{{Short description|American film distribution company}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2012}} {{Infobox company | name = Independent Film Company | logo = frameless|class=skin-invert | logo_caption = Logo used since 2025 | type = Subsidiary | predecessor = Next Wave Films<br>Agenda 2000 | former_names = IFC Films (2000–2025) | foundation = {{start date and age|2000|9|26}} <!--modifies "Founded" entry--> | defunct = | location_city = New York, New York | location_country = United States | location = <!--modifies "Headquarters" entry--> | locations = <!--# of locations--> | key_people = Jonathan Sehring (president, 2007)<ref name="indieWire2007" /> | industry = Motion pictures | parent = IFC Entertainment Group | divisions = IFC Productions<br/>IFC First Take<br/>IFC Midnight<br/>Sundance Selects<br/>Shudder | subsid = | homepage = {{URL|independentfilmco.com}} }} '''Independent Film Company''' ('''IFC''') is an American film production and distribution company owned by AMC Networks and based in New York. It was formed as an offshoot of AMC's TV network, IFC (then known as the Independent Film Channel), and was originally named '''IFC Films'''.
It mainly distributes independent features under its own name, select foreign films, and documentaries under its '''Sundance Selects''' label, and co-distributes genre films with Shudder. It operates the IFC Center.
==History== The Independent Film Channel, or IFC for short, first ventured into motion pictures in 1997 with their film distribution label, Next Wave Films.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Dempsey|first=John|date=1997-03-06|title=IFC makes Next Wave to aid with final print coin|url=https://variety.com/1997/scene/vpage/ifc-makes-next-wave-to-aid-with-final-print-coin-1117342974/|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Variety|language=en-US}}</ref> The label helped fund "no-budget" movies,<ref name=":0" /> with Christopher Nolan‘s first feature, ''Following'', and the Academy Award-nominated documentary ''Sound and Fury'' being notable titles.<ref name=":1" /> Next Wave Films was shut down in 2002 and folded into IFC.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2002-08-22|title=DAILY NEWS: IFC Shuts Next Wave; Goldwyn Grabs Controversial Mexican Hit; IFP Sets Doc Line-Up|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2002/08/daily-news-ifc-shuts-next-wave-goldwyn-grabs-controversial-mexican-hit-ifp-sets-doc-line-up-80243/|access-date=2021-11-29|website=IndieWire|language=en}}</ref> IFC also launched a film company, IFC Productions, which set up operation in March 1997 to produce their own feature film projects.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dempsey|first=John|date=1997-11-11|title=Bravo ups Sehring as net moves into prod'n|url=https://variety.com/1997/tv/news/bravo-ups-sehring-as-net-moves-into-prod-n-1091/|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Variety|language=en-US}}</ref> In January 1999, IFC launched a film production label called Agenda 2000, which set up their own film projects, which had their world premiere on the IFC.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Roman|first=Monica|date=1999-01-19|title=Wave sets digital vid prod'n arm|language=en-US|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/1999/film/news/wave-sets-digital-vid-prod-n-arm-1117490323/|access-date=2021-11-29}}</ref>
thumb|class=skin-invert|Logo as IFC Films, used from 2000 to 2025 In September 2000, IFC launched its own feature film unit, branded IFC Films, to be headed by Bob Berney, who also served as a consultant for the launch of Newmarket Films<ref>{{Cite web|last=Harris|first=Dana|date=2000-09-26|title=IFC channels films|url=https://variety.com/2000/film/news/ifc-channels-films-1117786875/|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Variety|language=en-US}}</ref> and would later be the founder of Picturehouse in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Loria |first=Daniel |date=2021-05-27 |title=This Week on The Boxoffice Podcast: Bob Berney on the New Landscape for Theatrical Distribution |url=https://www.boxofficepro.com/this-week-on-the-boxoffice-podcast-bob-berney-on-the-new-landscape-for-theatrical-distribution/ |access-date=2026-03-08 |website=Boxoffice Pro |language=en-US}}</ref>
