New York, NY – June 29, 2006 – With the success of its new day date distribution model and the strong multi platform demand for its content, IFC Entertainment today named Lisa Schwartz, Senior Vice President of Sales and Business Development. Schwartz, who will report to IFC Entertainment President Jonathan Sehring, will be given the mandate to create a new infrastructure within the Company that fully develops and maximizes the business model for IFC in Theaters and will oversee all ancillary businesses, including the Company's home video, VOD, and syndication distribution.
In February, IFC Entertainment launched IFC in Theaters creating a national art house for first-run independent films. The initiative marked the first time selected independent films were made available in customers' homes on the same day that they were released in theaters. Unlike other day and date concepts, IFCE uses video on demand to create the first nationwide destination for critically acclaimed independent films. IFC in Theaters is currently available through Comcast's ON DEMAND and Cablevision's ON DEMAND services.
As Senior Vice President, National Accounts and Advanced Services for sister-Company, Rainbow Media, Schwartz played a significant role in pioneering the introduction of the service and developing key strategies that maximized IFCE relationships with filmmakers and MSOs.
"This is an exciting time to be at IFC Entertainment," stated IFC Entertainment President Jonathan Sehring. "In areas of distribution and innovation, IFCE is way ahead of the curve and right now we need a key architect to ensure we continue to maximize our business potential. Lisa's unique experience couples a deep passion and understanding of emerging technologies and the overall sales and marketing of traditional programming services. In many ways the infrastructure we are creating and the goals we are setting is an investment for the future. As a Company long committed to expanding the audience of independent film and providing independent film makers with a strong voice, we believe the work Lisa will be leading is the next logical step to ensure that IFCE continues to adapt to the many new distribution needs within the marketplace."
IFC Entertainment is currently distributing WORDPLAY to rave reviews and dynamic box office, with a nationwide expansion this Friday.
In her new role, Schwartz will serve as the senior strategist for distribution platforms including, pay TV, broadcast, home video, and fast growing new platforms such as VOD, SVOD, foreign sales, and portable devices. In addition, she will serve as point person on all of the day-to-day activities across IFC Entertainment businesses. She is also responsible for creating additional revenue streams across all platforms of the company's operations including VOD and SVOD services, IFC in Theaters, IFC Center and the sales of IFC films to pay television and to broadcast television syndication.
Schwartz brings more than 20 years experience in sales and marketing to IFC Entertainment. Her most recent role at Rainbow was as Senior Vice President, National Accounts and Advanced Services where she managed the Comcast Corporate Account for all linear networks including AMC, WE, and IFC and was responsible for distribution and contract negotiations for Rainbow's VOD services including: Mag Rack, sportskool, IFC Films On Demand, IFC Uncensored and WE On Demand for all distributors. Previously, Schwartz had held various positions at Rainbow Media Holdings, including Senior Vice President for Distribution Strategies and Senior Vice President National Accounts at fuse.
Schwartz holds an undergraduate degree from Cabrini College and is in the process of obtaining a master's degree from LaSalle University. She is a member of the WICT Philadelphia Chapter Mentor Program and earned a certificate from Harvard Business School for completion of CTAM University executive management program. She currently resides in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania with her husband Peter and daughter Grace.
About IFC Entertainment
IFC Entertainment consists of IFC Films, IFC Productions, InDigEnt (a digital production arm) and the new IFC Center in Greenwich Village. IFC Films is a leading theatrical film distribution company bringing the best of independent and specialized films to theaters. IFC Films releases approximately 10 films per year, building its slate of titles from an aggressive acquisitions program and selected in-house productions.
The company co-produced and distributed the award winning Me And You And Everyone We Know, which is currently in release across the country. Lars von Trier 's Manderlay is among the upcoming releases. IFC Films is a co-financier and executive producer of The Night Listener starring Robin Williams and is currently co-producing After the Wedding directed by Susanne Bier, which the banner will also distribute.
Notable IFC films include the Academy Award winning Boys Don't Cry, Touching the Void which broke box office records to become among the top ten grossing documentaries of all time, 2003 Oscar -nominated My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Alfonso Cuaron's Y Tu Mama Tambien. IFC Films co-distributed Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11.
For more information and upcoming releases, please visit www.ifcfilms.com.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media creates and manages some of the country's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands including popular national and regional television channels AMC, fuse, The Independent Film Channel (IFC), WE, and three FSN affiliated regional sports networks managed by Rainbow Sports Networks. The company also manages Mag Rack and sportskool,, two original on-demand networks; VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high definition channels available anywhere; IFC Entertainment, its film distribution, production and exhibition division; Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales division; and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.