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LEARN PRODUCING

The Ultimate Course for Indie Film Production

 
with Carole Dean and Carole Joyce

 

This course will give you the information, guidance, and support to develop your project so you can get the funding you need to get your project completed.

 

Each class covers essential aspects of film production and funding, including financing, logline, pitch, and much more! 

 

Each Class features a Guest Instructor who is an expert in their field, and a Q&A session where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions specific to your project.

 

Do you have a dream of becoming a filmmaker?

Are you a storyteller who would like to present your vision in the video or film arts, but don’t know where to start?

Or are you a seasoned professional Filmmaker who is having challenges muddling through today’s new world of technology and the new world of motion picture arts distribution and film making?

Look no further than the Producer’s Class with From the Heart Productions! 

(Written by a student of the class, filmmaker Paula Randol Smith)

 

By enrolling in the producer course, you’ll gain the skills necessary for navigating the filmmaking industry. We equip you with the tools to refine your project, making it more appealing to potential backers. Our Lecturers have years of experience that will guide you through the intricacies of script development, budgeting, and effective pitching techniques. You’ll learn how to create a compelling narrative that captures investors’ and audiences’ attention. Increase your chances of securing funds. Join us today, your first month is FREE!

 


 

Hear What Our Students are Saying!

  

Paula Randol-Smith

Director / Producer – “Forecast the Film”

Through From The Hearts Producer’s Class you will get it all! The class will give you tens of thousands of dollars worth of training in production, for a nominal fee,  from the legal know- how of Robert Siegal, ESQ., to the experts across the board with the film industries top professionals. Carole Dean’s love of storytelling through film and the love and true caring of the filmmaker has gotten me personally through the most difficult documentary production of my career.


After a life in the business from theatre, and then moving into documentary film-making, I could not afford to pay for the information that I’ve gotten from the Producers Class. It is an affordable treasure that gives the participant only hands on, factually solid support in their filmmaking ventures. I didn’t know then what I do know now, and much of that is from the help I’ve gotten through what I’ve learned in From The Heart’s Producer’s Class.


If you’ve always wanted to be filmmaker or are a filmmaker and have many films in the can but need the steps to move them forward – or just to catch up in this new technical world  contact FTH sign up for the producers class! It Allows you to learn at your own speed , it’s invaluable and affordable class for helping with confidence – they  give you a heightened awareness, with the understanding of higher source intentional film making techniques- which in my opinion is crucial in getting through those tough times.


I could not just recommend this film class enough – don’t wait, you should jump in and get everything they’ve got and learn everything you can to get your film made.  From The Heart’s Producer’s Class has it all!

 

 

Melissa Morehead

Writer / Producer – “Prodigal Daughter”

I started the producers class with no experience except standin experience on the movie set. I was amazed at how much I have learned in such a short time from advice on the script to what needed documents that are nessary for legal representation in producing a film. The support alone has been outstanding. I would recommend this class to anyone who is serious about making a film.

 

Get your First Month (2 Classes) for Free!

 

Then Only $44/Month

 

About the Class

 

ONGOING NOW! JOIN ANY TIME

 

Live On Zoom

Hosted by Carole Dean

Special Guest Instructor with Q&A Each Class

Film Attorney Robert Siegel Joins Each Class

Taught Every 2 Saturdays at 9am PT

Join by Monthly Subscription

2 Classes per Month for $44

Get Class Recording Free

 

Get First Month for Free! 

 

 

Next Class

CLASS 25 – Saturday, March 30, 2024

Pages 361 – 368 in Producer to Producer book

Film Festivals

From Premiere to Prize: A Masterclass in Film Festival Success with Annabelle Munro and Expert Tips for Distributor Negotiations by Robert Siegel

 

Guest Instructor

Anabelle D. Munro

Your First Month is Free!

 

Upcoming Classes

 

Class 25 – Saturday, March 30, 2024

Film Festivals with Anabelle D. Munro

Class 26 – Saturday, April 13, 2024

Documentary Distribution with Keith Ochwat

Class 27 – Saturday, April 27, 2024

Low Budget Screenwriting Masterclass – Part 1 with Jonathon M. Smith

Class 28 – Saturday, May 11, 2024

Low Budget Screenwriting Masterclass – Part 2 with Jonathon M. Smith

Class 29 – Saturday, May 25, 2024

To Be Announced

Class 30 – Saturday, June 8, 2024

To Be Announced

Class 31 – Saturday, June 22, 2024

Story Structure with Karen Everett

Future classes will be announced soon!

