NEW YORK, NY – The Independent Film Channel (IFC) today announced the appointment of three vice presidents, one new to the company and the others promoted from previous IFC positions, as part of a continued expansion of IFC's branding efforts to consumer and trade. The three appointees are Lisa Penha (nee Gambarani), promoted to VP, Event Marketing from Director, Special Events; Alan Klein, promoted to VP, Sponsorships & Promotions from Director, Sponsorships & Promotions; and Jennifer Caserta, who joins IFC as VP, Marketing from her post as Vice President, Ad Sales Marketing at Court TV. All three will report to Evan Shapiro, Senior Vice President, Network Marketing.
Shapiro said: "The hiring of Jennifer Caserta and promotions of Lisa Penha and Alan Klein significantly strengthen our marketing team as we take our brand-building efforts to new heights. Alan and Lisa have been instrumental in making IFC a strong brand and Jen gives us even more talent at a pivotal time in our growth. We're celebrating our 10th anniversary with IFC's most ambitious original programming slate ever, and embarking on the most extensive brand-building initiative in network history. These talented executives will help us all leverage our efforts into network-wide success."
IFC stepped up its brand building efforts in January with the hiring of Shapiro from Court TV, where his revitalization of that network's marketing efforts resulted in increased revenues and brand recognition. At IFC, Shapiro and his team are working to strategically promote the network and the company's unique "end-to-end" independent film business, which includes the network, a film distribution and production unit, and a VOD service. In 2004, IFC campaigns for TGIFC, Dinner For Five and Ultimate Film Fanatic have dramatically changed IFC's marketing strategy and created an increased awareness of the Brand among consumers and affiliates.
Penha joined Rainbow Media in 1995 She joined IFC/Bravo as Convention Services Manager in 1998 and was promoted to Director the following year.
Klein joined IFC and then-sister network Bravo in 2001 as Director, National Ad Sales Promotions. He was named Director of Sponsorships & Promotions for IFC in 2002. Previously, he was Director, Advertising Sales Promotions for Court TV and held various positions at Cable Networks, Inc., Turner Broadcasting Sales and Time Buying Services, Inc.
Caserta joins IFC from Court TV, where as Vice President, Sales Marketing she created numerous successful campaigns and played a major role in building the network's brand. Previously, Castera was Director, Sponsor Sales Marketing for Oxygen Media, and also served as Marketing Manager at Food Network and Promotion manager at Westwood One.
About IFC Companies
IFC Companies, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2004, has established itself as the future of independent film. With a television network, a film distribution and production unit, and a VOD service, IFC Companies has created over the course of the past decade a revolutionary end-to-end business model and brand that focuses on developing and nurturing talent and maximizing the value of independent film. IFC Companies uses its unique cross-platform position to broaden the audience of independent film and to provide independent filmmakers with a strong voice. IFC Companies is a division of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC.
IFC Companies is made up of:
IFC Television, the first and most widely distributed channel dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut and commercial-free.
IFC Entertainment, which includes IFC Films, a theatrical film distribution company; IFC Productions, a feature film production company; and InDigEnt, an initiative that helps established film makers shoot productions on digital video.
IFC Digital Media, harnesses the power of digital technology to provide audiences with active entertainment, informational, and transactional experiences. It is currently focused on packaging, delivering, and marketing video-on-demand services and broadband content.
IFC will cap off its 10th Anniversary later this year with the grand opening of the IFC Center, transforming and modernizing New York's historic Waverly Theater into the focal point for the independent film community, providing state-of-the-art theaters dedicated to independent films, digital editing suites for filmmakers, conference rooms, and a large café and meeting area. The Center will be the host to premiere events, special forums and speaking engagements and will guarantee that the independent film community will have a home base where they can work, socialize, and be supported.
About IFC Television
The Independent Film Channel (IFC) is the first and most widely distributed network dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut and commercial free.
IFC celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2004 with its most extensive original programming line-up ever. Original programming premiering in 2004 includes Nanette Burstein's Film School, Ultimate Film Fanatic, Rocked With Gina Gershon, the third season of Dinner For Five and John Landis' Slasher. In the past, IFC has made its mark with originals including BaaadAsssss Cinema, The American Nightmare, Indie Sex: Taboos and A Decade Under the Influence.
The Independent Film Channel is a part of IFC Companies, which has established itself as the future of independent film. With the television network, as well as a film distribution and production unit and a VOD service, IFC Companies has created over the course of the past decade a revolutionary end-to-end business model and brand that focuses on developing and nurturing talent and maximizing the value of independent film. IFC Companies uses its unique cross-platform position to broaden the audience of independent film and to provide independent filmmakers with a strong voice. IFC Companies is a division of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC.