AFM 2022 Wraps First Live Event in Three Years with Attendees from Record 87 Countries

LOS ANGELES, CA – November 10, 2022 – The American Film Market (AFM®) concluded its 43^th edition on Sunday, November 6, marking its first in-person return to Santa Monica since 2019. The shortened six-day market drew together sales and production companies, buyers, financiers, and representatives from every sector of the independent film industry from a record 87 countries for a dynamic week of deal-making, screenings, conferences, networking and parties.

“AFM 2022 was an important milestone in our 43-year history,” said Jean Prewitt, President/CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance. “Our mission is to give the independent industry a strong platform for sales, education, and networking.  After three years away, new energy filled Santa Monica throughout the week, with a steady drumbeat of business being done and participants from 87 countries enthusiastically engaged in sharing the industry knowledge that makes face-to-face markets so vital.”

The total number of attendees that visited the AFM was 5,866. Exhibitors included 305 registered companies from 38 countries, with the largest number of exhibitors after the United States coming from the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany and Canada. From Asia, the Republic of South Korea and Thailand each had a strong presence with 17 and 8 exhibition companies respectively and two countries with significant increases in participation were Italy with 29 exhibitors and Malaysia with 10.

The AFM re-introduced two new exhibitor programs this year — Reserved Meeting Tables, which were in high-demand selling out quickly, as well an Offsite Exhibition program affording all companies, big and small, the options they needed at the right size and price point to fit their company’s market needs.

Buyers from nearly 500 companies representing 68 countries were present at the market with the highest number of buyers coming from the United States followed by Germany, the UK, Japan, the Republic of South Korea, Italy, Spain, France, Canada, Brazil, and the Netherlands.

From Asia, the largest showing of individual buyers were with companies from Japan (49) and the Republic of South Korea (48) followed by Singapore (8), Hong Kong (7), Taiwan (6), Thailand (6), and China (2). Buyers from the Russian Federation totaled 14.

AFM screenings were highly attended with 352 screenings taking place across 15 commercial theatre screens over the course of four days and the AFM On Demand platform.

Continuing its renowned conference program, The AFM Sessions presented by Cast & Crew and Spcine took place alongside the market at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel and featured a lineup of 32 sessions and over 100 speakers across two stages.

The sessions provided attendees a wealth of timely film production, financing, and sales topics and information and the opportunity to hear from thought-leaders including: Jeff Annison, Legion M, Miranda Bailey, Cold Iron Pictures, Brian Beckmann, Arclight Films, Kyle Bowser, NAACP, Margaret Boykin, Ubisoft Film & Television, Cedric the Entertainer, A Bird and A Bear Entertainment, Jason Cloth, Creative Wealth Media, Howard Cohen, Roadside Attractions, Maxime Cottray, XYZ Films, Cassian Elwes, Elevated Film Sales, Clay Epstein, Film Mode Entertainment, David Fannon, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment / Screen Media Ventures, Danny Gabai, VICE Studios US,  Peter Graham, 120 dB Films, Jeffrey Greenstein, Millennium Media, Elizabeth Haggard, Participant, George Hamilton, Protagonist Pictures, Charles Hopkins, Concord Originals, James Huntsman, Blue Fox Entertainment, Nick Isaak, Gravitas Ventures, Peter Jarowey, Vertical Entertainment, Erica Lee, Thunder Road Pictures, Laura Lewis, Rebelle Media, Nick LoPiccolo, Paradigm Agency, Glendon Palmer, AGC Studios, Ross Putnam, Verve Ventures, Pip Ngo, XYZ Films, Delphine Perrier, Highland Film Group,  Jason Pfardrescher, Well Go USA, Milan Popelka, FilmNation, Jonathan Prince, Philmco Media, Lindsey Ramey, Wattpad WEBTOON Studios, Jason Richman, United Talent Agency, Michael Ryan, GFM Animation,  Kent Sanderson, Bleecker Street/ DECAL, Sanjay Sharma, Marginal MediaWorks, Scott Shooman, IFC Entertainment, Mary Jane Skalski, Echo Lake Entertainment, Mimi Steinbaur, Radiant Films International, Ashley Stern, Picture Perfect Federation, David Steward II, Lion Forge Animation, James Vanderbilt, Project X Entertainment, and many others. Organizations such as NAACP, Outfest, REFRAME and SAG-AFTRA also provided sessions focusing on emerging efforts to build the industry through a stronger and more diverse talent base.

