Off The Lot

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 Filmmakershttps://web.archive.org/web/20260623153204/https://www.vulture.com/article/indie-filmmakers-money.htmlFollow 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 Greenlight Report here:https://greenlightreport.substack.com/?utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3Follow 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.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 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.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 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.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 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.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 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.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 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.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 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 LotFollow 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 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 directing his own projects. The conversation explores the making of his latest film Ruthless Bastards, the challenges of producing independent action films, and how persistence, networking, and private investment helped bring the project to life.They also dive into the realities of building commercially viable indie films — from casting recognizable names that help sell a movie internationally to designing action sequences that work within tight budgets. Bruce shares insights into why action remains one of the most exportable genres, the importance of prioritizing stunt performance on screen, and his mission to showcase Canadian talent while still making films that travel globally.A candid conversation about independent filmmaking, global action cinema, and what it takes to build commercial genre films outside the traditional studio system 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 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 schedule. Ken reflects on adapting his directing style to different actors, capturing multiple tonal variations for the edit, and why casting truly is 90% of directing.The conversation also dives into the logistics of shooting in a single house location, managing large lighting setups, building a distinct “nightmare world” look through lenses, LUTs, haze, and camera movement, and surviving one of the most difficult seven-page finale days of the shoot — complete with practical fire gags and major technical pivots.Real-time look at navigating performance, pressure, production constraints, and creative problem-solving halfway through a feature in this week's episode of Off the LotFollow 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 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, refinement, or “pseudo-activity.”The episode focuses on mindset shifts, investor outreach, and why real progress comes from conversations, not pitch decks. Anthony discusses private investment, confidence through repetition, and how filmmakers can reposition themselves from asking for permission to offering meaningful partnerships.If you’re an indie filmmaker struggling with financing, avoidance, or the leap from planning to action — 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 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 horror feature Remnant, covering department coordination, planning challenges, and the constant balance between creative ambition and logistics.If you want an honest look at how films actually get made before cameras roll — 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

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 credit loans, crew logistics, and the pressure of personally guaranteeing a first feature.This episode sets the stage for a new weekly format where listeners will follow the making of Remnant week by week, from pre-production through to delivery.If you’re a filmmaker trying to figure out how to move forward in a broken system — this episode is for you.Follow Ken's Indie Horror Feature Remnant here:RemnantFollow Ken Kabatoff's newsletter The Film Founder here:The Film FounderFollow Anthony Epp's newsletter The Filmmaker's Notebook here:The Filmmaker's NotebookFollow Ken & Anthony on Instagram here:@ken_kabatoff@epptri