IFC has several ventures in video on demand (VOD), available through cable television pay-per-view, Apple iTunes, and formerly Blockbuster's Movielink.<ref name="indieWire2007">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/ots/2007/12/first_person_if.html|title=First Person: IFC's Jonathan Sehring on Dramatic Change in the Specialty Film Business|last=Sehring|first=Jonathan|date=December 2, 2007|work=indieWIRE|location=Brooklyn, New York|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080313170707/http://www.indiewire.com/ots/2007/12/first_person_if.html|archive-date=March 13, 2008|access-date=2008-03-23}}</ref> In 2002, IFC Films struck a deal with MGM Home Entertainment to release its theatrical films to home video on DVD and VHS,<ref name=":2" /> until they along with IFC's original TV shows moved to Genius Products in 2006 as part of a deal signed by Rainbow Media.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=indiantelevision com |date=2006-09-13 |title=Rainbow Media adds independent film channel prog to international content offerings |url=https://indiantelevision.com/mam/rainbow-media-adds-independent-film-channel-prog-to-international-content-offerings/ |access-date=2026-03-08 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-hAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA64|title=MGM/IFC Pact|last=Pesselnick|first=Jill|date=June 8, 2002|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2016-12-09|issue=23|department=Picture This|volume=114|page=64|via=Google Books}}</ref>
In 2006, IFC launched ''IFC First Take'', combining a limited theatrical release with video on demand being available the same day. The films included would be shown at IFC owned IFC Center, as well as other theaters; Landmark Theatres were the first outside theaters announced.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/ots/2006/01/park_city_06_bi_4.html|title=Park City '06 Biz Daily|last=Hernandez|first=Eugene|author-link=Eugene Hernandez|date=January 23, 2006|work=Indiewire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219140046/http://www.indiewire.com/ots/2006/01/park_city_06_bi_4.html|archive-date=February 19, 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=2008-03-23|df=mdy-all}}</ref> That same year, IFC Films began distributing some films to Apple iTunes. The first batch were thirteen IFC films with nominations in the Film Independent Spirit Awards.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/02/22/ifc_helps_grow_apples_itunes_film_catalog.html|title=IFC helps grow Apple's iTunes film catalog|last=Marsal|first=Katie|date=February 22, 2007|work=Apple Insider|access-date=2008-03-23}}</ref> In October 2008, Arianna Bocco joined IFC, as VP of acquisitions and production, to spearhead the acquisition of 24 films a year for the IFC First Take banner, IFC’s day-and-date division.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Press |first=Gregg Kilday, The Associated |date=2006-10-03 |title=Sehring taps Bocco as vp at IFC Ent. |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sehring-taps-bocco-as-vp-139056/ |access-date=2026-03-08 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> That same year, IFC launched ''IFC Festival Direct'', a platform for video on demand distribution, for films without a slated theatrical release in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=festivals&jump=story&id=1061&articleid=VR1117979006&cs=1|title=IFC adds VOD label|last=Hayes|first=Dade|date=January 14, 2008|work=Variety|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080116203229/http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=festivals&jump=story&id=1061&articleid=VR1117979006&cs=1|archive-date=January 16, 2008|access-date=2008-03-23}}</ref> In 2010, it was announced that IFC Films would be launching a division titled ''IFC Midnight'', which would focus on releasing horror, sci-fi, thrillers, erotic arthouse, and action.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/509037/ifc-launches-new-genre-label-ifc-midnight/|title=IFC Launches New Genre Label, IFC Midnight|last=Fischer|first=Russ|date=May 11, 2010|publisher=Slashfilm.com|access-date=November 29, 2021}}</ref> In 2009, IFC signed home video deals with MPI Media Group, known primarily for disc releases of classic U.S. and British television titles, documentaries and a Dark Sky line of horror pics,<ref name=":3" /> and the Criterion Collection, one of the leading boutique Blu-Ray labels.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=IFC films find DVD home at MPI {{!}} Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ifc-films-find-dvd-home-84883|access-date=2020-10-07|website=Hollywood Reporter|date=June 2, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jarvis |first=Henry |date=2022-08-12 |title=10 Best Boutique Blu-Ray Brands |url=https://www.cbr.com/best-boutique-blu-ray-brands/ |access-date=2026-03-08 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref>
