Network’s First-Ever “Cyber Season” Features Original and Newly Acquired Series; Daily Episodes of Lunchbox; and “Cannes Cam” Coverage of the Cannes Film Festival
New Season of Web-Exclusive Programming Debuts in May
New York, NY – Monday, May 12, 2008 – Continuing to program its website with original content, IFC unveiled today a new season of programming for IFC.com, unprecedented in size and scope for the network. Beginning in May, IFC will present at least one new web series each month throughout the summer from both up-and-coming and established creative filmmakers, Internet stars and comedians, including the cult hit, Wilfred. Complementing the impressive programming line-up are daily episodes of IFC’s recently launched web series, Lunchbox; regular commentary from MTV veteran Jim Shearer, IFC.com’s official music blogger for “Indie Ear,” and IFC News’ Alison Wilmore, for the site’s “Indie Eye” blog; and the return of the network’s “Cannes Cam,” providing extensive coverage of the Cannes Film Festival.
Today’s announcement comes on the heels of IFC.com’s complete re-design and re-launch in March, as well as distinct recognition in the 12th Annual Webby Awards, the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile websites. IFC.com was selected as an Official Honoree, a distinction that recognizes work exhibiting remarkable achievement, for the Television, and Movie and Film categories. In addition, the network’s first-ever original web series, Getting Away with Murder, was selected as an Official Honoree for the Comedy: Long Form or Series category, and received a nomination for The Webby Awards in the Best Writing Category.
IFC has a strong track record of success with original programming initiatives for IFC.com. The network achieved record-breaking numbers and growth for its website last August with the exclusive online broadcast of R. Kelly’s urban operetta, Trapped in the Closet Chapters 13-22. During the 10-day online event, Trapped garnered more than 4.1 million page views, over 1.1 million daily unique visitors, more than 2 million video plays, and 6 million total minutes downloaded. Likewise, in May 2007, Getting Away with Murder on IFC.com helped drive monthly unique viewers up 144% from the previous May.
“Last summer, IFC created an online phenomenon with Trapped, and found a new way to program to the on-demand audience with series specially made for online viewing,” said Jennifer Caserta, EVP of marketing, communication, scheduling and alternative platforms for IFC. “IFC.com is not about repurposed content. We are programming our website as an entirely separate channel from linear, making it a true destination for original content, while extending and reinforcing our brand on a separate platform. This compilation of web series is the type of content our audience craves, and we look forward to bringing them this new season of programming.”
IFC.com’s “cyber season” includes the Australian cult hit series, Wilfred; a brand new third season of Young American Bodies, a co-production of IFC and Nerve.com; as well as Good Morning Internet!; The Mary Van Note Show; and Get Hit! . Following is the rollout and descriptions for IFC.com’s new slate of programming:
WILFRED
Premieres Monday, May 5
Approximately 35-40 episodes (4-6 minutes each)
Winner of two Australian Film Institute Awards, Wilfred is an in-depth portrait of a not-so-happy, ill-behaved talking dog (Wilfred); his owner, Sarah; and her new suitor, Adam. Like any modern single parent, Sarah is trying to create a stable life for herself after a long list of failed relationships, which have left her and Wilfred jaded. Neither wants to see the other get hurt, so when boy-next-door Adam pursues and hooks up with Sarah, he walks into an emotional mine field. The ultimate flawed character, Wilfred is arrogant, insecure and manipulative, and will stop at nothing to win the love and affection he desires. Although his methods may sometimes be underhanded, his innocence and purity of heart can never be questioned. Or can it? Wilfred is an acquisition from Cactus Three.
YOUNG AMERICAN BODIES
Seasons 1 and 2 premiere Monday, May 12 (20 episodes total)
Season 3 premieres Tuesday, May 27 (12 brand new episodes)
IFC has partnered with Nerve.com to co-produce a third season of this long-standing hit from “mumblecore” filmmaker Joe Swanberg (Hannah Takes The Stairs, and the upcoming feature Nights and Weekends). A candid, no-holds-barred look at the intersecting love lives of six 20-somethings in Chicago, Young American Bodies is intimate and fearless in its scope, and timely in its relevance and importance. The series first two seasons – 20 episodes in total – debuted on Nerve.com, and IFC.com will present the world premiere of Season 3 of this powerful narrative. Produced, written and directed by Joe Swanberg. Co-produced and co-written by Kris Williams.
