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August 8, 2025 71 mins

Ready to peek behind the curtain of indie filmmaking? In this electrifying episode, award-winning director Karen Lam (The Curse of Willow Song, Bring It On: Cheer or Die) sits down to unpack her unique journey from entertainment lawyer to horror auteur.

Karen dives deep into her latest projects—Armageddon Road, a supernatural thriller blending innovative volume wall tech with old-school miniature effects, and the award-winning short Mrs. Chang’s Perfect Teeth. Along the way, she offers practical advice for indie filmmakers navigating a changing industry, discusses the indie vs. studio filmmaking balance, and shares essential strategies for filmmakers looking to build sustainable careers without relying on traditional gatekeepers.

📌 In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • How Karen financed her latest feature using creative, indie-friendly strategies.
  • Why mixing cutting-edge tech with classic practical effects can elevate your storytelling.
  • The power of creating your own opportunities instead of waiting for "Hollywood to pick you."
  • Insights into how Canadian filmmakers can leverage industry shifts to their advantage.

Hit Subscribe to Off The Lot for more candid conversations and practical filmmaking insights!

👉 Want to listen to the show? Check out www.offthelotpodcast.com/listen 

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💰 Sponsored by Peliplat — Enter monthly writing challenges and win up to $2400 USD in cash prizes. Join at www.peliplat.com/offthelot

📚 Sponsored by Craftsman Films — Each week, successful indie producer Daren Smith shares his vast knowledge of indie filmmaking in a highly anticipated newsletter. If you sign up at the link below you'll get access to his must-read book Blockbuster absolutely free! www.craftsmanfilms.co/offthelot

🖥️ Follow us on Instagram: @offthelotpod, @ken_kabatoff, @epptri

☕️ Help support the show! Buy us a cup of coffee for those long editing nights by leaving a tip here! www.offthelotpodcast.com/support

🎙️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you don't miss a single episode!

#KarenLam #IndieFilm #HorrorMovies #FilmmakingTips #WomenInFilm #FilmProduction #OffTheLotPodcast #ArmageddonRoad #MrsChangsPerfectTeeth #FilmmakingAdvice #VancouverFilm #FilmFinance #DirectorLife

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