IFC.com Freelance Writer, Matt Singer to Serve as Face of IFC NEWS
New York, New York, September 26, 2005 – The Independent Film Channel (IFC), the first and largest network dedicated to independent films, announced today that the network has appointed film critic and IFC.com freelance writer, Matt Singer as the new anchor for IFC NEWS. Singer will be charged with reporting on-air news stories from the world of independent film, including festival coverage and industry events, as well as spotlighting up-to-the minute entertainment news on IFC's website: www.ifc.com. Singer is the first anchor for IFC NEWS since its launch in July 2004.
Recently revamped, IFC's website serves as the online destination for all things "uncut." IFC's "film fanatics" can now log on for exclusive online content including: episodes of IFC's new original series HOPELESs Pictures, Greg the Bunny and The Festival, which premiered online one week before debuting on-air; up-to-the-minute film-related news from the "Captain's Blog" (written by IFC general manager, Evan Shapiro) and "The IFC Blog"; as well as special online sweepstakes. IFC.com traffic is at an all-time high, up over 40% from last year.
"IFC was searching for someone to bring personality to the news we cover," said Christine Lubrano, IFC's Director of Original Series & Live Events. "We wanted somebody who not only possessed a journalist background and extensive knowledge of the film industry, but also someone with a fun and engaging demeanor that could bring entertainment value to our viewers. We found that perfect combination in Matt."
Matt Singer joins IFC's growing slate of hosts, which include Alison Bailes, host of "At The IFC Center" and key live event coverage such as the Cannes Film Festival. With a new host in place at IFC NEWS, the network will look to expand its coverage to have a more global reach within the independent film arena. Singer will tape segments from a variety of locations including on-site reports from numerous film festivals throughout the country. Six to ten news stories will air on IFC each month and will rotate interstitially. Each 60-second report offers insight into major stories from the independent film industry, as well as relevant information on film festival dates and other events. IFC NEWS remains committed to keeping the network's loyal viewers, both on-air and online, ahead of the indie film curve by providing up-to-date coverage and access to the filmmakers and actors they love. NEWS on IFC.com will be updated daily with breaking news from the film world. The on-air news segments will also be available for viewing on IFC.com.
Matt Singer began writing for IFC in Fall 2004 with his online review column, "The Film Geek's Guide" which continues to appear every Tuesday and Thursday at IFC.com and offers intelligent critiques on new DVD and theatrical releases. As a freelance writer and film critic, Singer's work has appeared in print in The Village Voice and Shock Cinema, as well as online on MTV.com and Kevin Smith's MoviePoopShoot.com, among others. Singer graduated from Syracuse University in 2002, with a degree in Television, Radio, and Film and recently received his Master's in Cinema Studies at New York University.
About IFC
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.