Colorado Film Commissioner Takes Reins As Sundance Shifts to Boulder
Gov. Jared Polis has appointed Lauren Grimshaw Sloan as Colorado's new Film Commissioner, beginning January 22, 2025, to oversee expanded film incentives and festival programs expected to channel production spending toward Northern Colorado as the Sundance Film Festival relocates to Boulder in 2027.
Sloan takes over as Colorado chases film-driven jobs and tourism at a pivotal moment: Sundance moves to Boulder in 2027, and a new Film Festival Tax Credit is rolling out statewide. Larimer and Weld counties stand to benefit if she executes on her mandate for strategic rural investment.
"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!" Polis said in a statement.
Sloan brings more than 15 years of entertainment industry experience to the role. At Denver-based SeriesFest, she led the Women Directing Mentorship program in partnership with Shondaland and managed festival departments, budgets and operations. From 2012 to 2016, she served as Colorado's Deputy Film Commissioner, overseeing incentives that attracted productions including "Furious 7" and "Cop Car."
As Film Commissioner, Sloan will lead the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade's film, television and media division. Her priorities include workforce development, strategic rural investment, and implementing the new Film Festival Tax Credit, according to OEDIT.
The Colorado film incentive offers a 20–22 percent tax credit on qualified Colorado spending. Out-of-state productions must spend at least $1 million; in-state companies, $100,000. At least half the crew must be Colorado residents.
Colorado's film incentive has generated approximately $170.9 million in economic impact across 55 counties and supported more than 5,600 cast and crew positions since inception, according to the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media.
"Raven and Blackjack," a television pilot, generated $123,216 in Colorado spending, hired 42 of 45 workers locally, and received a $23,354 incentive. "The Engagement Plot," filmed in Colorado Springs, reported $739,634 in local spending, 48 local crew members, and a $147,000 incentive.
Sloan will oversee the Film Festival Tax Credit and guide Sundance's 2027 move to Boulder—a shift expected to drive festival tourism and related events in Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley.
The Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media maintains more than 800 crew members and 800 searchable locations statewide, plus a Reel-Scout location directory and regional film liaisons to support productions.
"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 said. "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."