The Art of Film Funding

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What if you could stop waiting for Hollywood to discover you and learn how to fund your films, pitch investors and buyers, protect your creative vision, and build a successful filmmaking career on your own terms? Our guest is Nicki Micheaux, an accomplished actress, award-winning writer and director, producer, and founder of Elevate Creative Talents.  Nicki built a remarkable acting career starring in the television series Lincoln Heights, earning three consecutive NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

After successfully bringing her own feature film to audiences, Nicki recognized something important: Creative talent is only part of what filmmakers need to succeed. They must also understand funding, producing, pitching, distribution, and the business of entertainment.  That realization inspired her to establish Elevate Creative Talents, where she teaches and mentors creatives who want to take greater ownership of their careers.
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Grant application: https://fromtheheartproductions.com/roy-w-dean-film-grants-and-awards  

Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

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Steven Lifshey, an award-winning editor, director, and filmmaker with more than 30 years of professional post-production experience. Steven has worked with major television networks, including A&E, AMC, Discovery, Showtime, Comedy Central, and Food Network. His credits include editing episodes of Hoarders, Tiny House Nation, and Cold Case Files, along with promotional work for acclaimed television series including The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Dexter, and Chopped.

(https://stevelifsheyeditor.vids.io/videos) Steven’s videos and email: LifsheyS@gmail.com
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Grant application: https://fromtheheartproductions.com/roy-w-dean-film-grants-and-awards  

Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

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Dana Protsyshak is the founder of Dana Productions, the LA Vertical Drama Market, and Vert-I-Go Media, a vertical drama platform designed with creators and community in mind.
Grant application: https://fromtheheartproductions.com/roy-w-dean-film-grants-and-awards  

Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/

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Apple TungFong is the founder and CEO of CineLot, a technology platform designed to connect the many stages of the film-festival process—from submissions and judging to programming, screenings, filmmaker communication, and opportunities beyond the festival. Today, through CineLot and its partnerships, Apple is also helping bring professional film-identification and content-protection tools within reach of independent filmmakers.

We are also joined by Marc Gray who is Chief Executive Officer of SonicOrigin, the provenance infrastructure company. A serial entrepreneur with a proven track record.  Under his leadership SonicOrigin was named a Fast Company World Changing Ideas winner in 2026 for digital content authentication.

This is an important conversation because making a great film is only part of our job. We also have to protect it, position it and find a way for audiences to see it.
Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/
Grant application: https://fromtheheartproductions.com/roy-w-dean-film-grants-and-awards

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Garrett Patten is a versatile actor, director, and filmmaker known for his work on Self Custody. As an active force in the West Coast creative community, Garrett builds projects at the intersection of independent film, visual storytelling, and contemporary culture. He explores narrative depth both in front of and behind the camera, bringing fresh creative energy and strong industry connections to every project.
Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/
Grant application: https://fromtheheartproductions.com/roy-w-dean-film-grants-and-awards