Category Archives: Film Grant News

Summer 2019 Roy W. Dean Grant Finalists Named

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26 Films Selected as Summer 2019 Roy W. Dean Grant Finalists.  Winner to Receive Grant Valued at $30K in Cash and Production Services

From The Heart Productions , the nonprofit dedicated to helping of independent filmmakers fund their films, announced  Summer 2019 Roy W. Dean Grant finalists. The second of 3 film grants awarded yearly, the Roy W. Dean Grant is given to a film that is unique and makes a contribution to society.  The winner will receive $3,500 cash and thousands more in donated production services from film industry professionals and companies.

Summer 2019 Roy W. Dean Grant Finalists

“The quality of work and commitment to it from all these filmmakers is wonderful.” said Carole Dean, President of From the Heart Productions. “All of the projects chosen to compete for the grant have the opportunity to become exceptional films in the future.”

Now in its 27th year, the Roy W. Dean Grant is open to documentary films, feature films, web series, and short films or a combination.  It is open to filmmakers around the world.  Applications were received not just from U.S., but from filmmakers in Canada, the United Kingdom, India, Lebanon, and the Ukraine.

All filmmakers who entered the grant are given the opportunity for a free consultation on their project.  Winner of the grant is expected to be announced in November.

The Summer 2019 Roy W. Dean Grant finalists are:

Title

Film Type

Submitting Filmmaker
Where Love is Illegal TV, Web or New Media Nick Fitzhugh
In Justice TV, Web or New Media Nikki Hevesy
Help Is On The Way Documentary William Nolan
One List One Life TV, Web or New Media Dillon Hill
The History Of This Documentary Leyla Rouhi
Beyond The Duplex Planet Documentary Beth Harrington
26 Seconds Documentary Kelly Galindo
The Vintage Voyageur TV, Web or New Media Allison Maldonado
An Elephant In The Room Documentary Katrine Sahistrom
El Cadejo Blanco Feature Justin Lerner
999 The Extraordinary Young Women Documentary Heather Dune Macadam
Swanson on Sunset Documentary Jeffrey Schwarz
Ready Or Not? Documentary Jenny Mackenzie
Acid Test Feature Jenny Waldo
Conscience Short Brandon Kelly
Sacrifice Zones: The 48217 Feature Ben Corona
Wali & Zuri Short Derrick Woodyard
Quantum Qi TV, Web or New Media Sharron Rose
Radical Landscapes Documentary Elettra Fiumi
Dawn Dusk Documentary Jason & Blue Gerber
Mermaids Against Plastics Documentary Sylvia Johnson
Crossing Market Short Brandon Kajewski
The Other Tribe Documentary Lydia Mangeni Stewart
40 Days & 40 Nights Documentary Taira Akbar
Busted Feature Rebecca Hamm
La Recua Documentary Trudi Angell

 

Each finalist is given the opportunity to post information on their contending film on the From the Heart Productions website.  You can view 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. 

In addition to the  $3,500 in cash provided by From the Heart Productions the winner will also receive $500 in expendables, lighting or grip equipment from Filmtools,  a G-Technology ArmorATD hard drive with case, $1,295.00 Scholarship to Writers Boot Camp, and more from heartfelt film industry donors that support independent filmmaking.

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Founded in 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grant seeks films that are unique and make a contribution to society that, without it’s help, might otherwise not get made.  There is a Spring, Summer and Fall Grant.  The Fall 2019 Grant has extended its previous deadline and is accepting entries until Oct 31st.  

Past winners of the grant include the Emmy winning Mia: A Dancer’s Journey,  2019 Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, and the acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity which is now in distribution showing in theaters around the U.S. and world.

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 films fiscal sponsorship which allows donations made to films they sponsor to be tax deductible.  From the Heart Productions has helped independent filmmakers raise over $10 million through its fiscal sponsorship program.  President Carole Dean is the best-selling author of The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts. 

 

Win, Shoot, Get Film Score with Roy W. Dean Grant

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Roy W. Dean Grant for Fall Offers Cash and Production Services Including Music

Roy W. Dean Film Grant for Fall

Production team from Roy W. Dean Grant Winner “Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins”.  Film Will be in Theaters in September Across U.S.

