The Art of Film Funding

Send us Fan Mail Garrett Patten is a versatile actor, director, and filmmaker known for his work on Self Custody . As an active force in the West Coast creative community, Garrett builds projects at the intersection of independent film, visual storytelling, and contemporary culture. He explores narrative depth both in front of and behind the camera, bringing fresh creative energy and strong industry connections to every project.

Send us Fan Mail Today we have an important conversation about one of the most critical aspects of film funding. Your trailer. This is by far your most important funding asset. Our guest today is Carole Joyce, Vice President of From the Heart Productions and Director of our Roy Dean and the Carole Dorothy Joyce Grants. Carole has the unique opportunity to see over 500 trailers a year from applications for the Roy W Dean grant. She knows what impact a trailer has on a judge and winning grants. Carole Joyce is an award-winning film and television producer, documentary filmmaker, and nonprofit executive with more than thirty years of leadership in independent film. She serves as Vice President and Director of the Roy W. Dean Grants at From the Heart Productions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit she has helped steward since its earliest years, and as Chief Executive Officer of Authentic Vision Consulting, Inc. A graduate of the Brooks Institute of Photography, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors, Ms. Joyce launched her career as a student documentarian with the award-winning film Survivors. She is the granddaughter of Roy W. Dean, the producer whose legacy is preserved in the grant program she now directs. As a television producer, Ms. Joyce has overseen production of more than 150 cable programs, including the series Healthstyles, which featured guests such as Deepak Chopra and Dr. Andrew Weil, and Filmmakers, now preserved in the National Archives. Earlier in her career, she developed projects at the Garamella/Fitzgerald Advertising Agency for then-emerging directors David Fincher, Mark Romanek, and Jessie Dylan, pilot series for Joy Behar and Rita Rudner, and collaborated with Haim Saban and former Fox president Edgar J. Scherick. She subsequently served as Vice President of Studio Film & and Tape, with annual sales in excess of ten million dollars. Her recent producing credits include the documentary Living UN DONE (2024), recipient of two 2026 Gold Telly Awards — for Documentary Film and Social Impact Film — as well as the Grand Jury Award at the Ethos Film Festival and Best Short Documentary at the Paris Film Festival. She is Executive Producer of the award-winning short Stairway to the Stars (2021), starring Sean Young and Quinton Aaron. Through the Roy W. Dean Grant program, Ms. Joyce reviews hundreds of applications annually. Two named programs at From the Heart Productions bear her name: the Carole Dorothy Joyce Grant for Student Filmmakers and the Carole Joyce Award for Excellence in Documentary Storytelling. She co-instructs FTHP's Learn Producing class and serves as an Advisor to the Authentic Global Film Festival and a Judge for the Ethos Film Festival. Grant application: https://fromtheheartproductions.com/roy-w-dean-film-grants-and-awards Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

Send us Fan Mail Description : Today we're talking with Simone Pero, an Emmy-nominated producer and the founder of For Impact Productions. Simone helps mission-driven artists move beyond traditional funding models and build real ecosystems of support around issue-driven work, through her signature Artists for Impact™ cohort program. She's also a sought-after public speaker and writer on the role of art and creative expression in social change. Her website is www.forimpactproductions.com , and you can download her free guide “Your North Star for Social Impact" at www.forimpactproductions.com/guide/ .

Send us Fan Mail Our guest today is Carole Joyce , Vice President of From the Heart Productions and Director of our grant programs, including the Roy W. Dean Grants and the Carole Dorothy Joyce Grants . Carole has the unique opportunity to see grant applications from the other side of the table. She knows what makes an application memorable, what causes an application to lose momentum, and what filmmakers can do to communicate the heart, purpose, and potential of their projects more effectively. Grant application: https://fromtheheartproductions.com/roy-w-dean-film-grants-and-awards Setting goals & your mission as a filmmaker: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/n3m632njjeriwwgfdir2t/Your-Mission-and-Goals-as-Filmmaker.mp3?rlkey=21n33hxu3cbw2s46mvk6pdeyc&st=5u0fvooq&e=1&dl=0 Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

Send us Fan Mail Today, we are talking with Irina Chernikina, producer/director/writer, about one of the most important—and often misunderstood—roles in independent filmmaking: the producer. What does an independent producer actually do? How does a producer guide a film from its earliest development through production and post-production? The Film Funding Group event takes place Thursday, 8-6-26 at 4pm PT / 5 pm MT / 6pm CT / 7pm ET Learn More at https://www.facebook.com/groups/filmfundinggroup The Event Recording will be posted in "featured" section at https://www.facebook.com/groups/filmfundinggroup Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

