A question for filmmakers or enthusiasts: Where do I go from here?

Question:I've shot a few short films and have received really positive feedback. In the last few films, I've really kept it safe by focusing on interesting dialogue and creative camera work to help the story. I'm ready to start taking more chances (theatrically) and enter my films into competitions! But, the more chances you take in production, the more money your film costs. I think my story telling and camera work is pretty solid, but I'm unsure of shooting action scenes. Should I spend the money it takes and shoot a contest ready film, or shoot a few practice films to make all my inevitable mistakes? I'm afraid that if I mess around to long without putting my films out there, or enter my films into contests that I may miss out on opportunities.

Background:
I'm 26, I write, direct, DP, produce, and work the crew. I do have a few talented guys that help me out on set. But other than that I'm pretty much pulling most of the weight. I'm not a huge production company with financial backer

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I've shot a few short films and have received really positive feedback. In the last few films, I've really kept it safe by focusing on interesting dialogue and creative camera work to help the story. I'm ready to start taking more chances (theatrically) and enter my films into competitions! But, the more chances you take in production, the more money your film costs. I think my story telling and camera work is pretty solid, but I'm unsure of shooting action scenes. Should I spend the money it takes and shoot a contest ready film, or shoot a few practice films to make all my inevitable mistakes? I'm afraid that if I mess around to long without putting my films out there, or enter my films into contests that I may miss out on opportunities.

Background:
I'm 26, I write, direct, DP, produce, and work the crew. I do have a few talented guys that help me out on set. But other than that I'm pretty much pulling most of the weight. I'm not a huge production company with financial backer

At the risk of sounding like a pretend therapist, it sounds to me like you're already doubting yourself before you even set out to accomplish what you'd like to do. No I am not a filmaker, but I do consider myself to be a writer and an artist at heart and I know we are our own worst critics are we not? My answer to your question would be this; don't worry so much about spending a ton of money to make some action scene that you're not even sure will work. And also, who's to say it's going to take you so many "practice films" before you get it right? Who knows? You may hit the nail on the head within the first take or two....yes easy for me to say I know...but from reading your question it sounds like you're experiencing a lack of faith in yourself currently? Just an observation of course, but I say screw what everyone else thinks and go w/ what your gut tells you. Believing in your work is what makes it great, and sets you apart from everyone else. So you don't need a film that society considers "contest ready" if you truly believe in it and it comes from your heart that will say enough on it's own...but I don't need to tell you that do I? From one artist to another...keep up the good work!

Why not shoot on video? Hollywood does. You can edit in ;your computer and enter your video in contests on line.

Hi Web,
I think Gemini has a good point by saying that you're ready to go as you are. I think so too. To me what makes a great action scene is not how many bombs go off or how many cars will crash, it's the PASSION and dedication of the actors and their ability to actually ... ACT ON PERFECT CUE. Too many times we look at some big budget whatever flick only to realize that if you take away all the visual/audio glitz, you end up with some brain dead actors who can't bring the lines into the scene. Sad.
The scene can be simple to keep it low budget, coupled with a few dedicated and passionate actors who can act RAW EMOTIONS.
I'm not a movie maker so I don't know if I'm making any sense to you but I hope this helps. Go for it, man and I wish you the very best.
Have a blast!