Roy W. Dean Film Grant News

20 Finalists Chosen for First Roy W. Dean Film Grant of 2015

Record Number of Applications Received

From The Heart Productions, the non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get funding, has announced the 20 finalists for the Roy W. Dean Spring Film Grant . The winner of the grant will receive $30,000 in a combination of cash and donated services from film industry professionals and companies which support independent filmmakers.

Last year's winner "The Brainwashing of My Dad" was recently shown at Traverse Film Festival

Last year’s winner “The Brainwashing of My Dad” was recently shown at the Traverse Film Festival

A record 300 documentary, feature, and short films were submitted from the United States and around the world. Filmmakers from Canada, Iran, Mexico, Sweden, England, Australia, and Honduras were among those that applied for the grant. One of the finalists for the grant, “A Flickering Truth” is from a filmmaker in New Zealand.

“The Roy W. Dean Grant supports filmmakers with unique stories that contribute to society” said From the Heart President Carole Dean “that without our help might otherwise never get made. The number of entries speaks to how very many of these incredible stories are out there that need to be told.”

Included in the $30,000 grant awarded to the winner is $3,500 in cash provided by From the Heart Productions and donations of film services and products from film industry professionals and companies. Some of which included a 4TB G-Raid from G-Technology, a 30% discount in equipment rental from AbelCine Tech, Inc. NYC, a 25% discount on Artbeat’s royalty-free stock footage, and much more from those who care about helping independent filmmakers.

The filmmakers and their films chosen as Roy W. Dean Grant Finalists are:

A Flickering Truth – Pietra Brettkelly

Abundant Land: Soil, Seeds, and Swales – Natasha Florentino

Belly of the Beast – Erika Cohn

Bold Mother Hubbard – Karen Everett

Girl From God’s Country – Karen Day

Bloody Harvest-Death on Demand – Xiaomu Qiao

Happy Humans – Christopher Limon

High Fructose Suicide Booth – Alex Lukens

Holden On – Tamlin Hall

Hunting Season – Tomas Leach

Lobster Fra Diavolo – Jane Barbara

Mr. Fish:Cartooning From The Deep End – Pablo Bryant

Nuclear Insecurity – Helen Young

Rachel Flowers-Hearing Is Believing – Lorenzo DeStefano

Stumped – Robin Berghaus

The Mason Jar – James Russell Lingerfelt

The Rukus – Andrew Ackerman

Tuesday Lunch – Diane Stark

Yesterday Last Year – Adam Bradley

Your Mother and I – Anna Maguire

Hot Films in the Making

Also announced is a list of “Hot Films in the Making”. These are projects that impressed the board of From the Heart Productions with the quality of their work and the passion behind the projects. They just missed making the list of finalists, but which the board feels deserve to be supported and noticed.

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Now in its 23rd year, the Roy W. Dean Grant is awarded 3 times each year. There is a Spring, Summer and Fall Grant. The Fall Grant is now accepting entries and closes September 30^th. Films submitted to the grant can be short films, documentaries or features 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, The Winding Stream: An Oral History of the Carter and Cash Family, and Mia: A Dancer’s Journey which just one an Emmy award.

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 is a fiscal sponsor for films which allows donors to get a tax deduction for their donations. Their Intentional Filmmaking Class which teaches filmmakers the tactics on how to get funded is now open for enrollment. Classes start September 30^th.

Google Reviews

George Max *****

If you are a Screenwriter, Film or Documentary this is the one place that offers help through Grant's and programs. If you want to learn about Film Grants and much more, we would tell you to contact Carole Dean as she does have fantastic info on everything Film and Movie.

Jim Harrison *****

Fiscal film grants, Documentary film grants and film funding in made possible by great non profits like From the Heart Productions Inc. We really admire Carole Dean. She is such a classy, stylish and sophisticated lady. Carole Dean has honored her family and the entire movie industry by dedicating a big part of her life to 26 years of the Roy W. Dean Film Grant. From the Heart is a nonprofit foundation that seeks films that are unique and make a contribution to society. She offers so many avenues to the Film and Movie industry by opening doors through contacts, grants and a life time of experience in the industry. She host a pod cast and radio talk show and gives classes to startup Film, documentary and full feature Screenwriters, Actors, Directors, Producers and basic funding through grants to inexperienced and experienced film makers. Enough can not be said about her efforts in helping artist create documentary, feature, short films, and web series shows. Carole Dean is a true 5 Star Diamond.

Vennie Guerrera *****

Documentary film grants come from From the Heart Productions. This dedicated film grant foundation has spent many years teaching young film students the art of film funding, grant money and so much more. No one can say enough about such a dedicated person like Carole Dean.

Luis Remesar *****

As filmmakers, working with From The Heart Productions has been a real godsend. They've been hands-on in helping us see our feature-length documentary to fruition, providing important production resources, grant opportunities and fundraising mentorship. Carole Dean, the Founder and CEO of From The Heart Productions is a one-of-a-kind champion of filmmakers. Her wisdom, experience and generosity of spirit has been a gift for our production team to collaborate with. Luis Remesar & Beth Dolan Director/Producer of "Stranger At Home"

Bre Pryse *****

I've known Carole Dean and From The Heart for over 10 years. Carol works tirelessly for her filmmakers. She is an extraordinary woman with experience in the film industry in many different areas. In addition to providing fiscal sponsorship, she also teaches classes, provides a grant and consults on projects and writes. From The Heart Productions should be the first choice when looking for fiscal sponsorship and film guidance.

Margarita Sweet *****

An over 10 year relationship of wonderful films and some amazing filmmakers. The attention and dedication that's put into the grants process is considerable for a small organization. From The Heart always puts the filmmaker first

Basil M *****

From the heart productions is a truly unique heartfelt non profit organization that cares and nourishes the art of filmmaking.

Core Issue Productions *****

Carole Dean has been a mentor, advisor, and all-around cheerleader for my film "The Weight of Honor"! We could not have done our documentary without From The Heart and the Roy W. Dean Grant!