The final Roy W. Dean Film Grant for Fall 2019 offers indie filmmakers a prize that should be music to their ears as well as their audience.   The winner receives $3,000 cash, $30,000 in film services to shoot and finish their project, including a film score! 

Award winning composer David Raiklen will give the grant recipient $15,000 in theme music for their project.  David provided music for the Emmy and Roy W. Dean Grant winning documentary “Mia: A Dancer’s Journey”. In addition, Emmy award winner Charlie Canfield will donate $6,000 in animation services to the winner.

The Roy W. Dean Grant for Fall

Now in its 27th year, the Roy W. Dean Film Grant seeks films that are unique and make a contribution to society.  Projects can be documentaries, short films, features, or web series. Deadline for submission is October 31st, 2019.

Other prizes include a one week DSLR camera package rental from Birns & Sawyer, $500 in expendables from Filmtools, a 20% discount on the design of your marketing sheet by award winning designer Dan Chapman, and much more from many heartfelt donors. 

Each Applicant Gets a Consultation on Their Project

Another unique part of the grant is each applicant for the grant is given the opportunity for a 15 minute consultation on their project from a member of the non-profit From The Heart Productions which sponsors the grant. 

More information about the grant can be found at https://fromtheheartproductions.com/roy-w-dean-film-grants-and-awards/

You can apply for the grant at https://fromtheheartproductions.com/grant-application-form/.  

For more information, please email info@fromtheheartproductions.com or call 805-984-0098

About the Roy W. Dean Film Grant 

Founded in 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grant seeks films that are unique and make a contribution to society that, without it’s help, might otherwise not get made. There is a Spring, Summer and Fall Grant. Films submitted to the grant can be short films, documentaries, features, and web series from early stages of pre-production to those needing help in post.

The grant has been integral in helping talented artists with great stories get their films produced. Recent past winners of the grant include the award winning “Heist: Who Stole the American Dream”, “Kusama-Infinity”, and Emmy winner “Mia: A Dancer’s Journey”.

About From the Heart Productions

The 501(c)3 non-profit which sponsors the grant was founded by Carole Dean in 1993 when she saw how many filmmakers with important and often controversial stories were having trouble getting financing for their films. The mission of From the Heart Productions is to educate and assist filmmakers in getting funding to create unique films that make a contribution to society.

Under their fiscal sponsorship program, From the Heart Productions offers advice and guidance to filmmakers looking to fundraise. It also allows donors to projects to get a tax deduction for their donations. Their Intentional Filmmaking Classes which teaches filmmakers the tactics on how to get funded is now open for enrollment. New classes start Sept 23rd.

Roy W. Dean Grant Finalists Named for First Grant of 2019

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25 Films Still in Competition for Grant Valued at $30K

From The Heart ProductionsRoy W. Dean Grant Finalists has announced the Roy W. Dean Grant finalists for its Spring 2019 grant.  One of the oldest grants in U.S. for independent filmmakers, the grant is awarded to a film that is unique and makes a contribution to society.  The winner will receive $3,500 cash and thousands more in donated production services from film industry professionals and companies.

“It is always a joy and honor to review all the incredible projects submitted from such talented filmmakers.” said Carole Dean, President of From the Heart Productions. “It was not easy choosing finalists from so many life changing and world changing stories that all need to be told.”

Finalists include documentary films, feature films, web series, and a short film.  These finalists will now go to the judges to determine winner.  The announcement of the winner is expected in September.

List of Roy W. Dean Grant Finalists

TITLE                                                              FILM TYPE           SUBMITTING FILMMAKER

 

El Cadejo Blanco                                               Feature                        Justin Lerner

Pave the Road                                                  Documentary                Kelly Mason

Underdogs                                                       Documentary                Ashia Lance

Girls Are Strong Here                                        Short Film                     Scott Burkhardt

El Susto (The Shock)                                         Documentary                Karen Akins

Women Behind the Wheel                                  Documentary                Hannah Congdon

Made: Meet Me At the Assembly Line                  Documentary                Janette Chien

Scared to Debt:America’s Student Loan Scam      Documentary                 Mike Chamoin

Assisted Living                                                  Web Series                    Amanda Bullis

Perma Red                                                       Documentary                 Maya Dittloff

26 Seconds                                                      Documentary                 Kelly Galindo

Shway Shway                                                   Web Series                    Rachelle Hair

Lady Long Rider                                               Documentary                  Wren Winfield

