The anticipation is building as the American Film Market (AFM) gears up for its 2023 edition, with a strong commitment from a multitude of production, sales, and distribution companies set to exhibit and participate in this influential event.
AFM23, spanning over six days from October 31 to November 5, will be hosted at its new headquarters, the Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica, and will feature screenings at theaters throughout the city, alongside the renowned conference series, The AFM Sessions, are scheduled to be held at The Hilton Santa Monica Hotel.
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The roster of companies and organizations exhibiting at AFM23 has already exceeded 245, with the list continuing to grow. This impressive lineup includes leading independent film and TV production, sales, and distribution companies, as well as national pavilions representing China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Thailand, and the UK. In addition to this, international trade organizations, film commissions, and production service companies will have a substantial presence as part of this year’s enhanced LocationEXPO exhibition.
The AFM Exhibitors for 2023 are a veritable who’s who of the industry and encompass a diverse range of sales companies. Notable names include A24, AGC Studios, Altitude Film Sales, Amazon MGM Studios, Lionsgate, Netflix, and Paramount, among others. The sheer number of exhibitors is complemented by a brisk registration of territorial buyers from more than 65 countries, and more are expected to join in the coming days.
Jean Prewitt, President & CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), commented on the event, stating, “All indicators are pointing to a strong AFM23, and we look forward to hosting the global industry in just a few weeks. Asia, which was still impacted by COVID restrictions last year, is well-represented again, as are the UK and Europe – especially Italy, France, Germany, and Spain. AFM is the only major fall film market and its location, close to the beach as well as to the Los Angeles studios, streamers, and agencies, solidifies it as an essential destination for the industry to meet, conduct business, and celebrate independent film, even in the midst of current challenges.”
In addition to the sales activity and screenings, The AFM Sessions, presented by Wrapbook & Film Hawaii, will host over 30 panels across four days, beginning on November 1. The sessions will feature an impressive lineup of industry experts, creatives, and influencers discussing various aspects of the film business.
REELated:
Day One
Day 1 of the sessions will cover crucial topics such as film funding, the global film marketplace, and the content audiences desire. The initial schedule and speakers, including representatives from Netflix, Paramount Pictures, and more, promise an informative and insightful program.
- Film Funding Today: The Benefits & Limitations of Global Tax Incentives
Jeaneane Davey, Netflix, Patrick Rizzotti, Blue Fox Financing, Ryan Broussard, Wrapbook, and Will French, Fallbrook - The Global Perspective: Breaking the Boundaries of Today’s Film Marketplace
Christian Vesper, Fremantle, Syrinthia Studer, Paramount Pictures, Mark Gooder, Cornerstone and Steven Gaydos, Variety - The Content Audiences Want & The Industry Needs to Provide Lourdes Diaz, AGC Studios, Jeffrey Greenstein, Millennium Media, Joe Lewis, Amplify Pictures, and Maren Olson, 30WEST Other programming highlights include:
- Changing Minds and Bettering Lives Through Storytelling Karen Lunder, Imagine Entertainment, Anikah McLaren, Participant Media, and Jamal Henderson, The SpringHill Company
- Developing, Pitching, and Making Television Nathan Varni, ABC/Disney, Kate Gill, Paramount Television Studios, Leila Cohan, writer and producer (Bridgerton), and Vijal Patel, writer and producer (Black-ish), and Richard Botto, Stage 32
- Harnessing the Power of Music for Film Kris Le-Roy, Universal Production Music, Satya Fuentes, Netflix, Cristina May, music director and producer, Garo Setian, creative director, Jeff Cardoni, composer for film & television, and Ryan Svendsen, Millennium Media
- Fast Times in the Ad-Supported Distribution Landscape for Independents Will Gurman, Paramount Streaming, Yolanda Macias, Cinedigm, and Tyler Aquilina, Variety Intelligence Platform
- The Pitch Conference Cassian Elwes, Elevated Film Sales, Lorelle Lynch, AGC Studios, and Jee Jessup, Consultant
- Managing Common Legal Risks in Production Phil Strina, Lionsgate, Kirk D’Amico, Myriad Pictures, Joanne Hoffman, Hoffman Entertainment Law and Roger Goff, Goff Law Corporation
- Getting Your Film Made, Seen, and Profitable in The Streaming Era Brian Beckmann, Arclight Films, Juliet Berman, Spiral Stairs Entertainment, Sophia Dilley, Concord Originals, and Paul Scanlan, Legion M
- Economic Development: Moviemaking on Native Land Joanelle Romero, Red Nation Celebration Institute, Allison Whitmer, Commissioner, Montana Film Office, Coni Shepperd, Southern Kentucky Film Commission, Cyndy McCrossen, Liaison, City of Albuquerque Film, Marcei Brown, Founder, Crewie, and Mike Fantasia, Former President, LMGI
- Evolving Roles and Relationships: Sales Agents and Producers Clay Epstein, Film Mode Entertainment, Marc Goldberg, Signature Films, Mark Padilla, Jack Rabbit Media, and Nadine de Barros, Fortitude International
For all of Reel 360 News coverage of the American Film Market, click here.
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