Off The Lot | indie film success on your own terms

Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp
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Off The Lot | indie film success on your own terms

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.

  1. From Crew To Director: Anthony Epp’s Indie Filmmaking Masterclass!

    5D AGO

    From 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 prizes up to $2400 USD! Let your creativity shine—join now at www.peliplat.com/offthelot. Mentioned in this episode: Peliplat

    1h 1m
  2. From Netflix To Indie Horror—Ken Kabatoff’s Journey To Remnant

    JUN 6

    From Netflix To Indie Horror—Ken Kabatoff’s Journey To Remnant

    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

    1h 21m
  3. Mike Johnston Was Named a Producer To Watch—And He’s Just Getting Started

    MAY 30

    Mike Johnston Was Named a Producer To Watch—And He’s Just Getting Started

    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 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 and commerce.

    1h 5m
  4. Two Directors, One Vision—Austin Andrews & Andrew Holmes On Making “The Island Between Tides”

    MAY 23

    Two 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!

    1h 21m
  5. Indie Film Financing: A Producer's Journey With Amber Ripley

    MAY 16

    Indie Film Financing: A Producer's Journey With Amber Ripley

    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.

    53 min
  6. Behind The Cut: Andrew Gust On Editing Apple TV+'s "The Morning Show"

    MAY 9

    Behind 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.

    52 min
  7. Your Burning Questions Answered: From Indie Film Funding To On-Set Disasters

    MAY 2

    Your Burning Questions Answered: From Indie Film Funding To On-Set Disasters

    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 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 first production, prepare for the advice you wish someone had given you years ago.

    59 min
  8. Beyond The Gatekeepers: Seed & Spark’s Emily Best On Taking Control of Your Indie Film Career

    APR 25

    Beyond The Gatekeepers: Seed & Spark’s Emily Best On Taking Control of Your Indie Film Career

    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.

    1h 1m
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About

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.

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