AMC Networks Acquires Funny Or Die Stake

NEW YORK: AMC Networks has taken a minority stake in Funny Or Die and is planning for its IFC network to step up its collaboration with the popular comedy brand.

Funny Or Die was founded by Gary Sanchez Productions (Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Chris Henchy) and CAA, with Judd Apatow also as a principal partner. It has collaborated with IFC before, including on the upcoming Brockmire with Hank Azaria, which originated as a Funny Or Die short. A press release from AMC Networks said the investment “will allow IFC and Funny Or Die to work together on larger business and creative initiatives that leverage IFC’s strength in the linear space and Funny Or Die’s powerful digital and social presence.” This could include branded blocks on IFC, original content development and ad-sales opportunities. Funny Or Die will continue to operate independently.

“IFC has established itself as a television network and influential comedy brand able to leverage cultural relevance and both critical and popular acclaim to attract top talent and creators,” said Jennifer Caserta, the president of IFC, who will be joining the Funny Or Die board. “Both IFC and Funny Or Die have a proven track record of producing breakout content. The ability to work together more closely and increase our commitment to delivering more content on all platforms makes for an extremely significant partnership for both companies, and for the millions of fans of our comedy. It also marks a small, but important, first step towards my ultimate goal of appearing on Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis.”

“This is really the perfect partnership for us, because we get to work closely with a brand and team at IFC that we trust and respect, while also staying true to the irreverent, independent vision of our founders, Will Ferrell and Adam McKay,” said Mike Farah, CEO of Funny Or Die. “This move will be great business for both of our companies as we capitalize on our combined audiences, our complementary platforms, and our premium content. It will also be great for my wardrobe, because AMC Networks’ President and CEO Josh Sapan has been sending me these really nice shirts, and I hope that continues now that we’ve closed the deal.”