NEW YORK, May 29, 2003 – The Independent Film Channel (IFC) announced today it has reached an agreement with New Line Television on a 38-film licensing deal. The agreement will cover the period from 2003-2008, with the films airing on the IFC network. Twenty-four of the titles will also be available for airing as part of IFC On Demand, the network’s subscription video-on-demand service.
Ed Carroll, General Manager of IFC, said: “This agreement with New Line Television reinforces IFC’s standing as the leader in providing the best of independent film, both on the network as well as in the on-demand platform.”
Carroll added that George Lentz, the network’s Vice President of Film Acquisitions, brokered the deal for IFC.
David Spiegelman, Senior Executive Vice President, New Line Television, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with IFC on this licensing deal. IFC is the recognized home for quality indie film and is the ideal outlet to showcase our titles.”
Among the 38 films in the package are:
- MAGNOLIA: Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson (BOOGIE NIGHTS) and nominated for two Oscars for Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor (Tom Cruise), with an all star cast featuring Phillip Seymour Hoffman, John C. Reilly, Jason Robards, Julianne Moore, William H. Macy and Tom Cruise.
- AMERICAN HISTORY X: Edward Norton was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as a White Supremicist who sees the error of his ways while jailed for murder. Unfortunately, he leaves prison to find his brother (Edward Furlong) heading down the same path.
- BOOGIE NIGHTS: From writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson comes the outrageous epic that throws the covers back on California’s adult entertainment industry in the swinging seventies. It’s a touching and often humorous portrait of a most unusual family of filmakers. Features a star-studded cast including Mark Wahlberg, Burt Reynolds, Heather Graham, and Julianne Moore
- DINNER RUSH: John Corbett (MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, SEX AND THE CITY) and Danny Aiello star in this character-driven drama set during one night at a gourmet Manhattan restaurant.
- BAMBOOZLED: Directed by Spike Lee and starring Savion Glover, this film depicts a scathingly satiric network variety show based upon turn of the century minstrel shows.
ABOUT IFC TELEVISION
The Independent Film Channel (IFC) is the first and most widely distributed channel dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut and commercial free. IFC continues to expand its programming lineup with original series and independent genre-focused specials. The network’s recent, critically acclaimed series and specials include Dinner For Five, BaadAsssss Cinema, The American Nightmare, Indie Sex: Taboos and A Decade Under the Influence.
IFC Television is a part of IFC Companies, which has created a unique end-to-end business model and brand that focuses on developing and nurturing talent, and maximizing the value of independent film. With a television network, a film distribution and production unit, and a VOD service, IFC Companies represents the future of independent film. IFC Companies uses its unique position to broaden the independent film audience nationwide and to expand the opportunities for independent filmmakers. IFC Companies is a division of Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc.
ABOUT NEW LINE TELEVISION
New Line Television (www.newline.com) is a division of New Line Cinema, a leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical motion pictures. The division is responsible for the development, production and distribution of television projects for the broadcast networks, cable and first-run syndication, as well as the distribution of New Line feature films across the television landscape. New Line Cinema is an AOL Time Warner Company.