First feature film from a director better be Pi or Memento

My opinion, yes, my opinion - not fact, is that many people think their first film needs to be Pi or Memento.

That's really strange to me. This is a craft. I expect everyone's first movie to be technically proficient but story engaging with imperfections present to regular audience members.

The majority of first time feature-films that knock out millions of sales are the lottery winners.

I'm sure you're thinking Tarantino did it with Reservoir Dogs, but that's not his first film. His first film is one he'll never show because it's not perfect. But here's the thing: Reservoir Dogs isn't perfect either. But it's fun. It's also a multi-million dollar first feature, so I don't count it. It's a well-marketed film by a failed-actor-turned-writer who also marketed himself enough to direct the thing.

Oh yeah. So, I like to look at David Lean or Marty Scorsese. They made a half dozen or more movies which ranged from $400(four hundred, not four hundred thousand) features to made-for-TV movies before they 'got their stride right' and started actually directing true films that gave their own spin on the medium.

That's media consumption in the 21st century: We are all actors and directors in our own right. Just like anyone can sing. But singing really well takes practice and commitment. I'm talking years of craft. A singer goes and sings Happy Birthday for a few friends first then a church choir then a crowd of 50 and so forth.

It doesn't mean there aren't movie director prodigies out there. But thinking that you are a prodigy will only lead to disappointment is all I'm saying.

Story is what matters. Characters matter. You are a craftsman and craftswoman. It's up to you to spend time on yourself before trying for Pi and Memento. Make a spirited effort in a film that runs 80 minutes. Learn from it. Be humbled from it. Get an award or two or 10. Then make a bigger spirit film. That's called dedication to the craft.

Have a nice day! ☺