Set Talks

Nick Fiorella Films

Set Talks is Colorado's Film industry podcast. Episodes will drop every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. #filmmakers #filmmaking #filmmaker #film #cinematography #director #cinematographer #filmproduction #cinema #movies #shortfilm #behindthescenes #indiefilm #videography #movie #filmmakerslife #photography #filmfestival #videoproduction #films #videographer #setlife #actor #filming #video #directorofphotography #cinematic #filmmakersworld #filmphotography #filmdirector

  1. 1d ago

    How to Pitch a TV Series & Win at SeriesFest | Marteene Gabrielle Diaz

    How do you pitch a TV series and turn your idea into a winning television pitch? In this episode of Set Talks, Colorado's film industry podcast, host Nick Fiorella sits down with writer, filmmaker, and producer Marteene Gabrielle Diaz, co-creator of Golden Groves, a half-hour mockumentary that won the SeriesFest Season 12 Pitch-a-Thon. Marteene takes us behind the scenes of developing Golden Groves, preparing a professional TV pitch, and presenting the series to industry judges at SeriesFest. From writing a pilot script and creating a pitch deck to rehearsing a five-minute presentation, she shares valuable lessons for aspiring screenwriters, filmmakers, and television creators. Inspired by Marteene's grandmother and life inside a senior living community, Golden Groves blends comedy, heart, and the realities of aging into a character-driven television concept. In this conversation, we explore: Marteene's journey from healthcare to filmmaking and screenwriting. The inspiration behind Golden Groves and its mockumentary format. How to develop a television pilot and create a professional TV pitch deck. Preparing for the SeriesFest Pitch-a-Thon and delivering a five-minute pitch. What television pitch judges want to see and why character relationships matter. How to handle nerves, technical problems, and unexpected moments during a live pitch. The differences between pitching a feature film and a television series. What happens after winning a pitch competition and the next steps toward production. Whether you're developing your first TV pilot, entering a screenwriting competition, or preparing to pitch a series to producers, this episode offers practical advice from a filmmaker who has successfully navigated the process. 🔔 Subscribe to Set Talks for more interviews with filmmakers and entertainment industry professionals! ▶️ Set Talks YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@settalkspodcast 🎬 Learn more about SeriesFest:https://www.seriesfest.com/ 📱 Follow Golden Groves:Instagram: @goldengrovesseries 👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE! QUESTION FOR VIEWERS: Have you ever pitched a film or television series? What's the biggest challenge you've faced in developing or pitching your idea? Let us know in the comments! #HowToPitchATVShow #SeriesFest #Screenwriting #SetTalks #GoldenGroves 🎬 CHAPTERS 00:00 – Cold Open: What Makes a Great TV Pitch? 00:26 – Welcome to Set Talks: Meet Marteene Gabrielle Diaz 01:54 – Marteene's Background and Filmmaking Journey 03:14 – Moving to Colorado and Discovering a Creative Career 05:28 – Starting a Video Production Business 06:34 – Transitioning from Client Work to Original Storytelling 09:01 – Building a Filmmaking Career in Colorado 10:15 – The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Golden Groves 12:25 – Developing the TV Series and Writing the Pilot 14:29 – Finding the Right Tone for a Senior Living Comedy 17:38 – Entering the SeriesFest Pitch-a-Thon 19:23 – Building a Professional TV Pitch Deck 20:30 – Making Your Pitch Package Stand Out 22:10 – Getting Selected and Preparing for the Competition 24:19 – Why Feedback and Collaboration Matter 28:02 – Rehearsing the Five-Minute TV Pitch 30:09 – What Judges Look for in a Television Pitch 32:06 – Explaining the Series Engine and Character Arcs 36:16 – Structuring a Winning Pitch Presentation 39:19 – Handling Technical Problems During the Live Pitch 42:28 – What Helped Golden Groves Win? 44:35 – Pitching a TV Series vs. Pitching a Feature Film 47:34 – What's Next for Golden Groves? 50:07 – The Reality of Winning a Pitch Competition 51:20 – Could Golden Groves Be Filmed in Colorado? 51:47 – Where to Follow and Support Golden Groves 52:31 – Closing Thoughts

