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!

How do you make a feature film for just$6,000 and turn it into a career? In this episode, we sit down withJoshua Caldwell (Layover, Infamous, Mending the Line) to break down his indie filmmaking journey—from shooting his first featureLayover on a micro-budget to directing multiple films with Hollywood talent.

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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!

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@lauraadkin