If you’re an indie filmmaker wondering how to level up your career, this episode is for you. In just a few short years, Ava Marie Safai went from directing high school short films to being selected for Vancouver’s prestigious Crazy8s film festival and now she’s making her feature directorial debut with Foreigner–part of Telefilm Canada’s Talent to Watch program.In this episode, we break down how Ava turned ambition into action, secured major funding, and took the leap into feature filmmaking—all on her own terms.Instagram: @offthelotpod@ken_kabatoff@epptri Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at podcast.offthelot@gmail.com! 📢 If you love the show, hit follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow filmmakers! 🎙️

Stunts, Shogun, and Indie Feature Films—Lauro Chartrand-Del Valle’s Unreal Journey

Off The Lot is where serious indie filmmakers level up. Hosted by Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp, this podcast goes beyond the fluff to deliver 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.