May 13, 2026 • 33 mins
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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Episode Transcript
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SPEAKER_02 (01:15):
Stay with us because what you're about to hear is one
of the most effective grassrootsfilm funding strategies for
independent filmmakers like you.
SPEAKER_00 (01:29):
So glad you joined us on the Art of Film Funding
podcast here at From the HeartProductions.
I'm Claire Papan, co-producer,alongside Carol Dean, writer,
producer, and president of Fromthe Heart Productions, a
nonprofit organization dedicatedto supporting independent
(01:50):
filmmakers through fiscalsponsorship, mentorship, and
five film grants awarded eachyear to filmmakers creating
meaningful stories that matter.
Today we're talking about one ofthe most powerful and often
overlooked tools for financingindependent films, hosting
(02:13):
successful film funding parties.
If you've ever wondered howfilmmakers raise money outside
the traditional system, how theybuild a community around their
work, or how personalconnections can turn into real
financial support for a film,this episode is for you.
(02:34):
Carol Dean interviews herdaughter, Carol Joyce, a
two-time Tele Award-winningproducer and vice president of
From the Heart Productions.
With decades of experiencehelping filmmakers develop,
finance, and promote independentfilms, Carol Joyce has guided
(02:56):
countless projects from idea toscreen and has become a
respected mentor within theindependent film community.
Together they explore howfilmmakers can create intimate,
inspiring film fundraisingevents that not only raise
(03:17):
money, but also buildrelationships, generate
momentum, attract newsupporters, and bring important
stories to life.
And Carol Dean, I know you lovefunding parties.
So let's get started.
SPEAKER_02 (03:33):
Thank you, Claire.
Yes, I'm interviewing CarolJoyce today to give us her
experience because she's been tomany fundraising parties, help
them get their money, and it's alot of fun.
So we need to get into thedetails about these parties
because the money is in thedetails.
(03:54):
So thanks for joining us, CarolJoyce.
SPEAKER_01 (03:57):
Well, my motto is put the fun back into film
funding.
And the best way to do that isto throw a party.
Because I love parties and youcan have fun and make money too.
SPEAKER_02 (04:11):
So tell us about fundraising parties.
SPEAKER_01 (04:14):
Well, I've seen many filmmakers use this funding
party to help raise cash fortheir film.
You also help to build a largeraudience, and there are also
many other benefits.
First, you're expanding youraudience and you're personally
meeting people and having aheartfelt connection with people
(04:34):
that will stay with you untilyour film is completed and
distributed.
Parties create an opportunityfor you as a filmmaker to get
close to your donors.
You want the people from theparty sharing on their social
networks that they donate toyour film and drive them to your
website and your social media tojoin your community.
(04:56):
As to the funding party concept,filmmakers have taken something
that has always worked in thepolitical world and now they
make it work in the world forfilm.
They use fundraising houseparties to raise money for their
film.
And what I love about this isthat the money you raise can be
(05:17):
donated to you through yourfiscal sponsor, and you do not
have to pay it back.
Donors can also get a taxdeduction through their fiscal
sponsor, and you get to keep themoney.
At the same time, you're meetingpeople, building relationships,
spreading the word about yourfilm to people who can continue
(05:38):
to contribute long after thatnight.
This is not the only way toraise money, but it's one of the
most powerful tools you caninclude in your fundraising
plan.
SPEAKER_02 (05:51):
So tell us what you're going to achieve with
this funding house party.
SPEAKER_01 (05:56):
Well, this is what a house party really does
raises money, it buildsawareness, creates community,
creates long-lastingrelationships, and it also
brings in new donors.
A house party works on severallevels at once.
Yes, you're raising money, butyou're also introducing your
(06:18):
film to people that have neverheard about before.
You're giving them a chance toconnect with your story, with
you, with your purpose behindthe film.
You're expanding your circle,you're bringing in new donors,
and you're giving people areason to talk about your
project and share it withothers.
This is how momentum begins.
(06:39):
You're adding new donors, andthey can donate and post on
their social media and help youin many ways.
SPEAKER_02 (06:46):
So tell me how this works.
You find someone to open theirhome to you?
SPEAKER_01 (06:51):
Yes.
The foundation of a successfulhouse funding party is the host.
Now, this host, they must loveyou.
The host must love the film.
The host must commitfinancially, and they must
invite their network.
Everything begins with the host.
(07:12):
This is the most importantdecision you make in the
process.
The connection with you and thehost has to be real.
And anything else, and beforeanything else happens, they must
make a commitment to the film bydonating to your film because
later they're going to stand upin front of their friends and
(07:34):
say, I've donated to this film,or I'm writing a check right
now, tonight, for this film.
This changes the energy in theroom.
Then that's their network.
They also have to open up totheir address book and invite
all their friends personally.
(07:56):
This is what drives the party.
It's social as a group offriends that are friends of the
host or hostess, and thesepeople also support the host.
She finds two more people tohelp her with the night, right?
To help organize, um, mingle,make sure nobody stands alone
(08:21):
and keeps the momentum of theenergy going.
Um, and those two people alsohave to invite their friends so
they can donate and help at theparty.
