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MAKE YOUR MOVIE.
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With THE SHOOT FROM THE HEART FILMMAKING ACADEMY there are no more excuses.
Are you ready to stop talking about making a movie...and actually make it?
In the Shoot From the Heart Filmmaking Academy, you’re going to learn a way to develop, finance and distribute films that is completely self-starting and can be done by anyone, anywhere.
If you’re willing to do the work, you can get your movie made.
There is absolutely nothing to stop you.
This epic course will guide you from developing your script right through to selling your movie, ensuring that at each stage of the filmmaking process you are making the best decisions –
and that will not only result in you making your movie - but also in making the best movie possible.
Because let’s be honest:
Thousands of people make movies every year – and most of them will never be seen anywhere.
If you’re going to work your butt off making a movie, you might as well avoid the mistakes that sink most indie films before they even start and -
Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools you need to make standout, award winning movie that you will be proud of for the rest of your life.
It’s Time To Get Your Movie on the Screen
With direct mentorship, first class trainings and group support, you're on the fast track to moviemaking success.
Your Guide to...
MAKING A STANDOUT INDIE FILM
The academy is organized into eight modules, covering everything that’s essential for developing, making and distributing a standout indie film.
It provides an easy-to-reference, actionable plan to keep you on track as you go through the process of making a movie.
Once you register you will receive access to ALL of the modules, including worksheets and bonuses.
I share them all with you immediately so that no matter where you are in the process, you can jump in and get the relevant information (ie you don’t have to wait weeks for the lessons you want NOW).
You will have lifetime access to them, as well as to any and all future updates.
Module 1: The Foundations of Success
In this module, you learn why the essential foundation of any standout indie film is a singular script, and how to make sure yours fits that bill. Then you’ll learn the importance and magic of setting a start date, as well as how to do it.
- Lesson 1: The Keys to a Standout Script
- Lesson 2: When is My Script Ready to “go out?”
- Lesson 3: What if I’m Not a Screenwriter?
- Lesson 4: Set a Start Date – the key to success
Modules 2 & 3: The Business and The Art of Development
In these modules, you’ll learn how to create a solid business foundation for your movie AND the creative foundations for a stand out film.
Even if you’ve never looked at a movie budget or schedule, you’ll learn exactly what you should be aiming for so you’re setting yourself up for success. You’ll also master the art of the movie business plan, getting access to the actual plan I used to raise $180k for a very non-commercial movie.
- Lesson 5: Find a Line Producer
- Lesson 6: Make a Budget
- Lesson 7: Scheduling for Success
- Lesson 8: Write a Business Plan
- Lesson 9: Find Key Crew
- Lesson 10: Cast Your Key Roles
- Lesson 11: Make a Concept Trailer
Module 4: Getting the Money
This module is focused on an area that blocks many indie filmmakers – raising finance. You’ll not only learn who to approach for money, and how to approach them, you’ll also get my tips and techniques for creating an unstoppable mindset that truly will change everything!
In addition to this, there’s a lesson on crowdfunding that will take the overwhelm out of it, and turn it into something fun.
- Lesson 12: Raise the Money
- Lesson 13: The Mindset You Need to Raise Finance
- Lesson 14: The Art of Crowdfunding
Module 5: Preproduction
Now you’ll get into the meat of filmmaking (or the tofu if you’re vegetarian!) – you’ll learn exactly which crew members you need to hire and simple strategies to assemble the BEST team, planning that need to happen in pre-production so your shoot is smooth, as well as strategies for directors to make sure you are fully prepared.
- Lesson 15: Recruiting Your Crew
- Lesson 16: Cast Your Smaller Roles
- Lesson 17: Preproduction Essentials
- Lesson 18: A Director’s Guide to Preproduction
Module 6: Production
This module covers everything you need to know to make your shoot fantastic. Without good acting, your movie doesn’t have a chance, so there’s also an entire lesson devoted to working with actors, making sure that you have the tools to help them reach Oscar-worthy performances.
- Lesson 19: Get Your Movie in the Can
- Lesson 20: Working with Actors
Modules 7 & 8: Post-Production & Distribution
On a practical level, these module guide your through post-production & distribution, sharing exactly what you need to do to finish your film successfully and get it out into the world. There are also a lesson on what to expect emotionally, as sometimes this can be a tough part of the journey.
