Unveiling the Power of Independent Documentary Filmmaking: A Conversation with Chris White

Exploring the Rich Landscape of American Documentary

by Carole Dean

As the President of From the Heart Productions, I’ve long been an advocate for the transformative power of independent filmmaking. It’s not just about telling stories; it’s about shaping narratives, challenging perspectives, and fostering empathy.

Independent documentary

So, when I had the opportunity to sit down with Chris White, the executive producer at American Documentary Inc., I was eager to delve into the rich history and mission of his organization, renowned for producing PBS’s award-winning documentary series, POV (Point of View), and America Reframed in partnership with GBH World Channel.

A Legacy of Empowering Independent Voices

American Documentary, founded in the late 1980s by Mark Weiss, emerged from a pressing need for independent voices on American television.

Chris White, reflecting on the organization’s journey, encapsulates its essence: “Hundreds of beautiful cinematic stories being brought to the American public, addressing the issues of our times.” This dedication to uplifting long-form documentary filmmaking resonates deeply with my own passion for storytelling that transcends boundaries and challenges societal norms.

POV: A Showcase of Human Stories

POV stands as the longest-running showcase for independent documentary on U.S. television, completing its 36th season. What sets POV apart is its focus on character-driven, story-centric cinematic experiences that delve into the human condition.

As Chris aptly puts it, “Through our films, you can see all the contemporary issues we’re dealing with.” This approach, centering on human narratives, enables viewers to connect deeply with the multifaceted issues of our times.

America Reframed: Focusing on American Stories

While POV offers a global perspective, America Reframed zooms in on American narratives. Chris notes that while both platforms share similar approaches, America Reframed specifically focuses on stories from the United States, creating a nuanced tapestry of American experiences.

The Role of an Executive Producer: Nurturing Filmmakers and Stories

In his role as Vice President of Programming and Production and Executive Producer, Chris wears many hats. He serves as the public and curatorial face of POV, actively engaging with filmmakers at festivals, pitch forums, and industry events.

His journey from intern to executive producer underscores his profound understanding of the filmmaking process and the importance of fostering emerging talent.

Embracing Diversity and Innovation in Documentary Filmmaking

Chris emphasizes the importance of diversity and innovation in documentary filmmaking, encouraging filmmakers to experiment with storytelling techniques and embrace diverse perspectives.

This commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices is evident in their partnerships and initiatives, such as the Diverse Voices Project, aimed at supporting emerging BIPOC filmmakers.

Paving the Way for Short Form Nonfiction: POV Shorts

The emergence of POV Shorts, now in its sixth season, highlights the organization’s adaptability and commitment to showcasing the best in short-form nonfiction. By providing a platform for shorter narratives, POV Shorts enables filmmakers to convey powerful stories in condensed formats, further expanding the reach and impact of documentary filmmaking.

Empowering Filmmakers and Engaging Audiences: The POV Engage Initiative

Beyond airing films, American Documentary prioritizes civic engagement through initiatives like POV Engage. By collaborating with a vast network of organizations, they facilitate discussions, panels, and educational programs, transforming films into catalysts for dialogue and action within communities.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Documentary Ecosystem

As American Documentary looks to the future, Chris outlines their goals of sustaining the documentary ecosystem by increasing support for filmmakers and expanding co-production opportunities. By nurturing emerging talent and amplifying authentic voices, they aim to continue enriching the landscape of independent documentary filmmaking.

My conversation with Chris White reaffirmed the profound impact of independent documentary filmmaking in shaping our understanding of the world. Through compelling storytelling, diverse perspectives, and community engagement, organizations like American Documentary are not just documenting history—they’re actively shaping it.

As filmmakers and audiences alike, let us continue to champion the power of storytelling to inspire change and foster empathy in an ever-evolving world.

 

Carole Dean is president and founder of From the Heart Productions; a 501(c)3 non-The Art of Film Funding Podcastprofit that offers the Roy W. Dean Film Grants and fiscal sponsorship for independent filmmakers.

She is creator and instructor of Learn Producing: The Ultimate Course for Indie Film Production.  26 classes which will teach indie filmmakers how to produce their films.

She hosts the weekly podcastThe Art of Film Fundinginterviewing those involved in all aspects of indie film productionShe is also the author of  The Art of Film Funding, 2nd Edition: Alternative Financing Concepts.  See IMDB for producing credits

 

From Dream to Screen: Vision Boards for Filmmakers

Ten tips for creating a vision board for your film and seeing your project come to life before your eyes, in your mind, and on the screen.
 

by Carole Dean

From a recent interview in The Hollywood Reporter with 2024 Oscar nominee Sterling K. Brown.

Hollywood Reporter: Was an Oscar nomination or winning an Academy Award on your actor vision board?

Sterling K. Brown: I would say so. 

I want to dive into a powerful tool that can truly transform your filmmaking journey and elevate your career: vision boards.

As someone deeply invested in nurturing indie talent and fostering creativity, I believe wholeheartedly in the magic of manifesting our dreams through visualization.

Vision Board for Filmmakers

Picture this: you’re sitting in a cluttered room, surrounded by scraps of paper, scribbled notes, and a myriad of ideas swirling in your head.

You’ve got a passion project brewing, but you’re feeling stuck, unsure of how to turn your vision into reality.