This is an important part tocreate trust and likability of
the filmmaker.
It's building the community forthe event.
(08:42):
Now, what the host provides is aguest list, a public
endorsement, you know, ofeverybody at the event or on
social media, and also they mustdonate to your project.
The host is doing very importantthings all at once.
(09:04):
They are inviting their friends,people that trust them, they are
opening up their home.
And the last part that mattersthe most is that it's a personal
space, it's a special space thatmost people don't get into.
(09:27):
People love to go to homes thatthey don't ever get a chance to
go into.
This is a special part of theevent.
Guests are being invited intothis new kind of experience.
It feels more intimate, it feelsmore meaningful.
Some people come simply becausethey're curious about the home.
(09:50):
And once they're there, they'rea part of the event.
All of that starts thecontributions to the film at the
event.
And I just want to personallysay, you know, living in
Hollywood, everybody wants to gointo those Hollywood homes.
They want to get into theseBeverly Hills homes, they want
to get into the houses inHollywood Hills because that is
(10:14):
where the magic happens.
So that's um very enticing forpeople to be able to go into a
special home.
Now, what else the host mustalso do?
Um, you must get a commitmentfrom the host to offer the food
and the drinks.
And if they don't, you need totake it on.
(10:36):
But it's worth it to get thehost to give you their house,
invite their friends, um,personally help with the
invitation, and also thefollow-up calls to make sure
that they um people come to theevent.
So they have to smile and dialbefore the event and after the
(10:58):
event.
Okay, so beyond this coreresponsibility, um the host may
choose to do more.
They may send out theinvitations themselves or send
out the emails themselves ormake some phone calls
themselves.
And ideally, they may also helpwith the follow-up calls after
(11:19):
the event.
But if you don't want to askthem to do that, you can take on
that role and handle thatyourself.
But the more involved the hostis, the stronger the event tends
to be.
SPEAKER_02 (11:31):
Well, explain what the host committee does.
SPEAKER_01 (11:35):
Okay.
Uh the host committee is one ofthe most powerful additions to
the process.
This is a small group of peoplewho support the host and the
event.
They may help with thedecorations, the food, the
invitations, the follow-up.
And because each of themcontributes financially, you're
(11:56):
raising more money before theparty even starts.
This is one of the things thathelps make house party so
effective.
And you will raise money beforethe party even starts.
Now, I have to say that um whenI'm mentoring people to do a
house party, I really make surethat they have at least 10
(12:17):
people on the host committeebecause each 10 people can
probably bring um 10 more peoplethat are like-minded uh people
that you would like that are onthe same vibe.
I was always asked to be on thehost committee and bring 10 of
my favorite friends becausepeople always loved me and they
(12:39):
knew that I would bring the sametype of people that would really
resonate to my project or theirproject or it or just the right
kind of crowd.
So the money comes before theparty.
So um before the party evenhappens, you already have money
(13:02):
coming in.
The host contributes, thecommittee contributes, the
invitations go out, and there'ssomething that surprises a lot
of people.
60 to seven of the people youinvite will not attend because
some of them will just sendmoney.
Why?
Because you're giving them theopportunity.
You include a card or a messagein your invite that says, I'm
(13:22):
sorry, I can't come, but here'smy donations.
A lot of people respond to youwith that, either checks or
credit cards before the party.
There are even cases whendonations continue to come in
for months after the partybecause people take time to
decide or gather the funds theywant to give.
(13:43):
Often by the time your eventbegins, you may already have
some momentum.
A lot of people they calculatehow much it's gonna take for
them to get to the party, right?
They think, well, it's$100 toget my clothes royal clean, gas,
hair, and makeup.
I'll just send them$200.
It's easier for me because theyknow that when they're gonna get
(14:06):
there, they're also gonna bedonating.
So expect donations before theevent.
Now, the importance of thedetails are if you miss one
detail, you could lose money.
So every detail matters.
The most important factor ishaving the right people in the
(14:28):
room, not just a large group,but people who have the ability
to give money to your film, areopen to supporting a film
funding campaign and people whotrust the person who's invited
them.
That's why you choose a verygood host committee, and the
host committee ensures that thatwill happen.
(14:49):
This is not accidental, it'sintentional.
You want a group of people whoare there to meet you, learn
about your film, who have themoney, and to share and to
donate.
Getting a tax donation isimportant.
SPEAKER_02 (15:03):
So the host committee donates to the party
too, right?
Yes.
Everyone on the host committeehas to donate because they need
to mingle and tell people Isupport this filmmaker, I have
donated.
So that creates a whole powerstructure in the room that the
(15:24):
person with the home and hercommittee have all donated.
This is a really powerful waybecause then you feel
comfortable.
And it's uh then it's not adecision, do I?
It's how much is becomes thequestion.
Now, tell us the outline of theparty.
So, how do you structure theevent?
SPEAKER_01 (15:45):
Well, first of all, remember this is your
production, so they're gonnajudge you on how this event goes
and how you produce it.
You know, you really want tomake sure that you really map
out your event.
Okay, the host speaks first,then you speak, then you play
(16:06):
the trailer, and then you havequestions and answers to follow.
And then somebody makes the askfor the donation.
