Advice for aspiring amateur film makers please?

Question:

Advice for aspiring amateur film makers please?

We started writing screenplays and short stories as a hobby and now we just thought we'll take it one step further and produce our own feature (short film at first). I'll appreciate any insights, especially on the best way to raise funding; Is it possible/wise to be completely independent or is it best we work with sponsors/studios? Much obliged, you'll help in making some ambitious (slightly naive) dreams come true!!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Amazon have a coiuple of excellent books on raising funding and general production hints. Try to aim for producing something that will attract the interest of Independent and Student film festivals: there are often small cash prizes available.