  2. Oct 2

    Making an Indie Horror Film in Colorado | UCK Director Ty Bradford

    How do you turn a horror screenplay into an independent feature film? UCK writer, director, and producer Ty Bradford joins Nick Fiorella on Set Talks to share how he brought his Colorado-made horror comedy to life, with practical effects, local talent, and a 21-day shoot. Behind UCK’s mysterious carpet stains and outrageous effects is a father-son story with an emotional core. Ty explains how he balanced B-movie horror with heartfelt storytelling while navigating the challenges of financing, building sets, assembling a crew, and preparing an independent film for release. We also explore Ty’s career at Full Moon Entertainment, his mentorship with horror filmmaker Stuart Gordon, and his work in development and production at Disney. In this episode:• Writing a feature film you can realistically produce• Financing an indie film through relationships and personal investment• Storyboarding every frame and staying flexible on set• Creating practical horror effects, puppets, and prosthetics• Building a storage facility set inside a warehouse• Working with Colorado actors and crew• Managing production challenges as a director• Marketing a horror comedy without losing its emotional story• Why Ty believes Colorado should embrace independent filmmaking Whether you’re developing your first feature, working in practical effects, or looking to connect with Colorado’s film community, this conversation offers a candid look at what it takes to make an indie movie. Subscribe to Set Talks for conversations with the filmmakers, artists, and production professionals shaping Colorado’s film, television, and video production industry. What’s the biggest obstacle to making your first—or next—feature film? Tell us in the comments. #IndependentFilmmaking #HorrorComedy #ColoradoFilm #PracticalEffects #SetTalks 00:00 Introduction: Ty Bradford and UCK01:32 From Full Moon Entertainment to Disney04:44 Starting OVO Films and Returning to Features06:34 Why Ty Moved to Colorado07:37 UCK Movie Trailer08:28 The Inspiration Behind UCK11:06 Balancing Horror, Humor, and Heart14:11 From Screenplay to Production15:57 Financing an Independent Feature Film16:35 Storyboarding Every Frame18:32 Casting Colorado Talent21:16 Practical Effects, Puppetry, and Finding the Right Team24:30 Practical Effects Surprises on Set27:19 Finding a Warehouse and Building the Sets30:30 Colorado Filmmaking Challenges33:04 Building a Crew for a 21-Day Shoot34:44 Could Colorado Become an Indie Film Hub?37:54 Directing, Leadership, and Problem Solving41:15 Finishing UCK and Connecting with Audiences42:22 Planning Colorado Screenings and the Release45:47 Marketing Horror Without Losing the Human Story48:14 Ty’s Next Film Projects49:38 Why Make Movies in Colorado?50:37 What Does UCK Mean?