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About the American Film Market® (AFM®)
The AFM is where the business of film comes to life every November. One of the world’s preeminent film events and the only independently produced international sales market, hundreds of production, sales and distribution companies and thousands of buyers and professionals from every segment of the industry, convene at AFM in Santa Monica for six days of discovery, development, deal making, networking, marketplace discussions and world-class conferences.  More than US$1 billion in finance, production and distribution deals are closed each year on completed films and projects in every stage of development and spanning every genre, budget and language.  The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®) and serves as the annual fundraiser for the association.

About the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®)
IFTA is the global trade association for independent film and television production, finance, distribution, and sales companies. The organization represents the independent sector before governments and international bodies and provides significant entertainment industry services to independent companies from 22 countries.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Garnick, VP Communications
jgarnick@ifta-online.org | 310-446-1006

AFM^® Kicks Off Today with Exhibitors and Buyers From 70+ Countries

The AFM Sessions Adds Panels Focused on Social Impact and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Featuring Lion Forge Animation, NAACP, Outfest, Participant, Pepperdine University Philmco, REFRAME, SAG-AFTRA and SIE Society

Los Angeles, CA – November 1, 2022 — The 43^th American Film Market® (AFM®) will opens its doors today, November 1 and welcomes the global industry back to Santa Monica for the first time since 2019. For six days, film finance, production, sales and distribution executives from 70 countries will be in attendance for screenings, meetings, networking, and panels, and to close deals on both completed films and projects destined to reach audiences around the world.

The AFM will welcome 300 exhibiting companies representing thousands of films and projects in every stage of production. The United States will have the biggest exhibitor presence, followed by the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia.

The world’s leading buyers will also be in attendance with companies from more than 68 countries confirmed to date with registration still ongoing. The largest numbers come from the United States, followed by Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Italy, Spain, and France. Buyers from the world’s leading digital platforms are also confirmed.

AFM continues its renowned programming, the AFM Sessions, at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.  Over four days, November 2-5, AFM will present 32 sessions on two stages focused on the topics, opportunities, and practical information most relevant to global filmmakers, featuring more than 100 thought leaders, decision makers and experts.

New sessions just added to the program, are included below: The full programming schedule can be found at: https://sessions.americanfilmmarket.com/.

On the Arcadia Stage on Thursday, Nov. 3, AFM’s When Films Change the World panel will explore how films have a greater opportunity than ever to inspire and empower social awareness and change on a mass scale with panelists Danny Gabai, VICE Studios U.S, Elizabeth Haggard, Participant, Jonathan Prince, Philmco Media, David Steward II, Lion Forge Animation, and moderator Robert Rippberger, SIE Society.

Also, on Nov. 3 the Engage Symposium: 21st Century Independent Filmmaking presented by Pepperdine University, will focus on equity and access and on inclusive storytelling practices and feature Cedric the Entertainer, A Bird and A Bear Entertainment with Deon Taylor and Roxanne Avent Taylor, Hidden Empire Film Group.

On Friday, Nov. 4 How Platforms & Networks Approach Independent Content will feature Cameron Douglas, Fandango, Sam Harowitz, Tubi, Jennifer Vaux, The Roku Channel, and Heidi Chung, Variety Intelligence Platform.

