Evan Shapiro
President, IFC tv and Sundance Channel
As president of IFC tv and Sundance Channel, Evan Shapiro oversees the strategic development, management and operation of The Independent Film Channel (IFC) and Sundance Channel.
Mr. Shapiro was named to this post in June 2008. Prior to this role, he served for three years as executive vice president and general manager of IFC, where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the network and directed all efforts as it related to program development, production, scheduling and marketing. At IFC, Mr. Shapiro had a tremendous impact on the network, strategically evolving the brand in response to the rapidly changing programming delivery technologies, industry trends and issues critical to its audience.
During Mr. Shapiro’s tenure, IFC produced a number of thought-provoking and acclaimed original documentaries and specials, including This Film Is Not Yet Rated, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2006 and prompted the MPAA to discuss making changes to its film ratings process. In 2005, the network unveiled the innovative web/TV integrated user-generated content initiative for filmmakers, IFC Media Lab. Under Mr. Shapiro’s leadership, IFC also expanded its original series slate, including the sketch comedy series "The Whitest Kids U’ Know " and the upcoming comedy "Z Rock." IFC grew dramatically in scope and magnitude under Mr. Shapiro’s guidance. In 2008, IFC launched its first On Demand offering, IFC Free, which gives audiences the opportunity to watch premieres of all of IFC’s original series in HD before they air on the linear network. The network also became available in standard and high definition in 2008. Mr. Shapiro broke new ground in 2007 by bringing R. Kelly’s "Trapped in the Closet " to IFC.com. This landmark "hip-hopera " was called "the cultural event of the year " by New York magazine. It also served as the catalyst for driving a record number of visitors to IFC.com, which Mr. Shapiro remolded into a "second network " with original content and the mantra "voices of independent culture. " Mr. Shapiro also aggressively increased IFC sponsorship activities during his tenure, including deals with ABSOLUT ®, Red Bull ®, Heineken, Land Rover, Target, Volkswagen and [yellow tail].
Mr. Shapiro joined IFC in 2004 as senior vice president of marketing and in this role he launched some of IFC’s largest-ever marketing campaigns, including Film Fanatic Fridays and Pulp Month.
The industry honor bestowed upon IFC during Mr. Shapiro’s tenure include: BrandWeek Brand Builder (2005), a Myers Media Innovation & Creativity Award (2006), a gold Reggie Award (2006), two silver Mark Award (2006 and 2007), a Peabody Award – one of the most prestigious awards in electronic media (2006), six BDA Awards (2007 and 2008), and seven PROMAX Awards (2007 and 2008).
Prior to joining IFC, Mr. Shapiro served as senior vice president of marketing for Court TV, where his campaigns for "Forensic Files" garnered several top awards. In 1996, Mr. Shapiro formed a marketing agency called FourFront, which he ran until joining Court TV. With clients such as HBO, Court TV, A&E, Microsoft and Universal Pictures, he developed marketing campaigns, events and guerrilla strategies for some of the world’s top brands. He was also integrally involved with the creation of countless Broadway enterprises such as The Lion King, Rent, Chicago, Bring in ’Da Noise, Bring in ’Da Funk and Freak. Before FourFront, Mr. Shapiro got his first major career lift as the director of marketing for the Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival, where he re-launched the venerable theater’s brand after 40 years and developed a new look and image for Shakespeare in the Park (FREE WILL!) and Noise/Funk.
Mr. Shapiro is a member of the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM), the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) and PROMAX. He serves as chairman of the board for Ghetto Film School and is a board member for the New York Theater Ballet, the National Guild of Community Schools for the Arts and New York Women In Cable Telecommunications (NYWICT). Mr. Shapiro served for four years as an adjunct professor of marketing at NYU and lectures for Columbia Business School, Stern School of Business, Fordham University and other business and marketing schools nationwide.