Deals, Films, Finance, Production and Distribution at the Loews Hotel in Santa Monica

The American Film Market opened on Halloween at the Loews. The film convention projected over 7000 attendees.  Finance, production, sales and distribution executives will attend screenings, meetings, networking, panels.

AFM typically includes deals on both completed films and projects. 70 companies from 28 countries will attend for the first time. Buyers are mostly from the United States, followed by China, Italy and South Korea, as well as Canada, Germany, Spain, Taiwan, and Vietnam, including buyers from digital platforms. 

In a press release, AFM said that of the 400 exhibitors, the United States will have the biggest presence with 160, followed by the United Kingdom (34), France (29), South Korea (22), China (17), Japan (13), Russia (12) and Germany (11). 

"For 2018, the AFM is placing an increased emphasis on industry intelligence and education, expanding its programming lineup of Conferences, Roundtables, Workshops and Spotlight Events, and adding a third venue – the AFM Gallery at Le Merigot Hotel.  More than 150 speakers will take the stage for 40 sessions featuring a diverse array of topics to support virtually every facet of the business," read the press release.

Jonathan Wolf, AFM Managing Director commented, "New distribution companies and platforms are launching, connecting independent films with audiences throughout the world. We look forward to welcoming all to the AFM. And in Hollywood's backyard, AFM is the perfect environment for international experts, leaders and visionaries to engage in discussions and debates."

The Conference Series begins Friday, Nov. 2 with The Global Perspective featuring a dialogue with Independent Film & Television Alliance® President/CEO Jean Prewitt and Motion Picture Association of America Chairman/CEO Charles Rivkin on the major challenges and opportunities facing the film industry and how their organizations are addressing them. Following, two panels focused on business strategies and the evolving marketplace will bring together executives Arianne Fraser, Highland Film Group, John Friedberg, STX Entertainment, and Milan Popelka, FilmNation Entertainment, and buyers/distributors Sasha Bühler, Constantin Film, Victor Hadida, Metropolitan Filmexport, and Syrinthia Studer, Paramount.

A new half-day Blockchain Conference on Saturday, Nov. 3 will feature companies using the technology to transform the film industry, including FilmChain/Big Couch UK, AMBI Media Group/TaTaTu, Cinemarket, StreamSpace, Wardour Studios, Cinezen Blockchained Entertainment AB, and White Rabbit.

Among the new Roundtables is International Awakening: Investing in Gender Diversity for Expanding Audiences Around the Globe. In partnership with ReFrame, this session will take place Sunday, Nov. 4 with Jonathan King, Participant Media, Maguerite Pigott, CMPA (Canadian Media Producers Association) Kirsten Schaffer, Women in Film, Los Angeles, Alison Thompson, Cornerstone Films, and producer Janet Yang.