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. 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

  2. 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

  3. Jun 19

    Colorado's Producer Accelerator | Set Talks with Nick Fiorella and Shayla Riggle

    How do independent films actually get financed, packaged,and distributed? In this episode of Set Talks, host Nick Fiorella sits downwith producer, distributor, and educator Shayla Riggle to discuss the business side of filmmaking and the launch of the Colorado Film & Video Association (CFVA) Producer Accelerator. Shayla shares her journey from theater and acting to filmsales, acquisitions, and distribution, and explains why understanding the business of filmmaking is essential for producers, directors, and independent filmmakers looking to build sustainable careers. Topics covered in this episode include: 🎬 Film Financing & Raising Money for Movies📦 Packaging Film Projects & Attaching Talent📊 Budgeting & Pre-Production Planning📺 Film Distribution & Sales Strategies🎯 Pitch Decks & Investor Presentations🏔️ Building Colorado's Film Industry🎥 Sundance's Impact on Colorado Filmmaking🤝 Producer Mentorship & Career Development💡Creating Sustainable Independent Film Careers Whether you're an aspiring producer, filmmaker,screenwriter, director, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with practical advice for navigating today's film industry. ABOUT SHAYLA RIGGLE Shayla Riggle is a producer, film distribution professional,and founder of Entertainment Industry Intelligence. She is helping lead the CFVA Producer Accelerator, a first-of-its-kind Colorado program focused on teaching filmmakers the business fundamentals needed to finance, package,pitch, produce, and distribute successful projects.   CFVA Producer Accelerator https://www.cfva.com/producer-accelerator   ECHELON STUDIOS https://echelonstudios.us/   ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE https://www.theeii.com/   CONNECT WITH SHAYLAInstagram: @theiii_official   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 film professionals and creative leaders. #Filmmaking #FilmProducer #FilmFinancing #FilmDistribution #IndependentFilm #ColoradoFilm #SetTalks #FilmIndustry #Producer #Screenwriting#Sundance #FilmFunding #MovieMaking #FilmBusiness #CFVA   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 02:04 Shayla Riggle – Actress & Filmmaker 06:50 Entertainment Industry Intelligence (Eii) 11:49 CFVA Producer Accelerator 17:00 Producer Accelerator – Live Event 18:14 The Colorado Film Scene 23:08 The Importance of a Good Film Producer 25:35 Advice for First Time Film Producers 31:38 Film Business 101 34:53 The importance of Film Mentors 36:22 Why Producers in Colorado matters 39:19 Who should sign up for The Producer Accelerator? 40:54 A Successful Colorado Film Industry 42:16 Why sign up for the Producer Accelerator? 44:16 Follow the Producer Accelerator

  4. Jun 5

    How Boulder Is Building Colorado's Filmmaking Community

    🎬 What does the future of Colorado's film industry look like? In this episode of Set Talks, host Nick Fiorella sits down with Bruce Borowsky, Boulder County Film Commissioner, filmmaker, educator, and community builder, for a deep dive into the opportunities and challenges facing Colorado's growing film industry. Bruce shares his journey from filmmaker to film commissioner and explains how the Boulder County Film Commission is helping attract productions, support local creatives, and build a stronger filmmaking community throughout Colorado. Topics include: • The mission of the Boulder County Film Commission • How filmmakers can navigate permits and production resources • The Boulder Creative Expo and Schmooze networking events • The Boulder Creative Directory and connecting productions with local crew • Colorado's film incentive program and industry growth • The impact of Sundance moving to Colorado • Building a stronger filmmaking ecosystem • Why networking and community matter • Opportunities for filmmakers, crew members, students, and creatives Bruce also discusses Colorado's unique moment in the spotlight and why now is the time for filmmakers, organizations, and industry leaders to come together and showcase what Colorado has to offer. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, working professional, producer, crew member, or simply passionate about Colorado's creative economy, this conversation offers valuable insight into where the industry is headed and how you can get involved. 🎙️ Set Talks is Colorado's film industry podcast featuring conversations with filmmakers, actors, producers, crew members, film organizations, and industry leaders. Learn more about the Boulder County Film Commission and upcoming events: https://bouldercountyfilmcommission.com   Building on the Edge https://www.imdb.com/title/tt38689054/   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   #SetTalks #ColoradoFilm #BoulderCountyFilmCommission #SundanceFilmFestival #Filmmaking #FilmIndustry #ColoradoFilmIndustry #FilmCommission #IndependentFilm #FilmProduction #CreativeCommunity #ColoradoCreative #FilmNetworking #ContentCreators #FilmFestival #FilmInColorado #ColoradoFilmmakers #FilmCommunity #VideoProduction #CreativeEconomy   00:00 Introduction 01:00 Bruce Borowsky Filmmaker 06:15 Boulder County Film Commission 08:24 Boulder Creative Expo 2026 09:22 Film Permits in Boulder County  11:14 Working in Boulder County 16:50 Boulder Film Upcoming Events 18:42 Boulder County Creative Directory 22:17 Sundance Coming to Boulder Colorado 25:42 The Colorado Film Scene 36:37 Follow Boulder County Film Commission