 

Meet the Instructors

Carole-DeanCarole Dean

Host, Founder and President of From the Heart Productions

Carole Dean is the Founder and President of From the Heart Productions, a top-rated 501(c)3 non-profit that supports independent filmmakers by helping them raise funding for their projects. Over thirty years through From the Heart’s fiscal sponsorship program, she has assisted filmmakers in raising over $30 million for their films. 

She created the Roy Dean Grant in 1992 and has awarded over $2,500,000 in grants to independent filmmakers, and helped to produce over 80 films through the grant. 

Her creation of a business in 1970, Studio Film & Tape, that purchased leftover motion picture film from production then resold it at a discount, helped spark the independent film revolution by giving filmmakers affordable film stock. 

In the 1980s, she produced 120 Health Styles Shows that were sold to Oasis Cable and 30 Filmmaker shows, now in the National Archives. She was Executive Producer for BAM 6.6, Women Behind the CameraStep Away From the Stone, and American Chain GangMore of Carole’s producing credits are available on IMDB.

Carole Dean is the author of The Art of Film Funding, 2nd Edition: Alternative Financing Concepts & The Art of Manifesting: Creating your Future Click here to see Carole’s complete Curriculum Vitae.

 

Carole Joyce 

Co-Host, From the Heart Productions Board Member and Producer

A talented filmmaker, photographer, and producer, Carole Joyce is a Director of the 501(c)3 non-profit From the Heart Productions and Director of the Roy W. Dean Grant, of which she has been an integral part of for over 20 years.

A graduate of Brooks Institute of Photography, Carole is an award-winning filmmaker for her documentary Survivors. Carole served as Executive Producer for the award-winning short film Stairway to the Starsstarring Sean Young and as LA Line Producer for Wheels of Heaven with Mickey Rourke. Carole’s additional credits are available on IMDb.

Click Here to schedule a consultation with Carole Joyce. Students enrolled in the year long Producer’s Class get a special discounted price of $80 for a 1 hour consultation.

 

 

Robert Seigel, ESQ.

Guest Legal Instructor, From the Heart’s Attorney

We have our attorney on the class to answer your legal questions.  Robert has been helping filmmakers with all phases of production and sales to cable and streamers for over 20 years.  He specializes in documentary and feature films. 

 

 

Jonathon M. Smith

Guest Instructor, Filmmaker, Industry Trends Specialist

Jonathon shares how to survive and thrive as an indie filmmaker. Every class, he will teach different lessons on independent filmmaking to help make your project a reality. He is also A.I savvy and will go over different products and industry trends to keep you up to date on technology in Hollywood.

Completed Classes

 

Recordings of past classes with incredible special guest instructors are now available for purchase! 

 

Click here to learn more about these classes and find a link to purchase recordings.

 

Class 1: Acquiring Rights with Alexis Krasilovsky

Class 2: Screenplay Creation & Revision with Jacob Kreuger

Class 3: Script Feedback with Max Aaron

Class 4: Log Lines with Kara Williamson

Class 5: Film Grants with Joanna Rabiger

Class 6: HNI’s & Investors with Kara Williamson

Class 7: Distribution with Udy Epstein

Class 8: The Art of the Pitch with Kara Williamson

Class 9: Trailers with Michael Torres

Class 10: Color Correction with Sam Dlugach

Class 11: Script Breakdown with Kara Williamson

Class 12: Budgeting with Jonathon M. Smith

Class 13: Film Funding with Kara Williamson

Class 14: Casting with Donna McKenna

Class 15: Locations & Hiring Crew with Chris Debiec

Class 16: Legal with Robert Siegel

Class 17: Scheduling with Kara Williamson

Class 18: Fair Use and Insurance with Deborah J. West

Class 19: Production with Lorenzo DeStefano

Class 20: Safety & Wrap with Colette Smartt

Class 21: Post-Production with Chris Debiec

Class 22: Audio with Jerry Deaton

Class 23: Music with David Raiklen

Class 24: Marketing with Tony Panaccio

Next Class

CLASS 25 – Saturday, March 30, 2024

Pages 361 – 368 in Producer to Producer book


Film Festivals

From Premiere to Prize: A Masterclass in Film Festival Success with Annabelle Munro and Expert Tips for Distributor Negotiations by Robert Siegel

Guest Instructor: Anabelle D. Munro

Anabelle is an award-winning actress, writer, director, singer, producer, and C.E.O. of the film production company Blue Boots Entertainment that she operates together with her husband Huntly Munro in Los Angeles.

