New York, NY, January 30, 2007 – The Independent Film Channel (IFC) announced today the promotion of Kent Rees to Vice President of Marketing. In his new role, Rees will oversee all trade and consumer marketing for the network and will focus on the development of the IFC "tv, uncut" brand. Rees will report to Evan Shapiro, General Manager of IFC.
IFC established the "tv, uncut" brand in 2005, carving a unique and widely recognized identity for the commercial-free, uncensored network. The "uncut" mantra has provided the lens through which IFC screens everything it does – from its expanded slate of original programming to groundbreaking partnerships and marketing campaigns – while reinforcing the network's mission to provide filmmakers with a platform for free expression.
"Kent has been one of the network's most important creative thinkers since he joined IFC two years ago. He was one of the chief architects of the "tv, uncut" brand, developing the IFC on-air persona and perfecting the network's voice and tone with his ingenious approach to promo production," said Evan Shapiro, GM of IFC. "Kent's vision for the IFC Brand is extremely exciting, and I am anxious to see how his talents and unique vision unfold over the next few years."
As VP of Marketing, Rees will oversee the DNA of the IFC Brand and will work to expand the network's reach into new marketing platforms as well as grow the network's website, ifc.com, into a viable new business and revenue sources. In addition, he will work closely with the Senior VP of Partnerships, Alan Klein, on the development and implementation of IFC's integrated sponsorships.
Prior to his current role at IFC, Rees served for two years as the network's Creative Director within Rainbow Media's creative services department. As Director, he led the development of the re-vamped on-air look and feel of IFC to the current "tv, uncut" branding, which has distinguished the commercial free network within the marketplace. Rees received a PROMAX GOLD award for his work on the on-air promotion of "A Body Bag Full of Cash" contest, promoting IFC's PULP MONTH.
Before joining Rainbow Media in 2004, Rees worked as a writer/producer for ABC on-air promotions in the comedy/reality division based in Los Angeles and was part of the team that launched "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette." His creative work drove tune-in for this wildly successful franchise and helped invent the template for reality show promotion on network television. In addition Rees freelanced for several television networks including NBC, TBS, and ABC Family, where he worked on a number of high-profile projects. Rees began his career at VH1 in the on-air promotions department and held several positions during his tenure from 1996-2001 including writer/producer. He worked on the launch of shows including "Pop-Up Video," "Behind the Music" and "VHI Divas." Rees' creative work at VH1 won several PROMAX and BDA awards.
Rees earned his Bachelor in Fine Arts degree from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.
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, uncensored and commercial-free. The network is part of IFC Companies – the only brand to operate in every area of independent film to include television, production, financing, distribution, digital, on-demand and exhibition. 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.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media creates and manages some of the country's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands including popular national and regional television channels AMC, fuse, The Independent Film Channel (IFC), WE tv, and two FSN affiliated regional sports networks managed by Rainbow Sports Networks. The company also manages Mag Rack and SPORTSKOOL two original on-demand networks; VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high definition channels available anywhere; IFC Entertainment, its film distribution, production and exhibition division; Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales division; and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.