Off The Lot: An Indie Film Podcast

Anthony Epp sits down with Ken Kabatoff for a candid conversation about the recent changes to Telefilm Canada's development funding, the challenges facing emerging Canadian filmmakers, and the growing need to balance creative ambition with financial sustainability.

They reflect on networking, content creation, building an audience, and why long-term careers are built through persistence rather than overnight success.

Listen now for an honest discussion about filmmaking, funding, creative resilience, and what it really takes to keep making movies.

Follow Ken's Indie Horror Feature Remnant here:

www.remnantmovie.com

Follow...

Anthony Epp and Ken Kabatoff discuss two of the biggest stories in independent filmmaking right now: the debate over crew compensation on breakout indie hits and the growing influence of YouTube creators in the film industry.

Using the success of Obsession as a starting point, they explore backend points, producer risk, union protections, and what filmmakers and crew members can realistically expect from low-budget productions. They also examine how creators like Curry Barker, Kane Parsons, Markiplier, and Chris Stuckmann are using online platforms to develop their craft and build careers outside the traditional studio system.

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Anthony Epp sits down with Julie Bruns and Steven Kammerer, filmmakers and actors behind Beneath Crimson Sails for a wide-ranging conversation about fantasy storytelling, independent filmmaking, and the passion projects that keep artists creating. Drawing inspiration from worlds like The Lord of the Rings, The Witcher, and classic adventure cinema, the guests discuss building immersive universes, crafting memorable characters, and bringing ambitious genre stories to life on independent budgets.

The episode explores the challenges of writing and developing long-form creative projects, the importance of world-building, and how filmmakers balance inspiration from beloved franchises while creating something uniquely...

Anthony Epp sits down with filmmaker, visual artist, and Vancouver Film School instructor Chad Costen to discuss the long journey behind his new fantasy feature film, Mister Sandman. Chad reflects on discovering filmmaking through Star Wars, making homemade monster movies as a teenager, and building a career that spans directing, visual effects, creature design, and teaching.

The conversation explores the making of Chad’s first feature, The Coming, the lessons learned from early filmmaking struggles, and the years-long process of bringing Mister Sandman to life. Chad shares how a proof-of-concept trailer helped launch the project, why he cr...

Anthony Epp sits down with producer Matt Cervi for an in-depth conversation about the realities of independent filmmaking in Canada, from financing challenges to the thrill of bringing ambitious genre stories to life. Matt reflects on studying at USC School of Cinematic Arts, working with companies behind The Walking Dead and The Terminator, and later building Mad Samurai Productions around his passion for smart genre filmmaking.

The episode explores the difference between producing and executive producing, the risks of independent film financing, and why relationships are often the most important currency in the film industry. Matt also...

Anthony flies solo this week while Ken is deep in post-production on Remnant, leading to a thoughtful conversation about what really makes film sets succeed: chemistry, alignment, and trust. Inspired by the rebuilding of the Vancouver Canucks and comments from Ryan Johnson, Anthony compares hockey teams to indie film crews in a surprisingly relatable way.

Drawing from his recent experience assistant directing Sundowning, he explores why many independent productions struggle — from people wearing too many hats to departments pulling in different creative directions. The episode covers leadership, prep, communication, crew dynamics, and how producers and directors can bu...

In this episode of Off The Lot, Anthony Epp sits down with casting director and producer Monika Dalman for a deep dive into the rapidly growing world of vertical micro dramas — the fast-paced, phone-first storytelling format becoming one of the biggest production booms in North America. From billion-dollar industry growth to nonstop productions shooting across Vancouver, Monika explains why the entertainment industry is beginning to take the format seriously.

The conversation explores how changing consumer behavior is reshaping film and television, why traditional studios are adapting to vertical storytelling, and what makes these serialized dramas so effective at...

This week on Off The Lot, Ken Kabatoff sits down with directors Eric Foss and Brandon Pickering to discuss their new documentary Sell Your House — a behind-the-scenes look at the making of indie crime thriller The Last Stop In Yuma County that became something far bigger.

The film follows producer James Claeys, who sold his own house to finance the movie after years of failed studio development, celebrity attachments, and dead-end distribution conversations. Eric and Brandon break down how a planned 20-minute featurette evolved into a feature documentary about friendship, risk, self-distribution, and the harsh realities of mo...

In this episode of Off The Lot, Anthony reflects on the intensity of his current horror shoot — managing complex elements like fire, special effects, and working with animals, all within tight production constraints. He highlights how the genre demands precision in both timing and execution, and why capturing multiple variations on set is essential to support the edit.

Ken shares insights from a recent test screening of Remnant, describing the experience as challenging but invaluable. He emphasizes the importance of honest audience feedback — particularly from non-filmmakers — in revealing what is truly working and what is not.

The...

In this episode of Off The Lot, Anthony Epp reflects on how working as a first assistant director has become one of the most valuable forms of training for his growth as a filmmaker.

Drawing from his current experience on Sundowning, he explores the relationship between directing and production — not just creating a vision, but understanding how to execute it within real limits of time and budget. He highlights how the AD role offers a unique vantage point on set, where creative and logistical decisions constantly intersect.

The conversation centers on the idea that strong di...

In this episode of Off The Lot, Anthony Epp checks in from the first week of production on his new horror feature, sharing with Ken Kabatoff what it’s like to jump straight into night shoots, complex logistics, and a packed schedule as an assistant director. From managing a challenging mix of elements — including animals, kids, stunts, and special effects — to finding unique locations in British Columbia, he offers a grounded look at the realities of being on set.

