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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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:

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Ken Kabatoff:

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Anthony Epp:

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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 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.