A dear friend of mine is stuck in a demanding but well paid job. He has aspirations of succeeding as a filmmaker. As he calls it, his ‘dull and boring day job’ gives him the financial freedom that relieves financial stress. As he tells me every time we meet, ‘I have no time’. Then he says that his entire life he has dreamt of becoming a filmmaker. And then I have to remind him that dreams happen while you are sleeping. The trick is to get good at mastering time.
Amazingly, as we talked, he realised why. His words, not mine: He said he doesn’t think about life enough and never spends much time planning an extraordinary future. He “doesn’t have time,” so I had to teach him the real value of time is learning to manage it and shape it to your own agenda, to activities to become a filmmaker. And as I’ve worked at Raindance since the early 1990’s I have learned some tricks-of-the-trade the hard way.
This conversation echoed a common lament I’ve heard countless times—the elusive nature of time and the struggle to harness it effectively. My friend, a talented yet undiscovered filmmaker, felt trapped in a cycle of routines that left little room for his dreams. The irony was palpable; he aspired to create worlds on screen yet couldn’t find the time to script his own life’s narrative.
The Illusion of Time Scarcity
The phrase “I don’t have time” has become a universal excuse, a shield against the daunting task of chasing our dreams. It’s easier to attribute our unfulfilled desires to the scarcity of time rather than confront the uncomfortable truth about our priorities. My friend’s admission was a pivotal moment; it wasn’t time he lacked but the conscious effort to allocate it toward his passion.
Time is the most democratic of resources. Each of us is granted the same 24 hours a day, yet the outcomes of how we use these hours differ vastly. The difference lies not in the quantity but in the management of this finite resource. Successful individuals have mastered the art of prioritising tasks that align with their long-term goals, a skill that separates them from those who merely drift through life. Bottom line: Mastering time is really what it is all about.
The Power of Intentional Living
The first step to planning an extraordinary future, is to envision it. This requires intentional living—making conscious choices that propel us toward our desired destinations. I shared with my friend the importance of setting clear, achievable goals. Without a roadmap, even the most ambitious dreams remain abstract and unattainable.
We discussed the concept of reverse engineering his goals. Starting with the end in mind—becoming an award-winning filmmaker a Raindance, the Oscars or the BIFA’s. We broke down the steps necessary to reach that pinnacle. This included honing his craft through practice, networking with industry professionals, and creating short films to build a portfolio. By fragmenting the larger goal into manageable tasks, the path forward became less intimidating.
Reclaiming Control Through Time Management
Effective time management is not about squeezing more activities into an already packed schedule but about prioritising tasks that matter. I introduced him to techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix, which categorises tasks based on urgency and importance.
This tool helps in identifying activities that contribute significantly to long-term objectives versus those that are merely time-fillers.
We also explored the Pomodoro Technique, a method that involves working in focused intervals with short breaks in between. This approach can enhance productivity by maintaining high levels of concentration while preventing burnout. By implementing such strategies, he could allocate dedicated time slots for his filmmaking endeavours without overwhelming himself.
Overcoming Mental Barriers
Often, the barrier to effective time management isn’t just logistical but psychological. Procrastination, fear of failure, and perfectionism can paralyze progress. My friend admitted that part of his inaction stemmed from self-doubt—questioning whether his work would be good enough or if he could succeed in a competitive industry.
Addressing these mental hurdles is crucial. I encouraged him to adopt a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities to learn rather than insurmountable obstacles. Embracing imperfection allows for creativity to flow, leading to genuine growth and development.
The Role of Self-Reflection
Self-reflection is a powerful tool in personal development. By regularly assessing one’s actions and their alignment with broader goals, adjustments can be made proactively. I suggested he keep a journal to track his progress, thoughts, and feelings. This practice not only provides clarity but also serves as a motivational record of how far he has come.
Understanding one’s values and motivations is also part of this introspective process. Recognizing why becoming a filmmaker is important to him deepens his commitment to the goal. It’s this intrinsic motivation that fuels perseverance, especially when external validation is lacking.
Building a Supportive Environment
No journey is undertaken alone. Surrounding oneself with supportive individuals can make a significant difference. We discussed networking with like-minded creatives who could offer guidance, collaboration opportunities, and encouragement. Engaging with a community provides accountability and can reignite passion during periods of stagnation.
Additionally, setting boundaries with those who may unintentionally hinder progress is essential. Time spent on unproductive activities or with individuals who don’t support his goals can be redirected toward more fruitful endeavors.
Embracing the Journey
Finally, it’s important to embrace the journey itself, not just the destination. The process of working toward an extraordinary future is filled with lessons, experiences, and personal growth. By finding joy in the small victories and learning from setbacks, the path becomes rewarding in its own right.
We finished our conversation with a renewed sense of purpose. He understood that claiming not to have time was, in essence, relinquishing control over his own life. By taking deliberate steps to manage his time and focus on his passion, he could script the extraordinary future he desired.
A Call to Action
The insights from this dialogue extend beyond my friend to anyone feeling constrained by time. It’s a universal challenge, but also a universal opportunity. By re-evaluating how we perceive and utilize time, we can transform our lives.
Here are practical steps to begin this transformation:
Fade Out
Time is the canvas upon which we paint the story of our lives. By taking ownership of this precious resource, we empower ourselves to craft not just an extraordinary future, but an extraordinary present. My friend’s realisation was the first step in a transformative journey—a journey that any one of us can embark upon. The question is, will you get good at mastering your time? Will you learn to shape it to your agenda, or will you let it slip through your fingers, leaving dreams unfulfilled? Now, there’s the story.
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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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