  3. Sep 18

    Colorado’s Forgotten Film History & the Future of Filmmaking | Benjamin Black

    Did you know Cañon City and Colorado’s Royal Gorge region have a filmmaking history stretching back to the early days of cinema? On this episode of Set Talks, host Nick Fiorella sits down with filmmaker and Regional Film Liaison Benjamin Black to explore the surprising history of filmmaking in Cañon City and the Royal Gorge region and what the future could hold for Colorado’s growing film industry. Ben explains what a Regional Film Liaison actually does, how filmmakers can get help finding and securing locations, and why productions should connect with local film resources early in pre-production. We also dive into the region’s incredible film history, including early silent filmmaking in Cañon City, the story behind Buckskin Joe, Colorado’s early film infrastructure, and the legacy of productions that helped put the region on the filmmaking map. Then we look forward: What does Colorado need to compete as a filmmaking destination? Nick and Ben discuss Colorado’s film incentive, production infrastructure, independent filmmaking, Sundance coming to Colorado, and how communities like Cañon City and the Royal Gorge can help build a stronger statewide film ecosystem. If you're a filmmaker, producer, location scout, crew member, film student, or anyone interested in the future of Colorado film and television production, this conversation is for you. 🎬 IN THIS EPISODE:• Benjamin Black’s journey into filmmaking• What a Regional Film Liaison does• Finding film locations in Cañon City and the Royal Gorge• Red Canyon Park, Shelf Road and other regional locations• The early history of filmmaking in Cañon City• Buckskin Joe and Colorado film history• The growing Royal Gorge filmmaking community• Colorado film incentives and production opportunities• Sundance and the future of Colorado filmmaking• What Colorado needs to become a major production hub• Why the Royal Gorge region offers unique opportunities for filmmakers Set Talks is a podcast about Colorado’s film, television and video production industry, featuring conversations with the filmmakers, crew members, organizations and industry leaders building Colorado’s creative community. Subscribe to Set Talks for more conversations about filmmaking and the Colorado film industry. #ColoradoFilm #ColoradoFilmmaking #SetTalks #FilmIndustry #IndependentFilm #CanonCity #RoyalGorge #Filmmaking 00:00 – Introduction: Colorado Filmmaking & the Royal Gorge01:29 – Benjamin Black’s Journey Into Filmmaking04:18 – What Does a Regional Film Liaison Do?07:02 – Film Locations in Cañon City & the Royal Gorge09:25 – How the Film Commission Helps Productions10:05 – How Filmmakers Find & Secure Locations13:25 – Why Film in Cañon City and the Royal Gorge?15:05 – Was Cañon City “Hollywood Before Hollywood”?17:22 – Early Movies Filmed in Cañon City18:30 – The Movie “Cañon City” & Colorado Prison History20:05 – The Story Behind Colorado’s Early Film Infrastructure21:20 – Buckskin Joe & Hollywood’s Connection to Cañon City23:25 – The Royal Gorge Film Community Today25:55 – Bringing Filmmakers to the Royal Gorge27:25 – Why the Royal Gorge Is Unique for Filmmakers27:40 – Colorado Film Incentives: Opportunities & Challenges31:24 – What Does Colorado Need to Become a Film Hub?31:54 – Building Colorado’s Film Infrastructure33:35 – What Movies Should Be Filmed in the Royal Gorge?34:45 – Westerns, Horror & Untold Colorado Stories35:15 – Colorado Film History That Could Become Movies37:05 – How Filmmakers Can Connect With the Royal Gorge38:15 – Closing

  4. Sep 4

    Celebrating Colorado Filmmakers | Short Circuit Film Festival

    Colorado’s independent film community is growing — and the Short Circuit Film Festival has spent the last decade helping Colorado filmmakers get their work in front of audiences. In this episode of Set Talks, host Nick Fiorella sits down with filmmaker, educator, community leader, and Short Circuit Film Festival Director Ralph Michael Giordano to talk about the festival’s 10th anniversary, the filmmaking community in Colorado Springs, and the organizations helping connect and support filmmakers across the state. Ralph shares his journey from shooting Super 8 films as a teenager to studying filmmaking at NYU, teaching the next generation of filmmakers, and becoming a major advocate for independent film in Colorado. We also dive into the Independent Film Society of Colorado, Peak Film Forum and Show Us Your Shorts, the new Peak Film Fund, filmmaking education, networking opportunities, and why collaboration is so important for building a stronger Colorado film industry. Plus, Nick and Ralph discuss the growing momentum surrounding filmmaking in Colorado, the importance of supporting local film festivals, Sundance’s move to Colorado, and what the state’s independent film scene could look like over the next five years. If you’re a filmmaker, actor, cinematographer, producer, writer, or creative looking to get involved in the Colorado film community, this episode is for you. 🎬 IN THIS EPISODE:• Ralph Michael Giordano’s filmmaking journey• The 10th anniversary of the Short Circuit Film Festival• Colorado Springs’ growing film community• Independent Film Society of Colorado• Peak Film Forum & Show Us Your Shorts• Networking and opportunities for Colorado filmmakers• The Peak Film Fund and support for local productions• Sundance and the future of filmmaking in Colorado• Advice for emerging Colorado filmmakers Support Colorado independent film. Attend local screenings, meet other filmmakers, and get involved in the community. Support Colorado independent film. Attend local screenings, meet other filmmakers, and get involved in the community. 🎬 LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COLORADO SHORT CIRCUIT FILM FESTIVAL:Festival information, tickets, filmmaker resources, submissions & more:https://ifsoc.org/csc/ #ColoradoFilm #ColoradoFilmmakers #ShortCircuitFilmFestival #ColoradoFilmIndustry #IndependentFilm #ColoradoSprings #Filmmaking #FilmFestival #SetTalks

