Off The Lot

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 rebe...

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...

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...

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 bui...

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 f...

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,...

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 Sh...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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. Instagram @offthelotpod @ken_kabatoff @epptri @joshuacaldwelldirector

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 mat...

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: @offthelotpod Threads: @offthelotpod Blue Sky: @offthelot.bsky.social TikTok: @offthelotpod Ken Kabatoff: Instagram: @ken_kaba...

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:...

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.of...

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.