This is where the vision board steps in to work its wonders.

Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t a vision board just a collage of pretty pictures and quotes?” Well, it’s so much more than that. A vision board is a tangible representation of your goals, aspirations, and deepest desires.

It’s a visual roadmap that helps clarify your intentions and keep you focused on what truly matters.

Here are ten tips for making a vision board for your film:

Film Aesthetic Collage:

Include visuals that capture the aesthetic and mood you envision for your indie film. This could involve color schemes, textures, and images that convey the atmosphere of your project.

Character Inspirations:

Feature images or descriptions representing your characters. Find actors, real people, or even fictional characters that embody the personalities and traits you want to portray in your indie film. 

Location Scouting:

Add pictures of locations or settings that align with the backdrop of your indie film. This can help you visualize the environment and set the tone for your storytelling.

Storyboarding Elements:

Incorporate elements of your storyboards. Include sketches, visuals, or snippets that represent key scenes or sequences in your film.

Genre and Style Indicators:

Use symbols, words, or images that signify the genre and style of your indie film. Whether it’s drama, comedy, thriller, or a mix, make sure your vision board reflects the essence of your project.

Budget and Resources:

If applicable, include images or notes related to your budgeting and resource needs. This could be representations of equipment, funding sources, or potential collaborators.

Film Festival Goals:

If submitting to film festivals is part of your plan, feature logos or images associated with those festivals. Visualize the achievement of screening your indie film at prestigious events.

Collaborator Images:

Showcase images or names of potential collaborators – cinematographers, actors, producers – to manifest the collaborative aspect of indie filmmaking.

Quotes and Inspirational Words:

Integrate motivational quotes, affirmations, or words that inspire you. These can serve as constant reminders of your passion and commitment to your indie filmmaking journey.

Distribution and Audience:

Include symbols or visuals representing your goals for distribution and reaching your target audience. This could involve logos of streaming platforms, audience reactions, or successful indie film examples.

Remember to arrange these elements in a way that feels intuitive and visually compelling to you.

Your vision board should serve as a source of motivation and focus, aligning with your aspirations for your indie film.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Carole, I’m a filmmaker, not a professional collagist!”

Fear not, for creating a vision board is as easy as 1-2-3. Simply gather your materials – a corkboard, magazines, scissors, glue – and let your intuition be your guide. There are no rules here, no right or wrong way to do it. Trust your instincts and let your creativity flow freely.

And remember, a vision board is not a one-and-done exercise. It’s a living, breathing entity that evolves with you.

As you progress on your filmmaking journey and your goals shift and expand, don’t be afraid to update your board accordingly. Think of it as a visual journal of your growth and transformation.

 

Carole Dean is president and founder of From the Heart Productions; a 501(c)3 non-The Art of Film Funding Podcastprofit that offers the Roy W. Dean Film Grants and fiscal sponsorship for independent filmmakers.

She is creator and instructor of Learn Producing: The Ultimate Course for Indie Film Production.  26 classes which will teach indie filmmakers how to produce their films.

She hosts the weekly podcastThe Art of Film Fundinginterviewing those involved in all aspects of indie film productionShe is also the author of  The Art of Film Funding, 2nd Edition: Alternative Financing Concepts.  See IMDB for producing credits

 

Roy W. Dean Grant Finalists Chosen for 2023 Fall Grant

25 Films Still in Running for Grant Offering Funding and Production Services

From the Heart Productions, a leading 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to empowering independent filmmakers, is thrilled to announce the selection of finalists for its Fall 2023 Roy W. Dean Grant. The prestigious grant, aimed at supporting unique films that make a contribution to society, has identified a group of talented filmmakers poised to make a significant impact. The winning filmmaker will be awarded $3,000 in cash and will also receive invaluable support in the form of donated production services, equipping them with the resources.

Roy W. Dean Grant

Roy W. Dean Grant Finalist: ” Mochitsuki”

Carole Joyce, Director of the Roy W. Dean Grants, remarked, “The submissions we received demonstrate an astonishing level of creativity, commitment, and enthusiasm. The task of choosing a single project as the recipient is daunting yet exhilarating.”

Along with the cash prize awarded by From the Heart Productions are donations from film industry professionals and companies.  These include $15,000.00 in original music written by well-known composer David Raiklen, $6,000.00 in animation from Emmy award winner Charlie Canfield, and $500 in grip, lighting or expendables from Filmtools

The grant is open to documentaries, narrative features, short films, and web series. The winner is expected to be announced in early March 2024.

