Off The Lot

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.comFollow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter The Film Founder here:https://kenkabatoff.substack.com/aboutFollow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here:www.anthonyepp.comFollow 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.comFollow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter The Film Founder here:https://kenkabatoff.substack.com/aboutFollow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here:www.anthonyepp.comFollow 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.comFollow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter The Film Founder here:https://kenkabatoff.substack.com/aboutFollow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here:www.anthonyepp.comFollow 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.comFollow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter The Film Founder here:https://kenkabatoff.substack.com/aboutFollow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here:www.anthonyepp.comFollow 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.comFollow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter The Film Founder here:https://kenkabatoff.substack.com/aboutFollow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here:www.anthonyepp.comFollow 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.comFollow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter The Film Founder here:https://kenkabatoff.substack.com/aboutFollow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here:www.anthonyepp.comFollow 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.comFollow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter The Film Founder here:https://kenkabatoff.substack.com/aboutFollow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here:www.anthonyepp.comFollow 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.comFollow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter The Film Founder here:https://kenkabatoff.substack.com/aboutFollow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here:www.anthonyepp.comFollow Ken & Anthony on Instagram here:@ken_kabatoff@epptri

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.Real-time look at wrapping a first feature, balancing creative instinct with business reality, and trusting the prep when the clock is ticking in this week's episode of Off The Lot.Follow Ken's Indie Horror Feature Remnant here:www.remnantmovie.comFollow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter The Film Founder here:https://kenkabatoff.substack.com/aboutFollow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here:www.anthonyepp.comFollow Ken & Anthony on Instagram here:@ken_kabatoff@epptri

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 actors versus technicians, discovering performance in the moment, and how “happy accidents” on set can redefine a scene.Ken also reflects on how the film begins to reveal its own language during production — adjusting shot lists, simplifying coverage, maximizing a two-camera setup, and learning how the house location dictates the visual strategy.Follow Ken's Indie Horror Feature Remnant here:www.remnantmovie.comFollow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter The Film Founder here:https://kenkabatoff.substack.com/aboutFollow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here:www.anthonyepp.comFollow Ken & Anthony on Instagram here:@ken_kabatoff@epptri

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 around camera strategy, lenses, aspect ratio, and visual texture. The conversation also touches on the current moment in Canadian film and television, legacy creators, and why risk-taking still matters.The episode closes with a look at how preparation, collaboration, and creative commitment shape the first days of a shoot — and what it means to step onto set ready to make decisive choices.Follow Ken's Indie Horror Feature Remnant here:www.remnantmovie.comFollow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter The Film Founder here:https://kenkabatoff.substack.com/aboutFollow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here:www.anthonyepp.comFollow Ken & Anthony on Instagram here:@ken_kabatoff@epptri

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 episode then breaks down the first week of pre-production on Ken’s horror feature Remnant, covering script breakdowns, department meetings, scheduling pressure, and the process of turning a script into a work order.If you want an honest look at real-life filmmaking and the transition from planning to execution — this episode is for you.Follow Ken's Indie Horror Feature Remnant here:www.remnantmovie.comFollow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter The Film Founder here:https://kenkabatoff.substack.comFollow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here:www.anthonyepp.comFollow Ken & Anthony on Instagram here:@ken_kabatoff@epptri

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 financingThe difference (and similarities) between studio & indie filmmakingManifestation, meditation & the mental game of making moviesFinding and working with the right peopleWhy now is the time to make your movie — no excusesPlus — a huge thank you to Peliplat and Craftsman Films for fueling this first season. We’ll be back this fall with an even bigger, better Season 2. Until then… keep creating, keep hustling, and keep telling your stories off the lot.👉 Want to listen to the show? Check out www.offthelotpodcast.com/listen 👉 Want to watch the show? Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@offthelotpodcast💰 Sponsored by Peliplat — Enter monthly writing challenges and win up to $2400 USD in cash prizes. Join at www.peliplat.com/offthelot📚 Sponsored by Craftsman Films — Each week, successful indie producer Daren Smith shares his vast knowledge of indie filmmaking in a highly anticipated newsletter. If you sign up at the link below you'll get access to his must-read book Blockbuster absolutely free! www.craftsmanfilms.co/offthelot🖥️ Follow us on Instagram: @offthelotpod, @ken_kabatoff, @epptri☕️ Help support the show! Buy us a cup of coffee for those long editing nights by leaving a tip here! www.offthelotpodcast.com/support🎯 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you don’t miss the Season 2 premiere!