IFC (U.S. TV network)

IFC (formerly the Independent Film Channel) is an American cable and satellite television network that is owned by AMC Networks. Programming on the channel includes original comedies, acquired series, and fan favorite films that are "always on, slightly off."

As of February 2015, approximately 73,333,000 American households (63% of households with television) receive IFC. In March 2015, Dish TV's Sling TV announced it would soon begin making AMC channels available to cord cutters, including AMC, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV, and WE tv.

History

Original focus on independent films

The channel debuted on September 1, 1994, under the ownership of Rainbow Media, a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation; IFC originated as a spin-off of then-sibling channel Bravo, which focused at that time on a wider variety of programming than IFC, including arts-related programming. The Independent Film Channel originally operated as a commercial-free service, with films being shown without interruption.

IFC (Canadian TV channel)

IFC is a Canadian English language Category A specialty digital cable and satellite television channel that is owned by Shaw Media. The channel broadcasts independent films, documentaries, and television series. Its name is licensed from the American company AMC Networks, the owner of IFC.

History

In November 2000, a joint venture between Salter Street Films (95%) and Triptych Media Inc. (5%) were awarded a broadcasting licence by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for a channel called The Independent Film Channel Canada, intended to emulate the American IFC service, the channel was described as "a national English-language Category 1 specialty television service consisting of dramatic and non-fiction short and feature-length independent films, and programs focusing on the independent film-making process, film makers and film festivals."

On February 9, 2001, the CRTC approved a proposed corporate restructuring that would allow Salter Street Films acquire Triptych Media's 5% in the service. Three days later, on February 12, Alliance Atlantis announced that it would be purchasing Salter Street Films, acquiring the licence for the Independent Film Channel Canada in the process.

Independent film

An independent film or indie film is a film production resulting in a feature film that is produced mostly or completely outside of the major film studio system, in addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment agencies.

Independent films are sometimes distinguishable by their content and style and the way in which the filmmakers' personal artistic vision is realized. Usually, but not always, independent films are made with considerably lower budgets than major studio movies.

Generally, the marketing of independent films is characterized by limited release, but can also have major marketing campaigns and a wide release. Independent films are often screened at local, national, or international film festivals before distribution (theatrical or retail release). An independent film production can rival a mainstream film production if it has the necessary funding and distribution.

History

Edison Trust

In 1908, the Motion Picture Patents Company or "Edison Trust" was formed as a trust. The Trust was a cartel that held a monopoly on film production and distribution comprising all the major film companies of the time (Edison, Biograph, Vitagraph, Essanay, Selig, Lubin, Kalem, American Star, American Pathé), the leading distributor (George Kleine) and the biggest supplier of raw film, Eastman Kodak. A number of filmmakers declined to join or were refused into the trust and came to be described as "independent".