Donnie                                                            Documentary                  Anna Augustowska

The MicroCosmic Cartoon Show                         Feature                          Prema Rose

Ground Zero: Ferguson                                     Documentary                  Partick Hamm

The Weeping Season                                        Documentary                  Alexandra Hildago

Lady Madonna                                                 Documentary                  Chris Cloyd

90291: Venice Unzipped                                   Documentary                   Colin K. Gray

Dawn Dusk                                                     Documentary                   Jason & Blue Gerber

The Sixty-Six Percent                                       Documentary                   Natalie Abruzzo

The Queen of the Lowriders                             Documentary                    Debbie Sanchez

Amara & Family                                              Feature                            Suman Hanif

Grounded: The Roots of the Revolution             Documentary                    Simon Geisker

La Recua (Saddling South)                               Documentary                    Trudi Angell

 

In addition to the  $3,500 in cash provided by From the Heart Productions the donations of film services and products include $500 in expendables, lighting or grip equipment from Filmtools,  a Glyph StudioRaid 6TB hard drive from Glyph Production Technologies, 40% deduction on color, editing, and sound & all production services from ProMedia NYC and more from film industry donors.

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Founded in 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grant seeks films that are unique and make a contribution to society that, without it’s help, might otherwise not get made.  There is a Spring, Summer and Fall Grant.  The Fall 2019 Grant is now accepting entries.  Films submitted to the grant can be short films, documentaries, features, and web series from early stages of pre-production to those needing help in post. 

The grant has been integral in helping talented artists with great stories get their films produced.  Recent past winners of the grant include the award winning “Heist: Who Stole the American Dream”, “Kusama-Infinity”, and Emmy winner “Mia: A Dancer’s Journey”.  

About From the Heart Productions

The 501(c)3 non-profit was founded by Carole Dean in 1993 when saw how many filmmakers with important and often controversial stories were having trouble getting financing for their films.  The mission of From the Heart Productions is to educate and assist filmmakers in getting funding to create unique films that contribute to society. 

Under their fiscal sponsorship program, From the Heart Productions offers advice and guidance to filmmakers looking to fundraise.  It also allows donors to projects to get a tax deduction for their donations.  Their Intentional Filmmaking Classes which teaches filmmakers the tactics on how to get funded is now open for enrollment.  New classes start Sept 23rd.

“Triple Threat” Web Series Wins Fall 2018 Roy W. Dean Grant

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Winner to Receive $30K in Cash and Production Services Including Film Score and Animation  

For the first time in its 26 year history, a Roy W. Dean Grant has gone to a web series.  “Triple Threat”, a comedy web series for women “of a certain age” has won the final grant available for 2018.  Awarded 3 times each year by From the Heart Productions, the Roy W. Dean Grant goes to a film that is unique and makes a contribution to society.  With the grant, writer, producer, and series co-star Gina Surles will now be able to complete post production of Episodes 3 and 4, as well as offset costs towards creating the next episode.

Fall 2018 Roy W. Dean Grant Winner

“Triple Threat”

“We are honored to award our Fall Grant to this brilliant web series.  Our judges found this to be a fresh idea for an under served audience.” said Carole Dean, president of From the Heart Productions. “The acting and technical skills in this production are excellent.” 

About the Web Series

“Triple Threat” tells the stories of three mature women searching for meaning in their lives, who become undercover detectives despite having no prior investigative experience.  The mastermind of their “missions” is Francesca Fortuna, an 85-year-old wealthy widow, philanthropist with a heart of gold.

Described by its creator as “a cross between “The Golden Girls” meets “Charlie’s Angels” (but, seriously, without the bikinis)” Triple Threat was a project in the 2017 Creative Lab Hawaii Web Series Immersive program. 

“Mature women have been under-represented in advertising, TV, movies, as well as in other industries including science, technology, and business.” commented Gina about her project. “Enter ‘Triple Threat’, for girls who still wanna have frolicking fun after 50!”

In addition to the $3,000 cash prize, the project’s producers will receive theme music and score written by composer David Raiklen, animation services from Emmy award winner Charlie Canfield , expendable, lighting or grip equipment from Filmtools, a hard drive from G-Technology, one week DSLR camera package rental from Birns & Sawyer ,  and more from many other heartfelt film industry donors.

