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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 closes with a look at how preparation, collaboration, and creative commitment shape the first days of a shoot — and what it means to step onto set ready to make decisive choices. Follow Ken's Indie Horror Feature Remnant here: www.remnantmovie.com Follow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter The Film Founder here: https://kenkabatoff.substack.com/about Follow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here: www.anthonyepp.com Follow Ken & Anthony on Instagram here: @ken_kabatoff @epptri

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 roll — this episode is for you. Follow Ken's Indie Horror Feature Remnant here: www.remnantmovie.com Follow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter The Film Founder here: https://kenkabatoff.substack.com Follow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here: www.anthonyepp.com Follow Ken & Anthony on Instagram here: @ken_kabatoff @epptri

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 honest look at real-life filmmaking and the transition from planning to execution — this episode is for you. Follow Ken's Indie Horror Feature Remnant here: www.remnantmovie.com Follow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter The Film Founder here: https://kenkabatoff.substack.com Follow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here: www.anthonyepp.com Follow Ken & Anthony on Instagram here: @ken_kabatoff @epptri

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 Remnant week by week, from pre-production through to delivery. If you’re a filmmaker trying to figure out how to move forward in a broken system — this episode is for you. Follow Ken's Indie Horror Feature Remnant here: Remnant Follow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter The Film Founder here: The Film Founder Follow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here: The Filmmaker's Notebook Follow Ken & Anthony on Instagram here: @ken_kabatoff @epptri

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: The razor’s edge of indie film financingThe difference (and similarities) between studio & indie filmmakingManifestation, meditation & the mental game of making moviesFinding and working with the right peopleWhy now is the time to make your movie — no excuses Plus — a huge thank you to Peliplat and Craftsman Films for fueling this first season. We’ll be back this fall with an even bigger, better Season 2. Until then… keep creating, keep hustling, and keep telling your stories off the lot. 👉 Want to listen to the show? Check out www.offthelotpodcast.com/listen 👉 Want to watch the show? Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@offthelotpodcast 💰 Sponsored by Peliplat — Enter monthly writing challenges and win up to $2400 USD in cash prizes. Join at www.peliplat.com/offthelot 📚 Sponsored by Craftsman Films — Each week, successful indie producer Daren Smith shares his vast knowledge of indie filmmaking in a highly anticipated newsletter. If you sign up at the link below you'll get access to his must-read book Blockbuster absolutely free! www.craftsmanfilms.co/offthelot 🖥️ Follow us on Instagram: @offthelotpod, @ken_kabatoff, @epptri ☕️ Help support the show! Buy us a cup of coffee for those long editing nights by leaving a tip here! www.offthelotpodcast.com/support 🎯 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you don’t miss the Season 2 premiere!

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 filmmakers looking to build sustainable careers without relying on traditional gatekeepers. 📌 In this episode, you’ll discover: How Karen financed her latest feature using creative, indie-friendly strategies.Why mixing cutting-edge tech with classic practical effects can elevate your storytelling.The power of creating your own opportunities instead of waiting for "Hollywood to pick you."Insights into how Canadian filmmakers can leverage industry shifts to their advantage. Hit Subscribe to Off The Lot for more candid conversations and practical filmmaking insights! 👉 Want to listen to the show? Check out www.offthelotpodcast.com/listen 👉 Want to watch the show? Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@offthelotpodcast 💰 Sponsored by Peliplat — Enter monthly writing challenges and win up to $2400 USD in cash prizes. Join at www.peliplat.com/offthelot 📚 Sponsored by Craftsman Films — Each week, successful indie producer Daren Smith shares his vast knowledge of indie filmmaking in a highly anticipated newsletter. If you sign up at the link below you'll get access to his must-read book Blockbuster absolutely free! www.craftsmanfilms.co/offthelot 🖥️ Follow us on Instagram: @offthelotpod, @ken_kabatoff, @epptri ☕️ Help support the show! Buy us a cup of coffee for those long editing nights by leaving a tip here! www.offthelotpodcast.com/support 🎙️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you don't miss a single episode! #KarenLam #IndieFilm #HorrorMovies #FilmmakingTips #WomenInFilm #FilmProduction #OffTheLotPodcast #ArmageddonRoad #MrsChangsPerfectTeeth #FilmmakingAdvice #VancouverFilm #FilmFinance #DirectorLife

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: Develop IP in a transparent, collaborative way (yes, even in the age of AI)Share cultural perspectives on film that expand how we watch and talk about moviesReclaim the joy of movie discussion outside the noise of social mediaFind your tribe of writers, critics, and cinephiles who care as much as you do 🎥 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 can’t miss this one. 👉 Want to watch the show instead? Check out our YouTube channel here: Off The Lot YouTube 💰 Sponsored by Peliplat — Enter monthly writing challenges and win up to $2400 USD in cash prizes. Join at Peliplat_OffTheLot 📚 Sponsored by Craftsman Films — Each week, successful indie producer Daren Smith shares his vast knowledge of indie filmmaking in a highly anticipated newsletter. If you sign up here you'll get access to his must-read book Blockbuster absolutely free! 🖥️ Follow us on Instagram: @offthelotpod, @ken_kabatoff, @epptri ☕️ Help support the show! Buy us a cup of coffee for those long editing nights by leaving a tip here! 🎙️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you don't miss a single episode!

