Colorado Gov. Jarid Polis announced today that he has appointed Lauren Grimshaw Sloan as the new Colorado Film Commissioner. The news comes on the eve of Park City’s final go-round as the host of Sundance Film Festival (Jan. 22-Feb. 1) before moving from Utah to Boulder, Colo., next year.
“Lauren Grimshaw Sloan is a film industry veteran,” said Gov. Polis 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. Her unique mix of creative and business know-how will help set Colorado apart as a top location for visual storytelling and creative work.”
Sloan most recently served in senior leadership roles at SeriesFest, a Denver-based festival dedicated to showcasing independent episodic storytelling and developing new television talent. There, she oversaw professional development initiatives for emerging writers, filmmakers and execs, including the Women Directing Mentorship program in partnership with Shondaland, and programmed festival pilots and shorts. She also worked as festival producer, overseeing all festival departments, contractors, budgets, and operations.
From 2012 to 2016, Sloan was Colorado’s deputy film commissioner, helping bring such films as “Furious 7” and “Cop Car,” starring Kevin Bacon, to the Centennial State. She has also served as a producer and consultant on independent films and a production executive at New York’s Red Crown Productions, where she worked on independent films including “What Maisie Knew,” starring Julianne Moore, “The Romantics,” starring Katie Holmes, and “Goats,” starring David Duchovny.
Colorado offers a 20% refundable tax credit for feature films, television pilots and series, music videos, industrials, documentaries and video game design and creation, with a 2% bump for projects produced in a designated Enterprise Zone. It’s not particularly generous compared to the 40% tax credits offered in fellow western states California and New Mexico, but the impending arrival of Sundance creates an enticing opportunity.
“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 Sloan, whose first day on the job is the Thursday, opening day of Sundance. “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.”