Anabelle’s artistic focus is dedicated to purpose-driven filmmaking, like spreading awareness about recovery from addiction, healing, and discovering purpose and spirituality.

Anabelle is the founder and director of the ETHOS Film Awards.

We Cover

Film festival strategy

Film festival premiers

Jury and Audience awards

What to expect from a film festival

Posters, postcards, and photos 

 

Guest Instructor: Robert Seigel

Our attorney Robert Seigel will discuss how to be prepared to talk to distributors at festivals, and know what to ask for.

Visit his website at  http://www.rlsentlaw.com

 

 

Guest Instructor: Jonathon M. Smith

Jonathon shares how to survive and thrive as an indie filmmaker. Every class, he will teach different lessons on independent filmmaking to help make your project a reality. He is also A.I savvy and will go over different products and industry trends to keep you up to date on technology in Hollywood.

Upcoming Classes

CLASS 26 – Saturday, April 13, 2024

Pages 370 – 374 in Producer to Producer book


Documentary Distribution

 

Showcasing Truth: A Deep Dive into Documentary Distribution with Keith Oshwat, Strategic Partnerships, and Distribution Window Essentials by Robert Siegel

Guest Instructor: Keith Ochwat

Keith Ochwat has been a documentary filmmaker since 2006. His last film made over $1.5 million and screened in over 3,000 communities. He advised over 500 filmmakers–seeing over and over how filmmakers were chasing false dreams of ‘making a deal’ and endlessly applying to long-shot grants. He and his team are on a mission to empower filmmakers to…

  • Navigate distribution and prioritize what works
  • Raise funds creatively, strategically, & effectively
  • Pitch partners to fund and promote their films
  • Sell, promote, & release their films in a whole new way 

We Cover:

  • Finding your core audience
  • Attaching strategic partners
  • PSB as a distributor
  • Early Funding through conventions

Guest Instructor: Robert Seigel

Our attorney Robert Seigel covers what you want windows you want to keep in distribution.

Visit his website at  http://www.rlsentlaw.com

Guest Instructor: Jonathon M. Smith

Jonathon shares how to survive and thrive as an indie filmmaker. Every class, he will teach different lessons on independent filmmaking to help make your project a reality. He is also A.I savvy and will go over different products and industry trends to keep you up to date on technology in Hollywood.

Low Budget Screenwriting Masterclass – Part 1

CLASS 27 – Saturday, April 27, 2024

 

Learning The Fundamentals of Story Structure

Guest Instructor: Jonathon M. Smith

Jonathon M. Smith, is an actor/writer/producer who has been involved in the film industry for over 15 years. He started his career doing promos for Disney and Vogue as a teenager, and continued to work on multiple sets like Hannah Montana, Greek, Numbers, Heart of Dixie, and The Mandalorian.

At this time, Jonathon is currently producing and starring in a feature film called “The Terrible Children”. It has already been picked up by a distributor and is scheduled to release in the fall. 

On top of his film career, Jonathon has done work for SAAS companies and the educational industry. 

We Cover:

  • Why Learning How To Write Low Budget Screenplays Will Be Essential in The Streaming Era.
  • Learn The Basic Story Structure of Modern Films.
  • Why The Midpoint of A Screenplay Is Important
  • Understanding The 8 Main Story Drivers
  • The Most Popular Story Myths
  • 7 Main Types of Story Goals For Your Character
  • Why It’s Helpful For Your Character To Have A Past Trauma or a “Ghost”

Low Budget Screenwriting Masterclass – Part 2

CLASS 28 – Saturday, May 11, 2024

 

How To Make Your Screenplay/Film Possible On A Low Budget

Guest Instructor: Jonathon M. Smith

Jonathon M. Smith, is an actor/writer/producer who has been involved in the film industry for over 15 years. He started his career doing promos for Disney and Vogue as a teenager, and continued to work on multiple sets like Hannah Montana, Greek, Numbers, Heart of Dixie, and The Mandalorian.