Send us Fan Mail Over more than 30 years, Xackery Irving has produced hundreds of hours of nonfiction programming for The New York Times Television, History, and National Geographic. For his work on Brace For Oblivion , he was granted the p.g.a. mark by the Producers Guild of America. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Employment Committee of the Producers Guild of America. Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a neighborhood asks for one dangerous street to be made safer—and discovers that the fight is really about power, money and who gets to shape the future of a city? Stay with us as filmmaker Ben Wolf reveals how he transformed that battle into his feature documentary directing debut, Changing Lanes . www.changinglanesdoc.com Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

Send us Fan Mail Today, we are speaking with award-winning documentary filmmaker, writer, and storyteller Betsy Murphy . Her documentaries have screened at international film festivals and appeared on Hulu, Showtime, and Amazon Prime. Her projects have also been featured in The New Yorker , The New York Times , The UK Sunday Times , The Huffington Post , The Washington Post , and Sports Illustrated . Betsy is also the author of eight books, including Autobiography of an Orgasm , Grief Glimmers Grace , and Write On: A Daily Writing Practice for Anyone with a Story to Tell . Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

Send us Fan Mail Alternative ideas for Outreach distribution for the documentary, Third Degree Burnout – A Survivor’s Guide . In 2020, Nivi Jaswal-Wirtjes lost her father to COVID-19 while struggling through her own burnout after 15 years in high-pressure global marketing and strategy roles across consumer packaged goods, life sciences, and media. That dual reckoning — grief and exhaustion — became the catalyst for her life’s new direction: uncovering the connections between personal well-being, food systems, and planetary health. She founded The Virsa Foundation Inc., and. the JIVINITI Research and Advocacy Program, a Boston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit uniting experts in anthropology, psychology, lifestyle medicine, and creative advocacy to design plant-powered, climate-conscious initiatives that prevent chronic illness and foster resilience. Nivi also led The GAIA Study, the largest U.S. nonprofit study on burnout, lifestyle, and nutrition, conducted with Ipsos Public Affairs. Her research inspired the award-winning feature documentary “Third Degree Burnout – A Survivor’s Guide”, which won Best Documentary Feature awards at the 2025 Greenpoint Film Festival, 2025 Seatte Film Festival, 2025 Show Low Arizona Film Festival, and several others, and continues to screen internationally. As a speaker, she has shared her work at King’s College Hospital, Harvard Kennedy School, University of California Berkeley, University of California Santa Barbara and the University of the Arts London. Through research, filmmaking, and advocacy, Nivi transforms personal loss into a mission to heal both people and planet. Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

Send us Fan Mail Today, we're delighted to welcome Jessica Wrabel , a versatile and respected actress and producer with more than two decades of experience in television, film, and theater. Today we'll discuss Jessica's journey as a producer, how she financed her film, the unique opportunities, and challenges of faith-based filmmaking, and what she's learned about bringing an independent film from concept to audience. Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

Send us Fan Mail Deborah Patz’s book, Film Production Management 101 , has become one of the industry's most respected resources and is often described as the “essential roadmap to the business side of production.” The newly updated third edition covers everything from budgeting and scheduling to respectful workplaces and sustainable production practices. Deborah covers important producing skills in this podcast. Deborah is also the author of “Write! Shoot! Edit!” for teens - both books published worldwide by MWP Productions. She has worked in the industry since the mid-80s, with a filmography that spans micro-budget to international co-productions, from family and children's programming to science fiction extravaganzas and feature films of various budget sizes with companies such as Disney, Lucasfilm, Alliance/Atlantis, Nelvana, MCA/Universal, and the IMAX space team. Currently she's working in business affairs at Telefilm Canada and teaches filmmaking skills based on her books. When not involved in books and films, she sails with her family in Pacific Northwest. www.debpatz.com Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

Send us Fan Mail Rae Shaw is a Black female writer-director whose work has been evolving to stretch the boundaries of how Black women see and are seen in the world. Her work concentrates on lifting the experiences of Black women and women of color by telling stories that dimensionalize us in spaces that have sought to diminish, exploit and punish us through stereotypes. Her screenplays have won honors at top international screenwriting competitions, and her film work has screened at top film festivals. She is the author of the recent screenwriting book, THE SHORT , from MWP, the foremost publisher of independent filmmaking books. Wicked Lovely Films - www.wickedlovelyfilms.com Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

