IFC Announces Promotions In Programming And Production

The Independent Film Channel (IFC) announced today the promotions of two staffers to newly created positions: Alison Palmer Bourke to Manager, Production and Development and Kelly DeVine to Supervisor, Film Acquisitions. Caroline Kaplan, Vice President, Film and Program Development, and George Lentz, Director, Film Acquisitions, made the announcements respectively.

“Alison has demonstrated a keen ability to spot talent and seek out new material,” commented Kaplan. “Her production skills coupled with her product expertise, ensure that she will be a long- term asset for the network.” As Manager, Production and Development, Bourke will be responsible for original programming on the network and will oversee the day-to-day production of IFC’s signature series, Split Screen and Independent Focus, in addition to other original network specials. She will also seek out new, original programming and be involved in the development of new series, ideas and event specials.

“Kelly’s creativity, enthusiasm and vast knowledge of film will help us to continue to present innovative and exciting films to our viewers,” said Lentz. In her new position, DeVine will be responsible for evaluating and acquiring short films for IFC and its New Media ventures. She will also be collaborating with IFC’s Next Wave Films (NWF) division to determine key properties for the DV Theater and NWF strand brands.

Bourke joined Bravo in 1998 and has been instrumental to the success of IFC Films. She has acquired short films for the network and has been active in identifying and securing compelling material and new talent. She has also played a key role in branding and building relationships for IFC Productions and has been an integral part of developing the network’s series, Independent Focus, into one of television’s most important series on independent film. Bourke received a B.A. in English Literature and Photography from SUNY Purchase, and will report to Kaplan.

Since 1998, DeVine served as Coordinator, IFC Films and throughout her tenure demonstrated her expertise in the areas of independent film and film history, made valuable contributions in establishing new relationships with filmmakers and distributors, and aided acquisition efforts. DeVine holds a B.A. in Film Studies and Contemporary Literature and an M.A. in Sociology from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and will report to Lentz.

A division of Bravo Networks, IFC Films consists of IFC Productions, a feature film production company, and Next Wave Films, a finishing fund company. Hilary Swank, star of IFC Productions’ Boys Don’t Cry, recently won an Oscar for her performance in the film.