- Lesson 21: The Edit
- Lesson 22: Final Stages of Post Production
- Lesson 23: When You Finish…
- Lesson 24: You Are Awesome!
- Lesson 25: Execute Your Distribution Plan
The Essential Guide
Making a movie obviously isn’t done in eight weeks (or even eight months), so it’s important that you can work through the material in your own time and use it as you need it.
This is not a course in the traditional sense – it’s a guide to your journey.
Previous students say that they watch/listen to different classes on repeat as they hit a new stage in their filmmaking process.
At the end of each lesson, you’ll find downloadable PDF worksheets that provide you with journaling prompts and actions to take.
THESE ARE GOLD.
If you do the work of each lesson, not only will you make your film – you’ll also make the best one you can.
In addition to these, you get access to a wealth of real life documents, including the actual budget for one of my films as well as the actual schedule, a sample LLC agreement for your film - and even the actual business plan I used to raise $170k+!
The lessons + tools you have access to will take the stress out of the journey, because you’ll know that you’re making good choices and that you are focused on what really matters every step of the way.
Hello!
I'm Diane Bell.
I'm the creator of THE SHOOT FROM THE HEART ACADEMY, and the author of the bestselling book of the same name....
I'm also a Sundance award winning screenwriter and director who has sold multiple scripts, been hired to rewrite scripts for A list directors and made three feature films, including Obselidia (which was nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards) and Bleeding Heart (which premiered at Tribeca).
I'm originally from Dumfries, Scotland which is about as far from Hollywood as you can get, and when I sold my first script I was a yoga teacher living in Barcelona and knew NO ONE in the film industry.
Directing movies seemed like an impossible dream...but I did it, I made it happen - and I know that if it's possible for me, it's possible for you.
If you want to make stand out indie films, I would love to mentor you.
Join me in The Shoot From the Heart Filmmaking Academy and let me help you make your impossible dreams come true!
"After working with Diane, I achieved success with my first film. Â The well laid out plan she teaches not only assists filmmakers on their journey, but motivates them to get started and gives them the courage to keep on when it gets tough. Â If I can do it, you can do it and the Academy will give you the tools you need."
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Barry Chase, Screenwriter and Director, The Watchman's Canoe
"I wish I had done this before I made my first film. I wouldn't have made the mistakes I did. Everyone who is thinking of making an indie film should join the Academy. They won't regret it - and it will save them money and heartache."
Ross Clarke, Director, The Birdcatcher
IS THE ACADEMY RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you're ready to actually MAKE A MOVIE and not just talk about it - it's for you.
Having said that, it's not for you if:
- you want someone else to do the work for you
- you're not willing to try new things and get way out of your comfort zone
- you're not bothered about making a professional level film (ie you're happy to not raise money and DIY it yourself)
It IS for you if:
- you want to make a film that could play at the highest levels
- you're ready to roll up your sleeves do the work to make that happen
- you know in your heart that you could make a good film if you could just get the money
The Academy is like film school for the real world in your pocket - actionable, practical, full of solid advice and tools.
Basically it's the end of all your reasons why you can't make your movie.
7-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
If you aren’t completely satisfied with your purchase, let us know within the first 7-days for a full refund. No questions asked.
Are my results guaranteed?
Do you have a course to help me write my screenplay?
Do I need previous filmmaking experience to make a movie?
Is there personalized feedback or a live component to the Academy?
I have another question!
One last word...
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I just want to say this:
whatever path you choose to make your movie, I salute you.
Making films is not easy!
There are so many things to consider, so many choices to make, so many tough obstacles to overcome.
It can be like climbing an incredibly high mountain - and most don't make it to the top.
I created this course to be like a Sherpa guiding you to the top of a mountain that I have climbed successfully before.
I know the challenges that arise, because I’ve dealt with them.
I can warn you of dangers that derail so many - and make your passage so much easier.
I can make your success so much more likely.
If you're going to spend months (if not years) of your life making your movie, consider this your insurance policy for making the best one you can.
Nothing will make me happier than seeing you get your movie made.
No matter what, I'm cheering you on!
Let’s do it!
xo Diane