Off The Lot

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 r...

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....

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 C...

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...

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...

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 preparatio...

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...

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 majo...

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 d...

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...

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 sched...

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...

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, refinem...

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 aro...

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 horro...

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 episo...

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...

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 financing The difference (and similarities) between studio & indie filmmaking Manifestation, meditation & t...

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 minia...

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...

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 time Whether a $30,000 tuition is worth the ROI How to break into the industry without formal education...

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 $60K Why failing forwar...

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, unfilter...

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 inves...

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...