New York, NY – May 8, 2012 – IFC has promoted Craig Parks to senior vice president, digital media & alternative content, from vice president, effective immediately. Based in the network’s NYC office, Parks will continue to report to IFC’s President & General Manager, Jennifer Caserta.
Parks is responsible for extending IFC’s indie perspective and “slightly off” sensibility to the digital world, overseeing editorial and creative content for IFC.com, developing social media strategies that kindle fan interest and conversation around the network’s popular original series, and strategically deploying IFC’s content across alternative platforms to drive viewer enthusiasm and tune-in. He also develops new business initiatives that help drive revenue.
“Craig has transformed IFC’s digital world into a go-to destination for our fans to log on and geek out about their favorite shows,” said Caserta. “His passion and vision for IFC’s digital extensions have created an ‘always-on’ platform for our ‘slightly off’ programming. We’re excited to honor his achievements with this promotion.”
During his tenure as vice president of digital media, Parks developed and implemented IFC Sync, a live, dual-screen experience that provides viewers the chance to interact with each other and the network’s talent around IFC’s growing slate of originals. Coupled with a “More Likes, More Portlandia” Facebook promotion, the series’ second season became IFC’s most watched original series ever.
Previously, Parks served as vice president of branded entertainment & business development for IFC where he oversaw the development and production of sponsored branded entertainment. During that time, he was instrumental in developing IFC’s sponsorship model. Prior to IFC, Parks served as executive producer and creative director of special projects for the network’s parent company, AMC Networks.
Before joining AMC Networks, Parks was an executive producer for ABC Family where he oversaw the creation and execution of integrated marketing and co-branded content for ABC Family. He has also held positions at MTV and VH1.
Parks earned his bachelor’s degree in American studies at the University of Florida and completed his graduate work in film studies at the University of Texas. He is an alumnus of CTAM’s executive management program, CTAM U, at Harvard Business School, and an advisor for the Cable Center’s Cable Mavericks Masters Forum: One Day Degree In Cable program.
About IFC
IFC creates and champions authentic, original content that is “Always On. Slightly Off.” Since 1994, IFC has cultivated television programming that challenges the conventions of storytelling. Today, IFC continues to embrace content with an indie perspective. Original series – headlined by brand-defining scripted and sketch comedy – air alongside an extraordinary collection of films and cult TV shows. Long and short-form original content inspired by music, web, gaming, animation, news, and culture is available on multiple platforms. IFC provides viewers access to must-see festivals and events around the country, like the Film Independent’s Spirit Awards and SXSW. IFC.com features exclusive video, podcasts, blogs, news and reviews cultivated and written by industry experts. The network’s On Demand offering, IFC Free, gives fans the opportunity to watch select content from IFC whenever they want. IFC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc.
About AMC Networks Inc.
Dedicated to producing quality programming and movie content for more than 30 years, AMC Networks Inc. (Nasdaq: AMCX) owns and operates several of the most popular and award-winning brands in cable television. AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv, and IFC Films produce and deliver distinctive, compelling and culturally relevant content that engages audiences across multiple platforms. The company also operates AMC/Sundance Channel Global, an international programming business, and AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, a full-service network programming origination and distribution company.