Off The Lot

In this episode of Off The Lot, Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp reflect on the final days of prep as Remnant officially heads into production, opening with a discussion on the passing of Catherine O’Hara and her lasting impact on film and television.

They discuss the intensity of week three of pre-production, from major art department transformations and schedule reshuffling to creative decisions around camera strategy, lenses, aspect ratio, and visual texture. The conversation also touches on the current moment in Canadian film and television, legacy creators, and why risk-taking still matters.

The episode cl...

In this episode of Off The Lot, Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp share updates from the front lines of indie filmmaking, including early details on the psychological thriller Blue Box.

They discuss investor strategy, why genre matters, and the importance of building sustainable, repeatable paths to get films made outside traditional systems.

The episode also checks in on pre-production for Ken’s horror feature Remnant, covering department coordination, planning challenges, and the constant balance between creative ambition and logistics.

If you want an honest look at how films actually get made before cameras ro...

Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp dive into the early realities of getting a film off the ground — from reclaiming responsibility over financing to stepping into the chaos of official pre-production.

They discuss stepping back from oversubscribed government funding programs to focus on private investors, brand partners, and audience-building, and why waiting for permission can stall momentum.

The episode then breaks down the first week of pre-production on Ken’s horror feature Remnant, covering script breakdowns, department meetings, scheduling pressure, and the process of turning a script into a work order.

If you want an h...

In the Season 2 premiere of Off The Lot, hosts Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp get brutally honest about where filmmaking is right now — and what it actually takes to survive (and thrive) as an indie creator.

Ken announces that his debut horror feature Remnant is officially greenlit and takes listeners deep into the real nuts and bolts of indie filmmaking: financing setbacks, investor psychology, tax credit loans, crew logistics, and the pressure of personally guaranteeing a first feature.

This episode sets the stage for a new weekly format where listeners will follow the making of Re...

Eight months. Tons of guests. Countless lessons from the trenches of indie filmmaking. In our Season 1 finale, Ken and Anthony pull back the curtain on their own projects, diving into the wild, unpredictable ride of producing indie films.

We talk about:

Plus — a huge thank you to Peliplat and Craftsman Films for fueling this first season. We’ll...

Ready to peek behind the curtain of indie filmmaking? In this electrifying episode, award-winning director Karen Lam (The Curse of Willow Song, Bring It On: Cheer or Die) sits down to unpack her unique journey from entertainment lawyer to horror auteur.

Karen dives deep into her latest projects—Armageddon Road, a supernatural thriller blending innovative volume wall tech with old-school miniature effects, and the award-winning short Mrs. Chang’s Perfect Teeth. Along the way, she offers practical advice for indie filmmakers navigating a changing industry, discusses the indie vs. studio filmmaking balance, and shares essential strategies for film...

What if Letterboxd and a writer's room had a baby—and that baby was raised in a video store by cinephiles? That's Peliplat. And in this bonus episode, Off The Lot fave Bob Woolsey returns to break down exactly why Peliplat might be the next big thing for indie filmmakers and film lovers alike.

We dive deep into how Peliplat is building a real community for creatives to:

Thinking about film school? Or wondering if you should skip it and just make a movie?

🎓 In this episode, filmmaker and former Vancouver Film School department head Bob Woolsey breaks down:

🎥 Bob’s been in the trenches for over 15 years — as a writer, director, and educator. If you're serious about building a career in film, you...

In this episode, we're joined by indie filmmaker MJ Alhabeeb Jr., whose debut feature Plight is racking up awards and heading to theaters. MJ takes us through his journey from shooting public access TV at 16, to premiering Plight in the very town where it was shot, to landing distribution with Indie Rights—all on a shoestring budget.

We dig deep into:

🎥 This is a must-listen for anyon...

Off The Lot is where serious indie filmmakers level up. Hosted by Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp, this podcast goes beyond the fluff to deliver real, hard-earned lessons from the frontlines of independent filmmaking. Each episode is a masterclass—featuring directors, producers, and creatives who are in the trenches, making movies happen without a safety net. If you want actionable insights, unfiltered conversations, and the blueprint to build your own career outside the studio system—this is the show.

Spread the word and help indie filmmakers around the world level up today!

This week, we’re answering your burning questions—and holding nothing back.

Whether you're stuck in development hell, figuring out how to light your film without pro gear, or wondering how to work with (or walk away from) an investor with strings attached—this episode is for you.

We cover:

🔥 How to make your indie film look cinematic on a shoestring

💰 The financial model that actually gets investors paid back

🎭 Directing actors (even when you have zero rehearsal time)

🎥 The red flags that should make you walk away from a “dream...

In our first-ever live show, we sit down with the powerhouse duo behind Freaks and the upcoming Freaks Underground — director Zach Lipovsky and cinematographer Stirling Bancroft — to uncover how they pulled off a visually stunning sci-fi indie on a micro-budget and what it takes to keep your voice in this industry.

