45. Jennifer Caserta

President/GM, IFC

Few cable nets have undergone a transformation quite like IFC. What started as a sponsor-driven, indie movie network has shifted over three years into a mecca for outlandish originals and groundbreaking comedies. This eccentric evolution, birthed and nurtured under Caserta, has carved out a defining space on television. Besides “Portlandia’s” year-to-year ratings increase, Caserta looks to keep the weird coming with eleven new projects in the pipeline. With comedy woven into her DNA, it’s no surprise she envies the position of Lorne Michaels. “Who wouldn’t want to run ‘SNL’ and work with Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers?!” Caserta asks.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

I’m a huge comedy fan, so I’m definitely in the right job. At IFC, we’re committed to producing sharp, smart comedies that are slightly off the beaten path. In my personal life I love to keep everyone around me laughing and having fun. Comedy is just in my DNA!

Best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance?

Balance? It’s never an equal 50% on both fronts. Some days I need to focus more on my family and personal life, and on others, like when I’m traveling for work or preparing for a big meeting, I lean more towards the professional. I do try to be proactive about carving out time for my family as well as for myself, but when the system falls short I try not to feel (too) guilty about it.

Who would you want to swap jobs with for a month and why?

Hands down, Lorne Michaels. He gets comedy and comedians and has the best gig in the business. Who wouldn’t want to run SNL and work with Jimmy Fallon AND Seth Myers?!

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President/GM, IFC

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