Off The Lot: An Indie Film Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Ever wondered how the smallest details in a movie can make or break the story? Props aren’t just objects—they’re storytelling tools. And no one knows that better than Dean Goodine, a legendary Hollywood prop master with over 39 years in the business.

He’s worked on everything from Unforgiven and Inception to 2024's indie horror juggernaut Heretic, and breakout indie thriller The Order. Today, he’s here to drop major knowledge on how props shape performance, enhance world-building, and why indie filmmakers need to stop overlooking them.

If you want to make your indie film feel like a big-budget production, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN.

Instagram: @offthelotpod

TikTok: @offthelotpod

Ken Kabatoff: @ken_kabatoff

Anthony Epp: @epptri

Dean's Must-Read Book: They Don’t Pay Me to Say No: My Life in the Props Department 

Got a question or topic idea? Email us at podcast.offthelot@gmail.com!

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!

Instagram:

@offthelotpod

@ken_kabatoff

@epptri

@mandiline

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

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.

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@offthelotpod

@ken_kabatoff

@epptri

@joshuacaldwelldirector

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!

Instagram

@ken_kabatoff

@epptri

@lauraadkin

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

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

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

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.

This week, Ken and Anthony sit down with Amanda Verhagen, an indie producer, line producer, and founder of Notable Studios. From managing million-dollar budgets to finding creative workarounds, Amanda shares real-world strategies for getting your film made.

Whether you’re producing your first indie or looking to level up, this episode is packed with insider knowledge, budgeting tips, and industry wisdom you won’t find anywhere else!

Follow us for more filmmaking content:

Instagram: @offthelotpod

Ken Kabatoff – @ken_kabatoff

Anthony Epp – @epptri

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OffTheLotPodcast

Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us at podcast.offthelot@gmail.com!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review to help more indie filmmakers discover the show!