About the Filmmaker 

Gina Surles – Writer/Producer/’Rosie’

Born and raised in Chicago and Oak Park, Illinois. Gina received her B.F.A. in dance from the University of Illinois, Champaign, Gina performed with regional ballet and modern dance companies. Gina has spent the last 35 years as assistant director of Hawaii State Ballet alongside her husband John Landovsky.  She has helped train and produce some of Hawaii’s most talented professional dancers and ballet instructors.

She was elated to return to her first love, acting, and screenwriting. Triple Threat is her first project as a producer.  She has worked as an extra on films and television shows shot in Hawaii and has had roles in several UH/Academy of Creative Media films that have screened at international film festivals. Gina was thrilled and extremely grateful to have Triple Threat accepted into the Creative Lab Hawaii Web Series Immersive program under the direction of Michael Palmieri, which she views as one of the most valuable of any learning experiences on her artistic journey to date.

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Now entering its 27th 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 needing help to continue working on their film and to get it completed.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Past winners of the grant that have been completed include the Emmy winning Mia: A Dancer’s Journey, the SXSW Best of Fest Music Film The Winding Stream: An Oral History of the Carter and Cash Family, Official Sundance 2019 selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, and Kusama-Infinity which is now in distribution showing in theaters around the US.

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 films fiscal sponsorship which allows donations made to films they sponsor to be tax deductible.  From The Heart has raised over $3 million for crowdfunding films.  President Carole Dean is the best-selling author of The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts. 

For More Information and interview requests, please contact:

Richard Kaufman

richard@fromtheheartproductions.com

www.fromtheheartproductions.com

 

Finalists Selected for Final Roy W. Dean Grant of 2018

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21 Filmmakers in Running for Grant That Includes Film Score and Animation

Roy W. Dean Grant Finalists

Roy W. Dean Grant Fall Finalist “Constant Fleeting”

Awarded to a unique film that contributes to society, 21 independent film projects have been chosen as finalists for the Fall 2018 Roy W. Dean Grant. 

The grant is offered by the non-profit From The Heart Productions. The winner will receive $30,000 in a combination of cash and donated production services from film industry professionals and companies which support independent filmmakers. 

“It is truly inspiring to see the personal, societal, and environmental challenges we face in the world today being addressed so passionately by so many talented filmmakers.” said Carole Dean, President of From the Heart Productions.

Finalists include documentary, feature, short films, and a web series.  Films will now go to the judges to determine winner which will be announced in early February.

Roy W. Dean Grant Fall 2018 Finalists

View overview of project summaries and filmmakers for the 21 Roy W. Dean Grant finalists for the Fall 2018 which include:

26 Seconds (Documentary)        

La Leyenda Negra (Feature)

999 – The Extraordinary Story of the First Girls and First Jewish Transport to Auschwitz (Documentary)

Children of Concrete and Steel (Short)

America’s Other Irish (Documentary)

Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché (Documentary)

Triple Threat (Web/TV Series)

Becoming Music (Documentary)

Constant Fleeting (Documentary)

Days Of His Life, Days Of Our Lives (Documentary)

Ghost Empire: The Forgotten Story Of Harvey Comics (Documentary)

Ginger (Feature)

Grey Gold (Documentary)

It’s Not Who I Am (Documentary)

Out of My Comfort Zone (Feature)

Power of 7 (Documentary)

Strong (Short)

The Future of Food (Documentary)

The MicroCosmic Cartoon Show (Feature)

Transmission – Roots to Branches (Documentary)

Wax Paul Now (Short)

The grant winner will receive $3,000 in cash provided by From the Heart Productions and donations of film services and products from film industry professionals and companies.  These include $15,000.00 theme music and score written by well-known composer David Raiklen, $6,000.00 in animation from Emmy award winner Charlie Canfield, $500 in expendables from Filmtools, a G-Drive from G-Technology, and more from many heartfelt film industry donors.  

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Founded in 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grant is awarded 3 times each year.  Grant seeks films that are unique and make a contribution to society.  There is a Spring, Summer and Fall Grant.  The Spring 2019 Grant is now accepting entries.  Films submitted to the grant can be short films, documentaries, features, and web series from early stages of pre-production to those needing help in post. 

