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...

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...

🎬 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 B...

🎬 What makes a movie feel cinematic? 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...

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 filmm...

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...

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 majorprod...

What does SAG-AFTRA actually do for actors—and how canindependent filmmakers work with union talent? In this episode of Set Talks, host Nick Fiorella sits down with Sonny G , President of SAG-AFTRA Colorado , to break down the realities of working as a performer in today’s film and television industry. Sonny has spent nearly two decades performing on stage andscreen and now leads the SAG-AFTRA Col...

In this episode of Set Talks – Colorado’s Film IndustryPodcast , host Nick Fiorella sits down with media strategist,producer, and entrepreneur Julie Ann Crommett to discuss how creatives can build a powerful personal brand that opens doors in the entertainment industry. Julie Ann Crommett is the Founder & CEO of CollectiveMoxie , a global storytelling and narrative strategy firm that advises s...

In this episode of Set Talks , Nick Fiorella sits downwith Gabriella Harris, Marketing Committee member and Newsletter & SOCO Coordinator for Women in Film & Media Colorado, to discuss the upcoming WIFMCO Industry Fair happening February 27–28, 2026 . The WIFMCO Industry Fair is one of the most valuableprofessional development events in the Colorado film industry, designed for emerging cre...

In this episode of Set Talks , host Nick Fiorella sitsdown with Noah Smith , President of the Colorado Film & Video Association (CFVA) , to discuss the current state of Colorado’s film and video industry and what’s ahead in 2026. Noah shares insights into the CFVA’s mission, how they’resupporting filmmakers across Colorado, and what attendees can expect from the upcoming State of the State of...

What does it really mean to make a living getting hit,flipped, and thrown—for the camera? On this episode of Set Talks , Nick Fiorella talks with stunt performers Cameron Carter and Tara Fox about life inside the stunt world across film, television, and video games . From high-risk coordination to motion-capture performance, they unpack the skills, discipline, and teamwork required to safely deliv...

In this episode of Set Talks , host Nick Fiorella sits down with Colorado filmmakers Billy Jack and Justin Cole , two of the founders of Sparrow Street Films . Fresh off producing their first two feature films — Sparrow Street and The Silicant — Billy and Justin share what they’ve learned building an independent production company in Colorado’s growing film community. The conversation dives deep i...

On this episode of Set Talks , I sit down with Elizabeth Mihelich , Founder & CEO of Inspired Idea Productions and one of Colorado’s most respected Line Producers. With credits on Aporia , Welcome to the Fishbowl , Go Love Go , and a wide range of commercials and indie films, Elizabeth brings a rare blend of Type-A precision and creative intuition to every project she touches. Together, we div...

On this episode of Set Talks , host Nick Fiorella sits down with Shawna Schultz — filmmaker, VFX Artist, community advocate, and board member of the Colorado Film & Video Association (CFVA). Together, they dive into how Colorado’s Film, TV, and video production community is coming together to shape the future of the industry. Shawna shares updates on the 2024 FAMCO Industry Town Hall (November...

On this episode of Set Talks , host Nick Fiorella sits down with Becky Donnelly to talk about her 12-year journey as a professional makeup artist working in the Colorado film, TV, and video production industry . Becky, a Local IATSE 7 Licensed Artist , shares insights into what it takes to work in makeup, collaborate on narrative films, and bring characters to life through both beauty and special...

In this episode of Set Talks , host Nick Fiorella sitsdown with Noah Smith, the newly appointed president of the Colorado Film and Video Association (CFVA). Noah shares his filmmaking journey—from early Lego stop-motion experiments to professional projects with Liquid Life Productions and his current role at the University of Denver. He reflects on the evolution of Colorado’s film scene, his visio...

In this episode, I sit down with Allen McLain , owner of SkyTheory Studio in Denver, Colorado. Based in the heart of the RiNo Arts District , SkyTheory is a multidisciplinary production studio with a soundstage and creative offices that serve as a hub for innovative video content. Their work spans commercials, non-profit storytelling, web series, music programming, documentary, and feature film de...

🎙️ On this episode of Set Talks , host Nick Fiorella sits down with Stephanie Sunata , the new Director of Cine Fe , a Colorado nonprofit dedicated to elevating local voices in film, television, and video production. Stephanie shares her journey as a filmmaker, the missionbehind Cine Fe, and how they are building programs to support Colorado filmmakers . We also dive into important conversations a...

In this episode of Set Talks , host Nick Fiorella interviews Maureen Maloney , the newly appointed president of Women in Film & Media Colorado (WIFMCO) . WIFMCO is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women, transgender, and non-binary filmmakers, actors, and mediaprofessionals across all areas of screen-based storytelling. Maureen shares her journey as a filmmaker, educator, andadvocate, and d...

On this episode of Set Talks , host Nick Fiorella sits down with two rising talents in the Colorado film scene: writer/directorMatt Smaldone and actor J.T. Melaragno , the creative force behind the gripping new indie feature The Scars of Our Hands . Inspired by the enduring mythology of Arthurian legend, thismodern western thriller unfolds against the rugged beauty of the Colorado Rockies. But the...

On this episode of Set Talks , host Nick Fiorella sits down with Nathan Havey, son of founder Jim Havey, and Matt Sandoval, writer, producer, and post-production coordinator at Havey Pro—a Colorado-based documentary film company. We dive into their latest projects, the evolution of the company, and why storytelling continues to be a powerful force for change. Tune in to hear how Havey Pro uses fil...

On this episode of Set Talks , host Nick Fiorella sitsdown with Dannielle Stewart, the social media and newsletter manager for the Colorado Film and Video Association (CFVA). Dannielle shares her insights onthe critical role social media plays in the film, television, and video production industry—especially for freelancers, creatives, and production companies looking to grow their presence and co...

In this episode of Set Talks , host Nick Fiorella sits down with Meredith Badler, Deputy Director of the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA), to explore how CBCA is driving meaningful change across Colorado’s creative industries. From powerful arts advocacy to essential resources for filmmakers and production companies, Meredith shares insights into how CBCA supports media professional...

In this episode of Set Talks , host Nick Fiorella sits down with Britta Erickson — a powerhouse in the Denver film scene . Asan accomplished independent film producer , festival programmer, and event strategist, Britta has played a major role in shaping Colorado's film industry through her work with Denver Film , SeriesFest , and many other organizations across the state. We dive into: 🔹The r...