At the National Screen Institute, we’re blessed to see firsthand the difference training makes in the lives of storytellers. On our website throughout December we’re sharing impact stories from many of our talented alumni who’ve told us how NSI training transformed their lives and careers.

Today’s featured alumna is writer/director Molly McGlynn who, in 2014, made Given Your History through NSI Drama Prize with producer Laura Perlmutter.

Molly is an award-winning writer and director of film and television based in Los Angeles and Toronto. Her short films have screened at dozens of film festivals and won multiple awards. Her first feature film, Mary Goes Round, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2017. She directed all 10 episodes of the award-winning, International Emmy-nominated short form series How To Buy a Baby. Television credits include Workin’ Moms (Netflix/CBC), Little Dog (CBC), Bad Blood (Netflix), Speechless (ABC) and Grownish (Freeform).

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How did your training through NSI help you get to the place you’re at in your career today?

NSI was one of the first major steps to launching my career. I really needed the support of something or someone to say that they believe in me. Thankfully, they did!

What was most memorable or helpful about NSI training?

The people I met. I’m still very close to many of the other filmmakers [from my year]. Additionally, having the time and space to explore your creative ideas in a nonjudgmental, supportive environment was a very special experience.

Did you make enduring connections with peers and industry folks?

Yes! Making meaningful connections with other filmmakers is crucial. These relationships become your lifeline when the industry inevitably gets tough.

Have you continued to work with any of those people?

Not directly as I moved to LA, but would in a heartbeat when I’m back in Canada.

What advice or encouragement would you give a prospective applicant considering NSI programs?

Don’t consider; just do. And do again and again and again. That being said, have someone copy edit your application and get feedback on your script. You always want to make the best first impression because, even if you don’t get in, you will likely be remembered.

What has your career trajectory looked like between when you completed training and now?

I continued on to the Canadian Film Centre (CFC), made a feature film (Mary Goes Round), started directing television and moved to LA last year.

I’m currently a producing director on ABC/Hulu’s Bless This Mess created by Liz Meriwether and Lake Bell.

I’m also trying to get the ball rolling on a second feature, and pitching my own television series. Not a lot of downtime, but trying to roll with it with as much humour and grace as I can.

What was the most transformative part of your learning experience?

The biggest thing I’ve learned in the past few years is that you can never get too comfortable. Once you think you know something or you get into a groove, everything changes and you need to re-calibrate. The ability to be flexible and resilient is crucial. Also, if you don’t take time to take care of yourself and your spirit, you will crash and it won’t be pretty. Boundaries are your friend.

Where can people find out more about your work online?

My website or Twitter.