If you’re a filmmaker wondering how to pick your first feature film, let me share a little truth with you: your first feature sets the tone for your entire career. I’ve been doing this for over 25 years, and I’ll be honest—I didn’t follow the advice I’m about to give you. I wish I had, because it would have put me on a much faster track to success.
The keyword here is branding. That first feature you choose is your chance to brand yourself as the kind of filmmaker you want to be known as.
Why Branding Matters in Your First Feature
Think about it. If you want to be seen as a horror director, your first feature should be horror. If you want to be known for comedies, start with comedy. If your dream is to direct arthouse dramas, then lean into that right away.
The mistake I see a lot of new filmmakers make—and the same mistake I made early on—is bouncing around. One drama here, one horror there, a comedy thrown in for good measure. The problem with that is people don’t know what to call you. You’re competent, sure, but you’re not the horror guy, or the comedy girl, or the drama director.
And here’s the truth: you want to be put in a box.
Why “Being Put in a Box” Is Actually Good
You might think, “But I don’t want to be boxed in! I want to do everything.” I get it. That’s how I felt too. But let me tell you—being in that box is actually what opens the door to bigger opportunities.
Say you make a wild, over-the-top horror feature as your first film. It’s gory, bold, and memorable. Now, when a producer or a studio wants to make the next big horror hit, they’ll think of you. You’ll be on their list because you’ve branded yourself as that director.
On the flip side, if you’ve done a drama, a comedy, and a horror, people might admire your versatility—but they won’t instantly connect your name with the genre they’re looking to make. Branding is about association, and your first feature is the strongest card you can play.
Preparing for Your First Feature with Shorts
Before you even dive into that first feature, you should be shooting shorts in the same genre. Want to be a horror filmmaker? Make a handful of great horror shorts. Hoping to become the next big action director? Put together short, punchy action pieces that show you can deliver.
These shorts act as practice, proof, and promotion. They build your confidence, show your style, and signal to the industry that you’re serious about your lane. By the time you’re ready to shoot your first feature, you’ll already have a track record in that genre.
Choosing a Marketable Genre for Your First Feature
Let’s get real. If you want your career to take off, it also helps to pick a marketable genre. Horror, action, and sci-fi tend to sell. These are genres where you can brand yourself and quickly get recognized. That doesn’t mean you can’t do dramas or arthouse films down the road—but leading with a marketable genre makes the climb a lot faster.
Your focus should be clear: brand yourself, plant your flag in one genre, and get to the top. Once you’re there, then you’ll have the freedom to make whatever kind of movies you want.
Final Thoughts on Picking the Right First Feature
So, how do you pick the right first feature film? Pick the one that sets your brand. Decide the lane you want to be in—horror, comedy, action, drama—and commit. Shoot shorts in that same genre. Choose a marketable genre if you want to move faster.
Your first feature is more than just a movie. It’s your introduction to the industry. Make it count, and make it clear who you are as a filmmaker.
