The Art of Film Funding

The Art of Film Funding
  • 4.5 (14)
  • Film Reviews
  • Updated Weekly

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. 3d ago

    Bodies of Water: Transforming Grief into a Global Story

    Send us Fan Mail Today, we are speaking with award-winning documentary filmmaker, writer, and storyteller Betsy Murphy. Her documentaries have screened at international film festivals and appeared on Hulu, Showtime, and Amazon Prime. Her projects have also been featured in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The UK Sunday Times, The Huffington Post, The Washington Post, and Sports Illustrated. Betsy is also the author of eight books, including Autobiography of an Orgasm, Grief Glimmers Grace, and Write On: A Daily Writing Practice for Anyone with a Story to Tell. Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

    Bodies of Water: Transforming Grief into a Global Story

  2. Jul 9

    Scaling a Documentary for Global Change: Nivi Jaswal’s Path from Self-Funding to 1,000 Screens

    Send us Fan Mail Alternative ideas for Outreach distribution for the documentary,  Third Degree Burnout – A Survivor’s Guide. In 2020, Nivi Jaswal-Wirtjes lost her father to COVID-19 while struggling through her own burnout after 15 years in high-pressure global marketing and strategy roles across consumer packaged goods, life sciences, and media. That dual reckoning — grief and exhaustion — became the catalyst for her life’s new direction: uncovering the connections between personal well-being, food systems, and planetary health. She founded The Virsa Foundation Inc., and. the JIVINITI Research and Advocacy Program, a Boston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit uniting experts in anthropology, psychology, lifestyle medicine, and creative advocacy to design plant-powered, climate-conscious initiatives that prevent chronic illness and foster resilience. Nivi also led The GAIA Study, the largest U.S. nonprofit study on burnout, lifestyle, and nutrition, conducted with Ipsos Public Affairs. Her research inspired the award-winning feature documentary “Third Degree Burnout – A Survivor’s Guide”, which won Best Documentary Feature awards at the 2025 Greenpoint Film Festival, 2025 Seatte Film Festival, 2025 Show Low Arizona Film Festival, and several others, and continues to screen internationally. As a speaker, she has shared her work at King’s College Hospital, Harvard Kennedy School, University of California Berkeley, University of California Santa Barbara and the University of the Arts London. Through research, filmmaking, and advocacy, Nivi transforms personal loss into a mission to heal both people and planet. Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

    Scaling a Documentary for Global Change: Nivi Jaswal’s Path from Self-Funding to 1,000 Screens

  3. Jun 24

    Faith, Film & Funding: Jessica Wrabel's Journey with her film

    Send us Fan Mail Today, we're delighted to welcome Jessica Wrabel, a versatile and respected actress and producer with more than two decades of experience in television, film, and theater. Today we'll discuss Jessica's journey as a producer, how she financed her film, the unique opportunities, and challenges of faith-based filmmaking, and what she's learned about bringing an independent film from concept to audience. Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

    Faith, Film & Funding: Jessica Wrabel's Journey with her film

  4. Jun 17

    Production Management 101: The Real Business of Making Movies

    Send us Fan Mail Deborah Patz’s book, Film Production Management 101, has become one of the industry's most respected resources and is often described as the “essential roadmap to the business side of production.” The newly updated third edition covers everything from budgeting and scheduling to respectful workplaces and sustainable production practices. Deborah covers important producing skills in this podcast. Deborah is also the author of “Write! Shoot! Edit!” for teens - both books published worldwide by MWP Productions. She has worked in the industry since the mid-80s, with a filmography that spans micro-budget to international co-productions, from family and children's programming to science fiction extravaganzas and feature films of various budget sizes with companies such as Disney, Lucasfilm, Alliance/Atlantis, Nelvana, MCA/Universal, and the IMAX space team. Currently she's working in business affairs at Telefilm Canada and teaches filmmaking skills based on her books. When not involved in books and films, she sails with her family in Pacific Northwest. www.debpatz.com Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

    Production Management 101: The Real Business of Making Movies

  5. Jun 10

    Short Films, Big Impact: A Conversation with Rae Shaw

    Send us Fan Mail Rae Shaw is a Black female writer-director whose work has been evolving to stretch the boundaries of how Black women see and are seen in the world. Her work concentrates on lifting the experiences of Black women and women of color by telling stories that dimensionalize us in spaces that have sought to diminish, exploit and punish us through stereotypes. Her screenplays have won honors at top international screenwriting competitions, and her film work has screened at top film festivals. She is the author of the recent  screenwriting book, THE SHORT, from MWP,  the foremost publisher of independent filmmaking books.  Wicked Lovely Films - www.wickedlovelyfilms.com Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