Send us Fan Mail Check out our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE! This platform brings together all of From the Heart’s Courses, Classes, Services and Resources in one convenient central hub. Learn more and sign up at https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/ Use Coupon Code AFFPOD10 for 10% anything in the platform. Today, we’re talking about the next evolution of that mission: From the Heart THRIVE — a new educational and membership platform designed specifically to help independent filmmakers grow, connect, and succeed in today’s rapidly changing industry. Adam Heyes is a multidisciplinary creative and business developer, working primarily with independent filmmakers. Adam serves as Director of Development at From the Heart Productions, and has been working with the company since 2012. He helps the organization in many way, and supports our clients with pitch decks, design, editing, film and event production, website development, marketing, crowdfunding course design, and fundraising. Adam manages several programs for From the Heart Clients including our LargoAI reports and our Grant Advance donor research system. He designed our updated website and Fiscal Sponsorship Dashboard, and now our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE As a producer, Adam is attached to multiple projects in development and release, including the forthcoming documentary I Believe You , and the feature film When the Voiceless Roar . Adam currently also currently serves as President of a new company called IndieHeart, which provides AI based services and proprietary platforms specifically designed for independent filmmakers. Adam graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA’s Honors Program with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Human Complex Systems, and holds a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica.

Send us Fan Mail Joanne Butcher has shaped the careers of more than a hundred independent filmmakers as a Consulting Producer, helping them navigate the business realities that define success in the industry. Her deep experience in fundraising and distribution has supported the completion and release of dozens of feature films, and she has been directly involved in bringing over 25 features to screens around the world. What sets her apart is the way she empowers artists to evolve into savvy industry professionals—storytellers who not only understand craft, but who can confidently communicate with investors, funders, and distributors. She has supported creators at every stage of their journey, from first-time short film directors to teams building multimillion-dollar productions that attract top-tier talent. Joanne is a relentless champion for diverse and emerging voices, pushing open doors and dismantling long-standing barriers within the filmmaking ecosystem. Through her leadership, guidance, and industry advocacy, she continues to help filmmakers transform their passion into sustainable careers—ensuring that the stories that need to be told find their audiences, globally. Her 2024 book, *Getting Your Film Funded, Produced and Distributed Globally: A Seven Step System — The Film Box Office S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Formula, distills her two-decade methodology into a complete roadmap for indie filmmakers. joannebutcher.com Link to her calendar: https://www.filmmakersuccess.com/book-a-call Current Films In Distribution https://www.filmmakersuccess.com/filmsindistribution- Website https://www.filmmakersuccess.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/joannefilm/ Facebook Group Getting Your Film Funded, Produced, and Distributed Globally https://www.facebook.com/groups/1588227901352330 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannebutcher/ Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

Send us Fan Mail Carole Dean interviews her daughter, Carole Joyce — a two-time Telly Award–winning producer and Vice President of From The Heart Productions. With decades of experience helping filmmakers develop, finance, and promote independent films, Carole Joyce has guided countless projects from idea to screen and has become a respected mentor within the independent film community. Together, they explore how filmmakers can create intimate, inspiring fundraising events that not only raise money, but also build relationships, generate momentum, attract new supporters, and help bring important stories to life. Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

