Looking for Oscar gold? Here is a primer.

The film festival circuit both inside and outside of the U.S. is where the hopes and dreams of independent filmmakers are realized. Any filmmaker can submit their narrative short or feature, documentary, music video, or experimental work to a film festival. All it takes is an entry fee ranging from $25 to $125 submitted under the deadline with your finished work. Getting into any festival is exciting and can represent a filmmaker's big shot at getting their film seen by all the right people. But if your aspirations include a bask in Oscar glory, there are a few requirements and a few festivals that you need to break into.

Austin Film Society grants...and how to get one.

Everyone knows the familiar adage "there is no such thing as a free lunch." But it turns out, if you are a talented up and coming filmmaker or video artist here in Texas, getting free money to produce your project is a distinct possibility. Since 1996 the Austin Film Society has awarded $750,000 in cash and $80,000 in goods and services to 243 film and video projects through the Texas Filmmamkers Production Fund. Although the 2008 grant cycle is now closed, you still have plenty of time to get your application in for the 2009 grants.

At this pace, nothing is for certain.

The 48 Hour Film Project has grown into quite an international phenomena. Apparently, having to randomly select your topic, write, shoot, and edit a short film over the weekend is quite addictive. Getting into it, you know full well that you will be spending no less than 40 of the next 48 hours with your eyes open, but you are still stoked to play the game. For some who come to play, it is the first time they have shot video with something other than their cell phone.  Other teams bring their professional talents to bear. Big or small, it doesn't matter,  when you are done with this weekend, you will be a more efficient and effective filmmaker. That is, if Murphy doesn't get you first.