Lauren Grimshaw Sloan
Colorado has named longtime industry leader Lauren Grimshaw Sloan as the state’s new film commissioner, a move that comes at a critical moment as the state prepares to welcome the Sundance Film Festival beginning in 2027 and positions itself for sustained growth in film, television and media production.
Gov. Jared Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade announced the appointment Tuesday, citing Sloan’s more than 15 years of experience spanning film production, festival leadership and statewide film policy Colorado Names New Film Commiss….
Sloan steps into the role as Colorado’s screen industries enter a period of heightened national visibility. The upcoming relocation of the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder will bring unprecedented global attention to the state’s creative economy, increasing demand for production infrastructure, workforce readiness and coordination across urban and rural communities alike.
“Lauren Grimshaw Sloan is a film industry veteran,” Polis said in a statement. “Her film, television and festival experience and her strong leadership qualities make her the perfect choice for Colorado’s next film commissioner” Colorado Names New Film Commiss….
Sloan was selected following a competitive national search that drew more than 120 applicants. Most recently, she served in senior leadership roles at SeriesFest, a Denver-based festival dedicated to episodic storytelling and emerging television talent. At SeriesFest, Sloan oversaw professional development initiatives, festival programming and large-scale operations, including nationally recognized mentorship programs supporting new and underrepresented voices in the industry.
Her festival background is seen as particularly relevant as Colorado prepares to host Sundance, one of the world’s most influential film festivals. State officials say Sloan’s experience managing complex, high-profile events and fostering industry relationships will be essential to ensuring Colorado is ready to meet the moment.
Sloan previously served as Colorado’s deputy film commissioner from 2012 to 2016. During that time, she helped attract major productions to the state, including “Furious 7” and “Cop Car,” while administering the Colorado Film Incentive program Colorado Names New Film Commiss….
She joins OEDIT as the state rolls out a restructured film incentive, expands workforce development through programs such as the Film Exposure Program, and implements a new Film Festival Tax Credit designed to support festivals across Colorado. As film commissioner, Sloan will lead efforts focused on community engagement, strategic rural investment and statewide workforce development.
“This is a pivotal moment for Colorado’s film, television and media industry,” Sloan said in a statement. “We have an incredible opportunity to build lasting infrastructure, expand opportunity for creators and crews, and strengthen Colorado’s position as a premier destination for storytelling” Colorado Names New Film Commiss….
For regional film commissions, including the Pueblo Regional Film Commission, Sloan’s appointment signals an opportunity to ensure communities beyond the Front Range are included in the economic and cultural benefits tied to Sundance and other statewide initiatives. Pueblo’s diverse locations, historic architecture and growing creative workforce position the region to play a meaningful role as Colorado’s production ecosystem expands.
Sloan will also work closely with Colorado Creative Industries to strengthen collaboration between film, arts and culture statewide. She officially begins her role as Colorado film commissioner on Jan. 22.
As Colorado prepares for its largest moment on the global film stage, state and regional leaders say Sloan’s leadership will be central to translating momentum into long-term opportunity across the state.
About Colorado Creative Industries
Colorado Creative Industries is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Established to capitalize on the immense potential for our creative sector to enhance economic growth in Colorado, the mission of Colorado Creative Industries is to promote, support and expand the creative industries to drive Colorado’s economy, grow jobs and enhance our quality of life. For more information, visit oedit.colorado.gov/colorado-creative-industries.
About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.