Panel: How to make your first feature film

Join us for an open and practical conversation exploring the full journey of a first feature — from the initial idea to the big screen! What does it really take to turn an idea for your first feature film into something audiences can watch on the big screen? Join us for an open and practical conversation exploring the full journey of a first feature — from the initial spark of an idea through development, financing, production and post-production, all the way to marketing, festivals and distribution. Bringing together perspectives from a director, producer and distributor, this discussion will unpack what happens at each stage of the filmmaking process, the challenges first-time feature filmmakers can expect, and the decisions that can ultimately shape a film’s journey to its audience. What We’ll Discuss We’ll follow the journey of a first feature from beginning to end, including: • The Idea: Where does a feature film begin, and what takes an idea from something you’re thinking about to a project that can actually be made? • Development & Greenlight: What does development look like in practice? Who contributes to shaping the project, and what needs to happen before a film gets the green light? • Investment: What makes a distributor or investor want to get involved in a project? • Pre-Production: What are some of the biggest challenges filmmakers encounter while preparing for their first feature? • The Unexpected: What additional steps, obstacles or responsibilities appear along the way that first-time filmmakers might not anticipate? • From Page to Set: How does a director make the transition from preparing a film on paper to building it in front of them on set? • Production to Post: What should filmmakers already be thinking about during production to prepare for post-production? • Thinking Ahead to an Audience: When you’re in post-production, how soon should you be considering marketing, festivals, sales and distribution? • Marketing & Distribution: How do distributors work with sales agents, producers and filmmakers to find an audience and a route to market? • Finding the Right Fit: Not every festival or distributor is right for every film. How do filmmakers and distributors recognise the partnerships that make sense? • Filmmakers vs. Distributors: What do filmmakers wish distributors understood about their perspective — and what do distributors wish filmmakers understood about distribution? • Lessons Learned: Our panellists share their top advice for filmmakers embarking on their first feature. Audience Q&A The conversation will finish with an audience Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to put their own questions to the panel. Who Is This For? This event is ideal for emerging directors, producers, writers and filmmakers who are developing their first feature, as well as anyone who wants a clearer understanding of how an independent film moves from an initial idea through production and into the marketplace. Whether your first feature is still an idea in your notebook, currently in development, or already moving towards production, this session will offer practical insight into the road ahead — and what you can start thinking about now. This event is being hosted by The Developing Room, a multi-award winning British creative network, committed to cultivating a safe space for emerging creatives to learn, grow & mature as artists. Members get tickets to all of our events (including this one) for FREE. Sign up here: https://www.thedevelopingroom.com/membership *By attending this event, you consent to appearing in photos & videos of the event.