Why This ‘Last Showgirl’ Producer Thinks Indie Cinema Still Has Legs
“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.”
'The Last Showgirl’
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 GG Hawkins 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
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This episode of The No Film School Podcast was produced by GG Hawkins.
