If You're Ready to Stop Talking About Making Your Movie and Actually Make It, You're In The Right Place
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 result in you making the best movie possible.
Because let’s be clear: it’s not enough to just make a movie.
Thousands of people will do that every year – and most of their movies will never be seen anywhere.
If you’re going to work your butt off making a movie, you might as well aim super high:
Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools you need to make a kick-ass, standout, award winning movie that you will be proud of for the rest of your life.
ARE YOU READY???
Or are you STILL making excuses, such as:
- You don't have any contacts in the industry.
- You don't know how to get the money - who to approach or how.
- Heck, you don't even know how much money you really need.
- You don't know what crew members you need to hire first.
- You don't know enough about the technical aspects of filmmaking.
- You're afraid that your film won't make any money.
- You're worried that your movie will end up being yet another unseen indie.
- Underneath it all, you're just not sure if you've got what it takes.
I’m here to say: HELL YEAH, YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES…
and it’s time to put the fears aside and take the steps you need to take to make it happen.
In this course, we’ll cover all of your concerns in detail – and a shit ton more – giving you the tools you need as well as the confidence to succeed.
Say goodbye to ALL your excuses, all the obstacles that have been holding you back.
With the Shoot From the Heart Film Academy, you’ll have lifetime access to over six hours of pre-recorded content and supportive worksheets.
These will provide you with a clear actionable plan as well as the REAL LIFE knowledge you need to make an awesome movie.
You’ll also have personal support to hold you accountable and keep you on track (if you want it!) –
SIX GROUP COACHING CALLS AND ACCESS TO AN EXCLUSIVE FB GROUP.
If you’re serious about making a movie, this course will light a fire under you and fuel you ALL THE WAY to a completed movie.
YOU CAN DO IT!
I freaking know you can, because I’ve done it, and I’m not special in any way, except perhaps to my family!
I’m Diane Bell.
I don’t have a trust fund, and I was born in Dumfries, Scotland, which is about as far from Hollywood as Mars.
I never even met a filmmaker until I was in my 20’s.
And for years after that, it still seemed like an impossible dream.
I’d grown up believing that people like ME didn’t make movies.
But then I did it.
Without connections in the industry or wealthy relatives, I raised the money I needed and made a movie that was selected for Sundance, won awards, and took my career to a different level.
I also had the time of my life making it and made a film I’ll be proud of for the rest of my life.
In the Shoot From the Heart Filmmaking Academy, you’re going to learn how to do it too.
Shoot From the Heart Academy
A Video-Based Training Program That Teaches You STEP-BY-STEP How To Get Your Film Made
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The course is organized into eight modules, covering everything that’s essential for 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.
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.
The lessons will take the stress out of the journey, because you’ll know that you’re making good choices and focused on what matters every step of the way.
About This Course
Here's What You'll Learn
In the eight modules, you will learn everything that’s essential to making a standout movie – and nothing else.
My aim is to make it as simple as possible, so that at each stage you’re focused on what’s truly important and never wasting time worrying about anything else.
Everything I share comes from a place of authenticity.
What that means is it’s never theory and it’s not necessarily what you would learn in film school.
It’s all based on my real life experience making three feature films that have premiered at top fests like Sundance and Tribeca and been nominated for multiple Independent Spirit Awards.
I share with you the secrets of my success – as well as the mistakes I’ve made so you can avoid them.
The lessons will provide you with a clear, simple and actionable plan to making your own standout movie, as well as the mindset tactics that will make your success inevitable.
You’ll learn the hands-on business of making a successful indie film: how to assemble an irresistible package for raising finance, who you should approach for money and how to make sure you get it.
You will never worry about raising money for your films again after learning my technique. For real.
You’ll also get a ton of practical information on the artistic side of filmmaking, giving you the confidence to make a feature, even if you’ve never made a short before.
I address the potential bumps in the road, so that you’ll know what to expect and how to deal with it at every step of the way (from dealing with rejection from possible financiers to getting bad reviews from critics: I’ve been there, done it and got you covered).
My approach is honest, nuts and bolts, real world, street smart, totally unconventional – and it freaking works!
If you are ready to take the leap and actually MAKE A MOVIE, rather than talk about it, jump in…and DO IT.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- The videos range in length from about 5 minutes to 25 minutes – in total there’s over 6 hours of video lessons that will keep you on track EVERY step of the way.
- Each lesson has a downloadable worksheet that will take your movie to the next level and a downloadable audio track so you can listen on the go.
- There are many downloadable bonuses including an actual budget from one of my films, an actual schedule, a sample operating agreement, and the actual business plan I used to raise over $180k.
- Checklists, a start date calculator, and affirmations to work with are also included.
- BONUS #1 : A video training on HOW TO GUARANTEE YOUR SUCCESS.
- BONUS #2: A THREE part video training on directing
- BONUS #3: A TWO part video training on producers
- SIX GROUP COACHING CALLS – you will have one call per month for the next 6 months in which you can ask any questions, get support and stay on the path (if you can’t make the calls live, you will be sent a replay)
The Lessons
- Welcome to the Course!