AFM’s Palisades Stage will host diversity, equity and inclusion focused sessions, including:

• Beyond Tools for Culture Change: Building Your Production’s Gender Equity Action Plan in partnership with ReFrame on Thursday, 3 with Alex Schmider, GLAAD, Andria Wilson, ReFrame and Pamala Buzick Kim, Free the Work.   
• The Debt: Black Equity in Mainstream Culture in partnership with NAACP on Friday, Nov. 4, with Brandan “BMIKE” Odums, Artist + Activist, Ivan J. Juzang, Motivational Educational Entertainment Productions Inc., Kelle Rozell, Color of Change, and Kyle Bowser,
• Beyond Representation: The Future of Producing LGBTQ+ Stories for Social Impact co-presented and curated with Outfest on Friday, Nov. 4 with Chester Algernal Gordon, The Inspection & Pier Kids, Martine Joelle McDonald, Outfest, Sav Rogers (He/Him), Trans Film Center/Forward Alum, Steph Ouaknine, Amazon/Wondery, and Whitney Skauge (They/Them), Breakwater Studio.
• Setting New Standards for Hair and Makeup Equity in partnership with SAG-AFTRA on Saturday, Nov. 5.

Among many others, The AFM Session speakers include Milan Popelka, FilmNation, Jason Cloth, Creative Wealth Media, Howard Cohen, Roadside Attractions, Ashley Stern, Picture Perfect Federation, Martin Moszkowicz, Constantin Film, Jeff Annison, Legion M, Jeffrey Greenstein, Millennium Media, Laura Lewis, Rebelle Media Clay Epstein, Film Mode Entertainment, Miranda Bailey, Cold Iron Pictures, and George Hamilton, Protagonist Pictures, Ross Putnam, Verve Ventures, Nick LoPiccolo, Paradigm Agency, Jason Richman, United Talent Agency.

LocationEXPO® will also take place alongside the market at the Loews Hotel over the course of six days – November 1-6 and feature more than 30 Film Commissions, Government Agencies, Production Facilities and Services from around the globe.

The American Film Market is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

For more information visit AmericanFilmMarket.com.  For the Exhibitor List: AmericanFilmMarket.com/exhibitor-list; For AFM Screenings: TheFilmCatalogue.com/afm/screening-schedule.

# # #

About the American Film Market® (AFM®)
The AFM is where the business of film comes to life every November. One of the world’s preeminent film events and the only independently produced international sales market, hundreds of production, sales and distribution companies and thousands of buyers and professionals from every segment of the industry, convene at AFM in Santa Monica for six days of discovery, development, deal making, networking, marketplace discussions and world-class conferences.  More than US$1 billion in finance, production and distribution deals are closed each year on completed films and projects in every stage of development and spanning every genre, budget and language.  The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®) and serves as the annual fundraiser for the association.

About the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®)
IFTA is the global trade association for independent film and television production, finance, distribution, and sales companies. The organization represents the independent sector before governments and international bodies and provides significant entertainment industry services to independent companies from 22 countries.

Media Contact
Jennifer Garnick
VP, Communications
jgarnick@ifta-online.org
AFMpress@ifta-online.org
+310.446.1006

AFM^® Announces Programming & Speakers, LocationEXPO^® Participants and Reveals Official Poster for In-Person Return November 1-6

The AFM Sessions to Feature 100 Industry Leaders, Including Roadside Attractions’ Howard Cohen, Picture Perfect Federation’s Ashley Stern, Constantin Film’s Martin Moszkowicz, Legion M’s Jeff Annison, Millennium Media’s Jeffrey Greenstein, Protagonist Pictures’ George Hamilton & Many More

LocationEXPO to Feature Film Commissions, Agencies and Production Service Companies from 30 Countries

LOS ANGELES – October 14, 2022 – The American Film Market (AFM®) today announced new details for its 43^rd edition, including The AFM Sessions lineup and speakers, LocationEXPO exhibit participants and Premiere Sponsors set for the market’s in-person return after two years online.  The AFM will commence in Santa Monica, CA at the Loews Beach Hotel and theatres throughout the city, Tuesday, November 1 and run for six days through Sunday, November 6.

Also today, the AFM revealed its official poster design for the 2022 show created by DESIGNWORKS.  Download the Hi-Res Poster HERE.

