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. Drawing from their own experiences, they dive into:

Writing to your resources and making the most of what you have.

Why character and theme are key to creating a compelling story.

Lessons from films like Everything Everywhere All At Once and The Outfit on achieving big impact with small budgets.

The importance of refining your script and getting honest feedback.

🎯 Indie Film Spotlights: This week, we’re highlighting two crowdfunding campaigns:

Caffeine Dependency – A short film exploring codependency in relationships. https://seedandspark.com/fund/caffeine-dependency#story

Goal: $1, 000

Raised: $375

Instagram: @jessiesines_21, @caffeine_dependency_film

The Mahal Empire – Alien Horde – An indie powerhouse creating horror, sci-fi, and adventure films with loyal community support. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/alien-horde-sci-fi-action-horror-film#/

Goal: $250, 000

Instagram: @mahalempire

💡 Whether you're crafting your first script or fine-tuning your latest project, this episode is packed with insights and advice to help you bring your vision to life.

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

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.

🎥 In this episode, we cover:

- How Jack and Cole developed the concept.

- Turning a short film into a proof of concept for the feature.

- Challenges of shooting on a $30k budget, including remote locations and creative problem-solving.

- The intricacies of directing a found footage film and treating the camera as a character.

- The post-production journey and how intentional sound design elevated the horror.

- Navigating the festival circuit and finding a distributor through smaller festivals and networking.

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! 🎙️

Welcome to Off The Lot!

Episode 1: Be Your Own Gatekeeper

In the debut episode, your hosts Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp introduce you to Off the Lot, a podcast diving into the wild world of indie filmmaking. Whether you’re an industry pro, a budding filmmaker, or just curious about how movies come together, this podcast is your backstage pass.

Ken and Anthony share their journeys into filmmaking, the lessons they’ve learned, and why they believe now is the perfect time to take on independent projects. They discuss how to start your own film, maximize limited resources, and build a filmmaking community to help you succeed.

Plus, they highlight two incredible crowdfunding campaigns that caught their eye this week!

Email us your questions or topic suggestions: podcast.offthelot@gmail.com

Follow us on social media!

Off The Lot:• Email: podcast.offthelot@gmail.com• 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

Episode Highlights:1. Introduction to Off the Lot:• What the podcast is about: The good, the bad, and the chaotic of indie filmmaking.• A place for creators to connect and learn.

A Deal in Liberty: A Canadian film noir project exploring crime and betrayal.• Goal: $20,000• Raised so far: $5,000• Support the campaign here: https://seedandspark.com/fund/a-deal-in-liberty#story• Instagram: @thepalmerwells

Resources MentionedFilms to Watch:• Coherence• Primer• Skinamarink

Tools for Filmmakers:• Cameras: Panasonic GH5S, DSLR options, and smartphones like iPhones.• Free Software: DaVinci Resolve for editing.• DIY Lighting Tricks: LED dog collars for creative lighting effects.

Los Angeles Fire Relief Resources:• American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/• California Community Foundation: https://www.calfund.org/• California Fire Foundation: https://www.cafirefoundation.org/

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help others find the show. See you next week!

#IndieFilm #Filmmaking #IndieFilmmaking #FilmProduction #Filmmaker #DIYFilmmaking #NoBudgetFilm #CreativeProcess #FilmmakingTips #BehindTheScenes #SetLife #OffTheLotPodcast #OffTheLot #LearnFilmmaking #IndieFilmCommunity #Storytelling

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.