Off The Lot | an indie film podcast (Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp)
Explore every episode of Off The Lot | an indie film podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Feb 2025 | The Indie Filmmaker’s Guide to Directing Hallmark Movies | Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe | 01:06:33 | |
Hallmark movies and indie films are more alike than you think. While these films may be known for their feel-good romance and holiday cheer, behind the scenes, they run like indie films—tight schedules, small budgets, and fast-paced productions. To break it all down, we sit down with Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe, a seasoned actor-turned-director who made the leap behind the camera to helm character-driven Hallmark films. You might know Crystal from Signed, Sealed, Delivered and Primeval: New World, but today, she’s giving us a deep dive into the Hallmark directing process—from navigating tight turnarounds to balancing creativity with a structured formula. This episode is a masterclass in indie-style filmmaking within the TV movie world! Instagram: @offthelotpod @ken_kabatoff @epptri @officialcrystallowe | |||
| 07 Feb 2025 | From Actor to Director: How Laura Adkin Took Control and Made Her First Feature | 01:30:50 | |
In this episode of Off The Lot, we sit down with writer-director Laura Adkin to discuss her indie feature film Re:Uniting (2023). From securing funding to assembling a cast and navigating the challenges of indie filmmaking, Laura shares her journey and hard-earned lessons. 💡 If you’re an indie filmmaker looking for inspiration, insight, and practical advice on making a feature film happen no matter what, this episode is for you! @ken_kabatoff @epptri @lauraadkin | |||
| 14 Feb 2025 | The $6K Indie Film That Launched a Hollywood Career | Joshua Caldwell | 01:27:52 | |
How do you make a feature film for just $6,000 and turn it into a career? In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Caldwell (Layover, Infamous, Mending the Line) to break down his indie filmmaking journey—from shooting his first feature Layover on a micro-budget to directing multiple films with Hollywood talent. @offthelotpod @ken_kabatoff @epptri @joshuacaldwelldirector | |||
| 17 Jan 2025 | Be Your Own Gatekeeper: How to Greenlight Your Own Movie Right Now | 01:08:10 | |
In the debut episode, Ken and Anthony introduce Off The Lot and share their own filmmaking journeys—how they got started, the lessons they’ve learned, and why now is the perfect time to take on independent projects. They break down how to start your own film, maximize limited resources, and build a filmmaking community to help you succeed. Email us your questions or topic suggestions: podcast.offthelot@gmail.com Follow us on social media! Off The Lot: Instagram: @offthelotpod Threads: @offthelotpod Blue Sky: @offthelot.bsky.social TikTok: @offthelotpod Ken Kabatoff: Instagram: @ken_kabatoff Threads: @ken_kabatoff Blue Sky: @kenkabatoff.com Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/7H0GV Anthony Epp: Instagram: @epptri Threads: @epptri Blue Sky: @anthonyepp.bsky.social Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/2mdYh #IndieFilm #Filmmaking #IndieFilmmaking #FilmProduction #Filmmaker #DIYFilmmaking #NoBudgetFilm #CreativeProcess #FilmmakingTips #BehindTheScenes #SetLife #OffTheLotPodcast #OffTheLot #LearnFilmmaking #IndieFilmCommunity #Storytelling | |||
| 31 Jan 2025 | The Secret to Making Your Indie Film Feel Big (Even on a Micro-Budget) | 01:02:29 | |
In this episode, Ken and Anthony discuss the essential role of storytelling in indie filmmaking and how your script can make or break your film. Email us your questions or topic suggestions: podcast.offthelot@gmail.com and follow us on social media! Off The Lot: Instagram: @offthelotpod Threads: @offthelotpod Blue Sky: @offthelot.bsky.social TikTok: @offthelotpod Ken Kabatoff: Instagram: @ken_kabatoff Threads: @ken_kabatoff Blue Sky: @kenkabatoff.com Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/7H0GV Anthony Epp: Instagram: @epptri Threads: @epptri Blue Sky: @anthonyepp.bsky.social Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/2mdYh Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow filmmakers! 🎙️ #IndieFilm #Filmmaking #IndieFilmmaking #FilmProduction #Filmmaker #DIYFilmmaking #NoBudgetFilm #CreativeProcess #FilmmakingTips #BehindTheScenes #SetLife #OffTheLotPodcast #OffTheLot #LearnFilmmaking #IndieFilmCommunity #Storytelling | |||
| 24 Jan 2025 | How to Make a $30K Horror Movie That Feels Like a Studio Film | The Stickman's Hollow | 01:09:25 | |
This week, Ken and Anthony sit down with Jack Cox (director) and Cole Hewlett (producer) to talk about their incredible microbudget horror film, The Stickman’s Hollow. Made on a $30,000 budget, this found footage feature captures the eerie tale of Clara Hall, a child allegedly suffering from demonic possession, told through four chilling perspectives. Email us your questions or topic suggestions: podcast.offthelot@gmail.com and follow us on social media! Off The Lot: Instagram: @offthelotpod Threads: @offthelotpod Blue Sky: @offthelot.bsky.social TikTok: @offthelotpod Ken Kabatoff: Instagram: @ken_kabatoff Threads: @ken_kabatoff Blue Sky: @kenkabatoff.com Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/7H0GV Anthony Epp: Instagram: @epptri Threads: @epptri Blue Sky: @anthonyepp.bsky.social Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/2mdYh Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow filmmakers! 🎙️ #IndieFilm #Filmmaking #IndieFilmmaking #FilmProduction #Filmmaker #DIYFilmmaking #NoBudgetFilm #CreativeProcess #FilmmakingTips #BehindTheScenes #SetLife #OffTheLotPodcast #OffTheLot #LearnFilmmaking #IndieFilmCommunity #Storytelling | |||
| 15 Jan 2025 | Off The Lot Trailer | 00:00:59 | |
Off The Lot is your backstage pass to the world of indie filmmaking. Hosts Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp break down the art and hustle of making films on your own terms, chat with indie creators from around the world, and inspire you to take the leap and tell your story. New episodes every week. | |||
| 28 Feb 2025 | The Secret Weapon of Filmmaking: How Costume Design Transforms Your Story | Mandi Line | 01:10:13 | |
Ever wondered how costumes shape storytelling? Or how a designer goes from styling indie films to crafting iconic looks for hit TV shows? This week we sit down with Mandi Line, the powerhouse costume designer behind Pretty Little Liars, Travelers, The Young and the Restless, and some of the wildest rock music videos of the 2000s (think Linkin Park, Korn, and System of a Down). Mandi shares her raw, no-BS journey from indie films to Hollywood, the intense grind of working on soap operas, and why attitude and relationships matter more than talent in the industry. This episode is pure gold for filmmakers, costume designers, and anyone hustling to break into the industry! @offthelotpod @ken_kabatoff @epptri @mandiline | |||