. Make a Plan
No one achieves success without a plan. The quiet moments when you first wake up are ideal for reflecting on the day ahead. Before the world floods your brain with distractions, take time to map out what you need to accomplish.
Start by listing your tasks and prioritising them. Identify what’s most important and think about how to use your time effectively. Sure, it won’t always go perfectly—life happens—but having a roadmap increases your odds of staying on course. A plan gives you purpose and clarity, two key ingredients for productivity.
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2. Eat Smart
It’s amazing how often we underestimate the power of a good breakfast. Many people fuel up on sugary pastries or skip breakfast altogether, not realizing that what you eat can make or break your energy levels.
Switching to a healthier breakfast completely changed my life. Three years ago, I ditched dairy and started my mornings with a mix of raw oat flakes, nuts, and fresh fruit. This simple meal provides steady energy throughout the day without the crashes that come from sugar or caffeine. Even science backs the benefits of natural, unprocessed foods.
Another tip: my late mother swore by taking a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water each morning. It sounds odd, but it’s an ancient trick. Roman soldiers drank vinegar for stamina before battle, calling it “Vigor.” That simple habit works wonders for digestion and energy, and it has stood the test of time.
While we’re on the subject of health, let’s acknowledge the obvious. Avoiding substances like nicotine, excessive alcohol, or other unhealthy habits is crucial. You know what your body needs—listen to it.
3. Nurture Your Personal Life
The morning is also the perfect time to connect with the people who matter most. Whether it’s your partner, family, or close friends, even a few minutes of undivided attention can strengthen your relationships. It could be a thoughtful text, a warm smile over breakfast, or a quick phone call to check in.
Why is this important? The people closest to you are your support system. When life gets tough, they’re the ones who will catch you, encourage you, and help you move forward. Investing in these relationships isn’t just about being kind—it’s about creating a foundation of trust and care that will sustain you in your creative pursuits.
4. Exercise for a Healthy Mind and Body
A filmmaker’s job is often mentally and emotionally draining. Taking care of your body is non-negotiable if you want your mind to function at its best. Regular exercise isn’t just about looking good—it’s about staying sharp, reducing stress, and building resilience.
You don’t have to spend hours at the gym. Simple stretching exercises like yoga or Pilates can work wonders for your body. They keep you supple, reduce tension, and help fight the effects of aging. Even a brisk walk in the morning can boost your mood and kickstart your creati
5. Think Creatively
Every day, we’re faced with challenges that can either feel like insurmountable problems or exciting opportunities. The difference lies in how you approach them. Adopting a creative mindset can transform obstacles into chances for growth.
Instead of seeing issues as roadblocks, try reframing them as puzzles to solve. One way to enhance your creative thinking is by strengthening your “Alpha State”—a relaxed yet focused mental state often associated with heightened creativity. Practices like meditation or visualization can help you tap into this powerful mindset, enabling you to approach challenges with clarity and innovation.
6. Seize the Morning
Most of the day’s opportunities tend to emerge before lunchtime. Meetings, decisions, and progress often peak during the morning hours. By the time the afternoon rolls around, people are usually just catching up on admin work or coasting until the evening.
This is why the saying “early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise” still rings true. If you use your mornings wisely, you’ll often find that the most important tasks are completed before noon, freeing up the rest of your day for reflection, creativity, or strategic planning.
7. Mow the Grass First
This piece of advice comes from my grandfather, who had a knack for life lessons. He noticed that my mother, while passionate about planting flower beds and vegetable gardens, often neglected the lawn. One day, he told her, “First you need to mow the grass.” His point? Handle the essentials first, then move on to the extras.
For filmmakers, this is excellent advice. Cover your basic needs—pay the bills, respond to urgent emails, handle the unglamorous but necessary tasks. Once those are out of the way, you’ll have the mental space to focus on your passion projects and creative goals. A well-kept “lawn” earns you respect and credibility, allowing you to build from a strong foundation.
Fade Out
Following these seven principles isn’t always easy, and I’ll admit that I don’t always stick to them myself. But on the days when I do, the difference is profound. My productivity soars, my energy lasts all day, and I feel more connected to the people and projects that matter most.
It all starts with a Filmmaker’s Breakfast—a morning routine designed to fuel your creativity, ground your mind, and set you up for success. Try it for yourself. You might just find that those 3:00 p.m. blahs become a thing of the past.
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Photo Credit: Bertie Watson
I founded Raindance Film Festival in 1993 because the British film industry was closed, polite, and congratulating itself while shutting new filmmakers out.
I co-founded the British Independent Film Awards in 1998 because British indie film deserved more than a shrug, a pat on the head, and a Tuesday night screening.
Raindance didn’t start as a brand. It started as a rebellion: film training without gatekeepers, a festival without permission, and a community built by filmmakers who weren’t waiting to be invited in.
Later, we took it global: Toronto, Vancouver, New York, LA, Berlin, and Brussels, because independent film doesn’t belong to one city, one class, or one accent.
I’ve produced 700+ short films and seven features, including Deadly Virtues (2014) and ALICE, which won the SXSW Grand Jury Prize (2019) not because someone “discovered” us, but because the work earned its place.
I’ve written three books used by filmmakers worldwide because too many courses taught compliance instead of survival.
In 2009, I was awarded a PhD for services to film education, ironic, given that most of my career has been about tearing down the rules that education insisted you follow.
I don’t believe in waiting for permission.I believe in making work, building systems, and forcing the industry to catch up.
Specialties: Independent Film (the real kind) · Producing · Writing · Film Education · Festivals · Breaking Broken Systems
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