Continuing its renowned programming initiative, The AFM Sessions presented by Cast & Crew and Spcine will feature a lineup of 30+ sessions that will bring over 100 speakers to its two stages over four days, Nov. 2-5, including global thought-leaders Howard Cohen, Roadside Attractions, Ashley Stern, Picture Perfect Federation, Martin Moszkowicz

Constantin Film, Jeff Annison, Legion M, Jeffrey Greenstein, Millennium Media, and George Hamilton, Protagonist Pictures. Programming highlights include:   

• Finance: Strategies for Today’s VOD Dominated World
  Maxime Cottray, XYZ Films (EVP, Production and Finance), Peter Graham, 120 dB Films (Principal), Deirdre Owens, Cast & Crew (VP, Production Incentive Financing) and Jeremy Kay, Screen International (Americas Editor).

• Forecasting the Future for Independent Film
  David Fannon, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment / Screen Media Ventures (EVP, Distribution / President), Martin Moszkowicz, Constantin Film (President and Chairman) Ashley Stern, Picture Perfect Federation / Federation Entertainment of America (President) and Patrick Frater, Variety (Asia Editor).

• Theatrical Marketplace Recovery for Independent Films
  Howard Cohen, Roadside Attractions (Co-President & Co-Founder), Jeffrey Greenstein, Millennium Media (President), Scott Shooman, IFC Entertainment (SVP, Acquisitions) and Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, (International Features Editor). 

• Demystifying the Global VOD Landscape
  Nick Isaak, Gravitas Ventures (VP of Sales), Peter Jarowey, Vertical Entertainment (Partner / CEO), Jason Pfardrescher, Well Go USA (EVP Digital Distribution), Kent Sanderson, Bleecker Street/ DECAL (President, Acquisitions & Ancillary Distribution/ Co-President) and Stephanie Prange, Media Play News (Editor in Chief).

• Inspiration is Everywhere: Accessing & Adapting Existing IP for the Screen
  Margaret Boykin, Ubisoft Film & Television (VP of Development, Film & Television), Charles Hopkins, Concord Originals (Director of Development & Production) and James Vanderbilt, Project X Entertainment (CCO).

• Independent Features with Big Profit Potential
  Miranda Bailey, Cold Iron Pictures (CEO), Brian Beckmann Arclight Films (CFO) George Hamilton, Protagonist Pictures (CCO), and Pip Ngo, XYZ Films (SVP of Sales & Acquisitions).

• The Producer / Sales Agent Dynamic
  Clay Epstein, Film Mode Entertainment (President), Delphine Perrier, Highland Film Group (COO), Mary Jane Skalski, Echo Lake Entertainment (President of Production / Producer), and Mimi Steinbaur, Radiant Films International (President & CEO).

• The Innovators
  Jeff Annison, Legion M (Co-Founder & President), Lindsey Ramey, Wattpad WEBTOON Studios
  (Head of Global Film), Richard Botto, Stage 32 (Founder) and Alex Ferrari, Indie Film Hustle (Founder).

As previously announced, AFM’s programming will kick off with the Finance Conference session The Risk Takers, featuring Jason Cloth, Creative Wealth Media, Basil Iwanyk, Thunder Road Pictures, Laura Lewis, Rebelle Media, Milan Popelka, FilmNation and Erich Schwartzel, The Wall Street Journal.

All sessions will take place at the Loews Hotel. The current schedule and speakers can be viewed HERE.

Alongside the sales activity, screenings and sessions, LocationEXPO at AFM will welcome Film Commissions, Government Agencies and Production Service Companies from more than 30 countries.  Organizations participating in LocationEXPO hail from the U.S. and as far as Egypt, Kauai, Malaysia, Malta, Sao Paolo, Thailand, and Tokyo.

In addition to connecting with Film Commissions and organizations, who collectively are offering millions of dollars in production incentives, AFM participants can also attend panels and presentations from LocationEXPO exhibitors and partners, including The Italian Trade Agency, The Polish Film Institute, The North Finland Film Commission, and the Louisiana Office of Entertainment Industry Development.   Visit the Exhibitor List to view the full lineup of LocationEXPO participants with more still being added.

Premiere Sponsors of AFM 2022 are Cast & Crew, Deadline Hollywood, Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), National Film Development Corp. Malaysia (FINAS), the Polish Film Institute, Screen International, Spcine, The Hollywood Report, and Variety.

