Colorado Governor Jarid Polis has named Lauren Grimshaw Sloan as the state's new film commissioner, just before the Sundance Film Festival's final year in Park City. The appointment coincides with Sundance's planned move to Boulder next year. Sloan's experience in film production and festivals positions her to boost Colorado's media industry.
On January 20, 2026, Colorado Governor Jarid Polis announced the appointment of Lauren Grimshaw Sloan as the new Colorado Film Commissioner. This decision arrives on the eve of the Sundance Film Festival's last hosting in Park City, Utah, from January 22 to February 1, before the event relocates to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027.
Governor Polis praised Sloan's background in a statement: “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.” Sloan's first day in the role falls on the opening Thursday of Sundance.
Sloan brings extensive experience to the position. Most recently, she held senior leadership roles at SeriesFest, a Denver-based festival focused on independent episodic storytelling and emerging television talent. There, she managed professional development programs, including the Women Directing Mentorship in partnership with Shondaland, and handled programming for pilots and shorts. She also served as festival producer, overseeing departments, budgets, and operations.
From 2012 to 2016, Sloan was Colorado’s deputy film commissioner, contributing to productions like “Furious 7” and “Cop Car,” which starred Kevin Bacon. Earlier, she worked as a producer and consultant on independent films and as a production executive at New York’s Red Crown Productions, involved in projects such as “What Maisie Knew” with Julianne Moore, “The Romantics” featuring Katie Holmes, and “Goats” starring David Duchovny.
Colorado provides a 20% refundable tax credit for feature films, television pilots and series, music videos, industrials, documentaries, and video game design, with an additional 2% for projects in designated Enterprise Zones. While less generous than the 40% credits in California and New Mexico, the Sundance relocation offers new potential. Sloan commented: “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. 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.”
