Festivals and Markets

The American Film Market is a major film acquisition, development and networking event.

Background

It’s held every November in Santa Monica. More than 8,000 industry professionals meet over six days in a marketplace for the business of motion picture production and distribution. The AFM brings together participants from 70 different countries for deal-making, screenings, seminars and networking.

The AFM also hosts a Conference Series – morning sessions on the business of film; a Producers Forum – limited to 350 experienced producers; and Industry Conversations – daily panels and discussions with attending industry specialists.

Attendee Tips

“AFM requires meetings to be arranged in advance and I made many meetings … However the strongest leads were made from networking events and also casual meetings around the pool or in the bar area. The layout of AFM was excellent for this and it meant I had access to a large number of people who generally are not accessible.”

“Attend this market if you have a genre film with interest or potential interest in the USA or require US money. There were financiers interested in investing in the right project. Be social – the best leads come from meeting new people.”

“Being there to see how the sales happen in a very tight market was fascinating and incredibly valuable as a producer. It is different to a large spread-out market like Cannes, although the business being done is done in the same way. The product was more in your face than at Cannes because it was two hotels here, halls lined with posters of films not yet heard of (and possibly never to be seen in Australia).”

Disclaimer

This information is to be used as a guide only and is of a general nature. Screen Australia has undertaken all reasonable measures to ensure its accuracy and specifically disclaims any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly of the use and application of any of the contents. Exact registration details are available on the market website.