What training and/or education have you found most useful in progressing your career?

''Not much. I went on Arista, which was inspiring and fun if bordering on a literary JonesTown. I recommend Robert McKee's STORY book as it makes you appreciate structure.''

In your experience, what are the best ways of promoting and marketing your skills?

''Don't work in isolation. Get to know producers, directors and other writers at the same level as yourself, knock ideas about and get a couple of short films made as they serve as calling cards for other work. Also, approach all the film companies for meetings - don't assume you're rubbish and out of their league - most scripts and treatments they receive are rubbish and the stuff you come up with can't be as bad as ninety percent of the garbage they receive (this is what they tell me anyway).

Above all, try and get an agent - send them some sample work - could be a couple of short scripts or half a first draft of a feature, then track them down if you've not heard from them in a month. Spend all your spare time writing treatments (short story versions of the intended script - no longer than ten pages) and fire them out to all and sundry as often as possible. Always find out the name of the relevant person at whichever company - and be aware that these people change jobs every six months or so, so keep up to date with media musical chairs.''

What advice would you give to someone whose career needed a kick-start?

''The main thing is not to get depressed which, as a writer, is a very easy trap as you're stuck on your own staring at a blank page. So get out and collide with people - pester directors, producers, companies etc for meetings.''

How do you make sure that you keep up with current developments in your field?

''Read Screen International (I don't but I know I should) - badger the UK Film Council and keep tabs on who's who in all the production companies - also, film festivals are invaluable for meeting other people in the same job and seeing what's getting funded.''