Colorado names Lauren Grimshaw Sloan as new film commissioner ahead of Sundance move

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.

Colorado’s Sundance Moment: What the Festival’s Move to Boulder Means for the Rest of the State

Photo by Kim Pluskota | CSU Pueblo Buell Communications Center

In a landmark decision that has energized Colorado’s creative economy, the Sundance Institute announced that the Sundance Film Festival will relocate to Boulder beginning in 2027. The move has been met with celebration across the state, but it also raises important questions and opportunities for communities like Pueblo that stand to benefit from the broader impact of hosting the world’s premier independent film festival.

Governor Jared Polis welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm, calling it a “huge benefit for our small businesses” and a reflection of Colorado’s status as a leader in arts and culture. The City of Boulder, Visit Boulder, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the Boulder Chamber worked in partnership with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade to submit the winning proposal. Their collaborative pitch highlighted Boulder’s strong creative ecosystem, scenic beauty, and hospitality infrastructure.

The state’s support includes a robust $70 million investment, combining $34 million in local incentives and a $34 million statewide tax credit authorized through recent legislation. The deal, which unfolded over many months, involved a coalition of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, including House Majority Leader Monica Duran, Senator Judy Amabile, and Senator Mark Baisley.

Charlene Hoffman, CEO of Visit Boulder, called the decision a "historic moment" that celebrates community collaboration and artistic excellence. She added that the festival’s presence will help local businesses thrive during a season that typically sees reduced visitor traffic.

Economic Impact and Creative Promise

The financial case is compelling. According to a report from the Sundance Institute, the 2024 festival in Utah generated $132 million in gross domestic product, $13.8 million in tax revenue, and created more than 1,700 jobs. The festival drew over 72,000 attendees, with approximately one-third traveling from outside the state.

Bringing that kind of economic momentum to Colorado is no small feat. Leaders from tourism bureaus, chambers of commerce, and local governments across the state are already preparing to absorb the potential ripple effects.

In Pueblo, the Regional Film Commission is evaluating how Southern Colorado can align with the moment. Pueblo offers authentic locations, lower production costs, and a rich cultural history that could appeal to the independent filmmakers Sundance attracts.

“This is not just a win for Boulder,” said Gregory Howell, acting commissioner of the Pueblo Regional Film Commission. “It is a chance for the entire state to rise together. Pueblo is ready to step forward with our own creative contributions and community support.”

A New Lens on Regional Participation

Several satellite efforts are already being explored. The University of Colorado Boulder is planning educational collaborations tied to the festival, and the Boulder International Film Festival has signaled interest in forming complementary programming.

Other regions are preparing to do the same. Estes Park is expected to host events as part of the 2027 rollout. Denver officials, including Mayor Mike Johnston, expressed their eagerness to link existing arts venues and talent pipelines to the Sundance infrastructure.

This broader approach opens the door for Pueblo to make its case as a regional player. With organizations like the Pueblo Star Journal, Blo Back Gallery, and a growing base of student media talent at CSU Pueblo and PCC, the groundwork already exists to support screenings, workshops, and artist residencies. Pueblo’s active festival lineup, including the Short International Student Film Awards (SISFA), KickAss Film Fest, and the Pueblo Film Fest, further underscores the community’s engagement with independent film and visual storytelling.

“The success of this transition depends on how inclusive and collaborative it becomes,” Howell said. “We see Sundance as a cultural bridge, not a destination with walls.”

Creative Voices and Industry Concerns

Despite the overall excitement, some filmmakers remain skeptical. While Sundance brings prestige, it does not guarantee growth in actual film production. Producers like Patrick Hackett and Roe Moore have pointed out that other states still offer more competitive film incentives, which makes it harder for Colorado to retain production crews and major projects.

“We have the talent and the landscapes,” Hackett said. “But incentives still drive decisions. Until we fix that, we will lose projects to other places.”

State officials say they are aware of the gap and hope that the momentum from Sundance will inspire further policy changes. Leaders at the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media are expected to revisit the state’s production tax credit program later this year.

Next Steps for Pueblo

Pueblo’s path forward involves action and vision. The Pueblo Regional Film Commission is launching a summer task force to develop new programming, engage educators and creatives, and prepare a formal plan to integrate Sundance-related initiatives into local economic development strategies.

