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 SHAYLA
Instagram: @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

🎬 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

🎬 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

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

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

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

What does SAG-AFTRA actually do for actors—and how canindependent filmmakers work with union talent?

In this episode of Set Talks, host Nick Fiorellasits 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 Colorado local, advocating for actors across Colorado and Wyoming while helping strengthen the region’s growing film community.

Together, Nick and Sonny dive into:

• What SAG-AFTRA is and how the union protectsperformers
• How independent filmmakers can work with union actors (even onlow-budget projects)
• Common misconceptions about SAG contracts and minimums
• The role of unions in on-set safety, fair wages, and protecting actorlikeness
• How SAG-AFTRA is addressing AI and performer protections in theentertainment industry
• Why Colorado has incredible acting talent and why the state’s filmindustry is gaining momentum
• What the future looks like for film production in Colorado

They also discuss the growing collaboration across Colorado’s creative organizations, the momentum building in the local industry, and how actors and filmmakers can better connect to create more opportunities in the region.

If you’re an actor, filmmaker, producer, or creativeworking in Colorado, this episode is packed with insights about the industry, unions, and where the Colorado film community is heading next.

Learn more:
https://www.sagaftra.org/colorado

https://www.sagaftra.org/download-new-member-app

https://www.facebook.com/sagaftracolorado

Follow on Instagram @sagaftra

Follow Sonny on Instagram @sonnygactor

Sonny’s Work:

https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/sonnyG

Our Church Think’s we’re Dating: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9408462/

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 #ColoradoFilmIndustry #SAGAFTRA #ActorsLife#FilmmakingPodcast #FilmIndustryPodcast #ActingCareer #UnionActors #ActorsUnion#WorkingActor #ActingCommunity #ActorInterview #IndependentFilmmaking#FilmProduction #IndieFilm #FilmDirector #FilmmakersLife #ColoradoFilm#DenverFilm #ColoradoFilmmakers #ColoradoActors #FilmColorado

00:00 Introduction

02:39 Sonny G

04:02 President of SAG-AFTRA Colorado

06:49 The local Colorado scene

11:53 What is SAG-AFTRA?

13:56 Will AI replace actors?

15:06 Sonny’s message to the community

18:46 Is working with SAG-AFTRA difficult?

25:37 Elevate your production with SAG-AFTRA

27:03 Misconceptions about SAG-AFTRA

28:31 Tips for working with SAG-AFTRA

32:53 Colorado Film Industry

39:13 Working as an Actor in Colorado

42:12 Is Colorado ready for the film industry?

48:11 A successful Colorado Film Industry

50:22 Follow SAG-AFTRA and get involved