Finalists for the Roy W. Dean Film Grant for Fall 2023 are:

 

Title Type Filmmaker
“The Peace Piano” Documentary Feature Rupert Clague
“Carousel” Fiction Feature Jason Nancarrow
“Blood Antiquities” Documentary Feature Bella Monticelli
“The History of Women” Documentary Feature Deborah Romare
“From a Darkened Room” Documentary Feature Lorenzo DeStefano
“Losing Eric Garner” Documentary Feature Patricia Wilson
“Walk In the Light” Documentary Short Princella Smith
“Sugar Daddy” Documentary Feature Michael Cooke
“Outcry: Alchemists of Rage” Documentary Short Clare Major
“Balanced” TV, Web, or New Media Series Siddhali Shree Sadhvi
“26 Seconds – ISIS Sex Slaves” Documentary Feature Kelly Galindo
“JFC – Wine Smuggler” Documentary Feature Charles Miller
“Holding Up The Sky” Documentary Short Bob Nesson
“Mad Island” Fiction Short Nick Peet
“Carry My Voice” Fiction Feature Hasan Demirtas
“The Art of Aviation” TV, Web, or New Media Series Jodi  Goren-Rode
“Saba” Fiction Short Liron Topaz
“Alien Numbers” Documentary Short Inna Ivanovskaya
“Untitled Ukrainian Writers Film” Documentary Feature Amanda Bailly
“Fentanyl High” Documentary Feature Kyle Santoro
“Chewed Gum” Documentary Feature Alana Maiello
“Frederick Douglass Boulevard” TV, Web, or New Media Series Washington Kirk
“Forecast: The Last Plundering of the Planet” Documentary Feature Myles Kramer
“Pearl Rising” Fiction Short Linda Dahlem Espinoza

 

Each finalist is given the opportunity to post information on their contending film on the website of From the Heart Productions.  Filmmakers can include an image from the film, filmmaker info, and loglines.  If they have available, filmmakers can include a link to their film’s website, Facebook page, or relevant social media connection.  

Click here to learn more about the projects that have posted their information. 

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Since its inception in 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films. The grant is awarded to films budgeted under $500,000 that is unique and that make a contribution to society. 

Offering four grants for filmmakers each year, The Roy W. Dean Grant has been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers helping them to get their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Past winners of the grant include 2021 Emmy winners Belly of the Beast and The Love Bugs ,  as well as Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, and acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity.

About From the Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer film fiscal sponsorship to filmmakers. In addition to personal guidance, free classes on fundraising and filmmaking, the program allows donations made to films to be tax deductible.  From The Heart has helped independent filmmakers raise over $30 million through their fiscal sponsorship program. 

President Carole Dean is the best-selling author of The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts and the new online class Learn Producing: The Ultimate Course for Indie Film Production.

“Finding Happy” Wins Britt Penrod Award

Documentary is a powerful story of survival and hope showing the world what is possible when we take the time to stop and simply listen.

 

Awarded to a finalist for one of the Roy W. Dean Grants, the Britt Penrod Award goes to an independent film that makes an exceptional contribution to society.  Grant sponsor, top-rated non-profit From the Heart Productions, has named the documentary “Finding Happy” as the latest winner of the award.  Filmmaker Maria Bertrand will receive $500 to help in this project’s completion.

Britt Penrod Award

“This is heartfelt and inspirational film shows we can learn much about life and the healing power of connection from one of our smallest creatures,” said Carole Joyce, the Director of the Roy W. Dean Grants. “We are thrilled to be able to support this beautiful project.”

About “Finding Happy”

“Finding Happy” is a heartfelt and uplifting feature-length documentary about survival, compassion, connection, hope and love, told through unlikely bonds formed between humans and animals. 

On May 6th, 2020, isolation and fear were gripping the world during the worst days of the pandemic. Maria, whose life had just come crashing down around her, was out for a run when she spotted an injured one-day old sparrow laying in the middle of the street. She picked him up intending to help him, not realizing how much he would help her, and many others, around the world. 

“Finding Happy” takes you into the complex and beautiful mind of one tiny sparrow who becomes a beacon of hope for his rescuer and millions around the globe, and who inspires a journey to explore other extraordinary bonds between humans and animals.

About the Filmmaker

Britt Penrod AwardMaria Bertrand (She), Principal/Director/Producer – Since Happy came into Maria’s life she launched Happy Moone Productions, where she has made her commercial directorial debut with four commercials under her belt, and she is in pre-production for her female driven comedy, ‘Got Daddy Issues?’  She has also published her first children’s book now on Amazon, “Finding Happy the Sparrow.”

Maria is an Executive Producer of “Finding 52; The Search for the Loneliest Whale,” alongside Leo DiCaprio and Adrien Grenier.

 

About the Britt Penrod Award

The award will be presented to one or more finalists to one of our four yearly Roy W. Dean Grants whose film is unique and makes an exceptional contribution to society.  The Britt Penrod Award was made possible by a donation from its namesake who is a longtime friend of 501(c)3 non-profit From the Heart Production.  Results of the award have no bearing on the eventual winner of any of the Roy W. Dean Grants.

In 2023, the Britt Penrod Award went to two films.  “Save the Wild Coast (Warship Off the Wild Coast)” from consultant Producer & Director Quinton Fredericks along with Executive Producer Gary Janks and “Desert Angel” which was Produced & Directed by Séverine Tibi.

About Britt Penrod

Britt is president of Giant Entertainment & Management Inc. (G.E.M.) is a Los Angeles based Film & Television Studio design and development company with in depth experience in the United States, Europe and Asia.

G.E.M. delivers knowledgeable business foundations to Studio development projects that include; Market Analysis, Site Planning, Operating Financial Evaluation, Construction, MEP & Value Engineering, Start-up of Operations and ongoing Management Services for stage-based entertainment properties.

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Now in its 31st year, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films. The grant is awarded to films budgeted under $500,000 that are unique and that make a contribution to society.  It has been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers that help to get their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Past winners of the grant include Emmy Winners Belly of the Beast and The Love Bugs, 2019 Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, as well as acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity.

