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

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

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

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

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