Now let's just start this again.
The party structure, the partyself follows a very clear
structure.
Okay, so let's start again.
(16:27):
The host speaks first, then youtalk about you, the filmmaker,
who you are, and why they trustyou and why are they supporting
your film?
And that's where you bring thepassion to the film.
Get everybody excited.
That's important because peoplegive money to people.
(16:47):
This is what all the work isabout: getting you on stage,
you, the filmmaker.
It's time for you to share.
You don't ask for money at thisstage, you just tell your story,
tell your passion, tell yourpurpose.
You explain why you're makingthis film, what it means, what
it can do, and then you share atleast three benefits of the
(17:09):
film.
Then you show your trailer, andafter that, you open up for
questions.
Consider having somebody in thegroup ask you a question or two,
just to break the ice so otherpeople open up and ask
questions.
We want to make sure they'regood questions that moves the
project forward.
You may want to have people askabout your trailer, how you made
(17:32):
it.
People have no idea how much youspent on that trailer.
You probably spent$10,000 to$20,000 and six months of your
life creating that trailer.
So you need to share that withthe audience and um have your
people that are asking thequestions help to let the other
(17:55):
people in the room know how hardyou worked on that trailer and
how important this project isfor you.
Then you share your intentionfor distribution.
Are you intending to bring thisto PBS?
Where are you gonna show this?
Are you doing communityscreenings?
Tell us when and where theaudience will see the finished
(18:19):
film.
Your presentation needs toanswer the key questions that
people have.
Why are you making this film?
What is it uncovering oraddressing?
Where will it be seen?
What impact can it have?
Benefits, and what do theyreceive?
So you want to offer things.
(18:40):
You may offer credits on thefilm.
Um, you can say for$200, you'llbe unlisted on a card with 30
people, or you can say your$500donation will be listed with a
big thank you with just fiveother people or$1,000, an
associate producer.
Keep going with higher amountsand more credits recognition.
(19:05):
People love to be a part of thefilmmaking community.
Some filmmakers offer thingslike experiences or facials or
weekend getaways or wine, orthey get on the phone and they
find, you know, donors in thearea that can also give fun
(19:28):
things that you can also giveaway for donations.
People enjoy supporting you andthey appreciate receiving
something in return.
SPEAKER_02 (19:37):
So you would get on the phone and find wine
companies or beauty uh parlorsthat have facials that you could
give that.
Because what I've seen at theseparties is that uh the guys want
to say, well, let's donate.
And the wives say, wait, I wantto see what's in it for me.
What have they got?
(19:58):
And so giving the women a goodiefor a certain dollar donation
can also help bring in moremoney.
SPEAKER_01 (20:07):
Yes, I had a filmmaker uh had an event, they
had necklaces, they had photos,they had art, and everybody was
going around the room saying,Oh, give a donation because I
want that necklace, right?
So you set up a nice table withall these great uh you know
(20:27):
gifts that people receive fordonations, and trust me, people
will walk out of that event withthe gift and give you a
donation.
So let's talk about um what youwant to make the story stick.
Your story needs to be somethingpeople can remember because some
will leave before the donatingpart of the project happens.
(20:52):
So we need them to remember yourstory.
So what you want to say to theaudience has to stick with them.
Here are some of the componentsof a sticky story that are that
I recommend.
What you should say is somethingemotional.
(21:13):
You need to touch my heart and Iwill open my pocketpick.
You need something concrete.
People love statistics.
51% of the blah blah blah uhknow this.
That helps.
Also, something credible.
A statement from a doctor or alawyer or a politician works.
(21:33):
Something shocking.
Wake them up with somethingshocking about your phone.
You're not just speaking to theroom, you're giving them
something they can repeat later.
SPEAKER_02 (21:46):
Yes, because uh as a nonprofit sponsor, uh we want to
have really good parties.
So that's why we give guidanceand consultations to help you.
Once you understand what a partyis, you can call either one of
us and we'll go over what yourbenefits could be to give them,
(22:09):
what the benefits of your filmare to share with them.
So you must have seen somewonderful things happen at
filming parties.
So tell us one story of a party.
SPEAKER_01 (22:21):
Okay, we did a film funding party at Jane Seymour's
house.
She opened it up, it wasbeautiful, it was a Malibu.
Her house is on the side of amountain, so the whole mountain
was an organic garden.
So she had um cooks therechopping up the food fresh from
(22:44):
the garden and serving it toeverybody that was there.
And it was such a beautifulexperience with you know the
ambiance, and everybody wantedto go to James Seymour's house.
And then the fundraisingstarted.
Jane Seymour got up and she wasthe host, and she said, I have
donated to this project, it'svery important to my heart, and
(23:07):
I'm gonna even donate more.
So she had a piece of handmade.
art that she had that she hadcreated and she stood up with
her art and she says I'm gonnagive this piece of art for a
$5,000 donation.
Who wants to donate?
And somebody raised their handand said, I will give the$5,000.
(23:28):
And so the person walked up,they took the art, they took
their photo and it was a verymomentous moment.
And that just started the wholefundraising ripple effect where
everybody started donating.
Everybody wanted their picturetaken with Jane Seymour.