About From the Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer fiscal sponsorship to filmmakers.  This allows donations made to films they sponsor to be tax deductible.  From The Heart has helped independent filmmakers raise millions through their fiscal sponsorship program.  The non-profit also offers film funding and production educational programs which include their Intentional Filmmaking Class and Learn Producing: The Ultimate Course in Indie Film Production.

President Carole Dean is the best-selling author of The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts and the new online class How to Fund Your Film.

For More Information and interview requests, please contact:

Richard Kaufman

richard@fromtheheartproductions.com

www.fromtheheartproductions.com

Roy W. Dean Grant for Summer 2023 Won by Homele$$, Inc

Documentary Examines the Industry That’s Grown Up Around the Issue of Homelessness

Director Remi Kessler and his producing partner Robert McFalls have won the Roy W. Dean Grant for Summer 2023 with their documentary feature Homele$$, Inc.  Awarded by From the Heart Productions, a top-rated 501(c)3 non-profit grant that sponsors the grant, the grant goes to a unique film that makes a contribution to society.  Remi and his production team will receive $3,500 and thousands more in production goods and services to help complete their film.

 

 

“Director Remi Kessler shines a bright, revealing, and necessary light on the terrible homelessness crisis in our cities, “commented Carole Dean, President of From the Heart Productions. “We know that he and his talented team will turn out an exceptional documentary.”  

In addition to the $3,500 cash prize, the grant winner will receive $500 in grip, lighting or expendables from Filmtools,  $1295.00 Scholarship to Writers Boot Camp, a discount on sound mix from Jeff Alan of  Alan Audio Works,  30% discount by Jerry Deaton for Music Post Production Services at AudioKut, and more from heart-felt film industry companies and individuals.

About the Film

Homele$$, Inc takes a look behind the scenes at the industry that’s grown up around the issue of homelessness, exploring what’s working and what’s not. In the wake of publicly funded ballot initiatives and bond measures, the public has grown concerned about how their tax dollars are being spent.

They see the homeless population continuing to explode and wonder; is money being spent wisely? Meanwhile, entire sectors of homeless industry have evolved, ever increasing the amount of money required to manage the issue. 

The film focuses on two main areas: construction of new affordable housing units and the supportive services industry. Why can’t units get built faster? Why are they so expensive? Painting mass homelessness as an individual failure rather than a housing problem has resulted in billions of dollars being spent on emergency responses, while the underlying problem remains unaddressed. One thing is clear; the answers to solving the epidemic of homelessness require novel outside the box modes of thinking.

In his celebrated film, “The Advocates,” producer- director Remi Kessler focused on the intimate journeys of advocates helping people off the streets and into supportive housing. Remi, along with long time producing partner Robert McFalls, now turn their wider lens on the business side of homelessness in America, knowing that if we don’t face these problems head on, the human and economic costs will continue to grow.

About the Filmmaker

Remi Kessler – Director –Rémi Kessler directed and produced the feature documentary “The Advocates” which premiered at the 2018 Los Angeles Film Festival before being released theatrically.

Prior to this, Rémi produced “Shadows and Lights,” which opened the classic documentary section of the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.

Over the years, he has produced many television series, independent features, documentaries, and music videos, working with a range of artists including iconic fashion designer Ozwald Boateng and megastar David Guetta.

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

From its inception in 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films. It has been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers that help to get their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made.  Four grants are awarded each year including one exclusively for short films

Other winners of the Roy W. Dean Grants include Emmy Winners Belly of the Beast, The Love Bugs, the award winning narrative feature Cadejo Blanco which is now in theaters around the world, the 2019 Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, the acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity, Stranger at Home which premiered on PBS this November, and 26 Seconds which is now streaming on Epoch TV.

About From the Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  They have been chosen a top non-profit for eight years in a row by greatnonprofits.org. Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer a unique film sponsorship which has helped filmmakers raise over $30 million for their projects.  The program offers personal consultations and guidance on finding funding their project. 

President Carole Dean, is a published writer, a producer, and instructor for two essential classes for indie filmmakers. She wrote the best-selling The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts.   Her Intentional Filmmaking Class teaches film funding.  Her new course, Learn Producing: The Ultimate Guide to Indie Film Production is a year-round course that provides filmmakers with the essentials they need to produce their projects.

For More Information and interview requests, please contact:

Richard Kaufman

richard@fromtheheartproductions.com

www.fromtheheartproductions.com

Mastering Narrative: Keys to Crafting Compelling Documentaries

How to use the screenwriter’s definition of a story to create a good story structure for your documentary

by Carole Dean

Karen Everett is one of the world’s leading documentary story consultants. Her company, New Doc Editing, has pioneered ways to tailor screenwriting principles to non-fiction films. She has helped filmmakers structure captivating documentaries for PBS, HBO, Sundance, and other top film festivals. 

 

 

On my recent podcast, The Art of Film Funding, I asked Karen what is a good story structure?

A Character Driven Documentary

Karen said she follows a screenwriter’s definition of story. A good story is normally about someone who wants something badly and that something is difficult to get.  And in this world, we call this a character driven documentary with a three-act structure, a beginning, a middle and an end.