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About the American Film Market® (AFM®)
The AFM is where the business of film comes to life every November. One of the world’s preeminent film events and the only independently produced international sales market, hundreds of production, sales and distribution companies and thousands of buyers and professionals from every segment of the industry, convene at AFM in Santa Monica for six days of discovery, development, deal making, networking, marketplace discussions and world-class conferences.  More than US$1 billion in finance, production and distribution deals are closed each year on completed films and projects in every stage of development and spanning every genre, budget and language.  The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®) and serves as the annual fundraiser for the association.

About the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®)
IFTA is the global trade association for independent film and television production, finance, distribution, and sales companies. The organization represents the independent sector before governments and international bodies and provides significant entertainment industry services to independent companies from 22 countries.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Garnick
jgarnick@ifta-online.org | 310-446-1006

Major Exhibitors & Opening Speakers Set For AFM
In-Person Return To Santa Monica November 1-6

Two Key Senior Hires Added to the AFM Team

Los Angeles, CA – September 15, 2022 – With the 43^rd edition of the American Film Market® (AFM®) set to open live in just under two months, the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®) today announced initial details as well as two key hires for the 2022 show. AFM will commence in Santa Monica, CA, at the Loews Beach Hotel and theatres throughout the city, Tuesday, November 1 and run for six days through Sunday, November 6.

The only independently produced sales market in the industry, AFM Exhibitor registration is trending strong with 225 companies and growing, including sales, production and distribution companies, as well as international trade organizations, film commissions and production service companies. Confirmed exhibiting companies include: A24, Altitude Film Entertainment, Charades, CJ ENM, Contents Panda, Emperor Motion Pictures, Film Mode Entertainment, FilmNation, Gaumont, Gaumont, Global Screen GmbH, Hanway Films, Lakeshore, Lionsgate, Magnolia Pictures, MGM Studios, Millennium Media, Pathé Films, Protagonist Pictures, Screen Media, Sierra/Affinity, STUDIOCANAL, Toei Company, Ltd., TrustNordisk, UNIFRANCE, Voltage, WME Independent, and XYZ Films. The current Exhibitor List can be viewed at https://americanfilmmarket.com/exhibitor-list.

“The early commitments and excitement by companies around the world to be in Santa Monica, along with the projects coming together, say that the industry is back to business,” said IFTA’s President/CEO Jean Prewitt.  “While business models have clearly shifted, independent film will forever be built on discovery, collaboration, innovation and serendipity, making the need for annual face-to-face gatherings like AFM essential to our industry.”

Alongside the sales activity, the AFM offers a full schedule of conferences and wide opportunities to network and explore the new industry realities.  The AFM Sessions’ opening Finance Conference – “The Risk Takers” – will bring leading independent financiers, producers and executives Jason Cloth (Founder/CEO, Creative Wealth Media), Milan Popelka (COO, FilmNation), Laura Lewis (Founder, Rebelle Media), and Basil Iwanyk (Founder, Thunder Road Pictures) to the stage Wednesday morning, November 2. The AFM Sessions presented by Cast & Crew and Spcine will feature over 100+ speakers across two stages inside the Loews Hotel.  The current schedule and speakers can be viewed at https://sessions.americanfilmmarket.com/.

IFTA further announced new executive additions to its AFM team. Matthew Thompson and Catherine Girard-Cobb have been appointed to the newly created roles of Co-Managing Directors, AFM, reporting to President & CEO Jean Prewitt. They join long-time IFTA Vice Presidents Jennifer Garnick and Robin Burt to develop and support the overall vision, operations and production of the AFM.

Thompson, who brings 25 years of event management and production experience, will oversee the AFM Attendee segment and is responsible for Registration, Hotels, Transportation, Conference production, and the networking platform, MyAFM.  He previously served as an event director and consultant for clients, including Adweek, the Tribeca Film Festival, Nespresso, and the Skirball Cultural Center.

