MAM
Rainbow Media adds independent film channel prog to international content offerings
MUMBAI: Rainbow Media Holdings LLC has again expanded its agreement with London’s iD Distribution to add a wealth of original content from The Independent Film Channel (IFC). Fueled by the solid international sales of its brands and growing global interest in its vast programming lineup, this latest expansion comes just as iD closes its first successful year of international sales for Rainbow Media.
The Independent Film Channel (IFC)—launched in September 1994—is dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut, uncensored and commercial free. The channel’s “tv, uncut” mantra and its commitment to the independent film community and culture have helped establish IFC as a brand with a cult following of enthusiasts who revel in its original films and series. Over the network’s 12 year history, IFC has compiled an expansive slate of originals that includes such recent stand-outs as the network’s critically acclaimed signature series The Henry Rollins Show and original comedies The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman and Greg the Bunny, among other films, documentaries and specials, states an official release.
“It was a natural progression to include IFC as part of iD Distribution’s rich slate of offerings at MIPCOM, considering their continued success in selling Rainbow content around the world,” said Rainbow Media’s SVP Business Development Glenn Oakley in announcing the extended agreement. “IFC’s original programming has achieved phenomenal success with viewers in the United States, and we look forward to seeing this extend throughout the global marketplace.”
“Since IFC launched in 1994, we have seen the channel grow both its audience and vision. This is now a brand synonymous with engaging and edgy original programming that our U.S. viewers have come to expect,” said IFC’s EVP and GM Evan Shapiro. “We are obviously thrilled at the opportunity to bring the IFC brand and original entertainment to other regions in the world.”
Added iD Distribution’s MD Sally Miles: “IFC, with its refreshingly edgy tone, presents a fantastic array of series and specials that celebrate all things relevant to the indie film fan. This is a lineup with definite appeal to international audiences, and we’re pleased at the opportunity to bring it to market.”
Among the top IFC offerings at MIPCOM are:
Dinner for Five (49 x 30’) – Named by Entertainment Weekly as one of its top “Alterna-TV” picks, IFC’s signature series hosted and created by Jon Favreau (Elf and Made) brings together an intimate gathering of personalities from film, television, music and comedy for a lively and spontaneous evening of food and banter.
Film School (10 x 30’) – Why do so many people want to make movies? If you think you know the answer, this 10-part documentary series may make you think again. Executive producer and creator Nanette Burstein (The Kid Stays in the Picture) and producer Jordan Roberts document the trials and tribulations of four film school students during their final year at the prestigious New York University.
Greg the Bunny (15 x15’) – In this comical series of puppet parodies, the cancellation of the main characters’ sitcom is now just a painful memory. More current concerns are overdue rent and funding Warren the Ape’s drinking habit. So they’ve returned to where it all began: making film parodies for IFC.
Hopeless Pictures (9 x 17’) – This new animated comedy series centers on a dysfunctional Hollywood indie dream factory. Studio head Mel Wax struggles to reign in out-of-control pill-popping Swedish directors and assorted egomaniacal stars and starlets, while coping with a vengeful soon-to-be ex-wife, assorted affairs, his idiot nephew/head of production, and a hostile takeover by IFC.
The Henry Rollins Show (20 x 30’) – The Henry Rollins Show takes an uncensored approach to talk show programming with an independent voice that balances humor, angst, art and intellect. Following critical acclaim as IFC’s outspoken host on Henry’s Film Corner, Rollins incorporates an eclectic selection of musical acts, a wider range of celebrity guests and original comedy segments into his newest series.
Henry Rollins: Uncut From NYC (1 x 90’) – This one-hour special was taped during a stop at Town Hall in New York City on Rollins’ ‘25 Years of Bullshit’ Spoken Word Tour. The special features Rollins’ most engaging, enraging and humorous commentary on politics and pop culture, as well as his favorite exploits from 25 years on the road.
The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman (8 x 30’) – Ten-plus years after graduating from NYU Film School, best friends Jackie Woodman and Tara Wentzel, are still waiting for Hollywood to let them put their skills to use. Their struggles and antics holding onto “the dream” keep them suspended in a solution of willfully-ignorant optimism, promiscuity and irresponsibility.
Ultimate Film Fanatic (18 x 30’ plus format opportunity) – Hosted by Chris Gore, film critic and creator of indie magazine Film Threat, this is a series in which film geeks from across the country compete for the coveted title of THE Ultimate Film Fanatic. To prove it, they answer trivia, debate great film questions and show they are OBSESSED with movies.
Since launching its global expansion initiative just under a year ago, Rainbow Media—through iD Distribution—has sold over 1,000 hours of programming from its VOOM HD, WE tv, Mag Rack and sportskool brands to broadcasters around the world, including China, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon, Australia, New Zealand and India, the release adds.
MAM
Lego brings Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappé, Vinicius together
Campaign clocks 314 million views ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 buzz.
MUMBAI: Four legends, one frame and not a single tackle in sight. Lego has pulled off a crossover few thought possible, uniting Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in a single campaign ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 only this time, they’re building dreams brick by brick.
Titled “Everyone wants a piece”, the campaign features the quartet assembling a Lego version of the World Cup trophy, before placing miniature versions of themselves atop it, a playful nod to football’s ultimate prize. Shared widely across social media, the ad carries a pointed disclaimer: it is not AI-generated, a subtle but telling signal in an era where even reality is often questioned.
The numbers tell their own story. The campaign has already crossed 314 million views on Instagram across the players’ accounts, with fans hailing it as a rare, almost nostalgic moment particularly for the reunion of Messi and Ronaldo, whose last shared campaign ahead of the 2022 World Cup became one of the platform’s most-liked posts.
Beyond the film, Lego is extending the play with exclusive, player-themed sets tied to each of the four stars, part of a broader football-led programme designed to ride the global momentum building towards 2026. The idea, as echoed by the players themselves, leans into the parallels between football and play experimentation, creativity, failure, and triumph.
Messi described the sets as a way to bring on-pitch moments into an imaginative, hands-on world, while Ronaldo called the transformation into a Lego figure a rare honour, blending sport with storytelling. Vinícius, meanwhile, struck a more personal note, recalling childhood moments of building with Lego and framing creativity as a universal language that transcends borders.
The timing is no accident. With the 2026 World Cup set to run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and featuring an expanded 48-team format, global anticipation is already building. Argentina, led by Messi, will enter as defending champions, adding another layer of intrigue.
For Lego, the campaign does more than celebrate football, it taps into its mythology. Because when icons become figurines and rivalries turn into play, the beautiful game finds a new kind of pitch. one built, quite literally, by hand.
