Biographies

Carole Dean, Documentary Film Mentor and Fiscal Sponsor

Jilann Spitzmiller is a Documentary Producer, Director, Editor, Cinematographer and teacher whose award-winning work has been shown around the globe.

Carole Dean is one of the best-known, widely respected documentary film mentors in the industry. She specializes in supporting independent filmmakers in financing and manifesting their films. Her mission is to bring films to life that otherwise would not get made.

Since 1992, Carol has been providing resources to filmmakers through the Roy W. Dean Grant Foundation, which she established in honor of her late father. The foundation has provided millions of dollars worth of in-kind contributions of goods and services. Films sponsored by the grants have gone on to air on Discovery, Starz, and PBS among others.

Through her company From The Heart Productions, a non-profit fiscal sponsor, Carol enables filmmakers to receive non-profit grants and tax-deductible donations to help fund their films. Each filmmaker receives mentorship from Carole on their proposal, pitch and trailer—they key elements of fundraising.

A published author and sought after speaker, Carole recently toured the U.S., teaching workshops on her two books: The Art of Film Funding: Alternative Financing Concepts, about how and where to find funding, and The Art of Manifesting: Creating your Future, about how to apply the power of intention to the business of film.

Carole's website is www.fromtheheartproductions.com.