Rene Estes

Executive Film & Media Education Leader specializing in SaaS learning platforms

RENÉ ESTES, LLCUniversity of Colorado BoulderColorado, State19 Years ExperienceExecutive Level

Connect with Rene

Rene already has a relationship with Reval, so a warm intro from us gets a much better response than cold outreach.

Typically responds within 24 hours

Recommended

Already have an account?

About

Founder of René Estes, LLC and creator of Video Mentor, an ed-tech SaaS platform for teaching video production and film criticism, initially built after a $2M partnership exit/settlement and later paused/repositioned during the pandemic. Now seeking a co-founder and weighing fundraising vs. continued product refinement; also focused on growing Colorado’s film industry (sound stage expansion) and was selected for the cover of Top 100 Innovators and Entrepreneurs 2026.

Hire with Reval

Find your next great hire

Our AI agents source, screen, and vet candidates for your open roles. Get qualified candidates within 48 hours.

$250one-time kickoff

10%on successful hire

Post a Role90-day money-back guarantee

Key Strengths

Built an ed-tech SaaS platform (Video Mentor) for interactive, on-demand video courses
User-driven product development (interviewed coaches/influencers; prototype tested with small group)
Go-to-market execution using partnerships and organic channels (influencers, commission/stake models, beta advocates)
Entrepreneurial track record with significant exit/settlement ($2M) used to fund product build
Clear mission focus on empowering filmmakers/critics and expanding film industry infrastructure in Colorado

Like what you see? We'll introduce you to Rene directly.

Experience

Principal UX/UI Designer, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (Video Mentor Platform)The Video Mentor · Jan 2018 – Present

CEO | Founder | Principal FilmmakerThe Video Mentor · Jun 2017 – Present

Founder | Script Writer | Director | FilmmakerEstes Films · Jun 2017 – Present

Founder | Strategy ConsultantRENÉ ESTES, LLC · Jan 2007 – Presentfreelance

CEO | Founder| Principal ConsultantLiving in Synergy, LLC · Jan 2007 – Dec 2024

Education

University of Colorado Boulderbachelor, Critical Studies of Film as an Art Form and Production

University of Southern Mississippibachelor, Geology

Awards

Professional recognition from Denton Black Film Festival leadership ("exceptionally clear, well-organized, and insightful, strengthening team decision-making")
Professional recognition from Colorado PTAC leadership ("operational and financial discipline and delivering projects on time and to the highest standards")
Professional recognition from Claire Bahn Group ("translating complex technical concepts into accessible guidance, fostering collaboration, and balancing donor intent, policy, and compliance with diplomacy and precision")

Skills

Mentoring SaaS Operations management Budgeting Strategic planningFilmmakingFilm directingFilm producingScreenwritingDocumentary filmmakingNarrative developmentStorytellingStory frameworksCultural analysisCultural scholarship

Languages

English

Certifications

Certification Film Commissioner (Association Film Commissioner International) (Anticipated December 2025)Executive Presence & Influence (Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania) (2022)Applied Business Certification (Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder) (2017)Certified Fearless Living Life Coach (Fearless Living Institute) (2007)