Off The Lot is where serious indie filmmakers level up. Hosted by Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp, this podcast delivers 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.
Movie theaters aren’t dying. In fact, more people are buying tickets—and the films succeeding are challenging several assumptions Hollywood has made over the last decade. In this episode of Off The Lot, we examine why theatrical admissions are rising, how longer release windows and a stronger supply of original movies are rebuilding the moviegoing habit, and why audiences no longer simply “go to the movies”—they choose one specific film worth leaving home to see. We also break down one of the most difficult decisions facing independent producers: does casting a recognizable actor actually help sell an indie film? Ken shares what changed after Kim Coates joined Remnant, including the credibility a known actor can bring—and the hidden production costs that come with hiring one. Then we discuss Vancouver producer Chris Ferguson and Oddfellows’ new first-look deal with Warner Bros., what their success proves about building a repeatable genre-film company, and why their rise creates opportunities for the next generation of Canadian producers. In this episode: • Why theatrical admissions matter more than box-office headlines • How longer theatrical windows create urgency and audience demand • Why original horror films are bringing younger viewers back • Recognizable actors versus genuinely bankable actors • The true cost of adding a name actor to an indie production • How Oddfellows built toward its Warner Bros. partnership • Why production companies need a repeatable pipeline • The real value of genre festivals such as Fantasia
Mayumi Yoshida spent nine years turning a deeply personal idea into her first feature film, Akashi—writing, directing, producing, and starring in a story that crosses generations, countries, and languages. In this episode, Mayumi reveals how a conversation with her grandmother evolved from a stage play into an award-winning short and, eventually, a critically acclaimed feature. She also breaks down the fight to finance an 80% Japanese-language Canadian film—and how she and a coalition of filmmakers helped push Telefilm Canada to remove a policy that prevented many multilingual stories from qualifying for funding. We also discuss: * Directing herself while leading an international cast * Shooting in Vancouver and Japan on an extremely compressed schedule * How losing six production days shaped the film’s visual language * Rehearsing film scenes like theatre to survive two- and three-take days * Cutting a completed two-hour version down to 100 minutes * Using black and white, colour, production design, and sound to explore memory * Why filmmakers should choose stories they can remain committed to for a lifetime * The importance of knowing when you are—and are not—the right person to tell a story Akashi premiered at the Vancouver International Film Festival, where it won the Audience Choice Award, and went on to receive major recognition at the Whistler Film Festival, Reel Asian, and the Leo Awards. Follow Ken's Indie Horror Feature Remnant here: www.remnantmovie.com Follow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter here: The Film Founder Follow Anthony Epp's newsletter here: The Greenlight Report Follow Ken & Anthony on Instagram here: @ken_kabatoff @epptri
Most filmmakers build pitch decks around the movie they want to make. But an investor is looking at your project through a completely different lens: How do I get my money back—and what protects my downside? In Episode 57 of Off The Lot, Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Furey break down what an effective indie film investor deck actually needs to accomplish. We discuss: • The difference between a creative pitch deck and an investor deck • What private film investors actually need to understand • How to explain your budget, finance plan, tax credits, and recoupment waterfall • Why cinematography and concept art should not dominate the presentation • How cast, comparable films, timing, and market positioning help reduce perceived risk • Whether filmmakers need their own marketing plan • Why your deck should inspire a conversation—not replace one • The legal risks of publicly soliciting film investment • How to make financial information clear without making the deck feel dry A good investor deck does more than make your film look exciting. It demonstrates that you understand how the project will be financed, completed, sold, and positioned to return capital. If you are trying to privately finance an independent feature, this episode provides a practical framework for building the document that may open the door. Subscribe for candid conversations about financing, producing, directing, selling, and building independent films outside the studio system. Follow Ken's Indie Horror Feature Remnant here: www.remnantmovie.com Follow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter here: The Film Founder Follow Anthony Epp's newsletter here: The Greenlight Report Follow Ken & Anthony on Instagram here: @ken_kabatoff @epptri
Corey Payette did not wait for a studio to give him permission. He built his stories on stage, proved them in front of live audiences, and then turned them into award-nominated films — including Star Walker, which earned 10 Leo Award nominations. In this episode of Off The Lot, Corey breaks down how he went from theatre, music, and original Indigenous storytelling into feature filmmaking, how Star Walker evolved from a stage musical and TV series development process into a feature film, and what it actually takes to make a drag musical outside the traditional studio system. We talk about: How Corey adapted Star Walker from stage to screen Why the film was made without traditional Telefilm or studio financing The challenge of shooting a feature musical in drag on a tight schedule How community, chosen family, and queer joy shaped the film Why one story can become a stage show, feature film, album, tour, and published script What Corey learned moving from theatre into filmmaking This is a conversation about building durable creative work, making films outside the system, and finding a way forward when the industry says no. Subscribe to Off The Lot for conversations with filmmakers building careers on their own terms. Follow Ken's Indie Horror Feature Remnant here: www.remnantmovie.com Follow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter here: The Film Founder Follow Anthony Epp's newsletter here: The Greenlight Report Follow Ken & Anthony on Instagram here: @ken_kabatoff @epptri