In act one, we meet the protagonist and learn something that throws their world upside down into chaos. That’s called the catalyst, or the inciting incident.

What comes out of their desire is their quest, it is the story we’re telling. Karen says it is important to include in your script narration or in an interview what she calls “a protagonist statement of desire.” This is where the protagonist says in one or two sentences exactly what they want. This should be punctuated with sound effects or music to guide the viewer to the narrative arc.

Tips from Aristotle

Karen notes we use the three-act structure from Aristotle, which has been used in all kinds of art forms. We are adapting it for a nonfiction format.

The protagonist’s desire should be something important like finding a cure for Alzheimer’s. This first act is where you introduce me to your characters and begin your character development. This act one is 25% of the film.

The second act’s focus is on how difficult it will be to achieve the goal and we see many obstacles in their way.  This is where a lot of drama happens, and it is about 60% of the film.

In The shortest act, which is act three where the protagonist either reaches or does not reach his objective.

Plot Driven Vs. an Idea Driven

That structure adopted from Aristotle is a plot driven documentary as opposed to an idea driven. This idea driven film is an essay style documentary.  People often start those by posing a thesis statement.

This type of documentary was radical 20 years ago.  Karen mentioned An Inconvenient Truth as an example. That was Al Gore’s hypothesis, and he spent most of the film proving it. For this type of film, you start with a thesis statement. Then, through most of the film, you’re finding arguments to bolster your notion.

At the end of the film, you say now we’ve proven it. This film could also start with a central question like who killed the electric car? This gives us several culprits who were all behind the killing of the electric car, General Motors or was it the battery technology or was it the executives or the consumers? You have those questions to answer yourself at the end of the film. 

You should feel that you’ve learned something purposeful from this type of documentary.

A Paper Edit 

In idea driven films, many people make a paper edit. Karen says she likes to have at least a one-page outline that identifies the central question or the central thesis. It then lists the ways that we’re going to examine this thesis, this idea.

At the end, we have meaning so the viewer walks away with a sense of “Oh, I’ve not only learned something, but I’ve also learned something useful.”

Karen explains once you have that list of plot points; let’s say you have four items that are obstacles and the protagonist is facing, you look at those closely and say, ‘I have a lot of ideas, so which plot point best relates to this idea?’

Now, use the plot points as a springboard for opening a discussion among the characters or the experts on an idea that you want to explore in a character driven documentary.

How to Start the Opening of a Documentary Story

I asked Karen to tell us how they start the opening of a story. I find this is most important to grantors and to viewers. Where do you begin?  She replied, “Yes, the opening is so important you should be trying at least a dozen different openings.

Personally, I believe it’s the most difficult part of a documentary to edit. I’ve heard people say that. So here are a few things to keep in mind for the first 20 seconds:

  1. Make sure you’re using sound and video that looks and sounds stellar. You must have high production values because research shows that the first thing the audience notices is not what the film is about but how it’s made. And they will make judgments immediately if the footage is dark or the composition is wobbly or even more important than video the audio is scratchy. Do not start with this type of material unless it is highly compelling.
  2. You need to hook the viewer in the first 20 seconds. You might use a crazy image. You might pick a bit of a conversation or start with humor. The thing that works most of the time is to come up with three or four very good one sentence sound bites that are emotional, like, how could they let them do that? And use a voiceover or a related music theme. You need something that captures the theme of the film. What works well here are superlatives, meaning the first or the best. Like, what was the first surgeon general to recommend we stop smoking. It’s just a statement from an interview somewhere that you put at the beginning. And when you have four or five of those, they can build on each other. So how could they let this happen? This could follow that statement and it generates two things. One is a sense of excitement about the conversation, and two, we began to get an understanding of the content of the film.
  3. And certainly, by two minutes the viewer should basically have a sense of what the film is about. Establish the film storytelling grammar. In the first two minutes you want to reveal a few of these and by seven minutes you should ideally get those off the ground so that the viewer has a sense that this is not only an interesting film, but it’s artistic, it’s cohesive, it’s using a recurring motif.
  4. Once you have introduced all of this within the first 7 minutes, you use these different looks and sounds periodically throughout the film.

Free e-book “Documentary Editing”

Karen Everett is offering a free e-book on documentary editing which is filled with 27 chapters that include:

  • Organizing Folders and Sequences
  • Launching and Editing a Character-Driven Documentary
  • Pacing With A Doc Plot Map
  • Editing An Essay-Style Documentary
  • Editing Trailers, Sizzle Reels, and Fundraising Samples
  • Multiple Protagonists and Subplots

“With an insider’s love and knowledge of documentary form, Karen Everett takes us into the beating heart of documentary filmmaking. Filled with useful references and possible scenarios, her book ‘Documentary Editing’ will be of enormous help to those of us who have sat in front of our unmade films and wondered how the hell we were going to move forward.”  Robb Moss, Harvard Film Professor

Click here to get your copy. 

 

Carole Dean is president and founder of From the Heart Productions; a 501(c)3 non-The Art of Film Funding Podcastprofit that offers the Roy W. Dean Film Grants and fiscal sponsorship for independent filmmakers.

She is creator and instructor of Learn Producing: The Ultimate Course for Indie Film Production.  26 classes which will teach indie filmmakers how to produce their films.

