Short Summary

SCHINDLER SPACE ARCHITECT is the first feature-length documentary exploring the life and works of a pioneer of modern architecture, R. M. Schindler. 

Austrian-born and educated, R. M. Schindler changed forever the architectural landscape of Los Angeles and laid the foundation for what now is considered California lifestyle of indoor-outdoor living. A true original, Schindler, experimented and invented over a period of 30 years: suffering the ups and downs of a creative genius, forging his own vision.  

This documentary explores Schindler’s richly complex work, with its influences from the turn of the 20th century Vienna, the early work of Frank Lloyd Wright, the pueblos of Taos and the 20th century realities of Southern California. It is an investigation into Schindler’s philosophy of Space Architecture as contrasted with the International Style that ruled modern architecture during most of the architect’s life.  

The film reexamines Schindler’s complicated relationship with his mentor Frank Lloyd Wright and his rival Richard Neutra. The story asks key questions about the importance of domestic architecture in creating a national culture and as a living entity that shapes humanity. The film affirms the singular genius of one man, and the eternal challenge every artist faces to stay true to their vision in an effort to leave a lasting impact. 

Film still: Pauline Schindler studio at the Schindler House, 1922 arch. R.M. Schindler

The film follows Schindler’s journey from Vienna through Chicago and on to Los Angeles, observing where possible through his own camera lens and in his own words. His story is told through narration, interviews, correspondence, drawings, plans and photos.  Featured in the film are many buildings designed by R.M. Schindler as well as several designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra. 

Most notable among the interviewed are architects Frank Gehry, Thom Mayne, Wolf Prix, Steven Holl, Ray Kappe, Mark Mack and arch. historians Judith Sheine, Thomas Hines, August Sarnitz and Robert Sweeney. Among the interviewed are also members of the Schindler family and  owners of Schindler designed houses.

The Academy Award winning actor Meryl Streep narrates the film, Udo Kier narrates the voice of R.M. Schindler, Xander Berkeley narrates Frank Lloyd Wright and Blake Lindsley narrates the voices of  Esther McCoy,  Ellen Janson  and Harriet Freeman.

Film still: Lovell Beach House, 1926 arch. R.M. Schindler

What We Have Accomplished

The heavy lifting getting the film to its final stage has been accomplished ;

• Production has been completed.
• A final cut of 95 min has been assembled.
• Narrator and Voice-over actors have been recorded.
• Music score is a work in progress as well as graphics.
• Archival photos and stock footage has been purchased.

Along the way we had the support of many of you, who have been following and contributing in different ways. After two successful Indiegogo campaigns and the generous support of private donors, we're on our way to start the finishing post - Uprezing, Color Correction, Sound Design & Mix, Deliverables. Our goal is to complete the film by March 2024. I trust you'll see the merit of this project and the tremendous amount of work and dedication that have gone into it and once again consider lending your support.

Meryl Streep, Oscar winning actor recording the narration for the film with Valentina Ganeva, director at Harbor studio, New York.

What We Need

The GOAL of this campaign is to raise $15 000  for PROFESSIONAL FEES (clearance, legal, accounting, sales agent ), ARCHIVING (media drives), INSURANCE, submission to  FILM FESTIVALS FEES,   PUBLICITY and PROMOTION (poster, print , website, social media),

PICK UP some cool PERKS or donate amount of YOUR CHOICE by selecting SEE OPTIONS on the top right corner. We have partnered with an amazing non-profit organization Creative Visions so your donations can be tax-deductible.

FOR TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS :  https://creativevisions.networkforgood.com/projects/53583-creative-visions-fiscal-sponsorship-schindler-space-architect   OR  write a check to: CREATIVE VISIONS with RM Schindler in the memo line and send to: Creative Visions  ATTN: Grace Breuer / R.M. Schindler    18820 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 201   Malibu, CA 90265​​

Film still; architect Frank Gehry interview at his studio in Los Angeles

PLEASE SHARE OUR CAMPAIGN  with your community or volunteer services that we need in order to complete the film. Any contribution small or large will be appreciated.  Take the next 30 SECONDS and SEND THIS TO FIVE PEOPLE. Just copy and paste our IndieGoGo link or use the easy share IndieGoGo tools at the top of the page!

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The Impact

This film will be a major contribution to architectural history.  It will provide artistic programming  for museums, universities, libraries. It will advance cultural dialogue. Schindler's breakthrough ideas advocated design innovation, encouraging experimentation and risk-taking, while preserving the environment -  a prescient vision all the more critical today.  Schindler taught us to be resourceful, to turn challenges into opportunities, to follow our own voice. His struggles and creative message are timeless.  

It is our heartfelt conviction that a thorough exploration of his life and work will not only benefit the new generation of upcoming architects, but it will also bring awareness of the importance of domestic architecture to the general audience.  Although Austrian born and educated, R.M. Schindler lived and worked in California. He never went back to Vienna or Europe. This film will introduce his legacy worldwide and with it will reestablish California’s contribution to modern architecture and Schindler’s rightful place in the Pantheon of architectural history.  

                                                                  http://rmsdocumentary.com