Episode 26

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Published on:

11th Jul 2025

We Answer Your Toughest Indie Film Questions (Unfiltered Q&A)

This week, we’re answering your burning questions—and holding nothing back.

Whether you're stuck in development hell, figuring out how to light your film without pro gear, or wondering how to work with (or walk away from) an investor with strings attached—this episode is for you.

We cover:

🔥 How to make your indie film look cinematic on a shoestring

💰 The financial model that actually gets investors paid back

🎭 Directing actors (even when you have zero rehearsal time)

🎥 The red flags that should make you walk away from a “dream” investor

📽 Why Hollywood won’t “pick” you—and why that’s a good thing

🧠 The spiral theory of filmmaking that will change how you prep your movie

Plus: Ken drops the real update on Remnant—how close they are to greenlight, and what it means to go all in.

🎥 Whether you're an indie filmmaker or a fan of genre movies, this episode is packed with actionable insights, brutal honesty, and a lot of laughs.

👉 Want to watch the show instead? Check out our YouTube channel here: Off The Lot YouTube

💰 Sponsored by Peliplat — Enter monthly writing challenges and win up to $2400 USD in cash prizes. Join at Peliplat_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 here you'll get access to his must-read book Blockbuster absolutely free!

🖥️ Follow us on Instagram: @offthelotpod, @ken_kabatoff, @epptri

📢 Got your own question? Email us at: podcast.offthelot@gmail.com

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Mentioned in this episode:

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About the Podcast

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.
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About your hosts

Ken Kabatoff

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Ken Kabatoff is an accomplished writer and director with over fifteen years of experience in the film industry, delivering high-quality stories to millions of viewers.

Starting in 2016, Ken wrote for the critically acclaimed sci-fi Netflix series, Travelers, where he became co-producer. In 2020, he was nominated for the “Best Drama” Writers Guild of Canada Award for his final episode.

After directing multiple short films that have screened for tens of thousands of people around the world, Ken was awarded the prestigious Directors Guild of Canada BC Emerging Greenlight award to direct a deeply personal short film titled, The Doukhobor. The film is now on the festival circuit, allowing Ken to focus on his feature directorial debut, Remnant.

Anthony Epp

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Anthony Epp is a filmmaker, producer, and director with experience in both independent and studio filmmaking in Vancouver. His passion for high-stakes storytelling and hands-on production expertise has made him a driving force in indie cinema.

He began his career with the documentary Unspoken Rules (2009) and later directed 13 Miles, a character-driven sports drama. Currently, he’s developing The Quiet Canadians, an espionage thriller blending real-world intrigue with grounded action.

Anthony has worked as an Assistant Director on award-winning films like Seagrass (2023) and The Island Between Tides (2024) and served as Production Manager on Ruthless Bastards, starring Sean Patrick Flanery. His background in entertainment law gives him a strategic edge in film production.

As co-host of Off The Lot, Anthony shares industry insights, practical advice, and real-world experiences from the world of indie filmmaking.