Lauren Grimshaw Sloan has been named Colorado's new Film Commissioner, as announced by Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). Sloan, an industry veteran, is expected to bring over 15 years of experience to the role, which will involve guiding the growth of the state's film, television, and media industry and film festivals. "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," said Governor Polis in a recent announcement by the Colorado Governor's Office.
Chosen from a pool of more than 120 applicants, Sloan's appointment comes following a comprehensive selection process overseen by a hiring committee appointed for this purpose. Before this role, Sloan's career highlights include serving as a senior leader at SeriesFest, a festival focused on independent episodic storytelling, and she also contributed significantly to its professional development initiatives for emerging talents. During her tenure from 2012 to 2016 as Deputy Film Commissioner for Colorado, she played a crucial role in drawing high-profile productions to the state like "Furious 7" and "Cop Car," the latter starring Kevin Bacon.
"We have so much to celebrate in Colorado's film, television, and media industry, with strong momentum and even greater opportunity ahead," shared OEDIT's Executive Director, Eve Lieberman, as per the Colorado Governor's Office. Sloan is joining OEDIT during a period of expansion for the local entertainment industry, with the Colorado Film Incentive being restructured to better support Colorado-based productions. Initiatives such as the Film Exposure Program are designed to foster workforce development, and new programming is set to raise the profile of film festivals across the state.
Sloan's priorities as Film Commissioner include focusing on community engagement within the state's film, television, and media sectors, strategic rural investment, and workforce development. She's also expected to be central to the 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," Sloan stated, as obtained by the Colorado Governor's Office. Sloan will also work closely with Colorado Creative Industries, helping to bolster the link between film, arts, and culture throughout the state. Josh Blanchard, Director of Colorado Creative Industries, expressed his enthusiasm for Sloan's capabilities to build strong collaborations due to her extensive experience and professional demeanor.
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