Send us Fan Mail Jon has been at the forefront of independent film for decades. Today, we’re diving deep into what it really takes to get your film seen—and how to survive and succeed in a very challenging distribution landscape. Jon Reiss is a filmmaker, author and media strategist who wrote the book Think Outside the Box Office. His company, 8 Above, creates custom audience-building strategies, theatrical experiences and digital release campaigns for independent feature and documentary films. Reiss has consulted with hundreds of filmmakers and film organizations throughout the world including The Gotham, IDA, Screen Australia, Film Independent, Creative Scotland. Current clients include The Librarians, Among Neighbors, Death and Taxes, 1800 On Her Own , Sabbath Queen, Food & Country, The Ride Ahead and The Body Politic. He has conducted workshops on six continents and helped create and run the IFP/Gotham Filmmaker Lab for ten years. In 2023 he created the 8 Above Distribution Lab to teach filmmakers how to distribute and market their films. He writes about distribution and marketing on his 8 Above Substack . Last year he co-founded the Future Film Coalition a new organization to research and advocate for the economic sustainability of independent film. Jon got his start in filmmaking and distribution at the infamous San Francisco documentary collective Target Video. He not only shot seminal bands such as Black Flag, Iggy Pop, Throbbing Gristle, The Cramps but was one of the first – if not the first person to conceptualize and execute video tours throughout Europe, carting 500 lbs. of video deck and projector in a VW Bus across 15,000 miles. 8 ABOVE is a theatrical distributor and rights management partner dedicated to connecting award-winning independent films with audiences. Working in close partnership with filmmakers, 8 Above develops strategies that build community and social impact around unique theatrical experiences. Founded by distribution pioneer Jon Reiss, 8 Above has developed bespoke audience-building strategies and theatrical campaigns for independent films, specialty films, and documentaries, including The Librarians, Among Neighbors, 1800 On Her Own, Sabbath Queen, Food & Country, The Ride Ahead, The Body Politic, Sam Now, Two Gods, My Love Affair with Marriage, Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, and Hooligan Sparrow. 8 Above Substack Jon@8above.com Art of Film Funding Podcast Listeners can get a 6 month free subscription to Jon Reiss' Substack! You can access the free 6-month subscription offer here: https://jonreiss.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=544beac3 Select a plan and then check the box that says "Apply 180 Day Free Trial" before checkout to get access for free. Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

Send us Fan Mail Imagine being able to understand your audience before you even shoot your first scene… to test your story, evaluate casting choices, and anticipate market performance—all from your script. That’s no longer science fiction. It’s happening now. Benjamin Schnau is a multilingual actor, producer, host, book author and public speaker native in English and German plus conversational French who also built a successful career as a business development and account executive in the tech industry working for companies like Splunk and Nasdaq. He is now overseeing client accounts globally within the film & streaming division of AI tech company Largo, THE platform that turns creative intuition into strategic impact through audience predictions, AI-powered content tests, and simulated focus groups. Combining his tech background with his experience as an actor working on feature films and TV-shows himself, he is now leveraging his experience to support producers, directors and filmmakers taking the next step in getting their project off the ground with the assistance of AI. Benjamin is widely known for his role 'Minion' in the Academy-Award Winning movie ‘Mank’ alongside Academy-Award Winner Gary Oldman, directed by David Fincher, produced and released by Netflix, for 'The Current War' playing opposite protagonist George Westinghouse portrayed by actor Michael Shannon and for his lead role 'Jupp Klein' 'Megastructures' produced by National Geographic available on Netflix. His book 'The Reality of Hollywood' was released worldwide to educate and guide upcoming actors to establish themselves in the film industry in Hollywood long-term. https://www.amazon.com/Reality-Hollywood-Success-Through-Actors-ebook/dp/B09WQD71YF/ https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-reality-of-hollywood Benjamin just wrapped the action feature film ‘Citizen Vigilante’ starring in critical role Jack opposite actor Armie Hammer and in the movie ‘Sweet Nothings’ where he plays the lead role Ethan, which both being scheduled for release in Fall 2026. Benjamin Schnau https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4250622/ https://www.instagram.com/benjaminschnau/ Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

Send us Fan Mail This is a revolution to budget making. If you want to learn how to budget your film with the newest program that will save you hours and be accurate, listen to these two brilliant, intelligent line producers Stephen Marinaccio & Matthew Cuny, Co-Founders of Cinematic Apps who took years to create and share this new way to budget your film. Learn More! Line Budgeter: linebudgeter.com LinePM: line.pm Art of Film Funding listeners can use code filmfunding10 for 10% off. Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

Send us Fan Mail From PBS broadcasts to grassroots theatrical screenings, Mike has built a career defined by independence, impact, and a deep belief in cinema as a communal experience. He has worked across productions that have been screened at major festivals including Sundance, Tribeca, Cannes, and Toronto, and has been a driving force behind the independent film movement in upstate New York. What makes Mike’s journey so powerful is not just what he’s created—but how he’s done it: with courage, clarity, and a commitment to bringing audiences together. Learn More: www.brownwhitestory.com www.videosforchange.com Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

Send us Fan Mail Danielle Guilbot is an Austin-based actress and film-tech entrepreneur. She is the founder of TexasFilmScene.com : the Texas Movie Operating System . TFS is a clearinghouse connecting producers, crews, and talent with everything they need to bring productions to Texas — from firsthand producer insights and crew resources to a full breakdown of the state's film incentive programs. Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/