The project was at this point named Aló Presidente, a working title taken from Chávez's weekly television and radio program.[25] BSÉ set about exploring avenues of funding;[26] the organization persuaded Bartley and Ó Briain to make a short pilot to show to potential investors,[27] but refused the filmmakers' application for a €60,000 grant towards their €131,000 production budget. BSÉ felt the pair needed to partner with a production company that had experience in the field, and which could help raise the remaining funds. Bartley and Ó Briain approached Power Pictures and, with the addition of David Power as a producer, reapplied for the grant.[27] Even as filming began, the full budget—now at €200,000[27]—had not been secured.