She hosts the weekly podcastThe Art of Film Fundinginterviewing those involved in all aspects of indie film productionShe is also the author of  The Art of Film Funding, 2nd Edition: Alternative Financing Concepts.  See IMDB for producing credits

Hot Films in the Making for Roy W. Dean Grant for Summer 2023

Films by Talented Filmmakers That Deserve Your Attention

Out of every Roy W. Dean Grant, we select a special group which we call “Hot Films in the Making. These films, which just missed making our list of finalists, have wonderful stories told by brilliant filmmakers.  From the Heart Productions, the 501(c)3 sponsor of the grant, has selected twenty-seven “Hot Films” for the Roy W. Dean Grant for Summer 2023. 

Hot Films in the Making

“A Banner Year” – Josh Davidsburg

We hope you take notice of the films as well as the filmmakers and give your favorites your support.

“I’m eagerly awaiting the release of these cinematic gems, “said Carole Joyce, Director of the Roy W. Dean Grants for From the Heart Productions. “The filmmakers have showcased incredible talent and vision.”

The films chosen for Hot Films in the Making include documentary features, fiction features, short films and web series.  They represent projects from the United States and around the world. 

The Hot Films in the Making for the Roy W. Dean Film Grant for Summer 2023 are: 

Title Type Filmmaker
“Regina Doyle, Silent Film Starlet: The Untold, Tragic but True Story” Documentary Short David Brown
“Home: Everywhere and Nowhere Journey of a Global Citizen” Documentary Feature Grace Ward
“Recurring Gig” Fiction Feature Adam Hutchinson
“What to Expect” Fiction Short Gabriela Garcia Medina
“Free Play” Documentary Short Alex Astrella
“A Banner Year” Documentary Feature Josh Davidsburg
“Beneficence” Fiction Short Nathan Goldrich
“Tubadu Breaking Through” Documentary Feature Aira Vehaskari
“Unbelizeablue” Documentary Feature Eladio Arvelo
“The Nurse” Fiction Short Joyce Holland-Kostakis
“The Violin Case” Fiction Feature Nashwan Abdullah
“La Casita” Fiction Short Natasha Rivera
“His Biggest Role” Fiction Short Evgeny Vdovin
“Rewriting Romance” TV, Web, or New Media Series Evie Joy
“Revenge of the Time” Fiction Short Mizani Ball
“Deja Vu” Fiction Short Serena Sogules
“August & Ebony” Fiction Short Joyce Liu-Countryman
“Dennis and Sandy Sasso: A Journey of Faith and Love” Documentary Feature Rachael Berggren
“Choose You” Fiction Short Moitri Ghosh
“Saved by Maidl with a Kof K Tattoo” Fiction Short Sofie Somoroff
“Uno Por Uno” Fiction Short Francisco J. Landin Jr
“Finding JaMia’s Spirit” Fiction Short Candace Patrick
“Carry My Voice” Fiction Feature Hasan Demirtas
“Where Shall I Lay This Body” Fiction Short Chi Mai
“Bike Helmet Harry” Fiction Feature Tony Mouleart
“Underdogs” Documentary Short Ashia Lance
“Thazin: Myanmar Winter” Documentary Feature Jeanne Hallacy

 

Each finalist is given the opportunity to post information on their contending film on the From the Heart Productions website.  Filmmakers can include an image from the film, filmmaker info, and loglines.  If they have available, filmmakers can include a link to their film’s website, Facebook page, or relevant social media connection. 

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Now celebrating its 31st year, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films. The grant is awarded to films budgeted under $500,000 that are unique and make a contribution to society.  It has been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers that help to get their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Past winners of the grant include 2021 Emmy winners Belly of the Beast and The Love Bugs ,  as well as Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, and acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity.

About From The Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer film fiscal sponsorship to filmmakers. In addition to personal guidance, free classes on fundraising and filmmaking, the program allows donations made to films to be tax deductible.  From The Heart has helped independent filmmakers raise over $30 million through their fiscal sponsorship program. 

President Carole Dean is the best-selling author of The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts and the new online class Learn Producing: The Ultimate Course for Indie Film Production.

Finalists Named for Roy W. Dean Grant for Summer 2023

Winner to Receive Cash and Production Services to Help Them Complete Their Project

From the Heart Productions, the 501(c)3 non-profit which sponsors the Roy W. Dean Grants for indie filmmakers, has chosen the finalists for the Roy W. Dean Film Grant for Summer 2023.  Twenty-four filmmakers will vie for the grant which is awarded to a film that is unique and that makes a contribution to society.  The grant recipient will be awarded $3,500 cash and thousands more in donated production goods and services.

Roy W. Dean Grant for Summer 2023 Finalist: “Tuner”

“The submissions we received show an incredible depth of creativity, dedication, and passion,” said Carole Joyce, Director of the Roy W. Dean Grants.  “The prospect of selecting one project as the winner is a formidable but thrilling challenge.”

As the Roy W. Dean Grant is accepts submissions internationally, submissions were received from many filmmakers outside the United States.  Projects were received from Italy, Netherlands, South Africa, Egypt, Argentina, and Congo.

