How Christopher Nolan Made His First Film

Following Christopher Nolan Explained — We look at how one of today's most celebrated directors kickstarted his career.

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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Nolan's Following
00:39 - Christopher Nolan's Beginnings
01:53 - Lesson 1: You Don't Need Film School
02:52 - Lesson 2: Practice with Short Films
03:40 - Lesson 3: Use your Experience
04:40 - Lesson 4: Embrace Limitations
06:11 - Lesson 5: Carry What you Learned Forward
08:41 - Lesson 6: Consider the Future
09:40 - Takeaways

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FOLLOWING FILM ANALYSIS

Few would dispute that Christopher Nolan is one of the most successful directors of the 21st century, if not of all time. The British filmmaker has helmed massive blockbusters that are beloved by audiences and critics alike. But to really understand how Christopher Nolan works, you need to look at how he started. His first feature, Following, was made for $6,000, but it immediately established that he was a filmmaker to watch. In this video, we lay out why Following works so well, and what lessons beginning filmmakers can take from it.

CHRISTOPHER NOLAN FILM SCHOOL

Nolan never attended a formal film school, and Following showcases the lessons he learned through hands-on experience. Nolan developed his craft by studying films on his own, experimenting with Super 8 cameras as a teenager, and absorbing film theory from books. The film’s stripped-down nature— shot on weekends with a small cast and crew— proves that passion, discipline, and strategic planning can be just as valuable as a degree.

CHRISTOPHER NOLAN DIRECTING SHORTS

Before Following, Nolan honed his skills through short films. Shorts allowed him to experiment with themes and techniques he would later refine in Following and beyond. Many of the hallmarks of his later work— nonlinear storytelling, unreliable narrators— are present in Following. Aspiring filmmakers can take inspiration from this: short films provide a training ground to test techniques, build confidence, and prepare for larger projects.

FOLLOWING 1998 EMBRACES LIMITATIONS

With almost no budget to speak of, Nolan had to be creative. He used natural light, available locations, and non-professional actors. The film’s black-and-white aesthetic, dictated by budgetary constraints, ultimately enhances its noir atmosphere. Rather than seeing limitations as obstacles, Nolan used them to his advantage. Following demonstrates how limitations can force a filmmaker to be inventive, resourceful, and efficient.

NOLAN'S FOLLOWING WAS STEP ONE

Following wasn’t just a one-off personal project— it was a strategic step forward. Nolan used the film to showcase his abilities, gaining recognition on the festival circuit and attracting interest in his next film, Memento, the script for which he had already written. The lesson here is that a first feature can be a calling card, proving to producers and investors that a filmmaker has vision, discipline, and the ability to execute a compelling story. But if you're not ready for the next step, this calling card can be a waste.


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♬ SONGS USED:

"Theme" - David Julyan
"Bruised" - David Julyan
"All Star" - ANBR
"Closing Titles" - David Julyan
"Photographs" - David Julyan
"British News Team" - Lance Conrad
"Opening" - David Julyan
"Box" - David Julyan
"Life's Journey Begins" - idokay
"State Lines (Instrumental)" - Aaron Kellim


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