The Boulder County Film Commission unveiled its first-ever Creative Directory during the Fall Schmoozer event on October 3, 2023. Held at the historic Dickens Opera House in Longmont, the gathering attracted over 300 filmmakers, photographers, designers, and digital professionals. This initiative aims to connect local creatives with businesses seeking their services, especially as the Sundance Film Festival prepares to relocate to Boulder in 2027.
Developed by Boulder County Film Commissioner Bruce Borowsky in collaboration with the Boulder Chamber, the Creative Directory features more than 200 local businesses and artists. The 76-page, full-color directory showcases a wide array of services, from aerial drone videography to talent agencies. According to a press release from the Boulder Chamber, the directory is designed to facilitate connections between the creative community and potential employers.
Printed copies of the directory were distributed during the event, with additional copies available at the Boulder Chamber, located at 2440 Pearl St., Boulder, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. A digital version is also accessible on the Boulder County Film Commission’s website.
Borowsky expressed his long-standing ambition to create this resource, stating, “This is something I’ve wanted to do for a number of years and hadn’t been able to figure out the best way to make it happen. With the support of the Boulder Chamber, I was finally able to make it happen.” He noted that local businesses often resort to hiring firms from Denver due to a lack of visibility for Boulder creatives online.
“This directory will help ensure people don’t have to look elsewhere,” Borowsky added. “We have everything right here. It’s very important to not only shop local but to work with local creative talent.”
The event featured remarks from Paula DuPré Pesman, managing director of the Sundance Film Festival for its Boulder iteration, and Jeff Levine, head of audience experience and development at the Sundance Institute. Their presence underscored the growing collaboration between the Boulder County Film Commission and Sundance organizers ahead of the festival’s move in 2027.
Guests mingled throughout the evening, sharing ideas and experiences, which Borowsky highlighted as a crucial aspect of fostering a creative community. He noted, “No matter how good the presentations are at these events, people truly just can’t wait to get back to networking. A lot of creative people work alone in their basements or living rooms, so these events give them a chance to meet others doing similar work and make connections that lead to real projects.”
The Film Commission also presented its annual Lifetime Achievement Award during the Schmoozer. This year’s honoree was the late Brad Gilbert, founder of People Productions in Boulder. His award was accepted by his ex-wife and son, following his passing in October 2024 at the age of 65.
Looking to the future, Borowsky announced plans for the next Schmoozer in February 2024, coinciding with the Sundance Film Festival’s final iteration in Utah before its transition to Boulder. He also revealed that Sundance is planning two major events in Boulder for 2026, including the inaugural Boulder Creative Expo, aimed at bridging local creatives with the business community.
“This initiative is all about community,” Borowsky concluded. “The next time a business needs a photographer or someone to make a video about their company, they’ll already have met them. That’s really what this work comes down to.”
For those interested in the Creative Directory, further details can be found at the Boulder County Film Commission’s website, and Sundance coverage will continue on dailycamera.com/sundance.
