Meet Claire Taylor of SeriesFest in Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Taylor.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Claire. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was grew up in Keystone, Colorado. (yes, people actually raise their kids there). Growing up in the mountains, I was surrounded by extreme sports and extreme natural beauty, and somehow this sparked a deep passion for theater and the arts. I chose to follow this love and headed to the University of Northern Colorado to pursue a theater degree. After college, I sold my car and moved to New York City (where I had never been).

I spent seven years in New York chasing the theater dream and focused on applying my passion for storytelling through producing theater and television for Triptyk Studios based in NYC (An American In Paris, Amelie: The Musical, Xanadu).

New York will always be a home to me, but I was ready for a change! I was set to move to LA and continue my work with Triptyk Studios. As I was packing my things and heading west, I had a conversation with Randi Kleiner and Kaily Smith Westbrook about a new festival they were starting in Denver, CO. The opportunity to move back to my home state was too much of a sign, so I jumped on the chance to join the SeriesFest team.

SeriesFest is heading into it’s sixth season! June 18th-24 in Denver.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The most exciting part of working as a producer on the stage, screen or in events is that it’s never predictable. Every project comes with new challenges that may test you at the time but ultimately elevate the experience.

I wouldn’t say its been a smooth road, or a road I knew I could take at all. A lot of what was taught to me about making film, TV, or theater was about being in front of the camera. Producing wasn’t really taught in the same way that it is now. So I had to learn from just throwing my self into the fray and embracing everything that I didn’t know as a chance to learn, instead of being something to be afraid of or an excuse to limit myself.

As for the challenges of working in TV, this industry is shifting in huge ways every year. Which is very exciting for us at SeriesFest because we get to learn alongside the independent creators that we champion. There is no right way to tell a story. The growing landscape is allowing filmmakers to create at an exciting new level and gives us the opportunity to showcase them.

We’d love to hear more about your organization.
SeriesFest is a non-profit organization dedicated to championing artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling. With year-round educational programs, initiatives supporting underserved voices, and professional development opportunities, SeriesFest inspires, educates, and connects a worldwide community of creators. Each June, SeriesFest culminates in a highly-curated and celebrated Denver-based festival and marketplace.

As Director of Programming, I oversee all programming for year-round initiatives and the festival including the Pitch-A-Thon!, Digital Short Series, Late Night, Storytellers Initiative, and Independent Pilot Competitions.

I’m most proud of our diversity in programming. It very serious for me to spotlight stories that are innovative and have personal connection to the creators who build these worlds. In the five years (going into our sixth) of SeriesFest, our small team has accomplished some amazing things. Launching meaningful and impactful initiatives, including the Women Directing Mentorship in partnership with Shondaland.

SeriesFest is so exciting to work for on the daily. We spend time everyday finding ways to elevate opportunities and build a connected community of storytellers. Part of what makes us different is the exclusive focus on episodic content and professional development opportunities in the TV Industry. Oh, and we are probably most known for the Centerpiece event at Red Rocks where we celebrate a new series every year and pair it with an incredible musical experience. Previous years include series from BBC, CNN, Paramount Network, IFC, and musical performances from John Legend, Sia, Common, Lady Antebellum, and Stevie Wonder.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1550 Wewatta Street, Suite 820
  Denver, CO 80202
• Website: www.seriesfest.com
• Email: info@seriesfest.com
• Instagram: seriesfest
• Facebook: seriesfest
• Twitter: seriesfest

Image Credit:
photos by Dog Daze Photo, Susie Wolcott, Patrick MacLeod

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