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 Art of Funding |
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Original Music for films
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FILM FINANCING FOR DOCS
ONLINE
I started a business in Hollywood in the 70's selling film stock to people like Cassavetes and Coreman. My capital was a $20.00 bill from the grocery money and I grew that $20.00's into a 9 million dollar a year company and sold my NYC, Chicago and LA offices to Edgewise Distributors in the spring of 2001.
During the time I owned Studio Film & tape I produced over 100 HeathStyles Shows which were sold to Oasis Cable and 30 Filmmaker shows, now in the National Archives. I created the Roy W. Dean film grants in 1992 in honor of my father and have given over 2 million dollars in donations since then and worked with thousands of filmmakers in consultations and seminars.
I have executive produced Women Behind the Camera, BAM 6.6, American Chain Gang and I have an Associate Producer credit on many films.
My book, The Art of Film Funding: Alternative Financing Concepts is full of important information for anyone looking to raise money from individuals and grants. After teaching this book and watching very strange films get made while easy-to-fund films were never completed, I realized how much your mind has to do with your funding. Staying positive through all the rejection is a major asset and keeping your personal confidence at a top level daily is paramount to financing your film.
Did you know that the majority of films do not get finished or even distributed? That's what statistics say. Most filmmakers never finish their films. Why? There are many reasons but most of them seem to be related to money! How many people can quit their day job while they write and produce their feature or research/write/film their documentary? Not many.
Usually filmmakers are raising money while they are working a 40 hour job, taking care of a family and a relationship, which is a full time job. So how do you make your film and keep your job and maintain a good home life? With your clearly defined film plan, goals set out that are achievable, and with knowledge and support on how to create the foundation of your film.
I taught all over the world and when I give consultations to the filmmakers who enter my grants I find myself saying the same important things to many of them.
I decided that I can teach online and for much less than I can do a seminar in your home town. Online I can give you the same information and not a full day at a time; I can take important parts of the financing concepts teach each one separately and in more detail. This way you are not overwhelmed with a full one day seminar with tons of things to do from a book full of notes. You will work on one thing at a time and learn it thoroughly.
Class 1
This first power point program is in-depth information on the many skills needed to create your foundation for financing. It is based on the knowledge I gained while owning and managing Studio Film & Tape for 33 years and helping fund filmmakers through the Dean Grants for the past 20 years. During that time, I was pitched daily for donations and discounts. I know and will teach you what businesses want to see and hear that will have them begging to invest in your film. The first class covers:
- Basic financing concepts;
- The necessity of commitment;
- What to say when you first meet a potential donor;
- How to answer when asked "Why are you making this film?"
- What the donor really wants to know - but won't ask;
- How to increase the donor's confidence in you;
- What you MUST know before making an "ask";
- Freebies - how to get donations and free goods from a business;
- The three most important attributes of successfully funding your film: faith, confidence, and tenacity;
. . . and much, much more!!!
Now is the time the walrus said to speak of many things...
The second class teaches you to take the 500 concepts that have been swirling around your head and put them into a killer proposal that makes potential donors jump on the couch like Tom Cruise on Oprah! It can be done. I know what I like in a proposal and it is outlined in my book, The Art of Film Funding. My book is still selling like hot cakes so I may be right. Here are some things we cover:
Getting your log line and title to go together like bread and butter, that's a major asset to your financing.
Next is a dynamic pitch, one that stays with me forever. I get pitched dozens of times a week and I only remember a few films. Pitching is an art and you can learn it!
Some of the things we cover:
- The most important element of the pitch.
- How to create it and how to practice.
- If your pitch is not bringing in money, then what?
- Finding the log line and the title.
- How to write your dynamic proposal.
- Contents of the proposal.
- What is the most important part of your proposal?
- How to find your audience.
- Important things that must go in the proposal.
- What to do if you don't win that grant?
Class 3
You are rounding the far turn, headed for the finish line.
This last class we go over everything but the kitchen sink. It's all the little things you need to know to make financing easier. Understanding how to make an" ask," what donors look for and what they like to hear. I know this from my 18 years giving these grants. We cover many things that will aid you in research like the mighty 990 form. It's a lot of information and you will find it most helpful.
Here is a partial list:
- Looking for grants.
- Using the mighty 990 for funding. (copy of article for you)
- Connecting with your grantor, why, when and what to say.
- Setting goals and staying on course.
- Writing proposals for corporate donors.
- How to ask people for donations with increased return.
- Wooing donors, what extra to do for them.
- Branding and product placement, is it right for you? .
PLUS,once you register for the class I will email you a coupon code for 15% off for any product we carry.
Plus, Plus, you will get an outline of three different types of successful funding parties and the to do list of 43 things for a successful funding party as a gift for joining the class.
+++ I will be online 2 times a month for personal chats and to answer questions.
++++ You can pitch me your film online or make an appointment to pitch me on the phone. That is included in the price.
From the Heart is dedicated to imparting knowledge to filmmakers and this course is designed to teach you how to fund your film.
I look forward to meeting and working with you. Carole Dean.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
