Films Installed with On Command Interactive TV Systems
IFC Catalog Served as Catalyst for New 'Special Premieres' Category
New York, NY – November 26, 2007 – IFC Entertainment today announced an expansion in its day and date distribution model whereby select independent films from its theatrical catalog will launch through LodgeNet's On Command platform.
The independent films will be available in hotel rooms under a newly created category, Special Premieres, to reflect their debut day and date, both on demand and theatrically in select markets nationwide. The latest development reinforces the commitment, on behalf of IFC Entertainment, to create the widest possible audience for their independent films and provide a stronger voice for filmmakers nationwide.
"We're very excited that our first foray into hotel rooms will be through LodgeNet, the premier provider of media services to the hospitality industry," said Lisa Schwartz, IFC's senior vice president of sales and business development. "By making IFC films available in hotels across the country we're giving independent filmmakers the exciting opportunity to reach a wider audience of movie enthusiasts while they are traveling."
"This new initiative, by IFC, perfectly complements our goal of enhancing the in-room entertainment experience by connecting, informing and entertaining guests," said Steve Truckenmiller, senior vice president of programming strategy and acquisitions for LodgeNet. "Through the Special Premieres category, fans of the filmmaking art will have that much more reason to stay in for the latest and most progressive cinematic features."
Available titles at the onset of the launch include: Black Sheep, This is England, Dans Paris, You Kill Me, and I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With. IFC will provide two new film releases each month that will be available for 8-12 weeks.
LodgeNet, which acquired On Command Corporation earlier this year, supports On Command systems in properties representing more than 100 of the most prestigious hotel chains and operators in the lodging industry including: Adam's Mark Hotels & Resorts, Bass Hotels & Resorts (Inter-Continental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn), Fairmont, Four Seasons, Hyatt, Loews, Marriott (Courtyard, Renaissance, Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn), Radisson, Ramada, Starwood Hotels & Resorts (Westin, Sheraton, W Hotels, Four Points), and Wyndham Hotel & Resorts.
About IFC Entertainment
IFC Entertainment consists of IFC Films, a leading theatrical film distribution company bringing the best of independent and specialized films to theaters; IFC First Take and IFC In Theaters, the operations that together make up IFC Entertainment's theatrical and on-demand day and date initiative; IFC Productions, a feature film production company that provides financing for select independent film projects; the IFC Center, an art house in NYC and IFC Films on Demand, video-on-demand offerings. Recent films included Ken Loach's The Wind that Shakes the Barley, and Shane Meadows's This Is England. Upcoming films include Hou Hsiao Hsien's The Flight of the Red Balloon, and Cristian Mungiu's 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days.
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 division, and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.
About LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation
LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation is the leading provider of media and connectivity services designed to meet the unique needs of hospitality, healthcare and other visitor and guest-based businesses. LodgeNet serves more than 1.9 million hotel rooms representing 9,300 hotel properties worldwide in addition to healthcare facilities throughout the United States. LodgeNet's services include on demand movies, games, television programming, music and information, along with subscription sports programming and high-speed Internet access. LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation owns and operates businesses under the industry leading brands: LodgeNet, LodgeNetRX, On Command and StayOnline. LodgeNet is listed on NASDAQ and trades under the symbol LNET. For more information, please visit www.lodgenet.com. LodgeNet and On Command are registered trademarks of LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation.