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:

• The Last Showgirl Official Trailer
• Utopia Distribution
• AltaVod – Self-Distribute Your Film
• PowerFlix – Aggregation Services for Indie Filmmakers

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