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AFM finds new home in Las Vegas: A game-changer for the indie film market
Vegas welcomes the AFM
The American Film Market (AFM) is turning a new leaf as it relocates to Las Vegas after being a fixture in Los Angeles and Santa Monica for 43 years. The new venue, nestled within the Palms Casino Resort from November 5-10, promises a consolidated and enhanced experience for attendees. Gone are the days of shuttling between locations; everything will be conveniently situated within the same building, including exhibitor offices, conference rooms, panels, an exhibitor lounge, Location Expo, and for the first time, screenings.
All-in-one venue boosts AFM’s narrative shift
Centralization is the cornerstone of this move. The Brenden Theatres Las Vegas 14, equipped with IMAX, is located within the Palms, part of the resort’s recent $600 million renovation. This all-encompassing setup is expected to streamline the event, making it more efficient and enjoyable for attendees.
Industry highlights and expectations
Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), shared her insights on this transformative period. According to Prewitt, the response has been overwhelming, with exhibitor spaces quickly selling out. Over 286 production, sales, and distribution companies, along with international film commissions and trade associations, have confirmed their participation. Significant delegations from Italy, France, and Germany highlight the global appeal and networking potential of the event.
Prewitt elaborated on the industry’s recent challenges and consolidation, emphasizing the importance of this gathering. “Given the industry’s recent turbulence, standing together now is crucial for our collective future,” she stated. This sentiment is echoed across the board, marking a much-needed shift towards positivity and excitement.
New energy and connections
Clay Epstein, president of Film Mode Entertainment and chair of IFTA’s board, is equally enthusiastic. “There’s excitement and positivity for the first time in a long while,” he remarked. This year’s AFM aims to reunite companies like Lionsgate, Film Nation, A24, and Neon that have previously been scattered across different locations.
IFTA’s decision to move to the convention-friendly city was the result of an exhaustive search across eight cities. This new venue is poised to breathe fresh life into the AFM, a sharp contrast to the somber atmosphere of AFM 2023. Nat McCormick, president of worldwide sales and distribution at The Exchange, sees this as a strategic move. He highlighted that the centralized venue within the Palms allows the community to come together in an unprecedented way.
A new era of film screenings
Centralization will facilitate impromptu meetings and quicker screenings. Screenings will be just an elevator ride away, which can invigorate the film showcase element of the AFM. This marks a significant improvement in accessibility and convenience, benefiting both buyers and sellers.
Mimi Steinbauer, president of Radiant Films Intl., shared her optimism about the move. “Many of my buyers are very comfortable in Vegas. The direct flights from cities worldwide make it easy, and there are a lot of positives,” she said. Concerns about distractions in Las Vegas are minor; most believe that the focus will remain on doing business.
Local enthusiasm and logistical considerations
Enthusiasm runs high among Nevada’s film and television professionals, eager to showcase their state as a premier filming location, not just a venue for conventions. Kim Spurgeon, director of the Nevada Film Office, asserted, “We know how to host big events well, and this could be a great showcase for our capabilities.”
While the AFM will be buzzing, it won’t be the only large event in town. A concurrent massive auto components show (SEMA) and the construction of the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix will add to the city’s vibrant atmosphere. However, this shouldn’t interfere with the business at hand, according to industry insiders.
A promising outlook for AFM 2024
Tamara Birkemoe, CEO of Palisades Park Pictures, encapsulated the general sentiment: “There’s a lot of energy around the move to Las Vegas, and I’m excited to tap into that energy with the strong, diverse slate we’re bringing. We’ll have to see if Vegas can meet the unique needs of a legacy film market, but initial impressions are positive.”
Closing deals remain the ultimate objective, and the reimagined AFM 2024 is generating bright prospects. Buyers are on the lookout for movies to fill their slates for the end of 2025 and 2026. This presents an opportunity for companies to cater to the pressing need for new content.
“Having the right project is key,” Steinbauer observed. “Buyers are right there and willing if you have a project that strikes the perfect balance of originality and comfort.”
Navigating the uncertainties of the current market, especially with the rise of streaming, poses challenges. The independent film financing, production, and distribution ecosystem are in flux. Yet, as McCormick aptly put it, “Content always drives the marketplace.” Echoing this sentiment, Epstein concluded, “There will always be someone interested in great content.”
Explore more about the evolving film industry landscape and discover the latest trailers at AFM 2024.
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