    Short Films, Big Impact: A Conversation with Rae Shaw

  6. May 27

    The Future of Independent Filmmaking: Inside From the Heart THRIVE

    Send us Fan Mail Check out our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE! This platform brings together all of From the Heart’s Courses, Classes, Services and Resources in one convenient central hub. Learn more and sign up at https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/ Use Coupon Code AFFPOD10 for 10% anything in the platform.  Today, we’re talking about the next evolution of that mission: From the Heart THRIVE — a new educational and membership platform designed specifically to help independent filmmakers grow, connect, and succeed in today’s rapidly changing industry. Adam Heyes is a multidisciplinary creative and business developer, working primarily with independent filmmakers. Adam serves as Director of Development at From the Heart Productions, and has been working with the company since 2012.  He helps the organization in many way, and supports our clients with pitch decks, design, editing, film and event production, website development, marketing, crowdfunding course design, and fundraising. Adam manages several programs for From the Heart Clients including our LargoAI reports and our Grant Advance donor research system. He designed our updated website and Fiscal Sponsorship Dashboard, and now our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE As a producer, Adam is attached to multiple projects in development and release, including the forthcoming documentary I Believe You, and the feature film When the Voiceless Roar. Adam currently also currently serves as President of a new company called IndieHeart, which provides AI based services and proprietary platforms specifically designed for independent filmmakers. Adam graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA’s Honors Program with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Human Complex Systems, and holds a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica.

    The Future of Independent Filmmaking: Inside From the Heart THRIVE

  7. May 20

    The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Formula: Joanne Butcher's Seven Steps to Get Your Film Funded, Made, and Seen Worldwide

    Send us Fan Mail Joanne Butcher has shaped the careers of more than a hundred independent filmmakers as a Consulting Producer, helping them navigate the business realities that define success in the industry. Her deep experience in fundraising and distribution has supported the completion and release of dozens of feature films, and she has been directly involved in bringing over 25 features to screens around the world. What sets her apart is the way she empowers artists to evolve into savvy industry professionals—storytellers who not only understand craft, but who can confidently communicate with investors, funders, and distributors. She has supported creators at every stage of their journey, from first-time short film directors to teams building multimillion-dollar productions that attract top-tier talent. Joanne is a relentless champion for diverse and emerging voices, pushing open doors and dismantling long-standing barriers within the filmmaking ecosystem. Through her leadership, guidance, and industry advocacy, she continues to help filmmakers transform their passion into sustainable careers—ensuring that the stories that need to be told find their audiences, globally. Her 2024 book, *Getting Your Film Funded, Produced and Distributed Globally: A Seven Step System — The Film Box Office S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Formula, distills her two-decade methodology into a complete roadmap for indie filmmakers.  joannebutcher.com Link to her calendar: https://www.filmmakersuccess.com/book-a-call Current Films In Distribution https://www.filmmakersuccess.com/filmsindistribution- Website https://www.filmmakersuccess.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/joannefilm/ Facebook Group Getting Your Film Funded, Produced, and Distributed Globally https://www.facebook.com/groups/1588227901352330 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannebutcher/ Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

    The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Formula: Joanne Butcher's Seven Steps to Get Your Film Funded, Made, and Seen Worldwide

  8. May 13

    How to Throw a Film Funding Party That Raises Real Money with Carole Joyce

    Send us Fan Mail Carole Dean interviews her daughter, Carole Joyce — a two-time Telly Award–winning producer and Vice President of From The Heart Productions. With decades of experience helping filmmakers develop, finance, and promote independent films, Carole Joyce has guided countless projects from idea to screen and has become a respected mentor within the independent film community. Together, they explore how filmmakers can create intimate, inspiring fundraising events that not only raise money, but also build relationships, generate momentum, attract new supporters, and help bring important stories to life. Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

    How to Throw a Film Funding Party That Raises Real Money with Carole Joyce
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4.5
out of 5
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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
    447
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Art of Film Funding
  • Show Website
    The Art of Film Funding

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