It was a successful event.
SPEAKER_02 (23:48):
Okay.
Wow that sounds like fun.
So just get back.
I just want to cover who speaksfirst.
So it's the hostess uh who talksfirst.
She talks about who you are andhow beneficial your film is.
Then she turns it over to youthe filmmaker.
(24:09):
You play your trailer and thenyou have Shills ask you
questions.
You answer those open up to theroom.
This is where the filmmakershines and then another person
comes on and they make the askbecause it's not you.
You should never be making theask at the party.
It's someone let's say from thehost committee or someone that's
(24:31):
a friend of yours who has uhlove and support for you and
they get up on the dais andspeak and say I've donated to
this film.
I've known her for 20 years andI've watched her grow as a
filmmaker.
People will then respect thatmuch more.
That's when the money comes in.
(24:52):
So now let's get back.
So with Jane Seymour she got the5,000 and and then everything
was wonderful.
SPEAKER_01 (25:01):
So um yeah you all you also need to have uh your
host committee kind of walkingaround the room and kind of
marking up okay that persondonated that person donated and
then they can also tell you likesee that one over there they
haven't donated yet so you cankind of target everybody in the
room a little bit before theyleave as well.
SPEAKER_02 (25:21):
And then afterward those people who did not donate
this is where the host committeeuh calls them or you can call
them the thing to say is uh youyou were at the party did you
like the filmmaker and they'regonna say yes well I really
enjoyed the event I love thefilmmaker I I like her film but
(25:44):
you didn't donate is there areason oh yes because I had to
talk to my husband and he's beenout of town but I'm working on
that.
So you would get them to make adecision.
That's what the call is aboutbecause usually some people have
to go home and ask their partnerbrother mother other significant
(26:05):
person in their life to get anapproval.
So that second call after theevent can bring in money.
So um tell us about the planningCarol.
SPEAKER_01 (26:18):
Well first of all the trailer is your best asset
for filmmaking so let's makesure that you have the trailer
done correctly your trailershould create an emotional
connection also be visual proofthat you can make a film and
these things drive the grip thegiving the trailer is one of the
(26:40):
most powerful parts of the nightthis is where people feel the
film the emotional connection iswhat leads them to giving it's
not just about showing the filmit's about making people feel it
brings trust to your audienceafter the trailer you take
(27:00):
questions this is where youreally connect you learn what
resonated with the people youhear what stood out you listen
and because sometimes they willshow you something new about
your film another angle anotheraudience and this is where the
trust deepens I can tell youparties without this interaction
(27:22):
do not do well financially makesure you have all these things
involved okay so the filmmakerdoes not ask for the money tell
us about that um no thefilmmaker does not ask for the
money somebody has donatedsupport supported the film they
(27:45):
make the ask now comes themoment when somebody makes an
ask for a donation you need tobe clear and direct and when you
ask and you're finished askingyou stop talking I call it drop
the mic you need to give time todecide after the party you
(28:07):
follow up your host or or one ofthe communities committee calls
the attending they may saysomething like thank you for
coming to the party do you likethe filmmaker we have noticed
that you didn't donate is therea reason most people say I had
(28:29):
to talk to my husband partneretc and now I know I can donate
and I will send a choke a checkor a wire and you tell her where
and how to mail it some peopleneed more time some people need
approval some people need areminder about 30% of your money
can come from this stage andsome people may be looking at
(28:51):
doing a larger donation ratherthan a Zell or a wire from their
phone at the end of the partyask if somebody would like to
host another one people arefeeling good they're connected
they're engaged they've had agreat time that's the moment to
ask this is how the processworks great so I think that you
(29:18):
need to allow 60 days to planand to prep this allows you time
to organize everything properlyfrom the host to the guest to
the list to the invitation andto the details this isn't
something you rush and I reallyencourage people to get
(29:38):
everything donated do not spendany of your own money throwing
this party a good producer doesnot use their own money they
convince people to help them andif you start off having a house
party without any expense aspure profit from there.
A successful house party raisesmoney before during and after
(30:01):
the event it buildsrelationships expands your
network and creates momentum andwhen it does right it works.
SPEAKER_02 (30:10):
Wow thank you so much Carol Joyce no wonder
filmmakers love to work with youyou're totally dedicated to
supporting and nurturingfilmmakers and thank you for
being with us today and from theHard Productions Carol Joyce and
I truly believe filmmakers havethe power to change hearts open
minds and bring healing andunderstanding into the world
(30:34):
through story.
Never give up on your film.
There are people who want tosupport meaningful work and
sometimes all they need is theopportunity to meet you hear
your passion and understand whyyour story matters.
So every year we proudly awardfive grants to independent
(30:56):
filmmakers and we providesupport fiscal sponsorship and
mentoring to filmmakers aroundthe world and Carol Joyce gives
her own storytelling awards ontop of the Roy Dean Awards.
So we invite you to visit us atFrom theheartproductions.com
(31:18):
check out our Thrive accountwhere we created many free
classes on film funding just foryou.
