The Art of Film Funding

The Art of Film Funding
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Discover the secrets to funding and creating successful indie films with The Art of Film Funding Podcast.  Join Carole Dean, President of From the Heart Productions and author of The Art of Film Funding, and Heather Lenz, director of the award-winning documentary Kusama-Infinity, as they chat with top film industry pros. Get practical insider tips on crowdfunding, pitching, saving on budgets, marketing, hybrid distribution, and the latest in A.I. filmmaking. Whether you’re funding your first project or navigating new trends, this podcast has everything you need to succeed. Subscribe and let’s get your film funded!

  1. Think Outside the Box Office: Mastering Film Distribution in Today’s Market

    3D AGO

    Think Outside the Box Office: Mastering Film Distribution in Today’s Market

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

    46 min
  2. The Future of Film Funding: Predicting Audiences Before You Shoot

    APR 30

    The Future of Film Funding: Predicting Audiences Before You Shoot

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

    1h 2m
  3. The End of the Old Budget — How Two Veteran Producers Are Reinventing the Way Hollywood Manages Money

    APR 22

    The End of the Old Budget — How Two Veteran Producers Are Reinventing the Way Hollywood Manages Money

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

    47 min
  4. Owning Your Film’s Future: Lessons in Independence from Mike Camoin

    APR 15

    Owning Your Film’s Future: Lessons in Independence from Mike Camoin

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

    54 min
  5. Is Texas the New Hollywood? How Smart Producers Are Rethinking Where They Film

    APR 9

    Is Texas the New Hollywood? How Smart Producers Are Rethinking Where They Film

    Send us Fan Mail Danielle Guilbot is an Austin-based actress and film-tech entrepreneur.  She is the founder of TexasFilmScene.com: the Texas Movie Operating System. TFS is a clearinghouse connecting producers, crews, and talent with everything they need to bring productions to Texas — from firsthand producer insights and crew resources to a full breakdown of the state's film incentive programs.

    40 min
  6. The New Filmmaker’s Reality: AI, Ethics, and the Future of Storytelling

    APR 3

    The New Filmmaker’s Reality: AI, Ethics, and the Future of Storytelling

    Send us Fan Mail AI is no longer something on the horizon. It’s already here, quietly reshaping how films are developed, produced, edited, and even distributed. But with that power comes critical questions—about ethics, authorship, and the future of creative work itself.  In this episode, we’re not just talking about what AI can do—we’re exploring what it should do, and how filmmakers can stay aligned with their creative voice while navigating a rapidly evolving industry.

    48 min
  7. From Film to Brand: How Filmmakers Can Finance and Distribute Through Branded Content

    MAR 26

    From Film to Brand: How Filmmakers Can Finance and Distribute Through Branded Content

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most powerful opportunities emerging right now—branded content. What if your film could be funded not by waiting for a studio or investor… but by aligning your story with a brand that shares your message and your audience? What if branding wasn’t a compromise—but a creative partnership? Our guest, Johann Garcia, founder of BrandedStreams, is at the forefront of this movement. He works with filmmakers and creators to help them understand how to position their projects as valuable storytelling opportunities for brands—opening new doors for financing, marketing, and distribution.

    31 min
  8. Surviving the New Film Industry: AI, Studios, and the Indie Filmmaker’s Advantage

    MAR 18

    Surviving the New Film Industry: AI, Studios, and the Indie Filmmaker’s Advantage

    Send us Fan Mail Jonathon Smith is a writer, director, and producer whose work spans independent film development and forward-looking conversations about the evolving film industry. Known for his thoughtful approach to storytelling and production, Jonathon has been actively exploring how emerging technologies, shifting studio structures, and new distribution models are reshaping opportunities for filmmakers. As both a creative and a strategist, he brings a valuable perspective on how filmmakers can adapt to industry disruption while staying true to their artistic voice. Jonathon is especially interested in how independent filmmakers can use new tools—including artificial intelligence and evolving digital platforms—to develop projects, reach audiences, and build sustainable careers in filmmaking.

    44 min
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4.5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Discover the secrets to funding and creating successful indie films with The Art of Film Funding Podcast.  Join Carole Dean, President of From the Heart Productions and author of The Art of Film Funding, and Heather Lenz, director of the award-winning documentary Kusama-Infinity, as they chat with top film industry pros. Get practical insider tips on crowdfunding, pitching, saving on budgets, marketing, hybrid distribution, and the latest in A.I. filmmaking. Whether you’re funding your first project or navigating new trends, this podcast has everything you need to succeed. Subscribe and let’s get your film funded!

Information

  • Creator
    The Art of Film Funding
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    439
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Art of Film Funding
  • Show Website
    The Art of Film Funding

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