Girard-Cobb, who will manage the AFM Exhibitor experience, including Registration, Film Screenings, and Furniture & Equipment, is a 20-year event veteran.  She has successfully managed large-scale trade shows and live and virtual events most of her career, most recently for London-based Clarion Events, Quartz North America, and Bobit Business Media’s 20 annual market-specific events.

Prewitt commented, “Matthew and Catherine bring a wealth of combined event experience in line with the AFM.  Their skills and insights complement our established and talented team and strengthen our ability to meet the changing needs of our industry as we look to our in-person return this year and the future.”

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About the American Film Market® (AFM®)
The AFM is where the business of film comes to life every November. One of the world’s preeminent film events and the only independently produced international sales market, hundreds of production, sales and distribution companies and thousands of buyers and professionals from every segment of the industry, convene at AFM in Santa Monica for six days of discovery, development, deal making, networking, marketplace discussions and world-class conferences.  More than US$1 billion in finance, production and distribution deals are closed each year on completed films and projects in every stage of development and spanning every genre, budget and language.  The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®) and serves as the annual fundraiser for the association.

About the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®)
IFTA is the global trade association for independent film and television production, finance, distribution, and sales companies. The organization represents the independent sector before governments and international bodies and provides significant entertainment industry services to independent companies from 22 countries.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Garnick
jgarnick@ifta-online.org
310-446-1006

American Film Market Managing Director Jonathan Wolf To Exit

Los Angeles – May 3, 2022 – The Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®) announced today that Jonathan Wolf, Managing Director of its American Film Market® (AFM®) and EVP of the trade association, will step down when his current term ends on June 30, 2022.  Wolf, who has led the AFM for 24 years, will continue on as an advisor through the 2022 AFM, which is set to make its in-person return to Santa Monica for the 43^rd edition, November 1-6.

Under Wolf’s leadership, the AFM transformed from its import-export roots to an event that serves and includes the entire independent film production and distribution community.  Today, AFM is recognized as a must attend market and, as a part of IFTA, remains the only market controlled by the independent industry itself.

During his tenure, Wolf enhanced the market’s tools for Buyers and Sellers, continually developing and adapting services to meet the industry’s needs.  He launched TheFilmCatalogue.com, a leading industry resource with information on thousands of projects and films available from global producers, distributors and sales companies, and its companion TFC Weekly Update email.  He also introduced significant networking and education programs, including multi-stage conferences and panels, and the MyAFM online platform.

“Jonathan has been central to the success of the association’s growth and transitions,” said IFTA’s President/CEO Jean Prewitt.  “He consistently has focused on making the AFM the best place for the industry to do business and has built an outstanding and long-established AFM team who share his commitment to excellence.  We are grateful that Jonathan will be available to advise through the 2022 market.” 

“It’s been a privilege to lead the AFM and work with passionate volunteer Board members for more than 20 years,” Wolf commented.  “I was supported by a terrific team that worked tirelessly to produce a world class event; we achieved much together.  I’m excited to see what the future holds – for the AFM, IFTA and me.”

Earlier with IFTA, among other successes, he spearheaded the launch of IFTA Collections ^TM, the industry’s first centralized service for the collection and distribution of royalties and levies from secondary audio-visual rights for films and television programming.  To date, IFTA has collected over $150 million for its clients and continues to distribute more than $5 million annually.

Wolf’s connection to IFTA began as an elected Board Member and Vice Chairman, Finance while CFO at IFTA Member New World International.  He joined the association as SVP in 1993 and was appointed to lead the AFM as Managing Director in 1998.

# # #

About the American Film Market® (AFM®)
The AFM is the most efficient film acquisition, development and networking event in the world. More than US$1 billion in production and distribution deals are closed every year — on both completed films and those in every stage of development and production. Over six days in November, 7,000+ professionals from 70+ countries access the entire global catalogue of available films and projects, attend world class conferences, and connect with decision makers. The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance®.

About the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®)
IFTA is the global trade association for independent film and television production, finance, distribution, and sales companies. The organization represents the independent sector before governments and international bodies and provides significant entertainment industry services to independent companies from 22 countries.

