The ‘Obsession’ Windfall and How Indie Hits Pay Out
From The Town with Matthew Belloni by The Ringer
June 12, 2026 · 41 min
About this episode
Matt Belloni discusses indie film financial distribution with producer Mynette Louie, using 'Obsession' as a case study.
Matt is joined by film producer Mynette Louie, a cohead of creative producing and assistant professor at Columbia University, to explain how the money is distributed when an indie film is a big hit. They use Curry Barker’s ‘Obsession’ as an example to discuss how the financial waterfall flows, who profits the most and the least, and the state of indie film distribution (03:14). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about '24 Jump Street' (34:18). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Mynette Louie Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Matt PevicTheme Song: Devon Renaldo In this darkly comedic series, a love triangle ends in death. Watch now. Landman Season 2: for your Emmy consideration in all Drama Series categories. Visit http://ParamountFYC.com . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: Matt Belloni
Guest: Mynette Louie
Topics covered
- indie film
- financial distribution
- film production
- film industry
- interview
- film analysis
Keywords
- indie film
- financial waterfall
- film distribution
- Mynette Louie
- Curry Barker
- 24 Jump Street
- film profits
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Columbia University, The Ringer
Books & works: Obsession, 24 Jump Street
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