You can explore our grants ourresources our classes and become
part of a community built tosupport storytellers from the
heart so keep making your filmbecause you are the magic
(31:40):
Hollywood need you thanks forlistening and we'll be back next
week
Stay with us because what you're about to hear is one
of the most effective grassrootsfilm funding strategies for
independent filmmakers like you.
SPEAKER_00 (01:29):
So glad you joined us on the Art of Film Funding
podcast here at From the HeartProductions.
I'm Claire Papan, co-producer,alongside Carol Dean, writer,
producer, and president of Fromthe Heart Productions, a
nonprofit organization dedicatedto supporting independent
(01:50):
filmmakers through fiscalsponsorship, mentorship, and
five film grants awarded eachyear to filmmakers creating
meaningful stories that matter.
Today we're talking about one ofthe most powerful and often
overlooked tools for financingindependent films, hosting
(02:13):
successful film funding parties.
If you've ever wondered howfilmmakers raise money outside
the traditional system, how theybuild a community around their
work, or how personalconnections can turn into real
financial support for a film,this episode is for you.
(02:34):
Carol Dean interviews herdaughter, Carol Joyce, a
two-time Tele Award-winningproducer and vice president of
From the Heart Productions.
With decades of experiencehelping filmmakers develop,
finance, and promote independentfilms, Carol Joyce has guided
(02:56):
countless projects from idea toscreen and has become a
respected mentor within theindependent film community.
Together they explore howfilmmakers can create intimate,
inspiring film fundraisingevents that not only raise
(03:17):
money, but also buildrelationships, generate
momentum, attract newsupporters, and bring important
stories to life.
And Carol Dean, I know you lovefunding parties.
So let's get started.
SPEAKER_02 (03:33):
Thank you, Claire.
Yes, I'm interviewing CarolJoyce today to give us her
experience because she's been tomany fundraising parties, help
them get their money, and it's alot of fun.
So we need to get into thedetails about these parties
because the money is in thedetails.
(03:54):
So thanks for joining us, CarolJoyce.
SPEAKER_01 (03:57):
Well, my motto is put the fun back into film
funding.
And the best way to do that isto throw a party.
Because I love parties and youcan have fun and make money too.
SPEAKER_02 (04:11):
So tell us about fundraising parties.
SPEAKER_01 (04:14):
Well, I've seen many filmmakers use this funding
party to help raise cash fortheir film.
You also help to build a largeraudience, and there are also
many other benefits.
First, you're expanding youraudience and you're personally
meeting people and having aheartfelt connection with people
(04:34):
that will stay with you untilyour film is completed and
distributed.
Parties create an opportunityfor you as a filmmaker to get
close to your donors.
You want the people from theparty sharing on their social
networks that they donate toyour film and drive them to your
website and your social media tojoin your community.
(04:56):
As to the funding party concept,filmmakers have taken something
that has always worked in thepolitical world and now they
make it work in the world forfilm.
They use fundraising houseparties to raise money for their
film.
And what I love about this isthat the money you raise can be
(05:17):
donated to you through yourfiscal sponsor, and you do not
have to pay it back.
Donors can also get a taxdeduction through their fiscal
sponsor, and you get to keep themoney.
At the same time, you're meetingpeople, building relationships,
spreading the word about yourfilm to people who can continue
(05:38):
to contribute long after thatnight.
This is not the only way toraise money, but it's one of the
most powerful tools you caninclude in your fundraising
plan.
SPEAKER_02 (05:51):
So tell us what you're going to achieve with
this funding house party.
SPEAKER_01 (05:56):
Well, this is what a house party really does
raises money, it buildsawareness, creates community,
creates long-lastingrelationships, and it also
brings in new donors.
A house party works on severallevels at once.
Yes, you're raising money, butyou're also introducing your
(06:18):
film to people that have neverheard about before.
You're giving them a chance toconnect with your story, with
you, with your purpose behindthe film.
You're expanding your circle,you're bringing in new donors,
and you're giving people areason to talk about your
project and share it withothers.
This is how momentum begins.
(06:39):
You're adding new donors, andthey can donate and post on
their social media and help youin many ways.
SPEAKER_02 (06:46):
So tell me how this works.
You find someone to open theirhome to you?
SPEAKER_01 (06:51):
Yes.
The foundation of a successfulhouse funding party is the host.
Now, this host, they must loveyou.
The host must love the film.
The host must commitfinancially, and they must
invite their network.
Everything begins with the host.
(07:12):
This is the most importantdecision you make in the
process.
The connection with you and thehost has to be real.
And anything else, and beforeanything else happens, they must
make a commitment to the film bydonating to your film because
later they're going to stand upin front of their friends and
(07:34):
say, I've donated to this film,or I'm writing a check right
now, tonight, for this film.
This changes the energy in theroom.
Then that's their network.
They also have to open up totheir address book and invite
all their friends personally.
(07:56):
This is what drives the party.
It's social as a group offriends that are friends of the
host or hostess, and thesepeople also support the host.
She finds two more people tohelp her with the night, right?
To help organize, um, mingle,make sure nobody stands alone
(08:21):
and keeps the momentum of theenergy going.
Um, and those two people alsohave to invite their friends so
they can donate and help at theparty.
This is an important part tocreate trust and likability of
the filmmaker.
It's building the community forthe event.
