thanks for your replies. mike thats just the job it really helps with the cash and at least i can get started sooner rather than later. perhaps i could look at some stuff you have done and grill you for some practical shooting and editing video, hey i dont even know the difference btween a producer and a director. one thing that i have thought is that no matter wot the equipment is, no matter how its directed, edited, produced whatever, none of it has a point unless the material is any good. so anyway its made me focus again on the thinking and writing, at least that doesnt cost anything either! thanks again