In this episode of No Film School, host GG Hawkins sits down with Robert Schwartzman, producer of The Last Showgirl and co-founder of Utopia, to discuss the evolving landscape of independent cinema. As a filmmaker, distributor, and problem solver, Robert shares insights on how indie filmmakers can take control of their distribution, why the industry is shifting toward self-releasing, and what’s next for Utopia.
In this episode, No Film School’s Jason Hellerman and Robert Schwartzman discuss:
- The evolving landscape of indie film distribution and the role of technology in direct-to-audience releases
- How Utopia is working to eliminate middlemen and empower filmmakers
- The importance of theatrical releases for indie films, despite industry shifts
- The inspiration behind The Last Showgirl and why Las Vegas was the perfect setting
- How finding creative solutions—from locations to costumes—can elevate a low-budget film
- Why international filmmakers have a competitive edge in today’s market
Memorable Quotes:
- “I think filmmakers need to also get hip to the idea of like, oh, there's all these places I can sell my film, but I still need to reach them. Like no one's gonna just give me an audience, I need to find them.” (18:35)
- “The playing field is so level right now, that's what's so exciting about it. Like it's anyone's game. People just have to be willing to play it.” (20:55)
- “There will come a time when a movie is self-released using these new technologies and it will be nominated for something significant… That’s when people are really going to come around to it.” (22:50)
- “You’re not going to get everything you want in filmmaking. The key is knowing what you absolutely need and what you can live without.” (51:07)
- “If you shoot a movie quickly, the opportunity cost for people goes down.” (55:01)
Guest:
-
Robert Schwartzman – Producer of The Last Showgirl, co-founder of Utopia, and filmmaker known for Dreamland and The Unicorn.
Resources:
Find No Film School everywhere:
📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices