Craig Parks Appointed VP of Branded Entertainment & Business Development
Lauren Burack Promoted to Vice President Event Marketing and Promotions
New York, NY – September 17, 2007 – The Independent Film Channel (IFC) announced today that Craig Parks has been appointed Vice President of Branded Entertainment and Business Development. He will report to Alan Klein, SVP of Partnerships & Licensing for IFC. In addition, IFC announced the promotion of Lauren Burack to Vice President Event Marketing and Promotions. Burack previously served as Director of Event Marketing. She will report to Jennifer Caserta, Executive Vice President marketing, communications, scheduling & alternative platforms.
"Craig and Lauren will each play an integral role in continuing to build the IFC brand across non-traditional platforms and maintaining the network's momentum as the voice of independent culture and thought," stated Evan Shapiro, General Manager of IFC. "Both are seasoned executives who embody professionalism and leadership, and we are proud to have them as additions to our senior team."
In his new role, Parks will oversee the development and production of IFC's sponsorship and branded entertainment content as well as IFC Media Lab, the network's user-generated content Website for filmmakers. He will also be responsible for the development and production of original content for IFC.com and IFC's On Demand initiatives. Prior to joining IFC, Parks served as executive producer and creative director of specials projects in the on-air and promotions department of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, the parent company of IFC. During this time, he was instrumental in developing the sponsorship and branded entertainment model that IFC uses today. Previously, Parks was an executive producer for ABC Family and also held positions at MTV and VH-1. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in American studies at the University of Florida and did his graduate work in film studies at the University of Texas.
As VP Event Marketing and Promotions, Burack will be responsible for translating the IFC brand at the ground level through sponsor-driven events and promotions, affiliate marketing initiatives, guerilla marketing promotions, and special branding and consumer events. In addition, she will continue to maximize the value of IFC to Cable affiliates and sponsors on multiple platforms through screenings, mailings, events, non-traditional promotions and other programs that illustrate the power of the brand. Burack joined IFC in 2004 and has been a vital member of the network. Most recently, she spearheaded the creation, launch and promotion of a nationwide, three-day, outdoor film festival tour – the IFC Free Film Fest – in 10 major cities across the country in conjunction with Comcast and a number of national and local sponsors, including Scion, Tourism Australia, Entertainment Weekly and eMusic. In addition, Burack is responsible for IFC's large partnerships with SXSW and Comicon, as well as the official after party of The Independent Spirit Awards. Prior to joining the network, Burack worked for Court TV. She is a graduate of University of Maryland.
About IFC
The Independent Film Channel (IFC) is the first and most widely distributed network dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut, uncensored and commercial free. The network is part of IFC Companies – the only brand to operate in every area of independent film to include television, production, financing, distribution, digital, on-demand and exhibition. IFC Companies uses its unique cross-platform position to broaden the audience of independent film and to provide independent filmmakers with a strong voice. IFC Companies is a division of Rainbow Media Holdings, LLC.
About 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, LIFESKOOL, SPORTSKOOL, and VOOM HD Networks. Through its IFC Entertainment division, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a theatrical feature film distribution company; IFC First Take/IFC in Theaters, a day and date theatrical feature film/VOD initiative; the IFC Center in New York City; IFC Productions, a feature film production company; and IFC Entertainment, which owns and operates a film library. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company, and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.