From the Heart Productions

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OVERVIEW: From the Heart Productions' provides funding and services to filmmakers whose work has the potential to contribute positively to society.

IP TAKE: From the Heart Productions offers small grants to filmmakers whose innovative work “make[s] a contribution to society.” In addition to funding, From the Heart Recipients earn free services like equipment use and post-production services and technology to complete their projects. Opportunities also exist for student filmmakers from anywhere in the world. From the Heart’s website also offers a trove of information, resources and links for filmmakers seeking support and assistance. This is a great organization for early-stage film professionals to have on their radar. Subscribe to the newsletter to keep up with new opportunities.

PROFILE: Created in 1993, From the Heart Productions was founded by Carole Dean, who started her career in the film industry selling unused film stock to filmmaker friends who could not otherwise afford it. Dean eventually turned this side gig into Studio Film & Tape, which would become the largest reseller of Maxwell, Fuji and Sony tape stock. The organization’s mission involves helping “independent filmmakers with unique films that contribute to society get their films funded.”

Grants for Film

From the Heart Productions runs the following grant opportunities for filmmakers:

  • Roy W. Dean Film Grants support “independent feature films, documentaries, web series, and short films with budgets of $500,000 or less that are unique and make a contribution to society that, without its help, might otherwise never get made.” Grants for feature-length films are awarded three times per year, with application deadlines falling at the end of March, June and October. A fourth cycle supports short films with an application due date in late April. Detailed application guidelines are provided on the website. Recipients receive “a cash award as well as goods and discounted services offered by film industry companies and professionals who care about getting good films produced” with awards totaling an estimated $30,000. See past recipients here.

  • The Carol Dorothy Joyce Grant for Student Filmmakers supports student films of any length with budgets of less than $50,000. Grants prioritize films that are “unique and make a contribution to society” and young filmmakers who “need help starting or finishing their film.” Student filmmakers at the high school or postsecondary level from anywhere in the world may apply for grants of $3,000 plus “donated services” from production and technology services related to their project. This program appears to run annually, with an application due date that falls in early December and awards announced in April. A link to the application portal is provided on the program page during the application period.

  • The Puzzle Theory Grant is awarded in collaboration with Puzzle Theory, “an international technology company operating on the intersect of film and tech, bridging the two industries together in a unique, mutually beneficial way.” Puzzle Theory’s technology helps filmmakers and production companies “engage audiences, collect-to-own audience engagement data, and secure distribution BEFORE the film is completed and released, while it is still in the making.” The Puzzle Theory grant offers this technology to a a filmmaker who would “be committed to spending 10 to 15 hours a months, that is about 20 minutes a day, to use it properly.” The program last ran in 2022, and it is unclear if the organization will run another grant cycle for this opportunity.

Important Grant Details:

From the Heart Productions’ grants are awarded in amounts of up to $3,500 but also include thousands of dollars in free use of equipment, services and technology.

  • The organization’s Roy W. Dean Grant program is its largest and most competitive. It supports about ten films each year over four seasonal grant cycles.

  • While monetary grants are modest, grants also provide filmmakers with valuable services and equipment to support their production.

  • See past winners here.

  • All programs accept applications, although eligibility, guidelines and due dates vary by program.

Submit questions to From the Heart Productions via email at info@fromtheheartproductions.com or by telephone at (805) 984-0098.

PEOPLE:

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