Kevin Shand
Aurora,CO
Summary
Film industry leader with proven expertise in managing film commission offices and executing successful production initiatives. Achieved over $900K in grant funding while attracting major projects, showcasing exceptional budget management and strategic planning capabilities. Committed to fostering collaboration and driving growth within the creative sector.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adjunct Instructor
Community College of Aurora
Aurora, CO
08.2023 - Current
- Instructed courses in Creative Producing, Independent Producing, and Film/Video Business to prepare students for film industry careers.
- Revamped curriculum by incorporating guest lectures from industry professionals for enhanced real-world exposure.
- Supervised department internship program to facilitate student professional development.
- Established partnership with SeriesFest to strengthen industry connections and expand student opportunities.
Producer | President
Pedras Productions | Main Man Films
Denver, CO
04.2011 - Current
- Managed script development and production for various feature films and television projects, aligning with distribution goals.
- Formulated and executed strategic plans to drive company growth and project success.
- Participated in development processes for significant projects, including Katakata, Singletrack: The Movie, Project Zeus, and Broader Horizons.
- Collaborated with government agencies to ensure compliance with film incentive applications.
- Oversaw financial projections for diverse film and television portfolios.
- Successfully released 'Katakata' and 'Infrared Dreams' on major platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Tubi.
- Crafted private placement memorandum for film development, adhering to US Securities regulations for one million dollars.
- Validated film incentive application submissions through consultations for the State of Alaska.
Film Commissioner | Manager
Cherokee Nation Film Office
08.2021 - 10.2022
- Spearheaded Native American film incentive program, creating over 800 jobs through strategic process leadership.
- Attracted 13 film projects with projected $17M spend within nine months of program launch.
- Conditionally approved $1.4M in rebates to boost local film industry growth.
- Enhanced Cherokee Nation Film Office's digital presence, improving engagement by 500% via a website revamp.
- Engaged in discussions with studio executives and filmmakers to draw future projects to Cherokee Nation.
- Expanded influence by coordinating sponsorships for events like SeriesFest and the American Film Market.
- Developed and executed monthly newsletter, broadening social media presence across platforms.
- Led team to increase user engagement and content accessibility through enhanced digital strategies.
Film Commissioner | Director
Colorado Office of Film, Television & Media
Denver, CO
07.2009 - 02.2011
- Controlled comprehensive annual operating budget of $325K, optimizing resource allocation and minimizing costs.
- Collaborated with bipartisan legislators to expand film incentive legislation and enhance application approvals.
- Fostered strategic partnerships with community organizations to promote Colorado as a premier filming destination.
- Directed public relations and marketing campaigns, elevating organizational profile within the industry.
- Organized industry events, including Colorado Media Leaders Roundtable, enhancing collaboration among creative sectors.
- Crafted grant proposals that secured over $50K from Colorado Tourism Office, overseeing grant reporting.
- Developed state's film incentive program, approving $13M in production funding and creating over 600 jobs.
- Elected to Association of Film Commissioners International Board of Directors, advocating for peers’ interests globally.
Executive Director
Colorado Film Commission
Denver, CO
12.2005 - 06.2009
- Established strong collaboration with key stakeholders, including legislators, lobbyists, and industry professionals to champion film incentive legislation and attain significant expansion of Colorado's film industry.
- Managed the annual operating budget of $400K and oversaw employee benefits with a focus on ensuring fiscal responsibility and workforce well-being.
- Cultivated dynamic team environment with defined objectives to promote staff engagement and accountability.
- Spearheaded statewide grassroots legislative marketing campaign to garner support for film industry, while leading strategic planning process to define clear goals and measurable outcomes.
- Recruited major film, television, and commercial productions with budget of $7M+ in Colorado through development and expansion of film incentives.
- Authored and led grant applications, securing over $900K in funding from the Office of Economic Development for the operations of Film Office and to increase instate film production.
- Developed and headed board development program to improve organizational governance and strategic direction.
- Represented Commission's interests in local, regional, and national outlets as principal media spokesperson.
- Secured grant funding from Colorado Economic Development Commission, impacting Commission's initiatives and outreach.
- Recognized state's as premier filming destination through robust partnerships with national film/television entities and local communities.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies, with concentration in Organizational Communication & Minor in Journalism
California State University Stanislaus
Turlock, CASkills
- Film production expertise
- Stakeholder engagement
- Location scouting
- Community relations
- Creative project oversight
- Budget management
- Resource optimization
- Film commission operations
- Creative problem-solving
- Legislative advocacy
- Policy development
- Event planning
- Proposal writing
- Written communication
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Business administration
- Adaptability in dynamic environments
Certification
- Certified Film Commissioner, Association of Film Commissioners International, One of the first six individuals globally to earn recognition
- Career and Technical Credential, Colorado State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education
Timeline
Adjunct Instructor
Community College of Aurora
08.2023 - Current
Film Commissioner | Manager
Cherokee Nation Film Office
08.2021 - 10.2022
Producer | President
Pedras Productions | Main Man Films
04.2011 - Current
Film Commissioner | Director
Colorado Office of Film, Television & Media
07.2009 - 02.2011
Executive Director
Colorado Film Commission
12.2005 - 06.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies, with concentration in Organizational Communication & Minor in Journalism
California State University Stanislaus