Not exactly on topic, but somewhat related: I've participated in local filmmaking contests over the last six years in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. They usually give you 48 hours to shoot and edit a 2 to 10 minute movie. They typically give you a line of dialogue and a prop at the start of the contest that you have to use in the movie and they restrict the genre. The movies are usually horror or sci fi. Participating has meant a lot of work at times, but they usually have been quite a bit of fun.
The last one I participated in was a 24 day filmmaking contest. It ran from January 28 - February 20. The subject this time was superheroes. My cousin and I won 1st place out of 20 movies and as a result, we got to meet with Michael Uslan, the executive producer of the Batman movies who was speaking at the local University. He reviewed our movie and gave us advice about making and promoting short films.
If anyone would like to check out our movie, it's on YouTube. It's 9 minutes and 59 seconds long:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1RGS6DWsBkThe contests I've participated in were all local and supported by the local public access tv station. They're a good way for someone to get a little experience making movies and also to find others in your community who are also interested in the same. They can help you by providing you with resources like actors, locations, equipment, and expertise.
John