I can honestly attest from having spoken to several working industry professionals and recent (past three years) film school grads (mostly in England and throughout Europe), not one of them insists that attending film school guarantees anything other than debt. In fact, some believe that it probably hindered their careers, and they had to learn 'practical' skills after leaving school.

Just a quick update in time for Cinco de Mayo (05/05):

SHORTies Celebrates Cinco de Mayo Offering One-Day Only £5 Film Submissions

SHORTies is celebrating Cinco de Mayo (05/05) with £5.00 film submissions in honour of its official mascot, Looney Lenni – a short, hairy Chihuahua with a bad attitude! Short, documentary, and indie feature filmmakers are invited to submit films to be screened on VIVE Lifestyle Network's SHORTies streaming television channel debuting on cable set top boxes and connected devices everywhere in June.

For more information: http://www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/vive-lifestyle-network-limited/events/short...

Update:

Read the official press release concerning open submissions and some new nuggets of information here:

http://www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/vive-lifestyle-network-limited/pressrelease...