New Original Scripted Web Series, "Pushing Twilight," is Winner of IFC Media Lab ’After Hours’ Contest Co-Produced by Red Bull
Series Marks First Production for IFC Media Lab Studios
New York, NY – August 15, 2008 – IFC today unveiled Pushing Twilight, the new original scripted web series for IFC.com that won the network’s Media Lab Studios Red Bull ’After Hours’ Web Series Challenge. The contest asked filmmakers to submit 4-minute videos or trailers that explore what happens when the rest of the world goes to sleep, and a new set of rules, attitudes, and possibilities open up. Pushing Twilight is the first production for Media Lab Studios, IFC’s open source independent film studio offering financing, professional development and real-world experience to aspiring filmmakers. The launch of Media Lab Studios and the Pushing Twilight series is both co-produced and presented by Red Bull.
Created by director Steven Sprinkles and writer Stu Chait, Pushing Twilight focuses on a group of disenchanted twenty-somethings who at the behest of a mysterious host assemble a strange weekly meeting as an outlet for their unfulfilled urges. Dared by the group’s host, each is challenged to complete a series of tasks. The participants soon find themselves going to places – and lengths – they never thought possible. At each gathering they reveal the stories of their after-hours adventures. But as the tasks become more and more outlandish, and the stakes grow ever higher, the group begins to question the intentions of their mysterious host. Pushing Twilight is now available online at www.ifc.com/pushingtwilight.
"Pushing Twilight is an excellent representation of how IFC’s open source, user-generated Media Lab Studios gives aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to be rewarded with real world experience and the resources to professionally produce their own series," said Craig Parks, vice president of digital media at IFC. "We received hundreds of entries and Pushing Twilight really stood out as an exceptionally creative series that embodies the essence of independent short-form content, and we’re excited to showcase this production on IFC.com along with our other successful web series."
An interstitial "making of" mini-documentary series following the filmmakers’ progress will roll out weekly on-air and on IFC.com’s Media Lab website capturing each step of the filmmaker’s experience, from script development, casting, and location scouting to set design, cinematography and editing. As a companion piece to the interstitial series, the Pushing Twilight filmmakers will share their experience through dedicated editorial and video blogs at IFC.com.
About IFC
Operating under the mantra "always uncut," IFC (The Independent Film Channel) uncovers and champions alternative content and makes it available to audiences across multiple platforms: on air, online and on demand. In pursuit of what’s new, next and relevant, IFC presents clever, offbeat original series like "The Whitest Kids U’ Know" and "Z Rock" alongside thought-provoking original documentaries such as At the Death House Door and This Film Is Not Yet Rated. The network also offers exclusive web series, shorts, animation, and a comprehensive independent film library of award-winning titles and cult classics. IFC broadens the audience for independent culture through its exclusive live coverage of notable film and music events like the Independent Spirit Awards and South by Southwest. The network’s on demand offering, IFC Free, gives audiences the opportunity to watch premieres of all of IFC’s original series before they air on the linear network. IFC Media Lab offers financing, professional development and distribution opportunities for aspiring film makers. IFC is a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC.
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media is a leading producer of targeted, multi-platform content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world’s most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, WE tv, Sundance Channel, LIFESKOOL, SPORTSKOOL, and VOOM HD Networks. Through IFC Entertainment, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a leading distribution company for independent film; IFC Productions, a feature film production company that provides financing for select independent film projects; and IFC Center, a three screen, state-of-the-art cinema in the heart of New York’s Greenwich Village. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company; Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company; and 11 Penn TV, a company that manages Rainbow Media’s NYC studios and post-production facilities.