Annetta Marion on Speed, Storytelling, and Staying Grounded
From the roar of the racetrack to the intimacy of a masterclass, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Annetta Marion is a powerhouse behind the camera. With a career that spans genres, formats, and marquee names, Marion is now steering the conversation forward with her newest docu-series, FIRST TO THE FINISH, debuting on Amazon Prime in March 2025.
“I love creating work that speaks to people, but I’m never aiming for awards; my guiding light after choosing a project is I do the best work humanly possible under the circumstances.”
A creative force whose credits include the Sundance darling Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie and the iconic Oprah’s Master Class, Marion continues to blur the lines between documentary and drama with unmistakable heart and precision.
Racing Toward Representation
“Fast cars, badass women, and super high stakes. What’s not to love?”
That’s how Marion describes FIRST TO THE FINISH, a thrilling deep-dive into the 2024 Mazda MX-5 season through the lens of three fearless women racers: Shea Holbrook, Sally Mott, and Heather Hadley.
“Getting to know these women and their families was the biggest reward ever.”
Endless fields await discovery
The challenge? Capturing a sprawling paddock, larger than an NFL stadium, with a lean crew. But for Marion, it was a puzzle worth solving.
Watch the trailer: FIRST TO THE FINISH – Official Trailer
Genre-Hopping and Groundbreaking
“Story and character come first—everything else follows.”
Marion’s diverse body of work—from Netflix to ESPN to Apple+—has one constant: emotional honesty. Whether it’s a pulse-pounding race or a quiet moment of reflection, she lets the story dictate the style.
“There’s never a one-size-fits-all approach.”
Unlock hidden talent gems
And her secret to working with high-profile talent?
“Communicate early and often—especially when it’s tough.”
Lessons from Michael J. Fox
“I will never look at archival footage the same way again.”
Working on Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie was a game-changer. From a last-minute pivot to shoot scripted segments in Vancouver, to the meticulous weaving of narrative and documentary, the experience honed Marion’s storytelling instincts.
Watch the trailer: Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie – Apple TV+
Stars align unexpected moments
See images: Annetta Marion with Michael J. Fox and Emmy Award
Directing from the Inside Out
“Understanding the subtext of a narrative scene has become second nature.”
With 55 episodes of Oprah’s Master Class under her belt, Marion learned to blend scripted and real with deft skill. That influence seeps into her hybrid approach.
“It’s like making a musical—amplifying a moment’s subtext through drama.”
Documentary skill unleashed
She calls her documentary background a “superpower,” giving her an edge in listening, adapting, and editing in real-time.
The Multi-Hyphenate Hustle
“Time is the only finite resource.”
Balancing multiple projects, Marion recently turned to Bullet Journaling to stay organized—on the advice of her mentor. Her toolkit also includes alarms, deep focus, and an unshakable commitment to joy.
“I only choose subjects I fall in love with. That’s how I know I can do my best work.”
New tales unfold soon
Upcoming: two documentaries (Broadway and politics), an action feature, and a short drama filming in April.
Creativity, Collaboration, and a Dose of Realism
“The only mistake a team member can make is not raising their hand.”
Marion’s leadership style is rooted in love, openness, and clarity. Her advice to aspiring filmmakers?
“Just do it. Use your phone. Use your friends. Start this weekend.”
Digital dreams take flight
And as streaming reshapes the industry, she stays future-focused:
“Aren’t all projects digital now? If I had a magic wand, my work would add to the depth and breadth of our beautiful world.”
What excites Marion most about the future?
“Telling stories from multiple points of view—pushing boundaries there.”
With FIRST TO THE FINISH, Marion continues to amplify diverse voices, both on-screen and behind the scenes.
Powerful journeys emerge here
Powerful journeys emerge here“I’ve worked hard to elevate women and people of color for a long time.”
And her parting wish for the audience?
“I hope viewers fall in love with motorsports—and understand the massive sacrifices these women make to do what they do.”