  5. May 22

    How Sound Design Makes Movies Better | Mike Henderson of Plan9Sound

    🎬 What makes a movie feelcinematic? In this episode of Set Talks, host Nick Fiorella sits down with Mike Henderson, founder of Plan 9 Sound, for a deep dive into the world of sound design for film, television, andadvertising. From Foley and ADR to Dolby Atmos mixing and emotional sound storytelling, Mike breaks down how professional post-sound work can completely transform a project. We discuss:• The full post-sound workflow for films and TV• ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) and working with actors• Foley sound design and creating custom sound effects• How sound shapes emotion and audience psychology• Dolby Atmos and immersive audio mixing• Common mistakes filmmakers make before post-sound• Tips for directors, producers, and indie filmmakers working with soundprofessionals• Why subtle sound design is often the invisible difference between “good” andunforgettable storytelling Mike also shares behind-the-scenes examples from real projects and explains how sound designers creatively build worlds that audiences often feel more than consciously notice. This episode is packed with valuableinsight for:🎥 Filmmakers🎧 Aspiring sound designers🎬 Producers🎞 Editors📺 Commercial directors🎤 Audio post professionals If you’ve ever wondered why some films instantly pull you into their world while others fall flat, this conversation will completely change the way you think about sound.   Follow Tyler Kaschke:🌐www.plan9sound.com📸Instagram: @plan9sound   Reframed: Next Gen Narratives https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35059110/   The River: A Documentary Film https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11947032/   Infared Dreams https://www.amazon.com/Infrared-Dreams-Matthew-J-Plumb/dp/B09CRLXY1R   Set Talks is a podcast exploring the Colorado filmindustry and the creatives shaping it. Hosted by filmmaker Nick Fiorella, each episodefeatures conversations with filmmakers, actors, producers, crew, and industry leaders about storytelling, career strategy, and the future of film and television in Colorado. Follow Set Talks for more conversations with the creativesshaping the industry.   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   #SetTalks #SoundDesign #FilmAudio#PostProduction #Filmmaking #DolbyAtmos #ADR #Foley #FilmIndustry#AudioEngineering   00:00 Introduction 04:03 Plan9sound Audio Services 5:00 Post Production Sound Workflow 07:33 ADR Workflow 08:51 Recording Audio on set 09:20 ADR Workflow  11:39 Sound Matching 12:50 Working with Actors in post 19:40 Adding sound design and background noise 25:15 Recording Folly sounds effects  30:42 Mixing in Dolby Atmos 35:52 Building out a Professional Sound Studio 39:24 Example Clip, Sound Demo 55:05 Sound Design Advice 1:00:01 The River – Project 1:01:39 Follow Plan9Sound

  6. May 1

    How SeriesFest Is Changing TV & Helping Filmmakers Break In | Set Talks with Nick Fiorella and Randi Kleiner

