Pumping docu slate with Landis' 'Slasher'
IFC pic heralds originality
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Pic, which explores the world of used-car slasher sales, marks Landis' first foray into directing documentaries.
Shot in Memphis, Tenn., and produced by Gotham-based Stick Figure Prods.' Steve Cantor and Daniel Laikind ("Devil's Playground"), project trails the granddaddy of slasher salesmen as he unloads cars that others deem unsalable.
Doc, in post-production, is expected to bow on the channel early next year. IFC will fully finance the project, exec produced by net programming director Alison Bourke.
Landis recently appeared as himself in IFC-released doc "The American Nightmare."
Building identity
During IFC's Tuesday Television Critics Assn. presentation, exec VP-general manager Ed Carroll said the cable net hopes to better define its brand by increasing the amount of original programming and by expanding the scope of its original docs beyond the subject of indie filmmaking.
"What we want is people and projects with an independent sensibility," Carroll told Daily Variety. " 'Slasher' is a good example of the kind of thing IFC is looking for: passion projects and stories that haven't been told."
Among its initiatives, the net hopes to preem two to three original specials and one to two series a year. IFC is scouting for companion shows for its signature series "Dinner for Five," created and hosted by Jon Favreau.
Cabler is available in 40 million homes.
