Director Gracie Otto began working on the documentary in 2010. She befriended Michael White in Cannes, France, at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, and became intrigued by his life story. Gracie began conducting and filming self-funded interviews and shoots with friends and colleagues of White throughout the world, and spent considerable time following White around London, documenting his life. In October 2012, a crowd funding campaign was launched online through Indiegogo to finance the film's post-production and completion, successfully raising US$48,341. During production the film was originally titled "Chalky: The Michael White Story". The film was completed in 2013 and renamed "The Last Impresario" ahead of its world premiere in October at the BFI London Film Festival.