IFC Grabs Searchlight

In a vote of confidence for Fox Searchlight's pipeline, IFC just closed a reportedly $30 million multiyear output deal with the distributor according to Variety today (see article). With "Garden State" and "Napoleon Dynamite" playing well in theaters and "I ♥ Huckabees", "Sideways" and "Kinsey" coming up with decent buzz, Fox Searchlight seems to have a good amount of quality material that fits IFC's needs.

Grabbing the first network slot for a number of films from Searchlight through 2006,

"These films, which make up 90% of our schedule, continue to be the engine that drives the network," IFC general manager-exec VP Ed Carroll said, adding that Fox Searchlight's hit-heavy track record makes it the perfect partner for an extensive output deal.

It'll be interesting to see if Focus Features or Sony Pictures Classics gets added to a mix that includes product from Lions Gate Films, Miramax, MGM and New Line Television.