Anthony Epp sits down with Ken Kabatoff for a candid conversation about the recent changes to Telefilm Canada's development funding, the challenges facing emerging Canadian filmmakers, and the growing need to balance creative ambition with financial sustainability. They reflect on networking, content creation, building an audience, and why long-term careers are built through persistence rather than overnight success. Listen now for an honest discussion about filmmaking, funding, creative resilience, and what it really takes to keep making movies. Vulture: The Unglamorous Financial Realities of 5 Indie Filmmakers https://web.archive.org/web/20260623153204/https://www.vulture.com/article/indie-filmmakers-money.html 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 Greenlight Report here: https://greenlightreport.substack.com/?utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3 Follow Ken & Anthony on Instagram here: @ken_kabatoff @epptri
Anthony Epp and Ken Kabatoff discuss two of the biggest stories in independent filmmaking right now: the debate over crew compensation on breakout indie hits and the growing influence of YouTube creators in the film industry. Using the success of Obsession as a starting point, they explore backend points, producer risk, union protections, and what filmmakers and crew members can realistically expect from low-budget productions. They also examine how creators like Curry Barker, Kane Parsons, Markiplier, and Chris Stuckmann are using online platforms to develop their craft and build careers outside the traditional studio system. Along the way, Anthony and Ken discuss film financing, distribution, audience building, and why the recent success of independent horror films may be opening new doors for emerging filmmakers. Listen now for a conversation about independent film, creative opportunity, and the changing path to a career in 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
Anthony Epp sits down with Julie Bruns and Steven Kammerer, filmmakers and actors behind Beneath Crimson Sails for a wide-ranging conversation about fantasy storytelling, independent filmmaking, and the passion projects that keep artists creating. Drawing inspiration from worlds like The Lord of the Rings, The Witcher, and classic adventure cinema, the guests discuss building immersive universes, crafting memorable characters, and bringing ambitious genre stories to life on independent budgets. The episode explores the challenges of writing and developing long-form creative projects, the importance of world-building, and how filmmakers balance inspiration from beloved franchises while creating something uniquely their own. Along the way, the conversation branches into gaming, practical storytelling lessons, favorite films, dream acting roles, and the enduring appeal of fantasy adventures. Anthony and his guests also share advice for aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of reading widely, experiencing the world firsthand, and choosing projects you genuinely love—because filmmaking is a long journey that demands persistence, curiosity, and commitment. Listen now for an entertaining discussion about fantasy, filmmaking, creativity, and what it takes to build stories that audiences can truly get lost in. 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 — from rough cut to director’s cut — and the collaborative workflow with editors, reshaping scenes, refining pacing, and discovering the film in the edit rather than on the page. They also discuss the emotional shift after wrap, the role of test screenings, and the balance between creative vision and practical constraints in post. The episode closes with a candid look at the evolving role of AI in filmmaking, and why human creativity still drives the process. If you want an inside look at how a film evolves in post and what it really takes to push an indie project toward picture lock — 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
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 department. The conversation explores the AD–director relationship, the importance of early problem-solving, and how decisions around locations, setups, and time ultimately shape the film. Anthony also shares a ground-level perspective on production — from managing hundreds of setups to balancing creative ambition with practical constraints, and why communication, clarity, and preparation are what keep a set from falling apart. If you want a real-world understanding of how films are executed, and why the assistant director might be the most important hire on your project — 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
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 preparation. The conversation challenges the idea of “breaking in” through luck, festivals, or gatekeepers, and instead reframes filmmaking as a process built through volume, repetition, and self-generated opportunities. From volunteering on set to making ultra-low-budget projects, they unpack why constraints are often the fastest path forward — and how rejection, lack of resources, and limited access can actually become advantages when approached correctly. If you’re trying to get your foot in the door, build momentum, and create a sustainable path into the industry — 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
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 the balance between creative vision and market realities, the role of the producer as both storyteller and strategist, and how projects actually get sold today. Erin also reflects on her path into the industry, the importance of early career hustle, and what makes a great creative partnership — alongside a broader look at where Canadian television is heading in a global market. For insight into modern TV development, producing, and what it takes to build stories that actually connect, check out this episode of Off The Lot 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, 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 major creative decisions — from casting to release timing — have historically been driven by commercial thinking, and why independent filmmakers need to approach their projects with the same level of financial strategy. The episode then unpacks the mechanics of film financing in Canada, from public funding stacks and federal tax credits to private equity and revenue “waterfalls.” Anthony explains how structures like the Canadian Media Fund and refundable tax credits reduce risk for investors, and why building a clear financial architecture before production is essential for creating sustainable independent films. Real-time look at the financial side of filmmaking, how investors get paid back, and why understanding the business structure behind a film is just as important as the story itself in this week’s episode of Off the Lot. 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
