Last night, I attended a film networking event. I don't go very often, but I do sometimes, and I try to mix with new filmmakers.
As it happens, I was approached by a 24-year-old (non-British-born but British-educated) director who was getting incredibly stressed out because two years after graduation, and after two successful shorts (one of which went on BBC iplayer), he couldn’t see how he was going to make a feature film.
I asked him if he knew of any (let alone non British) directors who made a feature film before 30 in the UK. Well, the answer is NONE.
Here’s a reality check: for most young directors, that’s not going to happen within the first two years. And honestly, that’s not a bad thing. Making a feature is a long game, and rushing it can backfire. Here’s why taking your time is better in the long run.
1. You Need Time to Build Your Portfolio
Film school gives you the basics, but it doesn’t turn you into a fully-fledged filmmaker overnight. Most directors spend the first few years building up a solid portfolio—short films, music videos, web series ADVERTISING (that pays well!!! btw) —anything to keep practising and improving. It’s a chance to find your voice and style, which is so important before tackling something as big as a feature. If you rush it, you might end up with something that doesn’t showcase what you’re capable of.
2. It’s A LOT About Who You Know
The British film industry, much like anywhere else, runs on connections. Getting a feature off the ground often depends on having the right people behind you—producers, agents, and investors who believe in your vision. How are you going to find those at 24? Building those relationships takes time. Networking at festivals, collaborating on smaller projects, and making a name for yourself are all part of the process. It’s not instant, but it’s crucial.
3. Financing a Feature Isn’t Easy - especially in the last 2 years!
Securing the budget for a feature film is no small feat, especially for a first-timer. Producers and investors are understandably cautious about funding a director without a track record. You’ll probably spend a good amount of time chasing funding through grants, pitching to production companies, or even crowdfunding. Expecting to secure a full budget right out of film school is, for most, unrealistic.
4. Start with Shorts (but not too many - and get into music videos asap)
Short films are a brilliant stepping stone. Loads of successful directors started with shorts—just look at Christopher Nolan or Andrea Arnold. [note that both worked for YEARS before having their first feature film made]. A short film is manageable, allows you to show what you can do, and can help you get noticed. It also gives you something to take to festivals and get people talking. Plus, platforms like Vimeo or BFI Player mean a good short can gain traction online. Get into music videos to get more experience and as a stepping stone to advertising and getting paid well as a director (unlike shorts).
5. The Learning Curve Is Real
Making a feature is a big leap from student projects. Suddenly you’re managing a larger crew, dealing with strict schedules, and working within tight budgets. It’s a lot to handle. Gaining experience through smaller projects first gives you the skills to manage the chaos effectively when you do eventually step up to a feature - so that you don’t get swallowed by a much bigger machine.
6. Patience, Patience, Patience
Filmmaking isn’t a race. Some of the best British directors didn’t make their debut features until many years of working in the industry. Even Sam Mendes worked for years in theatre [and won countless awards] before ‘American Beauty’. Take the time to hone your craft, tell stories that matter to you, and build a network of people you trust. Your feature will happen, but when the time’s right—and when you (and the team around you) are ready for your big break.
Final Thoughts
If you don’t land a feature within two years of graduating, don’t sweat it. Use this time to keep creating, improve your skills, and make connections. The first feature will come, and when it does, you’ll be more than ready to make it a success. Keep calm, and carry on making films.
📆 FEW UPDATES ABOUT OUR EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY
🏆 NEW MAKERS CLUB CANNES SPECIAL - 25th MARCH. Very much needed as more and more people approach us privately and there seems to be (still) a lot of misinformation. We may even put a few slides together - DM on WhatsApp to join us.
🎬 S2f @ LONDON INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL: We have been asked by the London Independent Film Festival to do a Live class about finance on Saturday 5th April at 3.30 pm.
Last time it was a very busy class with plenty of networking opportunities. If any of you would like to jump in carrying the S2F flag, we'd love to see you there.
💰 HOW TO FINANCE YOUR FIRST FEATURE FILM WORKSHOP starts again on the 5th April. If any of you would like to join, the brochure is available at a discounted rate for PRO and 1.0 members.
⚖️ LAST BUT NOT LEAST. TAX CREDIT WORKSHOP. We are running with Unsolicited Scripts again our 'Demystifying the Film tax credit workshop [with our Accounting partner Matthew for Bogatyji - highly recommended] - on the 6th of April at 2.30.
The link is on the unsolicited scripts website. Discount code for S2F members.