(08:42):
Now, what the host provides is aguest list, a public
endorsement, you know, ofeverybody at the event or on
social media, and also they mustdonate to your project.
The host is doing very importantthings all at once.
(09:04):
They are inviting their friends,people that trust them, they are
opening up their home.
And the last part that mattersthe most is that it's a personal
space, it's a special space thatmost people don't get into.
(09:27):
People love to go to homes thatthey don't ever get a chance to
go into.
This is a special part of theevent.
Guests are being invited intothis new kind of experience.
It feels more intimate, it feelsmore meaningful.
Some people come simply becausethey're curious about the home.
(09:50):
And once they're there, they'rea part of the event.
All of that starts thecontributions to the film at the
event.
And I just want to personallysay, you know, living in
Hollywood, everybody wants to gointo those Hollywood homes.
They want to get into theseBeverly Hills homes, they want
to get into the houses inHollywood Hills because that is
(10:14):
where the magic happens.
So that's um very enticing forpeople to be able to go into a
special home.
Now, what else the host mustalso do?
Um, you must get a commitmentfrom the host to offer the food
and the drinks.
And if they don't, you need totake it on.
(10:36):
But it's worth it to get thehost to give you their house,
invite their friends, um,personally help with the
invitation, and also thefollow-up calls to make sure
that they um people come to theevent.
So they have to smile and dialbefore the event and after the
(10:58):
event.
Okay, so beyond this coreresponsibility, um the host may
choose to do more.
They may send out theinvitations themselves or send
out the emails themselves ormake some phone calls
themselves.
And ideally, they may also helpwith the follow-up calls after
(11:19):
the event.
But if you don't want to askthem to do that, you can take on
that role and handle thatyourself.
But the more involved the hostis, the stronger the event tends
to be.
SPEAKER_02 (11:31):
Well, explain what the host committee does.
SPEAKER_01 (11:35):
Okay.
Uh the host committee is one ofthe most powerful additions to
the process.
This is a small group of peoplewho support the host and the
event.
They may help with thedecorations, the food, the
invitations, the follow-up.
And because each of themcontributes financially, you're
(11:56):
raising more money before theparty even starts.
This is one of the things thathelps make house party so
effective.
And you will raise money beforethe party even starts.
Now, I have to say that um whenI'm mentoring people to do a
house party, I really make surethat they have at least 10
(12:17):
people on the host committeebecause each 10 people can
probably bring um 10 more peoplethat are like-minded uh people
that you would like that are onthe same vibe.
I was always asked to be on thehost committee and bring 10 of
my favorite friends becausepeople always loved me and they
(12:39):
knew that I would bring the sametype of people that would really
resonate to my project or theirproject or it or just the right
kind of crowd.
So the money comes before theparty.
So um before the party evenhappens, you already have money
(13:02):
coming in.
The host contributes, thecommittee contributes, the
invitations go out, and there'ssomething that surprises a lot
of people.
60 to seven of the people youinvite will not attend because
some of them will just sendmoney.
Why?
Because you're giving them theopportunity.
You include a card or a messagein your invite that says, I'm
(13:22):
sorry, I can't come, but here'smy donations.
A lot of people respond to youwith that, either checks or
credit cards before the party.
There are even cases whendonations continue to come in
for months after the partybecause people take time to
decide or gather the funds theywant to give.
(13:43):
Often by the time your eventbegins, you may already have
some momentum.
A lot of people they calculatehow much it's gonna take for
them to get to the party, right?
They think, well, it's$100 toget my clothes royal clean, gas,
hair, and makeup.
I'll just send them$200.
It's easier for me because theyknow that when they're gonna get
(14:06):
there, they're also gonna bedonating.
So expect donations before theevent.
Now, the importance of thedetails are if you miss one
detail, you could lose money.
So every detail matters.
The most important factor ishaving the right people in the
(14:28):
room, not just a large group,but people who have the ability
to give money to your film, areopen to supporting a film
funding campaign and people whotrust the person who's invited
them.
That's why you choose a verygood host committee, and the
host committee ensures that thatwill happen.
(14:49):
This is not accidental, it'sintentional.
You want a group of people whoare there to meet you, learn
about your film, who have themoney, and to share and to
donate.
Getting a tax donation isimportant.
SPEAKER_02 (15:03):
So the host committee donates to the party
too, right?
Yes.
Everyone on the host committeehas to donate because they need
to mingle and tell people Isupport this filmmaker, I have
donated.
So that creates a whole powerstructure in the room that the
(15:24):
person with the home and hercommittee have all donated.
This is a really powerful waybecause then you feel
comfortable.
And it's uh then it's not adecision, do I?
It's how much is becomes thequestion.
Now, tell us the outline of theparty.
So, how do you structure theevent?
SPEAKER_01 (15:45):
Well, first of all, remember this is your
production, so they're gonnajudge you on how this event goes
and how you produce it.
You know, you really want tomake sure that you really map
out your event.
Okay, the host speaks first,then you speak, then you play
(16:06):
the trailer, and then you havequestions and answers to follow.
And then somebody makes the askfor the donation.
Now let's just start this again.
The party structure, the partyself follows a very clear
structure.