- Introduction – what to expect
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
Once you have a script and a start date, you need to create a package so that you can raise finance. In this module, you’ll learn how to create a solid business foundation for your movie – starting with finding the person you need to create your budget and schedule.
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
In this module, you’ll learn my unique formula for creating a concept trailer for your movie that will make raising finance easy. To do that, you’ll gather key crew and cast – and in this module you’ll learn the keys to creating a team that will make pure magic together.
- Lesson 9: Find Key Crew
- Lesson 10: Cast Your Key Roles
- Lesson 11: Make a Concept Trailer
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
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
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
On a practical level, this module guides your through post-production sharing exactly what you need to do to finish your film successfully. There’s 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…
In the last module, you’ll get the secrets of how to create a fantastic festival strategy as well as an entire lesson on what a successful distribution looks like and how to achieve it.
- Lesson 24: You Are Awesome!
- Lesson 25: Execute Your Distribution Plan
In addition to all of this you'll also receive:
- access to an EXCLUSIVE Facebook group in which I will be available to answer questions and provide support
- SIX group coaching calls with me in which you can get ask anything, set goals and be cheered along on your path.
With this personal support and accountability, you will be UNSTOPPABLE.
MAKING A KICK-ASS MOVIE JUST GOT EASIER
You're just seconds away from the essential training, advice and support to plan, produce and distribute your film.
A New Way - The Self-Empowered Way
The method I teach is different – because you don’t need anyone to give you permission to make a movie.
You raise the money you need, and you make the movie you want to make.
No compromises.
You have an awesome, inspired, creatively fulfilling time doing it.
You plan the distribution from day one, so that you make money from your film…and here’s the best part: you get to do it again, as often as you like, for the rest of your life.
The aim is not to make a single film, but to make many. To create the situation in which you can keep making them, no matter what.
That’s what this course and community will give you: a blueprint for freedom as a filmmaker for the rest of your life.
A Proven Method
The method I share is largely based on my own experiences, both good and bad, making my first feature, Obselidia.
This film was made for $140k using private equity finance that I raised myself, with no star names or connections.
It was made as far off the conventional film-world grid as you can imagine, and yet Obselidia premiered in competition at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won two awards. It went on to play at film festivals around the world, and was nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards.
In this course, you will learn exactly how I did it, step by simple step, giving you a manageable blueprint of how to make it happen yourself.
This self-starting method doesn’t fly with conventional wisdom of how to go about making a movie.
But it works, and there’s nothing to stop you except your own doubt.
From dreaming about making a movie to watching that movie premiere at Sundance took little more than a year for me, and seriously: It could be the same for you.
Obviously, I can’t guarantee that your film will get into Sundance, sell for millions and win big awards.
No one can guarantee that, and I know that I was super lucky.
But what I can guarantee is that if you follow the steps in this course, you will make your film—or, at the very least, you will lose all your excuses for not doing it.
And if you want to, you won’t just make one film, but you will hold the keys to a successful career as a filmmaker, if that is your dream.
Don’t wait any longer – START TODAY AND MAKE YOUR MOVIE.
Don't Take My Word For It
Here's what others have to say
There is huge value in the course material. Diane comes from an “abundance; why not?” mindset vs. a "lack and only a few of us can succeed" approach. Because that is her energy, you feel like she is truly cheering on each and every one of us. It’s extremely important to find your tribe and learn what you can from wherever you can. If you’re contemplating taking this course, you were led here for a reason. Jump in.
After working with Diane, I achieved success with my first film. 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 they need to keep on when it gets tough. If I can do it, so can you.
Before doing this course, I had a narrow-minded view of fundraising as being greedy or not self-sufficient enough. My mind and my eyes have been opened that not only is there nothing wrong with finding potential donors, it’s often necessary.
What I’ve learned is helping me to have a sustainable career as a filmmaker – something I’ve always dreamed of. By joining SFTH, you’ll not only learn from Diane’s experience and expertise, but from other supportive filmmakers. SFTH is a great investment.
I told a friend, “Its the best money and time I’ve spent.” I truly feel like I can stop waiting for the phone to ring and go create my own career - as an actor especially, you have no idea how empowering that is. To be able to collaborate with others of like mind and have the support of a community is invaluable. I’m more motivated than ever. Thank you, Diane!
I wish I had done this program 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 do it. They won't regret it.
Diane is a wealth of knowledge and experience. A must for any filmmaker, from film student to seasoned pro.
Indie film is a moving target on a constantly changing landscape of funding, distribution and artistic fashion. Diane Bell, a filmmaker who has always operated from a place of authenticity, instinct and grace crystallizes the basic truths of making your independent film so you can spend your precious brain power and energy on the execution and creativity of it, instead of squandering it on worrying if you are doing it the right way.
If you are a filmmaker who wants to spend more time making films than asking for permission, this is for you.
Diane's teachings were a roadmap to me getting off the couch and launching my dreams and career into reality. Diane has taught me you don't have to sell your soul to Hollywood to make a great film with heart.