The conversation also shifts into post-production, as a large test screening approaches for Remnant. Ken breaks down the import...

In this episode of Off The Lot, Ken and Anthony break down the realities of moving from production into post — and what it takes to shape a film after the cameras stop rolling.

Ken reflects on the final stretch of production and the early lessons that came out of the shoot, from coverage limitations to the impact of tight schedules and indie budgets. The conversation dives into the editing process — from rough cut to director’s cut — and the collaborative workflow with editors, reshaping scenes, refining pacing, and discovering the film in the edit rather than on the page...

In this episode of Off The Lot, Anthony Epp takes a solo deep dive into the role of the assistant director — unpacking how films actually come together in the final stages of pre-production.

Using his 20 plus years of experience, he breaks down the critical alignment between script, budget, and schedule, and how a screenplay transforms from a creative document into a logistical blueprint for every department. The conversation explores the AD–director relationship, the importance of early problem-solving, and how decisions around locations, setups, and time ultimately shape the film.

Anthony also shares a ground-level pers...

In this episode of Off The Lot, Anthony Epp breaks down what it actually means to start a career in the film industry — especially when you’re starting from zero or coming in later in life.

They explore the mindset shift from waiting for permission to taking control, using a stoic framework to focus on what’s within your control: the quality of your work, consistency, collaboration, and preparation. The conversation challenges the idea of “breaking in” through luck, festivals, or gatekeepers, and instead reframes filmmaking as a process built through volume, repetition, and self-generated opportunities.

From vol...

In this episode of Off The Lot, Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp sit down with veteran producer Erin Haskett to unpack the evolving landscape of television — from linear broadcast to the streaming-first era.

They explore how audience behavior has reshaped storytelling, why pilots matter more than ever, and the challenge of hooking viewers in the first minutes of an episode. The conversation dives into the balance between creative vision and market realities, the role of the producer as both storyteller and strategist, and how projects actually get sold today.

Erin also reflects on her path in...

In this episode of Off The Lot, Anthony Epp goes solo while Ken focuses on finishing the director’s cut of Remnant, diving into one of the most misunderstood aspects of filmmaking: how money actually flows through a film project.

Using the history behind the making of Casablanca as a starting point, Anthony explores the idea that film has always been both art and business. He breaks down why major creative decisions — from casting to release timing — have historically been driven by commercial thinking, and why independent filmmakers need to approach their projects with the same level of fin...

In this episode of Off The Lot, Anthony Epp sit down with filmmaker, stunt performer, and fight choreographer Bruce Fontaine to discuss his journey from Hong Kong action cinema to directing independent features in Canada.

Bruce reflects on his career working in the golden age of Hong Kong filmmaking, performing alongside some of the industry’s biggest martial arts stars before transitioning into directing his own projects. The conversation explores the making of his latest film Ruthless Bastards, the challenges of producing independent action films, and how persistence, networking, and private investment helped bring the project to li...

In this episode of Off The Lot, Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp check in at the end of production on Remnant — officially wrapping an ambitious 18-day horror shoot.

They unpack filming a massive eight-page exorcism sequence with 41 setups in a single day, executing complex stunts and practical fire gags, navigating the pressure of company moves, daylight-dependent exteriors, and zero overtime cushion.

Real-time look at wrapping a first feature, balancing creative instinct with business reality, and trusting the prep when the clock is ticking in this week's episode of Off The Lot.

Follow Ken's In...

In this episode of Off The Lot, Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp check in at the end of week two of production on Remnant — officially crossing the halfway mark of the shoot.

They unpack working with veteran actor Kim Coates (Sons of Anarchy, Waterworld), what it’s like directing a performer with 40+ years of experience, and how preparation — without rehearsal days — becomes critical on an indie schedule. Ken reflects on adapting his directing style to different actors, capturing multiple tonal variations for the edit, and why casting truly is 90% of directing.

The conversation also dives into the...

In this episode of Off The Lot, Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp recap the first week of production on Remnant, as Ken officially steps into the director’s chair on his debut feature.

They break down the realities of week one — company moves, complex lighting setups, blue-hour stunts, horror sequences, and the constant pressure of making an 18-day schedule work. The conversation explores working with actors versus technicians, discovering performance in the moment, and how “happy accidents” on set can redefine a scene.

Ken also reflects on how the film begins to reveal its own language...

In Episode 5 of Season 2 of Off The Lot, Anthony Epp goes solo while Ken Kabatoff wraps the first week of production on Remnant.

Anthony uses the episode to pull back the curtain on a part of filmmaking many creators avoid: raising money. He shares a candid breakdown of his current sprint to finance The Quiet Canadians, reframing fundraising as direct action instead of endless preparation, refinement, or “pseudo-activity.”

The episode focuses on mindset shifts, investor outreach, and why real progress comes from conversations, not pitch decks. Anthony discusses private investment, confidence through repetition, and how film...

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...

This week, we sit down with Vancouver indie legend Jason Mills—the one-man movie machine behind 18 feature films, including They Came From the Attic (picked up by Lionsgate UK). Jason talks about his DIY filmmaking roots, how he turns micro-budgets into maximum impact, and why passion beats permission every time.

He breaks down:

💸 This episode is spons...

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.