  5. Aug 21

    Can Colorado Become an Animation Hub? | Jason Shwartz, ASIFA-Colorado

    Can Colorado become a major hub for animation? On this episode of Set Talks, host Nick Fiorella sitsdown with Jason Shwartz, Emmy-nominated animation director, producer, and President of ASIFA-Colorado, to talk about the growing animation community in Colorado and what it will take to build a sustainable industryhere. Jason has worked across animation for more than two decades, including projects for Adult Swim, Disney, Netflix, Hulu, Comedy Central and more. After building his career outside Colorado, he returned home and began helping connect the state’s animators, students, studios, filmmakers and educators through ASIFA-Colorado. We talk about: • Jason’s journey from Colorado to the professionalanimation industry • Working in animation for Adult Swim and other major networks and studios • The mission behind ASIFA-Colorado • Why networking is just as important as artistic ability • How young animators can break into the industry • The importance of mentorship and working alongside other artists • Colorado’s film incentives and what they could mean for animation • How incentives helped transform Atlanta into a major production hub • Remote work vs. building local animation studios • Independent animation and the decreasing barriers to making your own films • Sundance’s arrival in Colorado and opportunities for animation • Why filmmakers need to stop chasing perfection and actually release theirwork • What Colorado needs to become a serious destination for animation production Jason also shares practical advice for aspiring animators,including why learning filmmaking fundamentals matters just as much as learning animation and why your second full-time job should be networking. Whether you’re an animator, filmmaker, motion designer,student, or simply interested in the future of Colorado’s creative industry, this conversation offers a fascinating look at where animation in the state could be headed. Learn more about ASIFA-Colorado:ASIFAColorado.org Set Talks is Colorado’s film industry podcast, featuring conversations with the filmmakers, artists, organizations andindustry leaders helping build Colorado’s production community. Subscribe for more conversations about filmmaking and theColorado film industry. #Animation #ColoradoFilm #ASIFAColorado #SetTalks#Filmmaking #ColoradoAnimation #AnimationIndustry #DenverFilm   Learn More about ASIFA Colorado here: www.asifa-colorado.org/   Follow ASIFA-Colorado on Instagram and Facebook @ASIFAColorado   Check out Jason’s Animation Work here: https://www.greenshoeanimation.com/jason/   The 5 C’s of Cinematography Book: https://store.ascmag.com/products/the-five-cs-of-cinematography-motion-picture-filming-techniques?srsltid=AfmBOopyeb8JuzWCSNiCgFksfD1QtmvtZ_rkH4SYKuBK4JIKTI8rCtrv   Connect with the Local Colorado Film community! Become a member of WIFMCO - https://www.wifmco.org/members Become a Member at CFVA - https://www.cfva.com/memberships     00:00 Introduction  01:18 Jason Shwartz, Animation Experience 11:08 Relaunching ASIFA-Colorado 12:33 What is ASIFA?  13:51 Animation Education & Events 17:04 Who should join ASIFA? 18:21 Colorado Film Scene Success 22:23 Building an Animation Career in Colorado 24:49 Remote Work in Animation 27:29 ASIFA working with Film Festivals 30:27 Independent Animated Films 32:52 Advice for Animation Filmmakers 35:56 Animation Skillsets & Advice 46:38 Follow ASIFA-Colorado

  6. Aug 7

    Can Colorado Become the Next Film Hub? | Interview with Film Commissioner Lauren Grimshaw Sloan