Along with the cash prize awarded by From the Heart Productions are donations from film industry professionals and companies.  These include $500 in grip, lighting or expendables from Filmtools, $1295.00 Scholarship to Writers Boot Camp, Major discount on sound mixing from Jeff Alan from Alan Audio Works,  30% Discount by Jerry Deaton for Music Post Production Services at AudioKut, $600.00 for your Free Closed Captioning by Cineprosmedia, and more from many heartfelt donors.

The grant is open to documentaries, narrative features, short films, and web series. The winner is expected to be announced in November 2023.

Finalists for the Roy W. Dean Film Grant for Summer 2023 are: 

Title Type Filmmaker
“Evidence of Afterlife” Documentary Feature Robert Lyon
“Breakthrough” Documentary Feature Aaron Bear
“36 Seconds: Portrait of a Hate Crime” Documentary Feature Tarek Albaba
“We Swim Among Oceans” Documentary Feature Ruoyun Chen
“Touching the Sky” Documentary Short Tim Hedberg
“Trusted Sources” Documentary Feature Don Colacino
“Homele$$ Inc” Documentary Feature Remi Kessler
“Tuner” Fiction Short Radha Mehta
“The Facade” Documentary Short Tatiana Chekhova
“Overturned” Fiction Short Meredith Vivian
“Aimless” Fiction Feature Cyrus Richardson
“American House Witch” Documentary Feature Coriann Eden Bright
“Guns and Hoses” Documentary Feature Alex Gocke
“Revelations of Divine Love” Fiction Feature Caroline Golum
“First Light” Documentary Feature Nick Girard
“Planning to Turn the Tide” Documentary Feature James Schwab
“Reach Out” Documentary Short Menchie Caliboso
“After She Died” Fiction Feature Shivani Khattar
“With My Own Two Hands’ 2023 Film” Documentary Short Isabella Mudge
“Sweeter than Heaven” TV, Web, or New Media Series Jerod Willis
“Rebranding Peace” Documentary Feature CJ Crim
“Aloha Warriors” Documentary Short Chelsi de Cuba
“The Net Effect” Documentary Feature Myles Kramer
“Finding HAPPY” Documentary Feature Kelly King

 

Each finalist is given the opportunity to post information on their contending film on the From the Heart Productions website.  Filmmakers can include an image from the film, filmmaker info, and loglines.  If they have available, filmmakers can include a link to their film’s website, Facebook page, or relevant social media connection. 

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Since its inception in 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films. The grant is awarded to films budgeted under $500,000 that is unique and that make a contribution to society. 

Offering four grants for filmmakers each year, The Roy W. Dean Grant has been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers helping them to get their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Past winners of the grant include 2021 Emmy winners Belly of the Beast and The Love Bugs ,  as well as Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, and acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity.

About From the Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer film fiscal sponsorship to filmmakers. In addition to personal guidance, free classes on fundraising and filmmaking, the program allows donations made to films to be tax deductible.  From The Heart has helped independent filmmakers raise over $30 million through their fiscal sponsorship program. 

President Carole Dean is the best-selling author of The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts and the new online class Learn Producing: The Ultimate Course for Indie Film Production.

Exploring Wefunder: A Tool for Filmmakers to Raise Capital

Platform provides creators, including filmmakers, with the infrastructure to raise capital from a community of investors

 

by Carole Dean

Read Ezell, Director, Venture Partnerships and Fundraising at WeFunder, shared an insightful overview of his company during our most recent Everything You Wanted to Know About Film Funding Webinar

It’s clear that Wefunder is not just a platform for raising capital; it’s a tool that can help creators engage their communities and democratize the fundraising process.  That includes being used as a fantastic fundraising tool for filmmakers.

WeFunder

Understanding Wefunder’s Core Purpose

WeFunder was founded over a decade ago, and its inception was closely tied to the passage of the Jobs Act in 2012, which allowed for the crowdfunding of investments from unaccredited investors. Since then, Wefunder has worked with thousands of founders and funded a wide range of projects, including over a hundred film and entertainment projects.

At its core, Wefunder operates by enabling creators to accept small investments from a large number of individuals, breaking down the traditional barriers to capital access. This means that filmmakers no longer must rely solely on a few wealthy individuals or institutions to finance their projects. Instead, they can tap into a broader pool of potential investors.

Building and Engaging Your Community

One of the unique aspects of Wefunder is its emphasis on community engagement. Read mentioned that the first group of people filmmakers should approach is their existing community—friends, family, fans, or enthusiasts in their niche. Building and mobilizing this community is key to launching a successful fundraising campaign. Once you have your initial supporters, they can help spread the word about your project, significantly increasing its visibility and chances of success.

Another significant advantage of using Wefunder is the ability to publicly promote your fundraising campaign. This is a departure from the traditional fundraising model, where soliciting investors was limited to accredited investors in closed rooms. Wefunder allows creators to leverage social media and other platforms to reach a wider audience. Moreover, once you have some initial backers, you can enlist them to help promote your campaign, creating a grassroots marketing effort.

Investment Options and Syndicate Structure

The flexibility of fundraising structures on Wefunder is another noteworthy feature. Filmmakers can choose to offer revenue sharing, equity, or future equity in their film project, tailoring the investment terms to suit their specific needs. This flexibility allows creators to align the investment structure with the unique aspects of their project.

