The Art of Film Funding

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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/

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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.

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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/

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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/

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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
Art of Film Funding Podcast Listeners can get a 6 month free subscription to Jon Reiss' Substack!  You can access the free 6-month subscription offer here:
https://jonreiss.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=544beac3
Select a plan and then check the box that says "Apply 180 Day Free Trial" before checkout to get access for free. 
Join our new educational platform From the Heart THRIVE and get free classes on film funding: https://fromtheheartproductions.thrivecart.com/from-the-heart-thrive/