Okay, so let's start again.
(16:27):
The host speaks first, then youtalk about you, the filmmaker,
who you are, and why they trustyou and why are they supporting
your film?
And that's where you bring thepassion to the film.
Get everybody excited.
That's important because peoplegive money to people.
(16:47):
This is what all the work isabout: getting you on stage,
you, the filmmaker.
It's time for you to share.
You don't ask for money at thisstage, you just tell your story,
tell your passion, tell yourpurpose.
You explain why you're makingthis film, what it means, what
it can do, and then you share atleast three benefits of the
(17:09):
film.
Then you show your trailer, andafter that, you open up for
questions.
Consider having somebody in thegroup ask you a question or two,
just to break the ice so otherpeople open up and ask
questions.
We want to make sure they'regood questions that moves the
project forward.
You may want to have people askabout your trailer, how you made
(17:32):
it.
People have no idea how much youspent on that trailer.
You probably spent$10,000 to$20,000 and six months of your
life creating that trailer.
So you need to share that withthe audience and um have your
people that are asking thequestions help to let the other
(17:55):
people in the room know how hardyou worked on that trailer and
how important this project isfor you.
Then you share your intentionfor distribution.
Are you intending to bring thisto PBS?
Where are you gonna show this?
Are you doing communityscreenings?
Tell us when and where theaudience will see the finished
(18:19):
film.
Your presentation needs toanswer the key questions that
people have.
Why are you making this film?
What is it uncovering oraddressing?
Where will it be seen?
What impact can it have?
Benefits, and what do theyreceive?
So you want to offer things.
(18:40):
You may offer credits on thefilm.
Um, you can say for$200, you'llbe unlisted on a card with 30
people, or you can say your$500donation will be listed with a
big thank you with just fiveother people or$1,000, an
associate producer.
Keep going with higher amountsand more credits recognition.
(19:05):
People love to be a part of thefilmmaking community.
Some filmmakers offer thingslike experiences or facials or
weekend getaways or wine, orthey get on the phone and they
find, you know, donors in thearea that can also give fun
(19:28):
things that you can also giveaway for donations.
People enjoy supporting you andthey appreciate receiving
something in return.
SPEAKER_02 (19:37):
So you would get on the phone and find wine
companies or beauty uh parlorsthat have facials that you could
give that.
Because what I've seen at theseparties is that uh the guys want
to say, well, let's donate.
And the wives say, wait, I wantto see what's in it for me.
What have they got?
(19:58):
And so giving the women a goodiefor a certain dollar donation
can also help bring in moremoney.
SPEAKER_01 (20:07):
Yes, I had a filmmaker uh had an event, they
had necklaces, they had photos,they had art, and everybody was
going around the room saying,Oh, give a donation because I
want that necklace, right?
So you set up a nice table withall these great uh you know
(20:27):
gifts that people receive fordonations, and trust me, people
will walk out of that event withthe gift and give you a
donation.
So let's talk about um what youwant to make the story stick.
Your story needs to be somethingpeople can remember because some
will leave before the donatingpart of the project happens.
(20:52):
So we need them to remember yourstory.
So what you want to say to theaudience has to stick with them.
Here are some of the componentsof a sticky story that are that
I recommend.
What you should say is somethingemotional.
(21:13):
You need to touch my heart and Iwill open my pocketpick.
You need something concrete.
People love statistics.
51% of the blah blah blah uhknow this.
That helps.
Also, something credible.
A statement from a doctor or alawyer or a politician works.
(21:33):
Something shocking.
Wake them up with somethingshocking about your phone.
You're not just speaking to theroom, you're giving them
something they can repeat later.
SPEAKER_02 (21:46):
Yes, because uh as a nonprofit sponsor, uh we want to
have really good parties.
So that's why we give guidanceand consultations to help you.
Once you understand what a partyis, you can call either one of
us and we'll go over what yourbenefits could be to give them,
(22:09):
what the benefits of your filmare to share with them.
So you must have seen somewonderful things happen at
filming parties.
So tell us one story of a party.
SPEAKER_01 (22:21):
Okay, we did a film funding party at Jane Seymour's
house.
She opened it up, it wasbeautiful, it was a Malibu.
Her house is on the side of amountain, so the whole mountain
was an organic garden.
So she had um cooks therechopping up the food fresh from
(22:44):
the garden and serving it toeverybody that was there.
And it was such a beautifulexperience with you know the
ambiance, and everybody wantedto go to James Seymour's house.
And then the fundraisingstarted.
Jane Seymour got up and she wasthe host, and she said, I have
donated to this project, it'svery important to my heart, and
(23:07):
I'm gonna even donate more.
So she had a piece of handmade.
art that she had that she hadcreated and she stood up with
her art and she says I'm gonnagive this piece of art for a
$5,000 donation.
Who wants to donate?
And somebody raised their handand said, I will give the$5,000.
(23:28):
And so the person walked up,they took the art, they took
their photo and it was a verymomentous moment.
And that just started the wholefundraising ripple effect where
everybody started donating.
Everybody wanted their picturetaken with Jane Seymour.
It was a successful event.
SPEAKER_02 (23:48):
Okay.