Wefunder also simplifies the process of handling numerous investors. Instead of dealing with individual investors, all the investors on Wefunder’s platform are part of a single syndicate. The project leader or founder selects a trusted person to lead this syndicate, streamlining communication and administration.

So, why should filmmakers consider using Wefunder? Firstly, it can help raise capital more quickly, especially if you already have a community of supporters. Secondly, by engaging a broad community of investors, including your fans and enthusiasts, you can potentially create a dedicated army of advocates for your project. These backers are not just providing financial support; they become emotionally invested in your success.

Benefits of Using Wefunder for Filmmakers

Moreover, Wefunder allows filmmakers to maintain greater control of their projects. By distributing ownership among a larger group of smaller investors, you avoid the risk of a single major investor exerting significant influence over your creative decisions.

However, Read emphasizes that using Wefunder for fundraising is not a passive process. It requires effective communication, storytelling, and the ability to persevere in the face of rejection. While having an existing community is advantageous, creators who hustle and pitch their projects passionately can still achieve success on the platform.

Wefunder is more than just a crowdfunding platform; it’s a powerful tool for filmmakers to engage their communities, democratize fundraising, and maintain creative control over their projects. It offers flexibility in fundraising structures, the ability to publicly promote campaigns, and access to a vast community of potential investors.

So, for filmmakers looking to finance their projects and connect with their audiences, Wefunder is a valuable resource to consider.

 

Carole Dean is president and founder of From the Heart Productions; a 501(c)3 non-The Art of Film Funding Podcastprofit that offers the Roy W. Dean Film Grants and fiscal sponsorship for independent filmmakers.

She is creator and instructor of Learn Producing: The Ultimate Course for Indie Film Production.  26 classes which will teach indie filmmakers how to produce their films.

She hosts the weekly podcastThe Art of Film Fundinginterviewing those involved in all aspects of indie film productionShe is also the author of  The Art of Film Funding, 2nd Edition: Alternative Financing Concepts.  See IMDB for producing credits

“Hungry Ghosts” Wins 2023 Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant

Winning filmmaker receives prize of $3,000 and thousands more in production services  

Celebrating it’s 3rd year, the Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant is awarded to a short narrative fiction film that is unique and that makes a contribution to society. From the Heart Productions, a top-rated 501(c)3 non-profit grant that sponsored the grant, has selected Hungry Ghosts from filmmaker Nathan Carreon Lim as the recipient of the 2023 Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant.  Nathan will use the award to produce and complete his project.

2023 Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant

Writer/Director Nathan Carreon Lim on Location for Short Film “Did it Hurt”

Set in early 90’s Chinatown, Hungry Ghosts explores a young gangster’s changing perception of past and present events after his deceased friend reappears on rival gang territory.

“Nathan’s talent is evident from his fantastic prior work,” said Carole Dean, President of From the Heart Productions. “We are excited to be able to nurture and support him in creating this new film.”  

In addition to the $3,000 cash prize, the grant winner will receive  $500 in grip, lighting or expendables from Filmtools, $3,000 in music and audio services from well-known composer David Raiklen, $6,000 in animation from Emmy award winner Charlie Canfield, $1,600 value / sound mix session from Silver Sound,  and more from heart-felt film industry companies and individuals.

About the Film

“Many filmmakers have spoken at length about the inherent connection between memory and cinema,” explains Hungry Ghosts filmmaker Nathan Carreon Lim. “Through these films, we are given the equivalent of modern-day myths – stories that harmonize our personal experience, cultural identities and collective histories with spiritual tenets.

“This short film is my own attempt at expressing the relationship between these different planes of reality. That is, to articulate how our internal and external worlds interact with one another; how we each participate in a collective experience within the amorphous framework of a subjective paradigm.”

About the Filmmaker

2023 Roy W. Dean Short Film GrantNathan Carreon Lim – Director – Nathan is a Filipino-American film director and music producer of Chinese ethnicity.  

Perhaps due, in part to his mixed ethnic and cultural background, Nathan’s films often explore the nature of the self In both a mundane and spiritual sense.

His first short film, Did it Hurt? premiered at the San Diego Asian Film Festival, alongside films by masters Edward Yang, Tsai Ming Liang, and Jafar Panahi. 

Most recently, the film won Best Fiction at Tampere Film Festival, one of Europe’s oldest and most important short film festivals.

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

From its inception in 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films. It has been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers that help to get their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Prior winners of the Roy W. Dean Short Grant include Stairway to the Stars and Love Taps.  Other winners of the Roy W. Dean Grants include Emmy Winners Belly of the Beast and The Love Bugs, the award winning narrative feature Cadejo Blanco which is now in theaters around the world,  2019 Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, the acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity.

About From the Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  They have been chosen a top non-profit for eight years in a row by greatnonprofits.org. Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer a unique film sponsorship which has helped filmmakers raise over $30 million for their projects.  The program offers personal consultations and guidance on finding funding their project. 

President Carole Dean, is a published writer, a producer, and instructor for two essential classes for indie filmmakers. She wrote the best-selling The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts.   Her Intentional Filmmaking Class teaches film funding.  Her new course, Learn Producing: The Ultimate Guide to Indie Film Production is a year-round course that provides filmmakers with the essentials they need to produce their projects.