Nov 04, 2014

The American Film Market (AFM) opens tomorrow for its 35th edition with 396 exhibiting companies; the highest level of participation since 2008. Running November 5-12, more than 8,000 attendees from over 80 countries are expected in Santa Monica over the course of the week.

Growing from 2013, a total of 430 films are set to screen with 349 market premieres and 84 world premieres. Attendees can look forward to first-glimpse performances by the likes of: Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, Andrew Garfield, Michael Shannon, Octavia Spencer, Morgan Freeman, Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek, Jessica Alba, Clive Owen, Adam Driver, Kate Beckinsale, Maggie Smith, Hailee Steinfeld, Kristin Scott Thomas, Al Pacino, James Franco, Elijah Wood and many others. The entire screening program can be viewed at http://www.thefilmcatalogue.com.

More than 100 speakers from around the globe will participate in the AFM Conference Series, Producers Forum, Roundtables and Industry Conversations – with industry thought leaders and experts sharing their knowledge and insights with participants. Director/producer Brett Ratner takes part in the Finance Conference and comedian/podcast king Adam Carolla will participate in an Industry Conversation. Millennium Films’ President Mark Gill, WME Partner Mark Ankner, and UTA’s Independent Film Group Co-Head Rena Ronson will impart wisdom and advice in the Production Conferences.  Additional speakers include: Preferred Content’s Kevin Iwashina, Tugg, Inc. CEO and independent producer Nicolas Gonda, Cinetic Media Founder John Sloss, Relativity Europa’s Russell Schwartz, Mister Smith’s Jill Jones, CineTel President & CEO Paul Hertzberg, UTA partner Rich Klubeck, Foresight Unlimited CEO & Chairman Mark Damon and independent producer Cassian Elwes. Further information on all scheduled events can be found at: www.americanfilmmarket.com/attendee.

The independent film industry growth is evident as 126 buying companies from 41 countries and 112 exhibiting companies from 21 countries will participate in the market for the first time. Asian companies will once again be particularly well-represented, with the largest number of new buyers coming from South Korea.

About the American Film Market 

The business of independent motion picture production and distribution reaches its peak every year at the American Film Market.  The global film industry converges in Santa Monica for eight days of deal-making on films in every stage of development and production, as well as screenings, conferences, networking and parties.

With 8,000 industry leaders from more than 80 countries, 700 screenings and the industry’s largest Conference Series, AFM is the pivotal destination for filmmakers, producers, writers,  directors, distributors, financiers, industry executives, talent, the international media and all those who provide services to the worldwide motion picture industry.

The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance® the global trade association of the independent motion picture and television industry.

Twitter: @AFMOFFICIAL #AFM2014

About The Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA)

The Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) is the global trade association for the independent motion picture and television industry. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the organization represents more than 145 member companies from 21 countries, consisting of independent production and distribution companies, sales agents, television companies and financial institutions engaged in film finance. IFTA is dedicated to protecting and strengthening its Members’ ability to finance, produce, market and distribute independent films and television programs in an ever-changing and challenging global marketplace.

AFM Partner Events

AFM Partner Events offer participants many ways to connect with the film industry.

AFI FEST presented by Audi - November 6 – 13

The American Film Institute's annual celebration of international cinema from modern masters and emerging filmmakers, AFI FEST features nightly red-carpet galas, special screenings, conversations and tributes.  AFI FEST is the only film festival in the United States to hold the prestigious FIAPF accreditation, assuring a high standard of quality and reliability for the international film community.

The World Animation & VFX Summit - November 2 – 5

The World Animation & VFX Summit shapes the future of worldwide animation and VFX, connecting studio executives, producers, agents, distributors and talent, face-to-face in a warm and intimate club environment.  

US-China Film Summit - November 5

The U.S.-China Film Summit focuses on how Chinese and Hollywood film industry leaders are navigating the East-West filmmaking process and addresses the trends and dynamics in the U.S.-China film relationship, including recent success stories.

The Britannia Awards - October 30

The Britannia Award is the highest accolade presented by BAFTA Los Angeles and is a celebration of achievement honoring individuals and companies who have dedicated their careers or corporate missions to advancing the art-forms of the moving image.