Making a film is an expensive business. Even the short films aspiring directors use as calling cards can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Small wonder, then, that it's a challenge for those starting in the industry to get a project off the ground—and that the organizations that provide funding for filmmakers are swamped with applications.

Making a film is an expensive business. Even the short films aspiring directors use as calling cards can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Small wonder, then, that it's a challenge for those starting in the industry to get a project off the ground—and that the organizations that provide funding for filmmakers are swamped with applications.