Off The Lot: An Indie Film Podcast

Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp
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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.

  1. 4d ago

    Chad Costen: From Homemade Monster Movies to Mister Sandman

    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 created a series of interconnected short films to support the feature, and how the pandemic forced major changes to casting and production plans. Along the way, Anthony and Chad discuss creative collaboration, independent filmmaking, practical effects, and the importance of finding the right team. They also dive into the influence of Star Wars, the storytelling philosophy of Robert Zemeckis, and Chad’s upcoming theatrical tour for Mister Sandman across Western Canada. Listen now for an honest conversation about resilience, creativity, and what it takes to turn a lifelong passion for filmmaking into a feature film. 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

    1h 15m

  2. Jun 1

    Matthew Cervi On Producing Movies You’d Pay to See

    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 shares stories from producing films like The Colony and executive producing Remnant, while discussing why privately financed projects can move much faster than traditional Canadian funding models. Along the way, Anthony and Matt talk about the untapped potential for Canadian genre cinema, the unpredictability of movie success, and the importance of collaboration, resilience, and creative passion in surviving the chaos of independent filmmaking. Listen now for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to get independent films made — and why filmmakers keep coming back despite the risks. 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

    59 min

  3. May 25

    Special Episode: Building a Film Crew That Plays Like a Team

    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 build teams that feel collaborative instead of chaotic. It’s an honest, practical episode about making better movies by building better teams — perfect for filmmakers, film students, and anyone curious about the creative process behind independent filmmaking. 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

    58 min

  4. May 18

    The Vertical Boom: Inside the Micro Drama Gold Rush

    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 capturing audiences. Anthony and Monika also discuss casting, financing, fair pay, union protections, and the realities of building sustainable productions in a fast-moving new space. Whether you’re a filmmaker, actor, producer, or simply curious about where entertainment is heading next, this episode offers an inside look at one of the industry’s fastest-growing formats. 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

    1h 13m

  5. May 11

    Want To Make a Movie? Sell Your House! — Inside The BTS Doc About “The Last Stop In Yuma County”

    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 modern indie filmmaking. The conversation dives deep into film financing, predatory distribution deals, audience building through social media, YouTube success stories, and why more filmmakers are starting to question the traditional Hollywood system altogether. If you’re trying to figure out how independent films actually get made — and what happens after the movie is finished — 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/about Follow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here: www.anthonyepp.com Follow Ken & Anthony on Instagram here: @ken_kabatoff @epptri

    1h 23m

  6. May 4

    Inside The Test Screening: Remnant

    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 conversation explores key takeaways from the screening, including clarity of storytelling, pacing, and the strength of the audience’s emotional connection to the protagonist. Ken discusses how this feedback translated into practical adjustments, from ADR to a targeted pickup shoot. The episode concludes with a reflection on additional photography and the realities of post-production, where thoughtful refinements and small changes can have a meaningful impact on the final film. 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

    49 min

  7. Apr 27

    Directing As An Assistant Director

    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 directors must think like both artists and builders. From blocking to coverage and time management, Anthony shares how production knowledge can become creative leverage rather than a constraint. He also touches on the risk of becoming too practical — how understanding production too well can shrink ambition — and why directors need to protect the ideas that truly matter. If you want a grounded look at how directing is shaped by real-world constraints — and why learning production can make you a better filmmaker — 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/about Follow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here: www.anthonyepp.com Follow Ken & Anthony on Instagram here: @ken_kabatoff @epptri

    41 min

  8. Apr 20

    Making It Work: Production Pressure, Test Audiences & Financing Reality

    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 importance of audience feedback, maintaining clarity without losing mystery, and how small adjustments — from ADR to structure — can reshape a film. The episode wraps with a deeper discussion on film financing, exploring investor relationships, what makes a project commercially viable, and why building the right partnerships is just as critical as the film itself. 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

    56 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp
  • Show Website
    Off The Lot: An Indie Film Podcast