Colorado Names New Film Commissioner: Industry Veteran Lauren Grimshaw Sloan to Guide Growth of State’s Film, Television, Media Industry and Film Festivals

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) named Lauren Grimshaw Sloan as Colorado Film Commissioner. An entertainment professional with over 15 years of experience in the television, film and media industry, Sloan brings a rare combination of creative, operational and industry experience and leadership, including festival management and growth. Her blend of hands-on production knowledge, nationally recognized festival programming, and prior leadership within Colorado's film industry position her to guide its next phase of growth.

"Lauren Grimshaw Sloan is a film industry veteran. Her film, television and festival experience and her strong leadership qualities make her the perfect choice for Colorado's next Film Commissioner. Her unique mix of creative and business know-how will help set Colorado apart as a top location for visual storytelling and creative work. Welcome, Lauren!" said Governor Jared Polis.

Sloan was selected as Colorado Film Commissioner after a thorough review of more than 120 applicants conducted by a specially appointed hiring committee. Most recently, she served in senior leadership roles at SeriesFest, a Denver-based, annual festival dedicated to showcasing independent episodic storytelling and developing new talent in television. Among her many accomplishments at SeriesFest, Sloan oversaw professional development initiatives for emerging writers, filmmakers and executives, including the Women Directing Mentorship program in partnership with Shondaland, and programmed festival pilots and shorts. She also served as festival producer, overseeing all festival departments, contractors, budgets, and operations.

Sloan also served as Deputy Film Commissioner for Colorado from 2012 - 2016, attracting film production to the state and administering the Colorado Film Incentive. Her work helped bring "Furious 7" and "Cop Car" featuring Kevin Bacon to Colorado, among other films. Additionally, Sloan has worked as a producer and consultant on independent films and as a production executive at Red Crown Productions in New York. There, she worked on major independent films such as "What Maisie Knew" with Julianne Moore, "The Romantics" with Katie Holmes and "Goats" with David Duchovny.

"We have so much to celebrate in Colorado's film, television and media industry, with strong momentum and even greater opportunity ahead. Lauren's unique skillset, comprehensive experience and thoughtful vision will ensure we usher in this next phase of growth grounded in statewide engagement, collaboration and innovation," said OEDIT's Executive Director, Eve Lieberman.

Sloan joins OEDIT at an exciting time for the film, television and media industry in Colorado. The restructured Colorado Film Incentive provides expanded support for Colorado-based productions, initiatives such as the Film Exposure Program have expanded workforce development within the industry, and new programming will elevate film festivals across the state, including the relocation of the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder starting in 2027.

As Film Commissioner, Sloan will lead OEDIT's film, television and media team to build on this momentum with an emphasis on community engagement within Colorado's film, television and media industry; strategic rural investment and engagement; statewide workforce development; and the successful implementation of the Film Festival Tax Credit.

"This is a pivotal moment for Colorado's film, television and media industry, made possible by the hard work of industry professionals and economic development leaders across the state," said Lauren Grimshaw Sloan, Colorado Film Commissioner. "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. I am honored to step into this role and excited to work alongside OEDIT colleagues, our state's creative community and industry partners to shape what comes next."

Recognizing the inextricable link between film, arts and culture, Sloan will also help lead increased collaboration with Colorado Creative Industries (CCI).

"Lauren brings years of meaningful experience to her role as Film Commissioner, along with a professional warmth and commitment to building strong relationships. These qualities will undoubtedly lend themselves to enhanced collaboration across OEDIT and across the state. I am thrilled to welcome Lauren as Colorado's next Film Commissioner and look forward to working together," said Josh Blanchard, Director of Colorado Creative Industries.

Sloan begins her role as Colorado Film Commissioner on Jan. 22, 2025.

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.

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