The grant has been integral in helping talented artists with great stories get their films produced.  Recent past winners of the grant include the award winning “Heist: Who Stole the American Dream”, “Kusama-Infinity”, and Emmy winner “Mia: A Dancer’s Journey”.  

About From the Heart Productions

The 501(c)3 non-profit was founded by Carole Dean in 1993.  She was prompted to act when saw how many filmmakers with important and often controversial stories were having trouble getting financing for their films.  The mission of From the Heart Productions is to educate and assist filmmakers in getting funding.  From the Heart offers fiscal sponsorship for films which allows donors to get a tax deduction for their donations.  Their Intentional Filmmaking Classes which teaches filmmakers the tactics on how to get funded is now open for enrollment.  Classes start in February. 

“The Love Bugs” Named Roy W. Dean Grant Winner for Summer 2018

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Winning Documentary Receives $3,500 Cash and Thousands More in Film Production Services

Roy W. Dean Grant Winner for Summer 2018“The Love Bugs”, a warm and touching film about two renowned entomologists who, after 60 years of work, seek to pass on their knowledge and millions on insects, has been named the Roy W, Dean Grant Winner for Summer 2018. 

Awarded 3 times each year by From the Heart Productions, the Roy W. Dean Grant goes to a film that is unique and makes a contribution to society.  The 2nd grant awarded this year will help winning directors Allison Otto and Maria Clinton complete their project.

“The quality and passion behind the projects submitted by filmmakers around the world gave our judges a difficult task to choose a winner”, commented Carole Dean, president of From the Heart Productions. “We are very proud to have this film join our family of grant winners.”

“The Love Bugs” in the documentary are Lois and Charlie O’Brien.  They are two of the foremost entomologists and pioneers in their field who have devoted their lives to science and to each other.

Over the course of 60 years, these two soulmates quietly amassed the world’s largest private collection of insects–a scientific game-changer with more than one million specimens and more than 1,000 undiscovered species. And now, after decades of research and the development of a parental bond with their collection, they’ve decided to give it away.

In addition to the $3,500 cash prize, the filmmakers of the Roy W. Dean Grant Winner for Summer 2018 will receive $500 in expendable, lighting or grip equipment from Filmtools, a hard drive from G-Technology, $600 in free closed captioning from Netcaptioning, $500.00 for a one-year Tier 1 subscription of Show Starter Scheduling & Budgeting Plus software. 

Other donations include:

Sam Dlugach, one of LA’s top colorists, donor to the grant for 15 years, donates free color correction for fundraising trailers, free workflow consultation and camera tests. A 20% discount on final color correction services.

Jeffrey Alan from Alan Audio Works writes original music and gives the winner of the Roy W. Dean Grant sound mixing at a major discount.

And more from heartfelt donors.

About the Filmmakers

Allison Otto – Director

Roy W. Dean Grant Winner for Summer 2018Allison is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, cinematographer, producer, visual journalist and licensed drone photographer. Her clients have included National Geographic, BBC America, NBC, the Sierra Club, the American Alpine Club, Outside Television and Lonely Planet. Allison’s exclusive story of the discovery of a new invertebrate species was selected by National Geographic as one of their “Ten Best First-of-their-Kind” stories of 2016.

In 2013, Allison released her first film, Keeper of the Mountains, which was awarded a Telluride Mountainfilm Commitment Grant  It won 15 awards, screened at over 30 film festivals around the world and was named “One of the Best Adventure Films of 2013” by Outside magazine.

 

Maria Clinton – Co-Director

Roy W. Dean Grant Winner for Summer 2018Maria Clinton is a filmmaker, photographer and an Adjunct Film Professor based in New York. Her photography work has been featured in various exhibits.  Maria’s clients have included NBC, CNN’s Great Big Story, About.com and nonprofit organizations. Her work focuses on complex characters, social constructs and the presence of diverse voices. 

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About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Now in its 26th year, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films.  The grant goes to films budgeted under $500,000 that are unique and make a contribution to society.  It has been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers needing help to continue working on their film and to get it completed.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Past winners of the grant that have been completed include the Emmy winning Mia: A Dancer’s Journey, the SXSW Best of Fest Music Film The Winding Stream: An Oral History of the Carter and Cash Family, and Kusama-Infinity which is now going into theatrical release around the US.

