AFM Reimagined: Las Vegas Brings New Energy Amid Industry Downturn
The American Film Market (AFM) has embarked on a new journey. After 43 years in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, AFM is now hosted at Las Vegas’ Palms Casino Resort from November 5-10. This change redefines the event: exhibitor offices, conference rooms, panels, Location Expo, and screenings are all centralized in one location, making shuttles a thing of the past. The Brenden Theatres Las Vegas 14, complete with IMAX, is right inside the Palms, a highlight of the resort’s $600 million renovation in 2022.
“Exhibitor space is sold out,” says Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, which organizes AFM. “It feels like everybody’s coming,” she adds, noting the high turnout of international participants from over 80 countries, including Italy, France, and Germany. Despite recent industry consolidation, Prewitt feels positive: “For everyone to be able to stand together now is extremely important.”
Some of the industry’s biggest names, like Lionsgate, FilmNation, A24, and Neon, are all exhibiting at the Palms. “We’re all together for the first time in years, if ever,” comments to Variety an attendee, highlighting the rare opportunity for key players to connect in a single venue.
AFM’s move to Las Vegas was carefully planned by the Independent Film & Television Alliance after evaluating eight other cities. The reimagined event contrasts with last year’s pandemic-laden mood, bringing new energy and optimism. “It was a move borne of necessity,” explains Nat McCormick, president of worldwide sales and distribution at The Exchange. “In a perfect world, the AFM could have continued in Los Angeles, but it was a move forward largely for logistical reasons.”
This centralized setup also encourages spontaneous meetings. “We’re not just going to Vegas; we’re going to a very specialized venue that’s off the Strip, where we can create an independent film island for the community,” adds McCormick. He believes that screenings being just an elevator ride away “will breathe new life into showing films at the AFM.”
Las Vegas is a comfortable destination for many buyers. “There’s a lot of direct flights from cities all over the world, so that makes it easy,” says Mimi Steinbauer, president of Radiant Films Intl., who views the move positively.
“There’s a lot of energy around the move to Las Vegas,” says Tamara Birkemoe, CEO of Palisades Park Pictures, “and I’m excited to tap into that energy.”
Source: Variety
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The American Film Market (AFM) has embarked on a new journey. After 43 years in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, AFM is now hosted at Las Vegas’ Palms Casino Resort from November 5-10. This change redefines the event: exhibitor offices, conference rooms, panels, Location Expo, and screenings are all centralized in one location, making shuttles a thing of the past. The Brenden Theatres Las Vegas 14, complete with IMAX, is right inside the Palms, a highlight of the resort’s $600 million renovation in 2022.
“Exhibitor space is sold out,” says Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, which organizes AFM. “It feels like everybody’s coming,” she adds, noting the high turnout of international participants from over 80 countries, including Italy, France, and Germany. Despite recent industry consolidation, Prewitt feels positive: “For everyone to be able to stand together now is extremely important.”
Some of the industry’s biggest names, like Lionsgate, FilmNation, A24, and Neon, are all exhibiting at the Palms. “We’re all together for the first time in years, if ever,” comments to Variety an attendee, highlighting the rare opportunity for key players to connect in a single venue.
AFM’s move to Las Vegas was carefully planned by the Independent Film & Television Alliance after evaluating eight other cities. The reimagined event contrasts with last year’s pandemic-laden mood, bringing new energy and optimism. “It was a move borne of necessity,” explains Nat McCormick, president of worldwide sales and distribution at The Exchange. “In a perfect world, the AFM could have continued in Los Angeles, but it was a move forward largely for logistical reasons.”
This centralized setup also encourages spontaneous meetings. “We’re not just going to Vegas; we’re going to a very specialized venue that’s off the Strip, where we can create an independent film island for the community,” adds McCormick. He believes that screenings being just an elevator ride away “will breathe new life into showing films at the AFM.”
Las Vegas is a comfortable destination for many buyers. “There’s a lot of direct flights from cities all over the world, so that makes it easy,” says Mimi Steinbauer, president of Radiant Films Intl., who views the move positively.
“There’s a lot of energy around the move to Las Vegas,” says Tamara Birkemoe, CEO of Palisades Park Pictures, “and I’m excited to tap into that energy.”
Source: Variety
Share:
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