Thanks for the feedback everyone, really appreciate it.
I think the figures are not as crazy as they sound. Not only that the film can potentially not only look professional, but stunning. Bold words I know but in terms of the short, filming it on 35mm, 2perf, dolby stereo for 2k is a tough one, but possible.
Firstly getting 2100ft of film for around £800 is the cheapest i can find so far (got an trading account with a factory for celluloid), which, with 2perf, is more than enough but already almost half the budget.
I might know some film student who can supply me with lighting equipment, sound equipment, some bits and bobs so that I don't have spend anything apart from on a decent DOP, a camera (thinking ARRIFLEX 235), expenses and food. Actors is not a problem (in contact with an agency that supply good actors trying to break in film ergo will do it for free), advertise on shootingpeople.org for free labour/help in exchange for experience/credits and finally shooting is mostly in one area on the street or indoors, or at a mate's flat :-)
only one thing left.... post production, DI and copies. ahr