About From The Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to educating and helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer films fiscal sponsorship which allows donations made to films they sponsor to be tax deductible.  From The Heart has raised over $3 million for crowdfunding films.  President Carole Dean is the best-selling author of The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts. 

For More Information and interview requests, please contact:

Richard Kaufman

richard@fromtheheartproductions.com

www.fromtheheartproductions.com

Documentary “The Advocates” is First Roy W. Dean Grant Winner for 2018

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Film Explores the Homeless Crisis in Los Angeles and Those Working to Transform it Through Compassionate Community Action

Roy W. Dean Grant Winner "The Advocates"Oxnard, CA Sept 1st 2018 –  From the Heart Productions,  a non-profit dedicated to helping indie filmmakers get their films funded, has awarded the Roy W. Dean Grant for Spring to “The Advocates”.  Awarded 3 times each year, the Roy W. Dean Grant goes to a film that is unique and makes a contribution to society. The filmmakers behind the winning project will receive $3,500 in cash and $30k in film production services to help complete their documentary.

“Watching ‘The Advocates’, you will be shocked to see how many people are living on the streets”, commented Carole Dean, president of From the Heart Production. “You can’t watch this film and not be moved by their plight and inspired by those working to make life better for them.”

Directed and produced by Remi Kessler, Roy W. Dean Grant Winner “The Advocates” goes behind debates and headlines about homelesness with real-life demonstrations of transformation from the trenches of the crisis. Sharing insights, skills and dedication, this emotive, revelatory film is driven by two unforgettable main characters.

Both are Los Angeles natives and Latinos who give tireless, highly skilled outreach and support to people experiencing homelessness. While experts analyze the underlying causes of the current Los Angeles homeless crisis amid a changing policy landscape, these two caseworkers win our hearts with their dedication and integrity.

In addition to the $3,500 cash prize the Roy W. Dean Grant winner will receive $500 in expendable, lighting or grip equipment from Filmtools, a hard drive from G-Technology, 15% off legal services from entertainment lawyer Robert Seigel, Movie Magic Budgeting software from Entertainment Partners,  and more from heartfelt donors.

About the Filmmaker

Remi Kessler – Director

Roy W. Dean Grant Winner Remi KesslerPresident of KSA Productions, Rémi has produced shoots in locations throughout the globe. His expertise ranges from commercials to independent features to episodic television.  He has produced and line produced countless commercials for clients such as Peugeot, Renault, Chrysler, Pontiac, Mercedes, Dior, and MTV. 

He was a producer at Animatogrofo in Lisbon and Paris, one of the major European production service companies averaging 25 feature film and television productions per year. While at Atlantique Productions in Paris, Rémi line produced four television series over a period of three years and then went on to become a producer of Prime Time fiction at Protecrea, one of France’s major TV network (TF1) production companies.

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Now in its 26th year, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to films.   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 needing help to continue working on their film and to get it completed.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Past winners of the grant that have been completed include the Emmy winning Mia: A Dancer’s Journey, the SXSW Best of Fest Music Film The Winding Stream: An Oral History of the Carter and Cash Family, and Kusama-Infinity which is just now going into theatrical release around the US.

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 films fiscal sponsorship which allows donations made to films they sponsor to be tax deductible.  From The Heart has raised over $3 million for crowdfunding films.  President Carole Dean is the best-selling author of The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts. 

For More Information and interview requests, please contact:

Richard Kaufman

richard@fromtheheartproductions.com

www.fromtheheartproductions.com

 

Finalists Selected for Spring 2018 Roy W. Dean Grant

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20 Filmmakers Take Next Step Toward Winning Grant Valued at $30,000

Finalists for Spring 2018 Roy W. Dean GrantFrom over 300 submissions from around the world, 20 films have been named finalists for Spring 2018 Roy W. Dean Grant.  The grant, which is offered by non-profit From The Heart Productions, seeks unique films that contribute to society. 

The Roy W. Dean Grant winner will receive $30,000 in a combination of cash and donated from film industry professionals and companies which support independent filmmakers. 

“We are truly blessed right now having so many talented, creative filmmakers with passion for their projects shining a light on the social, environmental, and human rights issues facing our world.” said Carole Dean, President of From the Heart Productions.

Submissions included documentaries, features, short films and web series.  While most films came from U.S.,  projects were received from filmmakers in Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Belgium, Chile, Spain, and Portugal.  

