NEW YORK, NY, September 28, 2005 – The Independent Film Channel (IFC) announced today the appointment of Rachel Smith, Director of Development & Production of Original Series. Smith rejoins Rainbow Media after working for Bravo, a former network under the company's umbrella. Smith will be charged with continuing the network's mission to invest in original programming. She will report to Debbie DeMontreux, Vice President of Development and Production for IFC.
"Hiring a development executive with such expertise is further confirmation that IFC is committed to investing in quality original programming," stated DeMontreux. "With Rachel's experience and proven ability to creatively brainstorm and execute original concepts, she will undoubtedly be a huge asset to IFC. We're thrilled to have her on board."
In her new role, Smith will spearhead development and production of original series with a particular focus on fiction programming. She will be taking pitches, developing projects (through pilots, scripts and demo reels) and overseeing production of original series. Smith's immediate charge is to build on the momentum IFC has started with its first-ever original scripted programming, which premiered on the network in August. The network's three new series – HOPELESs Pictures, Greg the Bunny and The Festival – air Friday nights @ 10 pm ET/PT and are available for viewing online at www.ifc.com.
Prior to joining IFC, Smith served as Director of Development at Bravo where she oversaw the development of primetime series, including "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List" and "Being Bobby Brown," as well as specials by creating and soliciting new programming. Smith was responsible for executive producing up to ten pilots and four multi-part series annually as well as managing talent relations for the network where she attracted A-list talent to participate in Bravo programming. Before taking on this position, Smith worked as Bravo's Manager of Production where she senior produced, provided editorial input, oversaw all aspects of talent booking, and researched and developed new episodes.
Earlier in her career, Smith held positions as: Production Manager for Jonathan Diamond & Assoc.; Associate Producer for Deep River Productions; and Researcher for Helen Whitney Productions, Kroyt-Brandt Productions, Deep River Productions, and SBS Television in Sydney, Australia.
Smith studied art history and law at the University of Sydney in Sydney, Australia and earned her Masters in Media Studies at The New School University in New York City.
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.
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.