The American Film Market, set for November 1st through 6th this year, has confirmed that it will return to a fully in-person event. This welcome return to business as usual is a trend we will undoubtedly see accelerate for the remaining 2022 and 2023 seasons across the industry. Entertainment lawyer with Blake & Wang P.A, Brandon Blake, brings us the latest buzz.
Two Years Online
The AFM, produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance, has spent two years digital due to pandemic interruptions. Traditionally housed at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel for the last three decades, it typically clocks over 7,000 industry professionals, and representatives from more than 70 countries. Something of a trade show for distribution and production deals in the indie environment, it also brings in over $1B in deals a year, so this is great news for the industry overall. It’s great to get back to normal.
Mounting Excitement
This will also be the 43rd year for the festival, and while there’s still a lot of the year to go before we get there, excitement over the in-person announcement has been felt already. The pandemic may not be completely old history just yet, but the absence of the in-person buzz through a variety of the top festivals and markets has been notable.
Many festivals have done their best to produce a comparable online experience, and we can’t fault their attempts to do the best with what was safe and available. But there’s something about the ability to network, connect, and share in person that makes the experience that much more visceral. If we see some interesting new integrations of technology into the in-person environment, so much the better.
It seems that in-person events are returning in force for the independent film industry, and we’re looking forward to celebrating the full festival experience at the AFM this year.
Film and Television 