The Myth of the “First Film”

Hey Filmmakers,

I’ll let you in on a little secret: the industry loves to play the “first” card.
“First-time filmmaker.” “Debut feature.” “First nomination.” You name it. It’s a marketing hook—one that helps build hype and make headlines. Because let’s face it, people love a good origin story.

If your first film breaks records or racks up accolades, that “debut” title becomes part of your legend. But here’s the tea—sometimes that “first” isn’t really the first at all.

🎥 Quentin Tarantino directed a feature before Reservoir Dogs.
🎥 Barry Jenkins made one before Medicine for Melancholy.
🎥 Damien Chazelle had a feature before Whiplash.
🎥 And me? I directed a never-released feature before Maya & Her Lover.

I usually call Maya & Her Lover my first feature because it’s the first one that I wrote, produced, and directed. My first (Layla’s Girl) was written by someone else. But more importantly—it’s the first that actually got distribution. But technically? Not my first first.

And here’s the point. Most artists learn by doing. Those so-called “firsts” are often the result of years of trial, error, and creative persistence. Every failed draft, bad lighting setup, or misguided stage director adds up to the skill and confidence behind what looks like a “debut success.”

🎞️ The Real Lesson in “Firsts”

I said all that to say, that striking out on your first, second, or even third try is part of the process. I’m deeply proud of Maya & Her Lover—not just for the festival wins or four-star Amazon rating (during the initial release) —but because I actually made a feature film.

I wrote it.
I raised the money.
I recruited the crew.
I cast dynamic talent.
I directed it.
And then, with my brilliant editor, turned hours of raw footage into a finished, living, breathing film 🥲.

If you’ve ever tried to make a film—short, feature, or documentary—you know how difficult it can. Getting to the finish line is a victory worth celebrating.

🎥 The Growth You Don’t See

Before Maya & Her Lover, as mentioned, I directed Layla’s Girl, plus a handful of music videos and shorts. Each project was its own classroom. With every wrap, I became a little sharper, a little wiser. And when I’d watch the finished product at a festival or screening, all I could see were the mistakes. I would start off my remarks to the audience by apologizing for my shortcomings. Every filmmaker knows that feeling.

But here’s the truth: audiences see the work differently. If your film is good, they forgive the flaws and the mistakes.  They’re not comparing you to Spike Lee or Spielberg. They’re meeting you, the artist still a work in progress. Plus, often times they are there to celebrate you and your wins.

🎬 Own Your Process

Filmmaking is learning in public. As it should be. Feedback and audience reaction in real time is the best way to gauge how your work is or isn’t resonating. Sometimes that public is your family, sometimes it’s a packed theater. Either way, people are watching and judging but that’s okay. That’s how we grow.

So, if you’re out there sweating over your first film—or your fourth—remember this: finishing anything in this business is a triumph. Revel in the chaos. Learn from the mistakes. Celebrate it. Then get back to work on the next one. You’ll be better for it (and so will the film).

Keep creating. Keep growing. Keep shooting.

Yours in Filmmaking,

—Nicole

💡 Want to make your first film the smart way?

Join my Movie Making Masterclass: How to Make Your First Feature Film on a Microbudget — a deep-dive into the creative and practical steps I wish someone had taught me.

👉 Learn more at MakeYourMovie.today