    In this episode of Set Talks, host Nick Fiorella sitsdown with Randi Kleiner, co-founder and CEO of SeriesFest, one of the leading festivals dedicated to episodic storytelling. Randi shares how SeriesFest was built to become a discoveryplatform for independent creators, connecting emerging filmmakers with studios, networks, and industry professionals. We dive into:• How SeriesFest helps filmmakers sell pilots and launch careers• The rise of independent television and new distribution models• What makes a great pitch (and how to stand out)• The importance of networking, collaboration, and being open to opportunity• How the film and TV industry is evolving in the streaming era• The growth of the Colorado film industry and its future Randi also shares insights on how creators can maximizeopportunities at festivals — from pitching projects to building relationships that can change their careers. One key takeaway: Success at festivals isn’t just about selling one project — it’s about opening doors to long-term career opportunities. If you're a filmmaker, writer, or creative looking to breakinto TV or grow your career, this episode is packed with actionable advice and industry insight.   For more information visit SeriesFest.com For tickets/passes to SeriesFest, check out the link below. https://seriesfest.com/festival/box-office/passes/   Set Talks is a podcast exploring the Colorado filmindustry and the creatives shaping it. Hosted by filmmaker Nick Fiorella, each episodefeatures conversations with filmmakers, actors, producers, crew, and industry leaders about storytelling, career strategy, and the future of film and television in Colorado. Follow Set Talks for more conversations with the creativesshaping the industry.   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   #SetTalks #FilmmakingPodcast #FilmIndustry #IndependentFilm#FilmProducer #FilmDirector #SetTalksPodcast #ColoradoFilmIndustry#FilmmakingPodcast #FilmLighting #Gaffer #FilmCrew #Cinematography#BehindTheScenesFilm #IndependentFilmmaking #ColoradoFilmmakers #SeriesFest   00:00 Introduction 01:53 SeriesFest Year one to now 08:28 SeriesFest 2026 Lineup 12:31 SeriesFest 2026 Panel Discussions 18:28 Supporting up incoming talent 20:41 SeriesFest Pitch-a-thon Advice 25:35 Advice for Shows Premiering at SeriesFest 28:97 Colorado Film and TV Scene 31:52 What’s next for episodic television? 34:00 Follow and support SeriesFest

  7. Apr 17

    What Does a Gaffer Do? | Set Talks with Nick Fiorella and Tyler Kaschke

    In this episode of Set Talks, host Nick Fiorella sits down with Denver-based gaffer Tyler Kaschke, widely known as the Colorado Gaffer. Tyler has worked in the production industry since 2010 and is a member of the International Cinema Lighting Society, collaborating with ASC cinematographers and award-winning crews on national commercials, brand content, and feature documentaries. Tyler shares how he built a career in the lighting department, his philosophy on cinematic lighting, and what a gaffer actually does on a professional film set. We also dive into practical lighting techniques, working relationships between gaffers and cinematographers, and how freelancers can build meaningful connections in the film industry. If you’re a filmmaker, cinematographer, or aspiring crewmember looking to work in film production, this conversation is packed with insights about film lighting, networking, and building a career in the Colorado film industry. 🎬 Topics in this episode:• What a gaffer does on a film set• Lighting philosophy and working with cinematographers• Building a career in the film industry• Networking and finding work in production• The state of the Colorado film industry Follow Tyler Kaschke:🌐https://coloradogaffer.com📸Instagram: @colorado_gaffer   Set Talks is a podcast exploring the Colorado filmindustry and the creatives shaping it. Hosted by filmmaker Nick Fiorella, each episodefeatures conversations with filmmakers, actors, producers, crew, and industry leaders about storytelling, career strategy, and the future of film and television in Colorado. Follow Set Talks for more conversations with the creativesshaping the industry.   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   #SetTalks #FilmmakingPodcast #FilmIndustry #IndependentFilm#FilmProducer #FilmDirector #SetTalksPodcast #ColoradoFilmIndustry#FilmmakingPodcast #FilmLighting #Gaffer #FilmCrew #Cinematography#BehindTheScenesFilm #IndependentFilmmaking #ColoradoFilmmakers   00:00 Introduction 01:35 Tyler Kasche – Becoming a Gaffer 04:51 The Colorado Gaffer 06:09 What does a Gaffer do on set? 09:49 Gaffers working well with DPs 12:05 Success on Set 14:19 Planning with Previz 15:43 How to Light a Scene 21:44 Special Lighting 23:25 Preferred Lighting Brands 25:56 Using Only One light source  27:47 Back Light Importance 29:20 Interview Lighting 31:59 Lighting Tricks 35:52 Outdoor Lighting 38:13 Advice for being a Successful Gaffer 41:22 The Importance of Networking 49:19 Advice for Directors 54:07 Working in Colorado 59:40 Follow Tyler’s Work

