I have actually been through many of the Lottery Systems! Acting - numerous casting director workshops adding up to thousands of pounds, while it got me on radars and I got castings from them very rarely was it for a part that I REALLY wanted to play. Writing - about 5 or 6 screenwriting/funding competitions, the cost was far less BUT it took up big chunks of my time a few weeks! Polishing the script, pitch decks etc. Biggest take away, keep it simple and don't wait for the gatekeepers to give permission.