How does a Film-maker, "make it" in life?

This has always been a very complex topic in my mind, the more I seem to think about it, the more complicated it seems.

What makes a good film-maker? Or, to be more specific...what makes a good successful film-maker? Without a doubt, you need contacts to make it into the industry, but sooner or later your film-making talents and your true colours will be revealed- meaning, you must have the technical "know how", but also the good eye and talent mixed with a good dose of passion for the art form. Believe it or not, there is a recipe for success. Some people can create it, some people cant. You can be as talented as you wont, but cannot apply yourself. You can have all the business skills and be a mega-manipulator when it comes to forming relationships with people in the industry and developing a good image, but do you have what it takes to make a good film? Then chance comes into play, what happens if you are born in a desolate country but are so destined to become a film-maker?- Not much hope for you there. What happens when you happen to sit next to Mr. Ordinary on a train, where on the seat behind him was Mr. Famous Film Director? Then again, if you did sit next to Mr. Famous Film Director, gaining that solid contact is where image and manipulation come into play, have none of that- no hope for you.

See, I told you it would become confusing. My choice: To just not think about it.