Episode 72

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Published on:

2nd Nov 2026

The Problem With Canadian Film Financing, Festivals & Distribution

Why is it so difficult to finance, produce, and distribute an independent film in Canada? And are film festivals actually helping indie filmmakers build sustainable careers?

In Episode 72 of Off The Lot, filmmakers Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp reunite for a candid conversation about the realities of independent filmmaking, from getting a movie financed to getting it in front of an audience.

Fresh off the sold-out Canadian premiere of his debut feature REMNANT at the Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival, Ken shares what he's learned about the festival circuit, the challenges of releasing a privately financed Canadian film, and why he ultimately had to look to American investors to get his movie made.

The conversation turns to the larger problems facing Canada's film industry, including government funding, private equity, distribution, and the difficulty of creating a commercially sustainable industry for Canadian filmmakers.

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About the Podcast

Off The Lot: The Indie Filmmaking Podcast
Indie Film Success On Your Own Terms
Off The Lot is where serious indie filmmakers level up. Hosted by Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp, this podcast delivers real, hard-earned lessons from the frontlines of independent filmmaking. Each episode is a masterclass — featuring directors, producers, and creatives who are in the trenches, making movies happen without a safety net. If you want actionable insights, unfiltered conversations, and the blueprint to build your own career outside the studio system — this is the show.
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About your hosts

Ken Kabatoff

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Ken Kabatoff is an accomplished writer and director with over seventeen 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.