Wow that sounds like fun.
So just get back.
I just want to cover who speaksfirst.
So it's the hostess uh who talksfirst.
She talks about who you are andhow beneficial your film is.
Then she turns it over to youthe filmmaker.
(24:09):
You play your trailer and thenyou have Shills ask you
questions.
You answer those open up to theroom.
This is where the filmmakershines and then another person
comes on and they make the askbecause it's not you.
You should never be making theask at the party.
It's someone let's say from thehost committee or someone that's
(24:31):
a friend of yours who has uhlove and support for you and
they get up on the dais andspeak and say I've donated to
this film.
I've known her for 20 years andI've watched her grow as a
filmmaker.
People will then respect thatmuch more.
That's when the money comes in.
(24:52):
So now let's get back.
So with Jane Seymour she got the5,000 and and then everything
was wonderful.
SPEAKER_01 (25:01):
So um yeah you all you also need to have uh your
host committee kind of walkingaround the room and kind of
marking up okay that persondonated that person donated and
then they can also tell you likesee that one over there they
haven't donated yet so you cankind of target everybody in the
room a little bit before theyleave as well.
SPEAKER_02 (25:21):
And then afterward those people who did not donate
this is where the host committeeuh calls them or you can call
them the thing to say is uh youyou were at the party did you
like the filmmaker and they'regonna say yes well I really
enjoyed the event I love thefilmmaker I I like her film but
(25:44):
you didn't donate is there areason oh yes because I had to
talk to my husband and he's beenout of town but I'm working on
that.
So you would get them to make adecision.
That's what the call is aboutbecause usually some people have
to go home and ask their partnerbrother mother other significant
(26:05):
person in their life to get anapproval.
So that second call after theevent can bring in money.
So um tell us about the planningCarol.
SPEAKER_01 (26:18):
Well first of all the trailer is your best asset
for filmmaking so let's makesure that you have the trailer
done correctly your trailershould create an emotional
connection also be visual proofthat you can make a film and
these things drive the grip thegiving the trailer is one of the
(26:40):
most powerful parts of the nightthis is where people feel the
film the emotional connection iswhat leads them to giving it's
not just about showing the filmit's about making people feel it
brings trust to your audienceafter the trailer you take
(27:00):
questions this is where youreally connect you learn what
resonated with the people youhear what stood out you listen
and because sometimes they willshow you something new about
your film another angle anotheraudience and this is where the
trust deepens I can tell youparties without this interaction
(27:22):
do not do well financially makesure you have all these things
involved okay so the filmmakerdoes not ask for the money tell
us about that um no thefilmmaker does not ask for the
money somebody has donatedsupport supported the film they
(27:45):
make the ask now comes themoment when somebody makes an
ask for a donation you need tobe clear and direct and when you
ask and you're finished askingyou stop talking I call it drop
the mic you need to give time todecide after the party you
(28:07):
follow up your host or or one ofthe communities committee calls
the attending they may saysomething like thank you for
coming to the party do you likethe filmmaker we have noticed
that you didn't donate is therea reason most people say I had
(28:29):
to talk to my husband partneretc and now I know I can donate
and I will send a choke a checkor a wire and you tell her where
and how to mail it some peopleneed more time some people need
approval some people need areminder about 30% of your money
can come from this stage andsome people may be looking at
(28:51):
doing a larger donation ratherthan a Zell or a wire from their
phone at the end of the partyask if somebody would like to
host another one people arefeeling good they're connected
they're engaged they've had agreat time that's the moment to
ask this is how the processworks great so I think that you
(29:18):
need to allow 60 days to planand to prep this allows you time
to organize everything properlyfrom the host to the guest to
the list to the invitation andto the details this isn't
something you rush and I reallyencourage people to get
(29:38):
everything donated do not spendany of your own money throwing
this party a good producer doesnot use their own money they
convince people to help them andif you start off having a house
party without any expense aspure profit from there.
A successful house party raisesmoney before during and after
(30:01):
the event it buildsrelationships expands your
network and creates momentum andwhen it does right it works.
SPEAKER_02 (30:10):
Wow thank you so much Carol Joyce no wonder
filmmakers love to work with youyou're totally dedicated to
supporting and nurturingfilmmakers and thank you for
being with us today and from theHard Productions Carol Joyce and
I truly believe filmmakers havethe power to change hearts open
minds and bring healing andunderstanding into the world
(30:34):
through story.
Never give up on your film.
There are people who want tosupport meaningful work and
sometimes all they need is theopportunity to meet you hear
your passion and understand whyyour story matters.
So every year we proudly awardfive grants to independent
(30:56):
filmmakers and we providesupport fiscal sponsorship and
mentoring to filmmakers aroundthe world and Carol Joyce gives
her own storytelling awards ontop of the Roy Dean Awards.
So we invite you to visit us atFrom theheartproductions.com
(31:18):
check out our Thrive accountwhere we created many free
classes on film funding just foryou.
You can explore our grants ourresources our classes and become
part of a community built tosupport storytellers from the
heart so keep making your filmbecause you are the magic
(31:40):
Hollywood need you thanks forlistening and we'll be back next
week
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