From the Heart Productions, Inc. is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization
1-On-1 Mentorship for Your Film!
Feeling stuck isn’t a creative problem — it’s a process problem. From idea to funding to distribution, independent filmmaking can be isolating, slow, and frustrating. The Guardian Angel Program was created by Carole Dean — author of The Art of Film Funding and President of From the Heart Productions — to give filmmakers more than advice: it gives momentum.
This isn’t generic coaching — it’s weekly one-on-one strategy sessions tailored to your project and your goals. In four focused meetings, you’ll get clarity on your biggest bottlenecks, actionable next steps, and the confidence to move forward with purpose.
Does Your Film Need a Guardian Angel?
Carole Dean’s Guardian Angel Program was designed to help filmmakers navigate through the business, artistic, and life challenges of getting a project made.
Ever thought about having a mentor?
Making indie films can often be a long, lonely process.
The time from research to release can be years. It’s too easy for filmmakers to get discouraged or stalled and never complete the film or they finish it and then can’t get it distributed.
Which is why Carole Dean, president of From the Heart Productions and author of The Art of Film Funding, 2nd Edition: Alternative Financing Concepts, started her Guardian Angel Program.
In the program, Carole draws upon her 30 years of experience working closely with filmmakers to provide them with the guidance, insight, support, inspiration and encouragement they need to get their films made and seen.
Motivation
Guidance
Insight
Support
Working with Carole Dean of From the Heart is inspiring, informative,
practical – I have made so much progress on my documentary!
- Corinne McAfee, Filmmaker
Dr. Carole Dean (h.c.)
Carole Dean is the bestselling author of The Art of Film Funding: Alternative Financing Concepts and recipient of the 2012 WIFTS Lifetime Achievement Award. She launched the short-end film business in 1970, making film stock affordable and helping spark the independent film revolution.
In 1993, Carole founded the nonprofit From the Heart Productions to help talented filmmakers get their films funded through fiscal sponsorship, mentorship, and pioneering film crowdfunding. She also created the Roy W. Dean Grants in 1992 in honor of her father, which have awarded over $2 million in donations to help vital films get made.
Set Goals and Get Results!
In the Guardian Angel Program, you commit to weekly consultations with Carole Dean for as long as you like.
Each filmmaker outlines what they want to achieve each week.
During these 45 minute consultations, you can discuss your achievements or problems, get solutions, and keep moving forward making progress on your film, fundraising, or distribution.
“You know when you promise yourself to do something and you don’t do it how guilty you feel? Well imagine when you promise your mentor to do something? You get it done and you love doing it.
You move, you enjoy, you have a plan, you are working towards your goal. You can feel the completion of the goal every week as you get closer to completion. It’s having someone to discuss the problems and help you overcome them.
I helped someone organize their work space and that allowed her to create 30% more each week. Whatever your problems are we can overcome them. Setting and reaching your goal is the key issue. How to get from a to z and maintain your sanity, have time with your family and love what you are doing.”
- Carole Dean
Carole’s best selling book is the
film funding bible for many filmmakers!
Sign Up Now!
Only $300/Month
Save $280
Usually $580
Carole began the Guardian Angel Program out her love of filmmakers and seeing their frustration at not being able to finish their films. Each year, she reviews over 1000 films and trailers from the Roy W. Film Grants. But, not nearly enough ever get made.
Why? Because Carole found that while many filmmakers had tremendous talent, a fantastic concept, and heartfelt passion, they couldn’t begin to answer these questions:
- How do I raise money for my film?
- Who is my audience?
- How do I find and engage my audience while in production?
- How do I distribute my film?
- What is my outreach potential?
In the Guardian Angel Program, you can get these answers and move toward your ultimate goal…finishing your film!
Carole Dean is a true friend to filmmakers. She not only offers constructive advice, but has a special knack of boosting confidence. I always have a new sense of motivation and ideas after talking to her.
- Renee Sotile, Filmmaker
Glowing Reviews
Here's What Carole's Students Have to Say!
Carole is such an amazing resource for filmmakers. Smart, wise, intuitive and a superb cheerleader, we are lucky to have her. With Gratitude!
- CM Hardt
Carole has a tremendous wisdom, faith in you and persistence to keep you going. Be prepared because she will take you on a wonderful journey.
- Natalia Berry
I found Carole to truly be the guardian angel for my film. Her knowledge has been the difference in getting this film made. By changing areas in the script from her suggestions has made all the difference to the clarity and flow of the story.
- D’Nell Bingham
If you are looking for someone who will guide you through the
experience of filmmaking she is the right choice. She has been as
excited about the process and I have been and taking an interest
in my goals and dreams for my life and helping them to come
true.
- Karen McCann
Individual Consultations Normally cost $145!
With the Guardian Angel Program,
You Get Weekly Consultations for Only
$300 / Month
Save $280
Join the Guardian
Angel Program Today!
Weekly 45 Minute 1-on-1 Consultations
Meet privately with Carole Dean each week to focus on your specific film, challenges, and next steps. These sessions are practical, strategic, and designed to keep your project moving forward with clarity and momentum.
Personal Mentorship from An Expert
Get direct guidance from an industry veteran with decades of experience in film funding, production, and distribution. This isn’t generic advice — it’s personalized mentorship tailored to your goals and your project.
Join As Long As Needed. Stop Anytime.
There’s no long-term contract or pressure to stay. Join the program for as long as it’s helpful to you, and pause or stop whenever you’re ready. Simple, flexible, and filmmaker-friendly.
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- Preferred optionWeekly Consultations ($300 / month)$300.00/mo
- Preferred optionBook Single Consultation ($145)$145.00
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Still Have Questions?
No Problem! Just email Carole Dean at Carole@fromtheheartproductions.com to schedule a Free 20 Minute consultation to discuss your project, and find out if the Guardian Angel Program is right for you.
About From the Heart
Founded over 30 years ago, From the Heart Productions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers at every stage of the creative journey. We provide fiscal sponsorship, grants, education, mentorship, and practical resources to help filmmakers secure funding, build sustainable projects, and bring their films to life.
While purchases on ThriveCart are not tax-deductible donations, your support directly sustains our work, strengthens our organization, and helps empower filmmakers with the funding and support they need to tell stories that might not otherwise be told.
While purchases on ThriveCart are not tax-deductible donations, your support directly sustains our work, strengthens our organization, and helps empower filmmakers with the funding and support they need to tell stories that might not otherwise be told.