From guerrilla filmmaking in Shaughnessy to shooting volume plates like pros, hear how the team created massive scope on minimal resources, built their careers without waiting for permission, and dove straight into Freaks Underground the day after wrapping Final Destination: Bloodlines.

Whether you're an indi...

What do you do when Sundance says no? If you're Dan Mirvish—you start your own damn festival.

In this episode, we sit down with the co-founder of Slamdance Film Festival and self-proclaimed “cheerful subversive” Dan Mirvish. From launching the careers of Christopher Nolan and the Russo Brothers, to literally forcing the Oscars to change their rules, Dan’s career is a masterclass in indie film rebellion.

🏆 This episode is sponsored by Peliplat – where passionate minds meet.

Enter their monthly writing challenges and win up to $2400 USD in cash prizes!

✍️ Join the community at...

Join us for a captivating deep dive into the world of indie filmmaking with the multi-talented Anthony Epp! Known for his extensive experience—from directing and producing to script coordinating and lighting—Anthony shares invaluable insights from his diverse career. Hear the fascinating story behind his debut feature, 13 Miles, the triathlon drama that took two years of passionate persistence to complete, and is now streaming on Amazon, Tubi, and Apple TV.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor Peliplat! Are you a storyteller with a unique take? Participate in Peliplat’s monthly writing challenges for a chance to win cash p...

Award-winning writer, director, and co-host Ken Kabatoff takes the hot seat in this deeply personal episode of Off The Lot. From his breakout work on Netflix’s Travelers to receiving the DGC BC Emerging Greenlight Award for his short The Doukhobor, Ken walks us through the grit, the pivots, and the relentless drive that got him here.

Now, with his debut feature Remnant on the horizon, Ken shares the hard math of indie film production, the challenge of breaking through the noise, and the strategy behind building sustainable momentum in a saturated industry. It’s a must-watch for...

In this jam-packed episode, we sit down with producer Mike Johnston—co-founder of Studio 104 Entertainment—for a deep dive into the creative chaos, financial finesse, and straight-up grit it takes to be an indie producer in Canada.

From rat-infested film school basements to launching films at Hot Docs and getting national theatrical releases, Mike takes us through the real behind-the-scenes of building a production company from scratch. We talk about the film that made him fall in love with the craft (Jaws, naturally), the evolution from aspiring director to full-time producer, and the delicate balancing act between art...

Get ready for a filmmaking masterclass as directors Austin Andrews and Andrew Holmes take us behind the scenes of their supernatural thriller "The Island Between Tides" (known as "The Lost Daughter" in the US). This Emmy-winning duo reveals the raw truth about indie filmmaking: the triumphs, the challenges, and everything in between!

Producer Amber Ripley pulls back the curtain on independent film financing in Canada, sharing her journey from skeptical film school graduate to successful producer with 11 feature films under her belt.

In this captivating conversation, we explore Andrew Gust's impressive career trajectory from Canadian film school to becoming an editor on Apple TV+'s flagship series "The Morning Show," while maintaining his passion for independent cinema.

Ever wondered what happens when a plane literally crashes into your film set? Or how filmmakers actually find money to make their movies? Ken and Anthony rip open the vault in this no-holds-barred Q&A episode, answering the questions that keep indie filmmakers up at night.

From the "friends and family" funding reality check to the technical skills that actually matter (spoiler: it's not what film school taught you), this episode is packed with battle-tested wisdom from directors who are making it happen right now. Whether you're debating shorts vs. features or just trying to survive your...

In this game-changing episode, we sit down with Emily Best, the founder and CEO of Seed&Spark who has helped nearly 6,000 indie filmmakers raise OVER $72 MILLION in funding. She drops tactical knowledge about why the traditional film financing model is DEAD and what you need to do RIGHT NOW to build a sustainable filmmaking career.

Filmmakers and creative rebels—RNG REGISTRATION WEEKEND IS UPON US. So buckle up for a raw, unfiltered dive into Vancouver's revolutionary film festival! We sit down with Joel McCarthy and Sasha Duncan, the maverick leaders of Run N Gun - the scrappy 48-hour competition that's transformed from indie underdog to Vancouver's hottest ticket in filmmaking.

This is the episode indie filmmakers CANNOT MISS! Producer Daren Smith delivers a game-changing masterclass on achieving true independence and profitability. Whether you're struggling to fund your first feature or trying to build a sustainable filmmaking career, the strategies revealed in this conversation could completely transform your approach to the business of indie film.

"If you can't sell your film, nobody else is going to sell it for you."

In this raw and honest episode, we dive deep into the REAL development process of independent films. Not just writing the screenplay, but building the entire system needed to get your film made and seen.

This episode is REQUIRED viewing for any filmmaker serious about getting their independent project off the ground. Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share your development challenges in the comments below!