“CANNES CAM”
Premieres Wednesday, May 14
IFC is bringing back its popular “Cannes Cam,” for a second year, providing extensive online access to the coveted Cannes Film Festival. Two live web cams will offer a one-of-a-kind view of the red carpet, and on-site event coverage and celebrity interviews delivered by IFC NEWS host, Matt Singer.
GOOD MORNING, INTERNET!
Premieres Monday, June 16
15 episodes
From the creators of the viral hit “Hipster Olympics,” Good Morning, Internet! is a manic morning show parody. Once the least popular local morning news show, the team has been kicked off TV and forced to continue their show online. Completely out of touch with this new digital age, the hosts and producing team continue to tackle a wide variety of show segments, including interviews, weather, cooking, and overly sappy human interest stories. Character backstories and interpersonal dramas bubble to the surface as they come to terms with their new second class status.
THE MARY VAN NOTE SHOW: GAVIN REALLY WANTS ME
Premieres Monday, July 7
10 episodes
Mary Van Note’s edgy and unique style of stand-up comedy has been recognized by established comedians and media as a refreshing, hilarious and entirely jarring experience. This ten-episode series is an exploration into the inner machinations of Van Note’s mind, featuring both direct-to-camera as well as real and imagined sequences. The Mary Van Note Show documents her special personal quest – to get the boy of her dreams, Gavin Newsom, San Francisco’s famous and rather handsome Mayor. In each episode, Van Note runs through the dating “how-to” manual, from recruiting a “wing man” and dressing to the nines, to straight-up stalking.
GET HIT!
Premieres Monday, August 11
6 episodes
Get Hit! is a “how-to” guide on achieving viral success for Internet content, and features two filmmakers who achieved worldwide Internet fame with their viral smash hit, “The Ball Kicking Fight Club.” Viewers will learn from example as these filmmakers attempt to recreate their success with yet another piece of online content. Each episode takes on one aspect of developing an online hit, from script writing and raising money, to acting, editing and ultimately seeding the content. Get Hit! is an entirely fresh and original series featuring hilarious scenes and clever commentary on the state of Internet video.
LUNCHBOX
Airs daily at 12pm ET/PT
IFC’s first-ever daily web series airs everyday at noon spotlighting and unearthing buzz-worthy websites, events and hot trends happening in the worlds of music, film and politics.
BLOGGING
Beginning this month, MTV2 host and VJ Jim Shearer joins IFC.com as the official music blogger, writing for the website’s “Indie Ear” blog. MTV2’s go-to man for anything music-related, Shearer has held on-air hosting duties for shows including 120 Minutes, the alternative indie-minded music show; Subterranean, through which he met revered music veterans including Radiohead and Robert Smith (The Cure); and MTV’s Advance Warning, a monthly program highlighting emerging music acts, among many others. In addition, IFC News’ Alison Wilmore will contribute regularly to IFC.com’s new “Indie Eye” blog, commenting on all things related to independent culture.
About IFC
IFC (The Independent Film Channel) is the first and only network dedicated to independent film and related programming, 24 hours a day, uncut and uncensored. Operating under the mantra ‘always, uncut,’ IFC presents feature-length films, “cult classics,” thought-provoking original documentaries such as At the Death House Door and This Film Is Not Yet Rated, shorts, animated series, exclusive web series, and television’s most comprehensive independent film library. The network also offers some of the most innovative and edgy original series on television, including the sketch comedy “The Whitest Kids U’ Know.” Providing a voice for independent thought not found anywhere else on television, IFC broadens the audience for independent film and supports the independent film community through its exclusive live coverage of notable film events like the Independent Spirit Awards. The network’s On Demand offering, IFC Free, gives audiences the opportunity to watch premieres of all of IFC’s original series in HD before they air on the linear network. A network of Rainbow Entertainment Services, IFC’s sister brands include AMC and WE tv.
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.