    Can Colorado become one of America's top filmmaking destinations? In this episode of Set Talks, host Nick Fiorella sits down with Colorado Film Commissioner Lauren Grimshaw Sloan to discuss the future of filmmaking in Colorado, the state's film incentive program, Sundance's move to Boulder, and what it will take to create more jobs, attract major productions, and grow Colorado's film economy. Lauren shares insights from her experience in independent film, production, SeriesFest, and the Colorado Film Office while outlining her vision for strengthening Colorado's film infrastructure and supporting local filmmakers. Whether you're a filmmaker, producer, crew member, student, actor, or simply passionate about Colorado's creative economy, this conversation offers valuable insight into where the industry is headed. 🎬 Lauren's journey to becoming Colorado Film Commissioner 🎬 Colorado's film tax incentive explained 🎬 How productions qualify for the incentive 🎬 Why Colorado loses productions to neighboring states 🎬 Building a stronger film industry and creating jobs 🎬 Supporting independent filmmakers and film festivals 🎬 Sundance's move to Boulder and what it means for Colorado 🎬 Growing Colorado's film infrastructure 🎬 Why filmmakers should connect with their state legislators 🎬 Lauren's vision for the next five years of Colorado filmmaking Lauren also encourages Colorado filmmakers, crew members, production companies, and supporters to contact their state legislators and explain why a stronger film program matters to them, emphasizing that constituent voices can directly influence future policy discussions. Learn more about the Colorado Office of Film, Television & Media:⁠https://oedit.colorado.gov/colorado-office-of-film-television-media⁠ 🎬 Want to help growColorado's film industry?If you believe Colorado should attract more film and television productions,take a few minutes to contact your state Senator and Representative. Share howa stronger film incentive would impact you, your business, your career, or yourcommunity. Find your Colorado legislators here:⁠https://leg.colorado.gov/find-my-legislator⁠ Your voice matters. Legislators often hear fromorganizations—but hearing directly from Colorado filmmakers, crew members, actors, business owners, students, and film fans can help demonstrate the real economic and creative impact of investing in Colorado's film industry.   Set Talks is Colorado's film industry podcast featuringconversations with filmmakers, producers, actors, crew members, film commissioners, and industry leaders working to grow Colorado's film and television community. Subscribe for new episodes featuring Colorado's filmprofessionals and creative leaders. #Filmmaking #FilmProducer #FilmFinancing #FilmDistribution#IndependentFilm #ColoradoFilm #SetTalks #FilmIndustry #Producer #Screenwriting#Sundance #FilmFunding #MovieMaking #FilmBusiness #CFVA   Connect with the LocalColorado Film community! Become a member of WIFMCO - ⁠https://www.wifmco.org/members⁠ Become a Member at CFVA - ⁠https://www.cfva.com/memberships⁠     00:00 Introduction 02:06 Lauren Grimshaw Sloan Film Career 04:10 Colorado Film Commissioner 06:03 Working with Colorado Creative Industries 07:01 Colorado Film Community 09:16 Local Independent Filmmakers 11:32 Colorado Film Festivals 13:42 Colorado Film Tax Incentive 16:13 How can we improve Colorado Tax Incentive? 19:56 Sundance Film Festival Impact 23:54 How can the film community help? 25:17 The Future of Colorado Film