When I first met Diane she was a yoga teacher in Barcelona. Within a couple of years, she was living the Hollywood Dream - selling a brilliant original comedy script, living in LA and developing a slate of her own unique indie projects. ‘Obselidia’ is an example to us all - a deeply personal and beautifully-executed movie made outside the system and its gatekeepers, and yet which found an audience across the globe. I can think of no-one else I’d rather learn top tips about indie film-making from.
This course is the quickest way to learn how to budget and schedule a low budget independent feature. With concrete paperwork and examples, you learn how to hire a crew, budget your film, and schedule your production. As a director with micro-budget music videos, shorts, and one feature under my belt, I found this invaluable. I highly recommend this course to anyone who is looking to make an independent film.
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JOIN THE ACADEMY NOW
About Me
I feel like you must know me by now, but in case you want a formal introduction, let’s do it!
I’m Diane, and I’m an award winning screenwriter and director, which is pretty freaking amazing because I certainly didn’t grow up thinking that was possible.
My first feature, OBSELIDIA, premiered in Dramatic Competition at Sundance, where it won two awards, and went on to be nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards.
My second film, BLEEDING HEART, a drama starring Jessica Biel and Zosia Mamet, premiered at Tribeca, and is widely available on Amazon Prime and Hulu. My most recent feature, OF DUST AND BONES, is currently in festivals.
I started my career in film as a screenwriter (before that I was a philosophy student and a yoga teacher), and I’ve written numerous commissioned and optioned scripts, including two with the renowned director John McTiernan (director of Die Hard and The Hunt for Red October).
Partly because it was so hard for me to become a filmmaker, I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience to empower and inspire others to break through their obstacles and achieve things they think are impossible.
Since 2014 I’ve taught live workshops on how to make a successful indie film – these workshops provided the basis for the lessons in the Shoot From the Heart Filmmaking Academy.
My book, SHOOT FROM THE HEART is a guide to successful indie filmmaking and is widely available.
It’s my honor and obsession to help others make their movies. If you want to make one, I’m rooting for you.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE SHOOT FROM THE HEART FILMMAKING ACADEMY:
- 8 MODULES that contain 25 VIDEO BASED LESSONS (over 6 hours of content)
- AUDIO TRACK OF EACH LESSON TO DOWNLOAD
- PRINTABLE WORKSHEETS FOR EACH LESSON
- ACTUAL BUDGET AND SCHEDULE FROM MY MOVIE
- ACTUAL BUSINESS PLAN I USED TO RAISE $170+K
- SAMPLE OPERATING AGREEMENT FOR YOUR MOVIE LLC
- CHECK LISTS, AFFIRMATIONS, & JOURNAL PROMPTS
- BONUS VIDEO TRAINING: HOW TO GUARANTEE YOUR SUCCESS
- 3 PART BONUS VIDEO TRAINING ON DIRECTING
- 2 PART BONUS VIDEO TRAINING ON PRODUCERS
- AND
- ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE FACEBOOK GROUP
- SIX GROUP COACHING CALLS - THE ONLY WAY TO WORK DIRECTLY WITH ME
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s for anyone (and everyone) who wants to make a standout movie – whether they have experience or not.
Absolutely not! This course will walk you through everything and is designed to inform and empower anyone, regardless of experience, to make a stand out film.
Definitely not. Think of it as your planner and organizer so you can free up your brain space for more creative things…and let the course guide you through the process.
I believe this course is worth 10x what we are charging, there is so much value in it – but If you’re not 100% thrilled with the it, we’ll totally refund your money, within a 30 day period.
Of course I can’t because it’s totally dependent on you doing the work! But I will say this: if you DO THE WORK, you totally will make your movie. There’s no reason for you not to.
I wish! I’m not a financier. However, I’ll always be happy to share about your crowdfunding campaign on my social media channels, so be sure to keep me in the loop about that!
I’m a filmmaker myself… not a distributor!
Yes! You can choose to pay over 4 months or pay in full and receive a discount.
At present we don’t but it’s definitely something we’ll consider in the future.
The ways it’s designed, you do it in your own time. If you want to power through it at the rate of a module per week, you totally can. It will take about an hour to watch/listen to the videos for each module plus an hour to do the exercises on the worksheet.
This isn’t like a college class though where you need to complete classes to get a good grade.
This is about guiding you through making your movie. This course is a resource that you will refer to throughout that process.
You’re not doing it to do the course…you’re using it as a resource and roadmap for making your movie.
I occasionally offer consultancies, depending on where I am with my own projects. Reach out to me personally at dianebell1@gmail.com.
Registration for this course opens twice a year, in January and September. Please remember though that once you register, you do have LIFETIME access to the course and to all future updates.
Please send an email to me: support@dianebell.com and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Wait… you're still here?
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.
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 and make your passage so much easier.
I can make your success so much more likely.
If you choose to let me be your guide, I will honor that commitment seriously.
Nothing will make me happier than seeing you get your movie made.
I’m rooting for you.
Let’s do it!