The Independent Film Channel announced today it has signed a digital rights distribution agreement with On Command Corporation, a leading provider of in-room entertainment technology for the hospitality industry. Under terms of the agreement, On Command will make IFC On Demand, an on-demand service featuring leading independent film titles, available to 125,000 to 300,000 hotel rooms nationwide starting May 1, 2003. The agreement was one of three hospitality industry distribution deals announced today by IFC.
Gregg Hill, Executive Vice President, Affiliate Sales and Marketing, IFC, said: "Gaining distribution in hotel rooms is important to us because it represents a great opportunity for consumers to sample our service. As the popularity of independent films has grown in theaters, so has demand and interest on the part of television viewers. Today's announcement ensures that large numbers of travelers will have access to the independent films they desire, as we expand our 'National Art House' beyond the home and into hotel rooms. We are delighted to be part of the On Command entertainment lineup."
Brian Dalessi, Manager, Feature Programming, On Command, said: "We are proud to welcome IFC On Demand and its exciting schedule of independent films to our service. We believe that our lodging industry clients will see significant buy rates and enhanced guest satisfaction with the addition of IFC On Demand."
IFC on Demand offers a collection of acclaimed theatrical films from IFC Films, providing the public with a "National Art House" that enables them to see independent films to which they otherwise might not have access. Recent and upcoming titles featured on the service include the foreign language hit, Y Tu Mama Tambien and critically acclaimed Happy Accidents, starring Marisa Tomei and Vincent D'Onofrio, along with Business of Strangers, Spring Forward, Big Bad Love, Go Tigers!, Gangster No. 1, Keep The River On Your Right, The King Is Alive, Thomas In Love and Our Song.
About On Command
On Command entertainment services include: on-demand movies; television Internet services using high-speed broadband connectivity; television email; short form television features covering drama, comedy, news and sports; PlayStation video games; and music-on-demand services through Instant Media Network, a majority-owned subsidiary of On Command Corporation and the leading provider of digital on-demand music services to the hotel industry.
About IFC Companies
IFC Companies has created a unique end-to-end business model and brand that focuses on developing and nurturing talent, and maximizing the value of independent film. With a television network, a film distribution and production unit, and a VOD service, IFC Companies represents the future of independent film. IFC Companies uses its unique position to broaden the independent film audience nationwide and to expand the opportunities for independent filmmakers. IFC Companies is a division of Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc. IFC Companies is made up of: IFC Television, the first and most widely distributed channel dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut and commercial-free. IFC Entertainment, which includes IFC Films, a theatrical film distribution company; IFC Productions, a feature film production company; and InDigEnt, an initiative that helps established filmmakers shoot productions on digital video. IFC Digital Media, harnesses the power of digital technology to provide audiences with active entertainment, informational, and transactional experiences. It is currently focused on packaging, delivering, and marketing video-on-demand services and broadband content.