Shows
Off The LotHow MJ Alhabeeb Jr. Made His Award-Winning Feature For $60K and Landed Theatrical DistributionIn 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:How he made Plight for $60KWhy failing forward mattersWhat filmmakers often get wrong about distributionBuilding a film career without the studio systemHis honest advice for every up-and-coming director🎥 This is a must-listen for anyon...2025-07-1856 min
Off The LotOff The Lot Trailer - Level Up Your Indie Film Career Today!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!2025-07-1600 min
Off The LotWe Answer Your Toughest Indie Film Questions (Unfiltered Q&A)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...2025-07-1154 min
Off The LotFinal Destination: Bloodlines To Freaks Underground: Co-Director Zach Lipovsky & DP Stirling Bancroft Return To Their Roots With An Indie Sci-Fi Epic | LIVE SHOWIn 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...2025-07-0446 min
Off The LotJason Mills: The Ultimate Micro-Budget Filmmaker Behind 18 DIY FeaturesThis 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:How to shoot a feature film in 5 daysWhy AI shouldn't replace you, but can empower youThe myth of waiting for the perfect budgetWhy YouTube is his ultimate distribution platformThe one piece of advice he'd give his younger self💸 This episode is spons...2025-06-271h 14
Off The LotHow a Sundance Rejection Sparked a Film Revolution | Dan Mirvish On Founding SlamdanceWhat 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...2025-06-201h 10
Off The LotFrom Crew To Director: Anthony Epp’s Indie Filmmaking Masterclass!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...2025-06-131h 00
Off The LotFrom Netflix To Indie Horror—Ken Kabatoff’s Journey To RemnantAward-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...2025-06-061h 20
Off The LotMike Johnston Was Named a Producer To Watch—And He’s Just Getting StartedIn 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...2025-05-301h 04
Off The LotTwo Directors, One Vision—Austin Andrews & Andrew Holmes On Making “The Island Between Tides”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!2025-05-231h 21
Off The LotIndie Film Financing: A Producer's Journey With Amber RipleyProducer 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.2025-05-1653 min
Off The LotBehind The Cut: Andrew Gust On Editing Apple TV+'s "The Morning Show"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.2025-05-0951 min
Off The LotYour Burning Questions Answered: From Indie Film Funding To On-Set DisastersEver 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...2025-05-0259 min
Off The LotBeyond The Gatekeepers: Seed & Spark’s Emily Best On Taking Control of Your Indie Film CareerIn 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.2025-04-251h 00
Off The LotPunk Rock Filmmaking: Inside the Festival That Breaks All the Rules—Run N Gun | Joel McCarthy & Sasha DuncanFilmmakers 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.2025-04-181h 11
Off The LotThe Profitable Indie Filmmaker: Breaking Free From The Studio System—Daren SmithThis 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.2025-04-111h 22
Off The LotThe Brutal Truth About Film Development: Indie Success Blueprint"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!2025-04-041h 17
Off The LotStunts, Shogun, and Indie Feature Films—Lauro Chartrand-Del Valle’s Unreal JourneyWhat 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...2025-03-281h 23
Off The LotFrom DIY Filmmaker To Feature Director—Ava Maria Safai Is a Talent To WatchIf 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.Instagram: @offthelotpod...2025-03-211h 04
Off The LotThe Indie Producer’s Survival Guide: Budgets, Crews & Problem-Solving | Amanda VerhagenThis 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!Follow us for more filmmaking content:Instagram: @offthelotpodKen Kabatoff – @ken_kabatoff Anthony Epp – @epptriYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Off...2025-03-141h 24
Off The LotFrom Unforgiven to Heretic: A Prop Master’s Filmmaking Journey | Dean GoodineEver 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...2025-03-071h 09
Off The LotThe Secret Weapon of Filmmaking: How Costume Design Transforms Your Story | Mandi LineEver 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.2025-02-281h 10
Off The LotThe Indie Filmmaker’s Guide to Directing Hallmark Movies | Yan-Kay Crystal LoweHallmark 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...2025-02-211h 06
Off The LotThe $6K Indie Film That Launched a Hollywood Career | Joshua CaldwellHow 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.Instagram@offthelotpod@ken_kabatoff@epptri@joshuacaldwelldirector2025-02-141h 27
Off The LotFrom Actor to Director: How Laura Adkin Took Control and Made Her First FeatureIn 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!Instagram@ken_kabatoff@epptri@lauraadkin2025-02-071h 30
Off The LotThe Secret to Making Your Indie Film Feel Big (Even on a Micro-Budget)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!Off The Lot:Instagram: @offthelotpodThreads: @offthelotpodBlue Sky: @offthelot.bsky.socialTikTok: @offthelotpodKen Kabatoff:Instagram: @ken_kabatoffThreads: @ken_kabatoffBlue Sky: @kenkabatoff.comLetterboxd: https://boxd.it/7H0GV2025-01-311h 02
Off The LotHow to Make a $30K Horror Movie That Feels Like a Studio Film | The Stickman's HollowThis 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:Instagram: @offthelotpodThreads: @offthelotpodBlue Sky: @offthelot.bsky.socialTikTok: @offthelotpodKe...2025-01-241h 09
Off The LotBe Your Own Gatekeeper: How to Greenlight Your Own Movie Right NowIn 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.comFollow us on social media!Off The Lot:Instagram: @offthelotpodThreads: @offthelotpodBlue Sky: @offthelot.bsky.social2025-01-171h 08
Off The LotOff The Lot TrailerOff 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.2025-01-1500 min