IFC Gets Serious About Series

The Independent Film Channel is moving ahead with its goal to expand its slate of original scripted programming.

The Rainbow Media Holdings-owned service announced a pilot project and multiple deals in development.

The pilot is for ZO2, a “loosely scripted improvisational” half-hour comedy that follows a band with a dual identity: a heavy metal rock band by night (ZO2) that also moonlights as a kids' birthday band by day (Z Brothers).

IFC also placed script orders for projects including Pornopolis, Elevated and Bad Habits.

And the network announced that The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman and The Business will return for second seasons in August.

“IFC is focused on, and committed to, developing our original-programming slate with unique content that aligns with the network’s uncut, uncensored environment,” executive vice president and general manager Evan Shapiro said in a prepared statement.

VP of original programming Debbie DeMontreux added, “The deals we have in development are compelling projects that also embody the spirit of IFC and apply that raw, edgy entertainment that differentiates IFC’s programming within the television landscape.”