  8. Apr 3

    How Movies Actually Get Made and Sold | Set Talks with Nick Fiorella and Evan Alderson

    What does it really take to make a movie—from the firstscript to distribution? In this episode of Set Talks, host Nick Fiorella sits down with Producer, Director, and Visual Effects Artist Evan Alderson, an award-winning filmmaker with over two decades of experience across Hollywood studio films, indie productions, and commercial projects. Evan shares his unique journey from working on majorproductions at Paramount Pictures to stepping away from Hollywood and helping grow the film ecosystem in Colorado. Along the way, he dives into the realitiesof the film industry, including how movies actually get financed, the misconceptions filmmakers have about breaking into Hollywood, and why many creators are finding new opportunities outside Los Angeles. The conversation also explores Evan’s transition from actingto directing, how learning visual effects opened doors early in his career, and the lessons he learned working inside the studio system. Evan also discusses his current feature film project “Devil in the Trunk” and why he believes Colorado has the potential to become a major filmmaking hub. If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, producer, or creativelooking to understand how the film industry truly works—from studio politics to independent filmmaking—this episode offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at building a career in film.   The Film Intensive: https://www.filmintensive.com/ Follow Evan on Instagram @evan_alderson Follow Alderson Film Company @AldersonFilmCompany Follow Devil in the Trunk @devilinthetrunk www.devilinthetrunk.com   Set Talks is a podcast exploring the Colorado filmindustry and the creatives shaping it. Hosted by filmmaker Nick Fiorella, each episodefeatures conversations with filmmakers, actors, producers, crew, and industry leaders about storytelling, career strategy, and the future of film and television in Colorado. Follow Set Talks for more conversations with the creativesshaping the industry.   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   #SetTalks #FilmmakingPodcast #FilmIndustry #IndependentFilm#FilmProducer #FilmDirector #VisualEffects #VFXArtist #HollywoodFilmIndustry#StudioFilmmaking #IndieFilmmaking #FilmProduction #ScreenToScreen#ScriptToScreen #FilmDistribution #FilmmakerLife #AspiringFilmmakers#FilmCareer #FilmBusiness #ColoradoFilmIndustry #ColoradoFilmmakers#ColoradoFilm #DenverFilm #FilmCommunity #BehindTheScenesFilm #MakingMovies#FilmIndustryInsights #PodcastForFilmmakers #FilmPodcast #CreativeEntrepreneur   00:00 Introduction 01:40 Moving to LA 04:10 Evan Alderson, Actor turned Director 07:07 Getting into VFX 09:47 What really happens behind the scenes in Hollywood? 14:17 Hollywood to Colorado 17:51 Colorado Talent 18:28 The Film Intensive 22:56 Gun Safety on Set 26:36 Studio Film Funding & Distribution 28:46 Indie Film Funding & Distribution 34:23 Film Markets and Selling a Film 37:08 Devil in the Trunk – Script 41:00 Devil in the Trunk – Shoot 43:00 Devil in the Trunk – Distribution 46:01 Colorado’s Film Scene 53:28 Follow & Connect with Evan

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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
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Nick Fiorella Films
  • Show Website
    Set Talks