Los Angeles - CA - The American Film Market· (AFM·) has adopted a new six-day schedule beginning with its 2020 edition set to run Tuesday, November 3 – Sunday, November 8 in Santa Monica, the Independent Film & Television Alliance· (IFTA·) announced today. This marks a major moment in the AFM’s 40 years as it pivots to a shorter timeline in recognition of the changing needs of the global film industry.
Shifting to a Tuesday launch and condensing from its traditional eight-day run is emblematic of AFM’s commitment to provide the most efficient and productive business environment. This move also supports a broader marketplace shift that has companies commencing sales early with deals started at film markets often finalized after the event concludes.
“While the film industry has changed drastically since we first launched AFM, markets are essential as this remains a face-to-face business,” said Michael Ryan, IFTA Chairperson and Partner, GFM Films. “Markets serve as a launching pad for new films and projects and they bring the entire industry together to share marketplace intelligence.”
This timeline empowers AFM to continue offering the most effective experience for all segments of its attendees -- sales companies, buyers, producers, and the independent production community at large -- while retaining all of its programs, including Screenings, Conferences, and LocationEXPO.
Ryan continued, “IFTA’s priority is to put forth programs and services that support and protect Independents. This new AFM schedule is tailored to best serve the industry by allowing participants who travel from around the world to better maximize their time and costs.”
The Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel will continue to serve as the show’s headquarters.
Dates through 2024 will be:
2020: November 3 – 8
2021: November 2 – 7
2022: November 1 – 6
2023: October 31 - November 5
2024: November 5 – 10
Further details on AFM 2020 will be announced in the coming months.
About the American Film Market®
The American Film Market is the most efficient film acquisition, development and networking event in the world. Unlike a festival, AFM is an open marketplace where production and distribution deals are closed. More than US$1 billion in deals are sealed every year — on both completed films and those in every stage of development and production.
Over 7,000 industry professionals from more than 70 countries converge in Santa Monica every November. They include acquisition and development executives, agents, attorneys, directors, distributors, festival directors, financiers, film commissioners, producers, writers, the world’s press and all those who provide services to the motion picture industry.
At AFM, participants can discover the entire global catalogue of available films and projects, attend 50+ best-in-class class conferences, summits, roundtables and sessions, and connect with the independent film community’s decision makers, all in one convenient location.
About the Independent Film & Television Alliance
The Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) is the global trade association of the independent motion picture and television programming industry. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IFTA represents and provides significant entertainment industry services to more than 140 Member companies in 23 countries, consisting of independent production and distribution companies, sales agents, and institutions engaged in production finance. Collectively, IFTA Members produce more than 500 independent films and countless hours of television programming each year, generating more than $5 billion in distribution revenues annually.