Out of these Roy W. Dean Grant Finalists for Spring 2018, the grant judges will select a final five from which they will choose the winner.   Announcement of the winner will be made in September.

Finalists for Spring 2018 Roy W. Dean Grant

View overview of project summaries and filmmakers for the 20 finalists for Spring 2018 Roy W. Dean Grant which include:

26 Seconds (Documentary)        

999 – The Extraordinary Story of the First Girls and First Jewish Transport to Auschwitz (Documentary)

Brown (Feature)

Detention (Documentary)

Every Second Breath (Short)

Guardian (Documentary)

It Happened Here: Warnings to the West from Dorothy Thompson & Sinclair Lewis (Documentary)

Medicine Man: The Stan Brock Story (Documentary)

Power of 7 (Documentary)

Queen of the Capital (Documentary)

Stoke (Feature)

Red Heaven (Documentary)

Rising Up to Climate Change: Storytelling with Saris (Documentary)        

Strong (Short)

The Advocates (Documentary)

The Good Detective (Short)

The MicroCosmic Cartoon Show (an animated/live action musical) (Feature)

Thirst For Justice (Documentary)

True Memories and Other Falsehoods (Documentary)

Tuesday Lunch (Documentary)

The grant winner will receive $3,500 in cash provided by From the Heart Productions as well as donations of film services and products. These include a 1TB G-Drive from G-Technology, a 30% discount in equipment rental from AbelCine Tech, Inc. NYC, 40% deduction on color, editing, and production services from ProMedia, and much more from heartfelt donors those who care about helping independent filmmakers. 

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Awarded 3 times each year, the Roy W. Dean Grant seeks films that are unique and make a contribution to society.  There is a Spring, Summer and Fall Grant.  The Fall Grant is now accepting entries and closes September 30th.  Films submitted to the grant can be short films, documentaries or features from early stages of pre-production to those needing help in post. 

Recent past winners of the grant include the award winning “Heist: Who Stole the American Dream”, “The Brainwashing of My Dad”, and Emmy winner “Mia: A Dancer’s Journey”.  

About From The Heart Productions

The 501(c)3 non-profit was founded by Carole Dean when she saw how many filmmakers with important, new, and often controversial stories were having trouble getting financing for their films.    From The Heart offers fiscal sponsorship for films which allows donors to get a tax deduction for their donations.  Their Intentional Filmmaking Classes which teaches filmmakers the tactics on how to get funded is now open for enrollment.  Classes start in September. 

“Restoring Balance: Autism Recovery” Wins Final 2017 Roy W. Dean Grant

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Documentary Shows the Success of Using Diet and Environment to Drastically Change Lives of Children with Autism

Restoring Balance: Autism RecoveryOxnard, CA Feb 27th 2018 –   In closing out the 25th year of the Roy W. Dean Grant, From the Heart Productions, the film funding non-profit which oversees the grant, has awarded its 2017 Fall grant to Restoring Balance: Autism Recovery. 

The Roy W. Dean Grant is awarded 3 times each year to a film that is unique and makes a contribution to society.  For winning the Fall grant, “Restoring Balance: Autism Recovery will receive $3,000 in cash and $30k in film production services including animation and film score.

“Carole Dean, Carole Joyce and the team at From the Heart Productions has been so wonderful and gracious to us.” said director of “Restoring Balance: Autism Recovery” Ryan Hetrick. “They saw the importance of the message and the potential a film has to change the hearts and minds of society.”

“Restoring Balance: Autism Recovery” will show how families and practitioners are rediscovering therapies that allow the human body to naturally recover.   These families are located throughout the United States. Interviews and animations in the documentary take people into the lives and bodies of children with autism, and the way that food is affecting their family’s ability to achieve harmony.

In addition to the cash prize, services Ryan will receive in include $15,000.00 in theme music and score written by award winning composer David Raiklen , $6,000.00 in animation from Emmy award winner Charlie Canfield (who is also currently working on the project), hard drive from G-Technology, and much more from many heart-felt donors. 

About the Filmmaker Behind “Restoring Balance: Autism Recovery”

Ryan Hetrick, Producer/Director

Restoring Balance: Autism RecoveryRyan has worked in the behavioral health field with autism spectrum clients for over 11 years, aged from 2 to 30, as a neurocognitive and Certified Brain Injury Specialist.  One of the families he worked with began dietary interventions and their child experienced expansions in vocabulary, eye contact and overall social interaction.