At this time, Jonathon is currently producing and starring in a feature film called “The Terrible Children”. It has already been picked up by a distributor and is scheduled to release in the fall. 

On top of his film career, Jonathon has done work for SAAS companies and the educational industry. 

We Cover:

  • Learn Why Films Are So Expensive To Make
  • The Difference Between Genre, Theme, and Script Mechanism
  • The 8 Different Types of Films That Work On A Low Budget
  • Examples of Each Type of Films That Work On A Low Budget
  • 5 Films That Were Made For Under $10,000 That Launched Careers (Including Christopher Nolan).

CLASS 29 – Saturday, May 25, 2024

 
To Be Announced
 

CLASS 30 – Saturday, June 8, 2024

 
To Be Announced
 

CLASS 31 – Saturday, June 22, 2024

 

Story Structure

Guest Instructor: Karen Everett

Karen Everett is one of the world’s leading documentary Story Consultants, as well as an award-winning documentary filmmaker. Founder of New Doc Editing, she has helped hundreds of filmmakers structure documentaries for PBS, HBO, Sundance, and other top venues.

Karen taught documentary editing for 18 years at the Graduate School of Journalism at UC Berkeley, named the #1-ranked documentary program in America by “Documentary Magazine”.

Author of the book “Documentary Editing,” she has directed and produced six of her own documentaries, including the award-winning PBS biography “I Shall Not Be Removed: The Life of Marlon Riggs” and “American Visionary: The Story of Barbara Marx Hubbard”.

https://newdocediting.com

Guest Instructor: Robert Seigel

Our attorney Robert Seigel will be available to discuss legal information.

Visit his website at  http://www.rlsentlaw.com

 

Guest Instructor: Jonathon M. Smith

Jonathon shares how to survive and thrive as an indie filmmaker. Every class, he will teach different lessons on independent filmmaking to help make your project a reality. He is also A.I savvy and will go over different products and industry trends to keep you up to date on technology in Hollywood.

Completed Classes

The Art of Post: Navigating the Postproduction Landscape with Jonathon Smith and Legal Considerations from Robert Siegel

Pages 301 – 317 in Producer to Producer book 

Guest Instructor: Jonathon M. Smith

Jonathon M. Smith, is an actor/writer/producer who has been involved in the film industry for over 15 years. He started his career doing promos for Disney and Vogue as a teenager, and continued to work on multiple sets like Hannah Montana, Greek, Numbers, Heart of Dixie, and The Mandalorian.

At this time, Jonathon is currently producing and starring in a feature film called “The Terrible Children”. It has already been picked up by a distributor and is scheduled to release in the fall. 

On top of his film career, Jonathon has done work for SAAS companies and the educational industry. 

 

We Cover:

  • Post Production begins in Pre-Production
  • Planning for post
  • Putting together a post production team
  • Digital workflow example
  • Deliverables

Guest Instructor: Robert Seigel

Our attorney Robert Seigel covers legal information needed for post.

Visit his website at  http://www.rlsentlaw.com

Capturing Sonic Brilliance: A Journey through Set Sound and Post Audio with Jerry Deaton, Enhanced by Legal Insights from Robert Siegel

Pages 320 – 326 in Producer to Producer book 

 

Guest Instructor: Jerry Deaton

Jerry Deaton, a 35-year music production veteran, launched AUDIOKUT DIGITAL POST to service a growing demand in this age of shrinking film & T.V. budgets: Economical, efficient small-stage audio post-production. AudioKut can provide state-of-the-art technology and personal attention to independent films, documentaries, internet media, commercials, and T.V. projects, with comparable results as large scale post facilities.
 
 
 
 
We Cover:
  • DX editing process & ADR process
  • OMF or AAF delivery of non-edited production audio to the post house & formatting
  • Music mix levels & EQ’ing
  • 5.1 mixing

Guest Instructor: Robert Seigel

Our attorney Robert Seigel covers contracts for sound.

Visit his website at  http://www.rlsentlaw.com

 

 

Guest Instructor: Jonathon M. Smith

Jonathon shares how to survive and thrive as an indie filmmaker. Every class, he will teach different lessons on independent filmmaking to help make your project a reality. He is also A.I savvy and will go over different products and industry trends to keep you up to date on technology in Hollywood.

