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  1. Production & Strategy
  2. Programming & Entertainment

IFC Hosts Roller-Skating Upfront With Dunk Tank, Shaved-Ice Cocktails

Jenna Berris
April 29, 2013

This year fewer TV networks seem content with entertaining media buyers with formal upfront presentations. IFC's effort, held April 11 at New York's Roseland Ballroom, was dubbed "Unexpectaganza" and sought to capture the spirit of its tagline, "Always on, slightly off," as well as quirky shows like Portlandia, Out There, and Comedy Bang! Bang! Working with LeadDog Marketing Group, the network turned the 18,000-square-foot venue into a playground for adults, featuring popular throwback activities like roller skating, a dunking booth, and an intentionally awkward yearbook-style photo booth.

"This year’s upfront presentation highlights the unexpected nature of IFC’s programming and offerings. We brought that to life through the IFC Unexpectaganza—an event experience with lots of 'slightly off' touches that speak to the fun, comedic nature of our brand," said an IFC spokesperson.

Several food and drink booths from local companies and souvenirs showcasing the network's different programs helped extend the casual vibe of the evening.
 

One of the surprises at the Unexpectaganza was an indoor roller-skating rink provided by Buffalo's Neon Entertainment complete with a lighting package that projected moving designs onto the floor. Other entertainment included a 'Comedy Bang! Bang! Dunk! Dunk!' tank where attendees had the chance to dunk IFC employees.
One of the surprises at the Unexpectaganza was an indoor roller-skating rink provided by Buffalo's Neon Entertainment complete with a lighting package that projected moving designs onto the floor. Other entertainment included a "Comedy Bang! Bang! Dunk! Dunk!" tank where attendees had the chance to dunk IFC employees.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
The entrance of the venue offered a map of the event using large icons and a key. With a mix of themes in mind, the diagram presented unrelated, interactive entertainment designed to keep guests on their toes.
The entrance of the venue offered a map of the event using large icons and a key. With a mix of themes in mind, the diagram presented unrelated, interactive entertainment designed to keep guests on their toes.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Rows of draped lights were strung across the ceiling to bring some intimacy to what’s otherwise a large and cavernous space. An IFC spokesperson also explained that the lighting helped reinforce the 'festival—or Unexpectaganza—vibe.'
Rows of draped lights were strung across the ceiling to bring some intimacy to what’s otherwise a large and cavernous space. An IFC spokesperson also explained that the lighting helped reinforce the "festival—or Unexpectaganza—vibe."
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Instead of a formal dinner, IFC opted for food booths. Local vendors included People's Pops' shaved-ice cocktails, Mayhem & Stout's braised sandwiches, Dough's fried doughnuts, and mini grilled cheese sandwiches from Milk Truck.
Instead of a formal dinner, IFC opted for food booths. Local vendors included People's Pops' shaved-ice cocktails, Mayhem & Stout's braised sandwiches, Dough's fried doughnuts, and mini grilled cheese sandwiches from Milk Truck.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
New York City-based People's Pops, a specialty dessert shop that makes gourmet ice pops and shaved ice from local fruit, served spiked ice treats in flavors lemon basil or red plum.
New York City-based People's Pops, a specialty dessert shop that makes gourmet ice pops and shaved ice from local fruit, served spiked ice treats in flavors lemon basil or red plum.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Colorful rock candy skewers were scattered throughout the bar area as a fun, slightly random touch. Guests got creative and even used them to stir their cocktails.
Colorful rock candy skewers were scattered throughout the bar area as a fun, slightly random touch. Guests got creative and even used them to stir their cocktails.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
DJ duo Andrew Andrew played a mix of music from a booth that sat in front of vintage-looking audio equipment. IFC's Reggie Watts played a surprise set later in the evening.
DJ duo Andrew Andrew played a mix of music from a booth that sat in front of vintage-looking audio equipment. IFC's Reggie Watts played a surprise set later in the evening.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Demonstrating IFC's sense of humor, a giant instructional warning sign directing guests to the restroom and coat check reminded them to use caution while using the stairs in skates.
Demonstrating IFC's sense of humor, a giant instructional warning sign directing guests to the restroom and coat check reminded them to use caution while using the stairs in skates.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
A photo booth allowed guests to take silly photos against an '80s-inspired yearbook-picture backdrop. A table featuring old-school photos and other items from the decade served as props for the images.
A photo booth allowed guests to take silly photos against an '80s-inspired yearbook-picture backdrop. A table featuring old-school photos and other items from the decade served as props for the images.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Brooklyn-based Kayrock Screenprinting made four different IFC-themed printed tote bags for guests. Designs included the chattering teeth logo from Comedy Bang! Bang!, a bird for Portlandia's 'Put a Bird On It' sketch, the slushy cup from Out There, and a cat, which is often a topic of discussion on Maron.
Brooklyn-based Kayrock Screenprinting made four different IFC-themed printed tote bags for guests. Designs included the chattering teeth logo from Comedy Bang! Bang!, a bird for Portlandia's "Put a Bird On It" sketch, the slushy cup from Out There, and a cat, which is often a topic of discussion on Maron.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
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