In the last decade, we've seen the incredible democratization of filmmaking. Inexpensive but good cameras, software, and distribution outlets have allowed creatives with budgets large and small to not only make their movies on the cheap but get them out to thousands of people who might want to see them.

This kind of creative environment has made it possible for countless filmmakers to bypass the Hollywood gatekeepers and work in an industry that was previously closed to outsiders. Can't get a meeting with a movie executive—put your film on YouTube. No one wants to option your script—turn it into a film yourself.

The BFI is the UK’s lead organisation for film, television and the moving image.

It is a cultural charity that:

• - curates and presents the greatest international public programme of world cinema for audiences – in cinemas, at festivals and online.

• - cares for the BFI National Archive, the most significant film and television archive in the world.

• - actively seeks out and supports the next generation of filmmakers.

• - works with government and industry to make the UK the most creatively exciting and prosperous place to make film internationally.