Melodies in Motion: The Art of Cinematic Music with David Raiklen and Legal Harmonies by Robert Siegel 

Pages 301 – 317 in Producer to Producer book

 

Guest Instructor: David Raiklen

 David Raiklen is an American composer, producer, educator, and host. David was mentored by Oscar winner John Williams and Pulitzer Prize winner Mel Powel. Dr. Raiklen studied at USC and CalArts and later taught at those universities. He has worked for the major studios including Sony, Disney, Fox, Sprint, Mattel, Warner Bros and PBS, plus independent productions. Hundreds of scores in media. His projects have starred Elliott Gould, Doug Jones, Blythe Danner, and Martin Sheen. David made the New York Film Critics Top Ten with the documentary Heist, short listed for an Academy Award® for Worth, and Mia, A Dancer’s Journey won the Emmy. 

Raiklen’s music includes a cinematic hybrid of 21st-century sounds, neoromanticism, post-minimalism, and dance, seasoned with world, jazz, rock and pop.  He works with live, acoustic musicians on recordings and concerts, plus custom electronics. David is inspired by the beauty and peace of nature and is an environmental advocate. 

Raiklen compositions have been performed at the Hollywood Bowl and Disney Hall. He also was host of a successful radio program, Classical Fan Club, where guests include Yo-Yo Ma and John Williams; host and leader of The Academy of Scoring Arts seminars, and the National Association of Composers LA Conversations. David is currently producing and composing for Space Command, a series of epic adventures set in a hopeful future; creating live concerts, music videos, and producing live Augmented Reality experiences. He is musicalizing the history of the universe in Universe.

Member of TV Academy, NARAS, ASCAP, Board of NACUSA, AAAS

www.davidraiklen.com    or on Facebook and YouTube

 

We Cover:

  • Music – a director’s secret weapon.
  • Finding a post production team and what to look for.
  • Licensing songs – what every filmmaker needs to know.
  • How to find perfect music for your film.

 

Guest Instructor: Robert Seigel 

Our attorney Robert Seigel will be available to discuss legal information.

Visit his website at  http://www.rlsentlaw.com

 

 

Guest Instructor: Jonathon M. Smith

Jonathon shares how to survive and thrive as an indie filmmaker. Every class, he will teach different lessons on independent filmmaking to help make your project a reality. He is also A.I savvy and will go over different products and industry trends to keep you up to date on technology in Hollywood.

 

Buy the Class Recording for $26


 

Failure to Communicate: Why So Many Movies Fail at Marketing

Guest Instructor: Tony Panaccio

Tony Panaccio is a 36-year media veteran, having started his career in the 1980s as a newspaper journalist for The Clearwater Sun, The Tampa Tribune and others. In 1989, Tony won the Florida Press Club Award for his eye-witness coverage of the execution of serial killer Ted Bundy, which is also where he met future agency colleague John Wilson. He later shifted his career into public relations with video game producer Capstone, where he also scripted many of their games, including William Shatner’s TekWar. During that period, he was also Shatner’s publicist for his various video game projects.

 

We Cover:

  • Three Pillars — Far too many indie producers focus primarily on the creative side of making films, leaving business affairs and marketing to others — or worse — just plugging along without much expertise in either. A good producer is at least going to understand the basic foodchain of marketing.
  • No Marketing Strategy — A film without a marketing strategy is destined to fail, but what IS a marketing strategy? What are the primary obligations of a marketing strategy, and how do they inform the tactical marketing plan?
  • Understanding Media — Today’s media landscape is constantly evolving. To keep up with it, you need to understand a little about the modern history of media and where it’s heading in 2024.
  • Putting it All Together — PR, advertising, promotions and word of mouth are disciplines — when they are combined properly — can propel even a small indie directly into the national consciousness. So, what are the best practices involved to finish this race?
 

Guest Instructor: Robert Seigel

Our attorney Robert Seigel will discuss paperwork for archive researcher and recap of fair use. 

Visit his website at  http://www.rlsentlaw.com 

 

Guest Instructor: Jonathon M. Smith

Jonathon shares how to survive and thrive as an indie filmmaker. Every class, he will teach different lessons on independent filmmaking to help make your project a reality. He is also A.I savvy and will go over different products and industry trends to keep you up to date on technology in Hollywood.