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

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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