In 2010, IFC introduced a new tagline: "Always On. Slightly Off."<ref name=":4" /> By 2014, the IFC network would have a major facelift, shifting its programming from independent films to comedy programs,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fowler |first=Matt |date=2010-03-23 |title=Arrested Development Stars Coming To IFC |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/03/23/arrested-development-stars-coming-to-ifc |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Guthriepublished |first=Marisa |date=2010-03-29 |title=Rebrand ‘Mad’-Ness Rampant at Rainbow Media |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/rebrand-mad-ness-rampant-rainbow-media-36262 |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=Broadcasting+Cable |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Oregonian/OregonLive |first=Kristi Turnquist {{!}} The |date=2010-11-09 |title=IFC cable channel's new shows include 'Whisker Wars' |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/movies/2010/11/ifc_cable_channels_new_shows_i.html |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=oregonlive |language=en}}</ref> as well as phasing out the full "Independent Film Channel" name entirely.<ref>{{Cite news |title=TCA: IFC Officially Changes Name To IFC |url=https://deadline.com/2014/01/tca-ifc-officially-changes-name-to-ifc/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116094118/https://deadline.com/2014/01/tca-ifc-officially-changes-name-to-ifc/ |archive-date=2014-01-16 |access-date=2025-07-01 |work=Deadline.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Still, IFC Films kept its focus toward independent films.
In February 2015, Shout! Factory's Scream Factory made a deal with IFC Films to release their titles on their IFC Midnight label. This included the Blu-ray and DVD releases of ''The Babadook'' (2014) and the Vicious Brothers' ''Extraterrestrial'' (2014), among others.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fangoria.com/new/exclusive-scream-factory-ifc-midnight-partner-for-exclusive-home-media-deal/|title=EXCLUSIVE: Scream Factory, IFC Midnight Partner for Exclusive Home Media Deal|last=Hanley|first=Ken W.|date=February 16, 2015|publisher=Fangoria|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216193038/http://www.fangoria.com/new/exclusive-scream-factory-ifc-midnight-partner-for-exclusive-home-media-deal/|archive-date=February 16, 2015|access-date=2012-10-01}}</ref>
In May 2015, IFC Films struck another home video distribution deal with Paramount Home Media Distribution. Some titles included in the deal were ''The D Train'' (2015), ''Clouds of Sils Maria'' (2015), ''Good Kill'' (2014), and ''Sleeping with Other People'' (2014)''.''<ref>{{cite news|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=May 27, 2015|title=Paramount Home Media, IFC Films Strike Distribution Deal (Exclusive)|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/paramount-home-media-ifc-films-798371|access-date=2018-04-02}}</ref>
In July 2018, AMC Networks reached a definitive agreement to acquire RLJ Entertainment, where AMC would pay $65 million for the remaining RLJE shares not owned by AMC or Robert L. Johnson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amcnetworks.com/press-releases/amc-networks-inc-to-acquire-rlj-entertainment-inc/|title=AMC Networks Inc. To Acquire RLJ Entertainment, Inc.|website=AMC Networks|date=July 30, 2018|access-date=November 8, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=2018-07-30 |title=AMC Networks Reaches Deal to Buy RLJ Entertainment for $65 Million |url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/amc-networks-rlj-entertainment-acquisition-65-million-1202889642/ |access-date=2026-03-08 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> The transaction was approved by RLJ Entertainment's stockholders on October 31, and AMC Networks completed the acquisition on November 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amcnetworks.com/press-releases/amc-networks-inc-completes-acquisition-of-rlj-entertainment-inc/|title=AMC Networks Inc. Completes Acquisition Of RLJ Entertainment, Inc.|website=AMC Networks|date=November 1, 2018|access-date=November 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gruenwedel |first=Erik |date=2018-11-01 |title=AMC Networks Completes Acquisition of RLJ Entertainment |url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/amc-networks-complete-acquisition-of-rlj-entertainment/ |access-date=2026-03-08 |website=Media Play News |language=en-US}}</ref> RLJ Entertainment became a privately owned subsidiary of AMC Networks, with Johnson and his affiliates owning a 17% stake.<ref name=":5" /> RLJ Entertainment, as IFC Films' sister company,<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=2022-04-26 |title=IFC Films Moves Output Deal To AMC+; Streamer Launches Friday Night Movie Slate With ‘Clean’ |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/amc-plus-ifc-films-output-deal-friday-night-movie-slate-clean-adrien-brody-1235009599/ |access-date=2026-03-08 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> took over home video distribution of their titles in December 2021.
