NEW YORK, April 13, 2004 — IFC Entertainment announced today that their critically acclaimed film, Casa de Los Babys, will make its video on demand premiere day-and-date with its video release on April 20, providing cable operators with the same day access for the film as VHS and DVD distributors. Casa will be the 15th film to premiere on IFC On Demand simultaneous to its video release. As the only multi-tiered media company dedicated to independent film, with assets in television, VOD, and theatrical films, IFC uniquely offers ‘day and date’ as a way to overcome the issue of delayed VOD release windows. This approach, currently available only through IFC, enables cable operators greater control over the release windows of particular film titles and helps boost digital penetration and on-demand buy rates.
“We are proud to be maximizing the multiple tiers of IFC and our control of distribution windows to benefit our MSO partners,” said Gregg Hill, Executive Vice President of Affiliate Sales and Marketing for IFC. “The success of VOD and SVOD starts with the programmer’s responsibility to deliver fresh, timely and desirable content to cable operators and their subscribers. With a cable network, a VOD service and theatrical films, IFC has vast and unique content resources that should be fully utilized. As the first media company to embrace ‘day and date,’ IFC is taking a true leadership position in providing cable operators with compelling and timely VOD content. The day-and-date release of Casa de los Babys, is the latest example of our commitment and we look forward to continue blazing the ‘day-and-date’ trail in the future.”
Casa de los Babys was directed by the acclaimed independent film director John Sayles (Eight Men Out, Lone Star, Sunshine State) and was produced and distributed by IFC Entertainment. The film opened theatrically in September 2003. Because Casa de los Babys was distributed theatrically by IFC Films, IFC Network was able to help set the VOD and video windows to the benefit of cable operators.
Casa de Los Babys stars Mary Steenburgen, Daryl Hannah, Marcia Gay Harden, Lili Taylor and Maggie Gyllenhaal as five North American women, all from different backgrounds, who have come to a South American resort city hoping to adopt babies from a local orphanage. The film follows the different anxieties and expectations each character has to the idea of motherhood, while richly contrasting the social, cultural, and economic landscape of South America. Rita Moreno also stars in the film in her first Spanish-speaking role.
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 LLC.
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.