What does it take to go from crashing through windows to calling the shots on set? This week, we sit down with legendary stunt coordinator, second unit director, and filmmaker Lauro “Lash” Chartrand-Del Valle, whose career has taken him from blockbuster stunts to directing action-packed films.

With over three decades in the industry, Lauro has worked on massive projects, including the FX series Shogun, where he served as stunt coordinator and recently won a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble. Now, he’s bringing his expertise to indie films like Protectors of the Land, provin...

If you’re an indie filmmaker wondering how to level up your career, this episode is for you. In just a few short years, Ava Marie Safai went from directing high school short films to being selected for Vancouver’s prestigious Crazy8s film festival and now she’s making her feature directorial debut with Foreigner–part of Telefilm Canada’s Talent to Watch program.

In this episode, we break down how Ava turned ambition into action, secured major funding, and took the leap into feature filmmaking—all on her own terms.

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This week, Ken and Anthony sit down with Amanda Verhagen, an indie producer, line producer, and founder of Notable Studios. From managing million-dollar budgets to finding creative workarounds, Amanda shares real-world strategies for getting your film made.

Whether you’re producing your first indie or looking to level up, this episode is packed with insider knowledge, budgeting tips, and industry wisdom you won’t find anywhere else!

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Ever wondered how the smallest details in a movie can make or break the story? Props aren’t just objects—they’re storytelling tools. And no one knows that better than Dean Goodine, a legendary Hollywood prop master with over 39 years in the business.

He’s worked on everything from Unforgiven and Inception to 2024's indie horror juggernaut Heretic, and breakout indie thriller The Order. Today, he’s here to drop major knowledge on how props shape performance, enhance world-building, and why indie filmmakers need to stop overlooking them.

If you want to make your indie film...

Ever wondered how costumes shape storytelling? Or how a designer goes from styling indie films to crafting iconic looks for hit TV shows?

This week we sit down with Mandi Line, the powerhouse costume designer behind Pretty Little Liars, Travelers, The Young and the Restless, and some of the wildest rock music videos of the 2000s (think Linkin Park, Korn, and System of a Down). Mandi shares her raw, no-BS journey from indie films to Hollywood, the intense grind of working on soap operas, and why attitude and relationships matter more than talent in the industry.

Hallmark movies and indie films are more alike than you think. While these films may be known for their feel-good romance and holiday cheer, behind the scenes, they run like indie films—tight schedules, small budgets, and fast-paced productions.

To break it all down, we sit down with Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe, a seasoned actor-turned-director who made the leap behind the camera to helm character-driven Hallmark films. You might know Crystal from Signed, Sealed, Delivered and Primeval: New World, but today, she’s giving us a deep dive into the Hallmark directing process—from navigating tight turnarounds to balanc...

How do you make a feature film for just $6,000 and turn it into a career? In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Caldwell (Layover, Infamous, Mending the Line) to break down his indie filmmaking journey—from shooting his first feature Layover on a micro-budget to directing multiple films with Hollywood talent.

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In this episode of Off The Lot, we sit down with writer-director Laura Adkin to discuss her indie feature film Re:Uniting (2023). From securing funding to assembling a cast and navigating the challenges of indie filmmaking, Laura shares her journey and hard-earned lessons.

💡 If you’re an indie filmmaker looking for inspiration, insight, and practical advice on making a feature film happen no matter what, this episode is for you!

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In this episode, Ken and Anthony discuss the essential role of storytelling in indie filmmaking and how your script can make or break your film.

Email us your questions or topic suggestions: podcast.offthelot@gmail.com and follow us on social media!

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This week, Ken and Anthony sit down with Jack Cox (director) and Cole Hewlett (producer) to talk about their incredible microbudget horror film, The Stickman’s Hollow. Made on a $30,000 budget, this found footage feature captures the eerie tale of Clara Hall, a child allegedly suffering from demonic possession, told through four chilling perspectives.

Email us your questions or topic suggestions: podcast.offthelot@gmail.com and follow us on social media!

Off The Lot:

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Ke...

In the debut episode, Ken and Anthony introduce Off The Lot and share their own filmmaking journeys—how they got started, the lessons they’ve learned, and why now is the perfect time to take on independent projects. They break down how to start your own film, maximize limited resources, and build a filmmaking community to help you succeed.

Email us your questions or topic suggestions: podcast.offthelot@gmail.com

Follow us on social media!

Off The Lot:

Instagram: @offthelotpod

Threads: @offthelotpod

Blue Sky: @offthelot.bsky.social

Off The Lot is where indie filmmakers get real. Hosted by Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp, the show digs into the grind, craft, and business of independent filmmaking—featuring directors, producers, writers, and industry pros who’ve built their careers outside the studio system. No fluff. Just practical insights from people who’ve done the work.