In April 2022, it was announced that IFC Films had signed a Pay 1 (post-theater window) output deal with AMC+ (AMC Networks' streaming platform). Beginning in May 2022, AMC+ would launch Friday night movie night, featuring a new movie direct from theaters, every Friday, from IFC Films, IFC Midnight, RLJE Films, and Shudder.<ref name=":6" />
In May 2025, IFC Films, which was turning 25 years old, announced that it would rebrand their name to Independent Film Company,<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Galuppo |first=Mia |date=2025-05-06 |title=As It Turns 25, IFC Films Announces Rebrand |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ifc-films-rebrand-1236207485/ |access-date=2026-03-08 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> a name that holds the IFC backronym, with its parent group renamed from AMC Networks Entertainment Group to IFC Entertainment Group.<ref>{{cite web|title=IFC Films Rebrands Under New IFC Entertainment Group|website=Deadline Hollywood|first1=Jill|last1=Goldsmith|first2=Anthony|last2=D'Alessandro|date=6 May 2025|access-date=7 May 2025|url=https://deadline.com/2025/05/ifc-films-launches-rebrand-under-new-ifc-entertainment-group-1236386900/}}</ref> Independent Film Company unveiled a new logo, alongside an on-screen logo animation featuring music composed by Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz of Beastie Boys.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJUJ3tkxITw/ |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref><ref name=":7" />
In August 2025, it was announced that IFC had acquired the North American rights to Charlie Polinger's directorial debut, ''The Plague'', a psychological thriller starring Joel Edgerton alongside newcomers Everett Blunck, Kayo Martin, and Kenny Rasmussen. The film earned rave reviews and an 11-minute standing ovation when it premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lang |first=Brent |date=2025-08-07 |title=Independent Film Company Buys Joel Edgerton Psychological Thriller ‘The Plague’ (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/markets-festivals/independent-film-company-buys-joel-edgerton-the-plague-1236481298/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>
In January 2026, IFC and Shudder acquired the rights to ''Saccharine'', an Australian, supernatural body horror, that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mack |first=Andrew |date=2026-01-20 |title=SACCHARINE: Independent Film Company And Shudder Acquire Sundance-Bound Body Horror |url=https://screenanarchy.com/2026/01/saccharine-independent-film-company-and-shudder-acquire-sundance-bound-body-horror.html |access-date=2026-05-03 |website=ScreenAnarchy}}</ref>
In May 2026, IFC and Sapan Studio acquired the rights to ''Mouse'', an American coming-of-age drama that premiered at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lang |first=Brent |date=May 11, 2026 |title='Mouse,' Coming-of-Age Drama From 'Ghostlight' Filmmakers, Acquired by Independent Film Company and Sapan Studio (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2026/film/markets-festivals/mouse-ghostlight-filmmakers-acquired-independent-film-company-sapan-studio-1236742546/ |access-date=May 11, 2026 |website=Variety}}</ref>
==Film library == {{Main|List of Independent Film Company films}}
==See also== *Scream Factory *Midnite Movies
==References== {{Reflist|33em}}
==External links== *[https://www.ifcfilms.com/ Official site] {{AMC Networks}} {{Film Studio}}
Category:2000 establishments in New York City Category:AMC Networks Category:American companies established in 2000 Category:Film distributors of the United States Category:Film production companies of the United States Category:Mass media companies based in New York City Category:Mass media companies established in 2000