After years working with children on the autism spectrum, Ryan could see that dietary and biomedical therapies made a large beneficial impact. He was motivated to make this film after seeing the results firsthand.

He has taught courses in acting, writing, and film editing for children at Actors for Autism. While in Los Angeles, Ryan became a health and nutrition coach. He worked with teens on the autism spectrum to make nutritional goals achievable..

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Now accepting application for its 2018 Spring Grant, over a quarter century the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to films.  The grant has been an important lifeline for filmmakers.  It gives them the resources needed to continue working on their film and to get it completed.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Past winners of the grant that have been completed include the Emmy winning Mia: A Dancer’s Journey, the SXSW Best of Fest Music Film The Winding Stream: An Oral History of the Carter and Cash Family, and the now in release on video and on demand the very relevant The Brainwashing of My Dad.

About From The Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to educating and helping filmmakers get their projects funded.  Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer films fiscal sponsorship which allows donations to films be tax deductible.  From The Heart has raised over $12 million for filmmakers through fiscal sponsorship.  President Carole Dean is the best-selling author of The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts. 

For More Information and interview requests, please contact:

Richard Kaufman

richard@fromtheheartproductions.com

www.fromtheheartproductions.com

Roy W. Dean Grant Won by “Belly of the Beast”

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2nd Roy W. Dean Grant Winner of 2017 to Receive Cash and Services to Complete Documentary

"Belly of the Beast"

Still from Roy W. Dean Grant winning documentary “Belly of the Beast”

Oxnard, CA Dec 16th, 2017 –   From the Heart Productions , the non-profit dedicated to helping indie filmmakers get their films funded, has awarded its second Roy W. Dean Grant of 2017 to the documentary “Belly of the Beast”.  Awarded 3 times each year, the grant goes to films that are unique and make a contribution to society.  As a result of winning, “Belly of the Beast” will receive $3,500 in cash and $30k in film production products and services to help it complete production.

Directed by Erika Cohn, “Belly of the Beast” intimately chronicles the journey of women fighting reproductive injustice in their communities. 

“Persistence and passion for the project paid off for Erika” admired Carole Dean, founder and president of From the Heart Productions.  “This was the fourth time she applied to the grant with this project!   We could see the growth in her work and the last submission really impressed us.”

For winning the Roy W. Dean Grant, “Belly of the Beast” filmmakers receive $3,500 cash given by From the Heart Productions.  The winners also receive a hard drive from G-Technology, Scholarships to Writers Boot Camp , 25% discount on Publicity services by David Magdael & Associates, Inc., 35% discount for lighting services from PASKAL LIGHTING, and much more from many heart-felt donors. 

About the Filmmaker

"Belly of the Beast"Erika Cohn is an Emmy award winning director/producer who Variety recognized as one of 2017’s top ten documentary filmmakers.  Most recently, Erika completed The Judge, a film about the first woman judge to be appointed to the Middle East’s Shari’a courts.  It premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival and will be broadcast on PBS’ 2018 Independent Lens series.

In addition, Erika co-directed/produced, In Football We Trust, an Emmy award-winning, feature documentary about the unique faith and culture that ultimately drives young Pacific Islander men into the NFL.  It  premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and was broadcast on PBS’ 2016 Independent Lens series. Her work has been supported by IFP, the Sundance Institute, Tribeca Institute, Hot Docs, Sheffield, ITVS, Women in Film, BAVC and the CPB Producer’s Academy among others.

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Now in its 25th year, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to films.   The grant has been an important lifeline for filmmakers needing help to continue working on their films.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films would have never have been made. 

Past winners of the grant that have been completed include the Emmy winning Mia: A Dancer’s Journey, the SXSW Best of Fest Music Film The Winding Stream: An Oral History of the Carter and Cash Family, and the now in release on video and on demand the very relevant The Brainwashing of My Dad.

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 films fiscal sponsorship which allows donations made to films they sponsor to be tax deductible.  From The Heart has raised over $2.4 million for crowdfunding films as a partner with Indiegogo.  President Carole Dean is the best-selling author of The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts. 

For More Information and interview requests, please contact:

Richard Kaufman

richard@fromtheheartproductions.com

www.fromtheheartproductions.com