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: What film school actually teaches you (and what it doesn’t)Why networking and teamwork beat theory every timeWhether a $30,000 tuition is worth the ROIHow to break into the industry without formal educationWhy your attitude might matter more than your talent 🎥 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 can’t miss this one. 👉 Want to watch the show instead? Check out our YouTube channel here: Off The Lot YouTube 💰 Sponsored by Peliplat — Enter monthly writing challenges and win up to $2400 USD in cash prizes. Join at Peliplat_OffTheLot 📚 Sponsored by Craftsman Films — Each week, successful indie producer Daren Smith shares his vast knowledge of indie filmmaking in a highly anticipated newsletter. If you sign up here you'll get access to his must-read book Blockbuster absolutely free! 🖥️ Follow us on Instagram: @offthelotpod, @ken_kabatoff, @epptri ☕️ Help support the show! Buy us a cup of coffee for those long editing nights by leaving a tip here! 🎙️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you don't miss a single episode!

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: 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 anyone who’s felt stuck or sidelined in their filmmaking journey. MJ proves you don’t need permission—you just need to get going. 📺 Plight is now streaming on Amazon Prime. 👉 Want to watch the show instead? Check out our YouTube channel here: Off The Lot YouTube 💰 Sponsored by Peliplat — Enter monthly writing challenges and win up to $2400 USD in cash prizes. Join at Peliplat_OffTheLot 📚 Sponsored by Craftsman Films — Each week, successful indie producer Daren Smith shares his vast knowledge of indie filmmaking in a highly anticipated newsletter. If you sign up here you'll get access to his must-read book Blockbuster absolutely free! 🖥️ Follow us on Instagram: @offthelotpod, @ken_kabatoff, @epptri ☕️ Help support the show! Buy us a cup of coffee for those long editing nights by leaving a tip here! 🎙️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you don't miss a single episode!

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” investor 📽 Why Hollywood won’t “pick” you—and why that’s a good thing 🧠 The spiral theory of filmmaking that will change how you prep your movie Plus: Ken drops the real update on Remnant—how close they are to greenlight, and what it means to go all in. 🎥 Whether you're an indie filmmaker or a fan of genre movies, this episode is packed with actionable insights, brutal honesty, and a lot of laughs. 👉 Want to watch the show instead? Check out our YouTube channel here: Off The Lot YouTube 💰 Sponsored by Peliplat — Enter monthly writing challenges and win up to $2400 USD in cash prizes. Join at Peliplat_OffTheLot 📚 Sponsored by Craftsman Films — Each week, successful indie producer Daren Smith shares his vast knowledge of indie filmmaking in a highly anticipated newsletter. If you Sign up here you'll get access to his must-read book Blockbuster absolutely free! 🖥️ Follow us on Instagram: @offthelotpod, @ken_kabatoff, @epptri 📢 Got your own question? Email us at: [email protected] ☕️ Help support the show! Buy us a cup of coffee for those long editing nights by leaving a tip here! 🎙️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you don't miss a single episode!

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 indie filmmaker or a fan of genre movies, this episode is packed with actionable insights, brutal honesty, and a lot of laughs. Watch the episode on YouTube for the full live show experience! https://youtu.be/06Hk70UytMo Sponsored by Peliplat — Enter monthly writing challenges and win up to $2400 USD in cash prizes. Join at https://www.peliplat.com/offthelot Sponsored by Sunbelt Rentals — Industry-trusted gear and support from https://whites.com Sponsored by Daren Smith at Craftsman Films — Sign up at https://www.craftsmanfilms.co/offthelot to get his must-read book Blockbuster absolutely free.

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: www.peliplat.com/offthelot 👇 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your favorite indie film hustle story in the comments.

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 prizes up to $2400 USD! Let your creativity shine—join now at www.peliplat.com/offthelot.

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 anyone trying to make it outside the studio system. 📢 Sponsored by Peliplat — the global platform for storytellers and screenwriters. Explore their writing challenges and resources at www.peliplat.com/offthelot