AFM Set To Make In-Person Return To Santa Monica November 1-6, 2022

Registration for Exhibitors Launches Monday, May 9

Los Angeles, CA – April 28, 2022 – The American Film Market® (AFM®) will welcome the global industry back to Santa Monica for its 43^rd edition set to take place in-person Tuesday, November 1 through Sunday, November 6, the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®) announced today.  The market, which planned its shift to a six-day run in 2020, will take place at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel and theatres throughout the city.

Registration will open Monday, May 9 for Exhibitors, both returning and new.  Accredited Buyers and Industry Attendees may register beginning July 5.

The Loews Hotel will once again be home to 400+ sales & production companies, LocationEXPO, and new for 2022, all Conferences & Panels, providing attendees more convenient access to this year’s sessions.

“There is more excitement about the future than I’ve seen in two years and in-person markets are more vital than ever,” said Clay Epstein, Chairperson, IFTA and President, Film Mode Entertainment. “The desire to return to Santa Monica for AFM is at an all-time high and we are eager to reunite the global industry in November.”

AFM is the only sales market produced by the independent industry itself and is the annual fundraiser for IFTA.

About the American Film Market® (AFM®)
The AFM is the most efficient film acquisition, development and networking event in the world. More than US$1 billion in production and distribution deals are closed every year — on both completed films and those in every stage of development and production. Over six days in November, 7,000+ professionals from 70+ countries access the entire global catalogue of available films and projects, attend world class conferences, and connect with decision makers. The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance®.

About the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®)
IFTA is the global trade association for independent film and television production, finance, distribution, and sales companies. The organization represents the independent sector before governments and international bodies and provides significant entertainment industry services to independent companies from 22 countries.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Garnick | VP, Communications
jgarnick@ifta-online.org | 1+310.446.1006

American Film Market Launches Largest Programming Lineup AVOD, TV And XR Conversations Take Main Stage For 40^th Edition

Paramount Pictures’ Futurist Ted Schilowitz Set as Keynote

 
Los Angeles, CA – September 24, 2019 — The American Film Market (AFM®) will mark its 40th edition November 6 – 13 with its most expansive programming to date. New to the lineup is a half-day Television Conference and a session centered on AVOD (Ad Supported Video On Demand).
 
AFM’s more than 50 panels, roundtables and presentations will showcase international industry experts, decision makers, and academics across three stages, alongside the AFM’s industry screenings and marketplace.
 
Ted Schilowitz, XR expert and Futurist at Paramount Pictures, will also present the opening State of the Industry keynote for AFM’s half-day Immersive Summit presented by Winston Baker on November 9.
 
AFM ’s Distribution Conference on November 12 will feature The Rise of AVOD panel with speakers Floris Bauer, President, Gunpowder & Sky, Jeff Shultz, Chief Business Officer, Pluto TV, Adam Lewinson, Chief Content Officer, Tubi TV, Julian Franco, Senior Director – AVOD, Vudu, and Anthony Layser, Vice President, Partnerships & Programming, Xumo. Moderated by Bruce Eisen, President, Digital Advisors, the session will explore this rapidly expanding model and the opportunities for independent film.
 
For the first time, AFM will spotlight the small screen with a half-day Television Conference on November 11. Two panels will examine the increasing opportunities for feature-length programming and Made-for-TV Movies with TV networks and platforms. Initial panelists include producer Debra Martin Chase, Paul Bales, Partner, The Asylum, Michael Stiller, Vice President, Development & Programming, The History Channel, Tony Vassiliadis, Chief Operations Officer, MarVista Entertainment, Brad Krevoy, CEO, Motion Picture Corporation of America, and Pierre David, Chief Strategy Advisor & Producer, ReelOne/Lance Entertainment.
 
In his current role, Schilowitz works with studio leadership and the technology teams at Paramount / Viacom, exploring forms of new and emerging technologies, with an emphasis on Virtual and Mixed Reality. Three XR panels covering topics ranging from storytelling to monetization will follow his keynote.
 
View the full lineup of sessions for AFM 2019. For badge and ticket information, please visit the AFM website.
 

Media Contact:
Jennifer Garnick, VP Communications
jgarnick@ifta-online.org | 310.446.1006