  7. Jul 17

    How to Make an Independent Feature Film in Colorado | Piggy Duster | Set Talks

    What does it really take to make an ambitious independent feature film in Colorado?In this episode of Set Talks, host Nick Fiorella sits down with two filmmakers helping build Colorado’s independent film scene: writer-director Jesse Stewart, founder and CEO of Epocene Motion Picture Company, and producer Alex Rhodes-Wilmere, CEO of ARWorks Motion Picture Company.Together, Jesse and Alex share the journey behind their independent feature film Piggy Duster, from developing the script and building their production companies to filming in the Colorado mountains, navigating production challenges, protecting the creative vision of the project, and bringing the finished film to audiences.The conversation also explores their award-winning short film Mt. Molehill, an ambitious Colorado production that helped lay the groundwork for Piggy Duster and shaped their approach to independent filmmaking.In this episode, we discuss:🎬 Building an independent film production company🎥 Taking a feature film from script to screen🏔️ Making ambitious independent films in Colorado✍️ Writing and developing Piggy Duster🎞️ How Mt. Molehill helped pave the way for a feature film🤝 The relationship between writers, directors, and producers📋 Planning for complex low-budget productions🌲 Filming in remote Colorado mountain locations🎭 Working with actors to protect a film’s emotional core📸 Storyboarding, shot lists, and visual storytelling💰 Producing independent films with limited resources🎪 Navigating the film festival circuit📺 Distribution and releasing an independent feature🏢 Why filmmakers build their own production companies🎯 Protecting a film’s creative vision from development through distributionWhether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, producer, writer, director, film student, or independent creator trying to get your first feature made, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to build a production company and bring an ambitious film from idea to finished release.ABOUT THE GUESTSJesse Stewart is the founder and CEO of Epocene Motion Picture Company, as well as a writer and director whose award-winning short film Mt. Molehill helped lead to the development of the independent feature Piggy Duster.Alex Rhodes-Wilmere is the CEO of ARWorks Motion Picture Company and a producer behind both Mt. Molehill and Piggy Duster. His work focuses on helping ambitious independent films move from development into production while building sustainable filmmaking infrastructure.www.piggyduster.comFollow @Piggyduster on Social MediaMt. Molehill | Award Winning Short Film | Action Adventurehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af4JHGx8rkk ABOUT SET TALKSSet Talks is Colorado’s film industry podcast, featuring conversations with filmmakers, producers, directors, actors, crew members, educators, film commissioners, and industry leaders working across film, television, commercial production, and independent media.Subscribe for more conversations with the people making films and building Colorado’s creative community.Connect with the Local Colorado Film community!Become a member of WIFMCO - https://www.wifmco.org/membersBecome a Member at CFVA - https://www.cfva.com/memberships#SetTalks #IndependentFilm #ColoradoFilm #Filmmaking #FilmProducer #FilmDirector #IndieFilmmaking #FeatureFilm #FilmProduction #ColoradoFilmmakers #PiggyDuster #FilmIndustry 00:00 Introduction 01:55 Jesse Stewart 03:35 Alex Rhodes-Wilmere 07:53 Starting a Film Production Company 14:05 Award Winning short Film Mt. Molehill 18:59 Mt. Molehill Short Film – Cinematography 23:02 Producing Mt. Molehill Short Film 30:58 From Mt. Molehill to Piggy Duster 35:47 Piggy Duster Script 40:40 Piggy Duster – Shooting on Location 1:03:34 Filming with a Bear & Bear VFX 1:21:52 Piggy Duster Distribution 1:29:01 Follow Piggy Duster

  8. Jul 3

    How to Build a Career in Commercial Filmmaking | Christian Silberbauer, Futuristic Films | Set Talks

    How do you build a successful career in commercial filmmaking?In this episode of Set Talks, host Nick Fiorella sits down with Christian Silberbauer, Executive Producer and Head of Production at Futuristic Films, one of Colorado's premier commercial production companies.Christian shares his journey from Production Assistant in New York to leading award-winning commercial productions for major brands, agencies, and directors. Along the way, he offers invaluable advice for filmmakers looking to break into the commercial production world.In this episode, we discuss:🎬 How to build a career in commercial filmmaking🎥 What an Executive Producer actually does📈 How production companies win commercial projects🤝 Networking strategies that lead to real opportunities🎭 How directors get signed by production companies📽️ Building a commercial directing reel💡 The value of spec commercials and passion projects🎞️ How to assemble a filmmaking team🏔️ The current state of Colorado's commercial film industry🏢 Working with advertising agencies and production companies📸 Building a professional online presence🎯 Career advice for filmmakers, producers, and directorsChristian also shares what Futuristic Films looks for in emerging directors, why networking is essential, and how young filmmakers can position themselves to work on larger commercial productions.Whether you're a filmmaker, director, producer, cinematographer, Production Assistant, or film student, this conversation is packed with practical advice for building a sustainable career in the film industry.🎙️ Set Talks is Colorado's film industry podcast, featuring conversations with filmmakers, producers, actors, crew members, educators, and industry leaders working to grow Colorado's creative community.Subscribe for more interviews with the people shaping the future of filmmaking in Colorado.#SetTalks #CommercialFilmmaking #ColoradoFilm #FilmProducer #CommercialDirector #Filmmaking #ProductionCompany #FilmIndustry #CreativeCareers #FuturisticFilms

See All (54)

About

Set Talks is Colorado's Film industry podcast. Episodes will drop every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. #filmmakers #filmmaking #filmmaker #film #cinematography #director #cinematographer #filmproduction #cinema #movies #shortfilm #behindthescenes #indiefilm #videography #movie #filmmakerslife #photography #filmfestival #videoproduction #films #videographer #setlife #actor #filming #video #directorofphotography #cinematic #filmmakersworld #filmphotography #filmdirector

Information

  • Creator
    Nick Fiorella Films
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Nick Fiorella Films
  • Show Website
    Set Talks

You Might Also Like