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.
Brands
Reserve Bank of India cancels Paytm Payments Bank licence
Central bank cites compliance failures; curbs tighten as wind-up looms
MUMBAI: India’s banking watchdog delivered its sharpest blow yet to Paytm Payments Bank, cancelling its licence and effectively ending its ability to operate as a bank under the law.
The Reserve Bank of India said the entity can no longer conduct banking business under the Banking Regulation Act, citing concerns that its affairs were not being run in the interest of depositors or the public and that it had failed to meet licence conditions.
The move escalates a crackdown that has been building for months. The bank had already been barred from onboarding new customers since March 11, 2022, and later faced restrictions on deposits, credit and wallet top-ups. In January 2024, the central bank ordered it to stop accepting fresh deposits, pointing to persistent non-compliance, including lapses in customer due diligence, use of funds and technology systems.
Operationally, the bank is now on a tight leash. It may process withdrawals of existing deposits and facilitate loan referrals through banking correspondents, but it cannot take fresh deposits.
The central bank said it would apply to the high court to wind up the bank.
Paytm sought to ringfence the fallout. In a regulatory filing, it said the licence cancellation applies to Paytm Payments Bank Limited, a separate entity, and should not be attributed to One 97 Communications. It added that there is no exposure or material business arrangement with the bank and that it operates independently, without Paytm’s board or management involvement.
“As informed earlier, Paytm (One 97 Communications Limited) and its services, which have been operating without interruption, will continue to operate uninterrupted. These include the Paytm app, Paytm UPI, Paytm Gold and all other services offered by its subsidiaries and associated companies,” the company said.
The distinction may reassure users of the app ecosystem, but the regulator’s verdict is unequivocal. After years of warnings, caps and curbs, the payments bank experiment at Paytm is being shut down—decisively, and with little room left to manoeuvre.