Howell said that the next two years are critical. “We do not need to wait for 2027. We need to organize now.”

He added that the Pueblo Star Journal will serve as a media partner for community storytelling, providing coverage, context, and calls to action as this statewide effort unfolds.

Conclusion

The relocation of the Sundance Film Festival marks a turning point for Colorado’s cultural identity and creative economy. It is an invitation for communities across the state to connect, create, and contribute.

In Howell’s words: “This is Colorado’s Sundance moment. Let us make sure Pueblo has a voice in it.”

Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media Showcases New Developments in the Film Industry

Kennedy Pugh opens the Mindful Awareness Festival Awards Ceremony at Watertower Place on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

On Saturday, June 11, 2002 Kennedy Pugh and the Rocky Mountain Creative Experience celebrated the conclusion of the Mindful Awareness Festival 2022 with a special presentation by the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media (COFTM) and the Pueblo Regional Film Commission.

Acting Pueblo Regional Film Commissioner Gregory Howell welcomed the attendees with an introduction to Hasti Soltani who is the Program Manager of the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media (COFTM). Soltani’s complete slide presentation is included below along with a list of resources that were shared during the Q & A portion of the presentation.

Presentation by Hasti Soltani, Program Manager of the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media (COFTM) Hasti Soltani - OEDIT <hasti.soltani@state.co.us>

COFTM Program Manager Soltani also provided the attendees with a list of networking opportunities and resources to help navigate the current landscape of the film industry in Colorado.

Professional groups and networking opportunities:

Colorado Film and Video Association (CFVA)

Women in Film and Media Colorado (WIFMCO)

Industry Facebook groups:

F.I.N.D Film Industry Networking Denver

C.R.E.W. Colorado Resources for Entertainment Workers.

Resources on the COFTM website:

How to Find a Film Job in Colorado

Colorado Film Partners

eSports:

Game On! eSports Colorado documentary

Panel discussion

Other OEDIT resources:

Colorado Creative Industries and all of their programs and funding opportunities

All of OEDIT's programs and funding opportunities- for folks with small businesses, there may be something applicable here

Leeds Business School Economic Outlook

Colorado Economic Business Outlook 2022- our section starts on page 60

If attendees have any additional questions or are looking for other resources, feel free to reach out to Hasti Soltani directly at hasti.soltani@state.colorado.us or the general film office email at film@state.co.us.

introduction to creative incubator cine fe

On behalf of Executive Director John Van Wyck, Commissioner Howell introduced Cine Fe which is the powerful creative incubator for Colorado filmmakers, committed to identifying and supporting underrepresented voices. Here is what they do:

John Van Wyck

Co-Founder and Executive Director

• Cine Fe is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Colorado filmmakers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

• They work one-on-one with filmmakers from across the state, providing mentorship and consultation to help filmmakers make their best work and build their careers.

• Cine Fe also conducts research and advocacy for Colorado filmmaking, and this year will be releasing the findings of a three-year study that was commissioned by Colorado Creative Industries and Denver Arts & Venues, with assistance from the Colorado Office of Film, Television, and Media and Colorado State University.

• Cine Fe is run by John Van Wyck (pron: WIKE) who has over a decade of experience in the film industry as a Creative Executive, and who was involved in such films such as Beasts of the Southern Wild, Sorry to Bother You, and The Florida Project, prior to founding Cine Fe.

PUEBLO FILM CREW AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Commissioner Howell also announced the creation of the new Pueblo Film Crew and Support Services Directory which aims to help Pueblo County’s regional film industry workforce showcase their skills and services to producers who are considering filming here. There is no cost for cast, crew, and support services to register in the directory. We encourage all industry professionals including pre-production resources, production staff and technical crew, producers and production companies, equipment and stages, post production facilities, and support services to register.

The listing will take about 10 minutes to complete. You will not need to register to browse the directory. We plan to publish the online directory in August 2022. Below is a sampling of the crew and support services job titles that will be in the database.

CREW

You are likely crew if you are on the production’s payroll. Crew includes:

• art department

• camera

• casting

• construction

• costume

• directors

• editors

• make-up

• location managers

• sound

• special effects

SUPPORT SERVICES

Support services are mainly vendors including:

• accommodations

• catering services

• equipment

• rentals

• legal

• production companies

• prop rentals

• security

• talent management

• transportation