New Transactional Video-On-Demand Service Will Feature Specially Curated Collection of Features and Documentaries
New York, NY – September 15, 2008 – Rainbow Media today announced the launch of Sundance Selects, a new On Demand service featuring a collection of feature films and documentaries. Sundance founder Robert Redford will serve as advisor and will play an integral role in its development. Sundance Selects will be made available to cable and satellite operators beginning first quarter 2009.
Sundance Selects joins Rainbow’s ground- breaking portfolio of transactional On Demand movie services, including IFC in Theaters and IFC Festival Direct. These IFC Entertainment services offer film fans across the country an unprecedented depth of independent film and programming content from around the world. Their success demonstrates a strong consumer appetite and viable distribution model for this type of content. The high number of consumer "buys" nationwide for independent films on VOD, at prices comparable to a movie ticket, has led Rainbow to follow its June 2008 acquisition of Sundance Channel with a Sundance-branded VOD service that complements IFC In Theaters and Festival Direct, while further strengthening the Sundance Channel brand with consumers.
Rainbow President and CEO Joshua Sapan said: "The launch of Sundance Selects is an exciting next step in our mission to bring the art house to the viewer’s house. Many of the markets we now reach have never had a theater that plays these films, but our experience shows that there are independent film fans everywhere. We believe that the transactional gross for many of these independent films will surpass even DVD grosses within a few short years, because of the economics of releasing a film theatrically. With access to over 70 million VOD -enabled households, this new platform provides unprecedented access to potential audiences for filmmakers and unprecedented access to these films to the fans. It’s a win-win."
"The hallmark of the Sundance brand is creating an environment of discovery, for both artists and for audiences," said Sundance founder Robert Redford. "Sundance nurtures new, independent voices in the creative realm, and works just as hard to bring their work to larger audiences in new ways," he continued. "’Sundance Selects’ VOD is a perfect complement to this mission and I am really energized about working with Sundance Channel and Rainbow Media on this venture," added Redford.
Added Sapan, "We are honored to work with Robert Redford on the development of this ground breaking new service. His pioneering work in independent film, his excellent taste, and his commitment to the genre, will contribute strongly to the future success of the service and in further distinguishing the Sundance and Sundance Channel brands among consumers and distributors."
About Sundance Channel
Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold and uncompromising Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of films, documentaries, and original programs, all unedited and commercial free. Launched in 1996, Sundance Channel is a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC. Sundance Channel operates independently of the non-profit Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, but shares the overall Sundance mission of encouraging artistic freedom of expression. Sundance Channel’s website address is www.sundancechannel.com.
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, Sundance Channel, LIFESKOOL, SPORTSKOOL, and VOOM HD Networks. Through IFC Entertainment, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a leading distribution company for independent film; IFC Productions, a feature film production company that provides financing for select independent film projects; and IFC Center, a three screen, state-of-the-art cinema in the heart of New York’s Greenwich Village. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company; Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company; and 11 Penn TV, a company that manages Rainbow Media’s NYC studios and post-production facilities.