He eventually did get financial backing to start a wireless e-mail service in the early 1990's, but it failed.
Ben said, "If he's got military backing, there's no way you can go up against him."
He then spent several more years getting backing for the movie.
However, with no feature film directing experience, he was unable to get financial backing.
But that isn't the reason for these kids not getting backing.
"Tell a good story, and you are going to get backing."
When he couldn't get backing, he decided instead to write a film that they would all act in.
"All of the producers and executives getting backing now have track records."
Part of his difficulties was a failure to get financial backing.
"If this had been a project in London, it would be getting backing," he said.