Distribution

Betting Big on Genre Films: AFM’s Vegas Move Signals Shift in the Independent Film Market

For the first time in its 45-year history, the American Film Market (AFM) has traded the coastal ambiance of Santa Monica for the glitzy setting of Las Vegas, launching its 2024 event at the Palms Casino Resort. This relocation comes with high hopes for streamlined networking, concentrated events, and fresh energy.

Distribution

AFM 2024: The Films Sparking Major Interest at AFM’s First Las Vegas Edition (Part Three)

The 2024 American Film Market (AFM) marks a transformative moment as it relocates from its long-standing Los Angeles base to Las Vegas. Here’s an overview of films being presented by the leading 78 international sales agencies at the 2024 American Film Market, offering a dynamic blend of genres, including horror, thriller, drama, comedy, and animation.

Distribution

AFM 2024: The Films Sparking Major Interest at AFM’s First Las Vegas Edition (Part Two)

The 2024 American Film Market (AFM) marks a transformative moment as it relocates from its long-standing Los Angeles base to Las Vegas. Here’s an overview of films being presented by the leading 78 international sales agencies at the 2024 American Film Market, offering a dynamic blend of genres, including horror, thriller, drama, comedy, and animation.

Distribution

AFM 2024: The Films Sparking Major Interest at AFM’s First Las Vegas Edition (Part One)

The 2024 American Film Market (AFM) marks a transformative moment as it relocates from its long-standing Los Angeles base to Las Vegas. Here’s an overview of films being presented by the leading 78 international sales agencies at the 2024 American Film Market, offering a dynamic blend of genres, including horror, thriller, drama, comedy, and animation.

Distribution

Behind Closed Doors: The High Stakes of TIFF’s Market Push Amid Theatrical Declines

The 2023 Hollywood strikes, coupled with the lingering effects of lockdowns, have cast serious doubt on the future of theatrical releases. In 2022, TIFF saw its biggest deal to date, with “The Holdovers” fetching $30 million from Focus Features, but there was a catch—it wasn’t an official festival entry. Instead, it was a private screening.

Distribution

Inside Cannes 2024: Adapting to Struggles and Shifts in the Independent Film Market

At this year’s Cannes, there’s a mix of optimism and weariness. High asking prices and low theatrical demand are notable. Streamers like Apple and Netflix lead significant acquisitions, sidelining traditional distributors. The market remains cautious, focusing on star-driven projects and strategic financial planning.

Distribution

Cannes Conundrum: Navigating the New Realities of the Independent Film Market

A significant concern voiced since the start of Cannes is the noticeable absence of US theatrical deals. This void has a cascading effect on international distribution. Films without a US distributor face deteriorating values over time, making it increasingly challenging to recoup production budgets.

Distribution

Market Outlook Positive: Buyers Enthused by Film Offerings and Presale Packages

Despite the challenges at AFM, TIFF, and EFM in restoring pre-lockdown attendance levels, Cannes has flourished, showing consistent growth and culminating in its largest market in years. Following the first day of Cannes, the atmosphere remains upbeat as sales agents and producers indicate strong interest from international buyers.

Distribution

45 Top Titles on Offer at AFM

A roundup of 45 independent films receiving the most significant attention at AFM. As evidenced by the list below, AFM remains a robust market for genre films, and many producers and distributors are reporting strong demand for horror, action, and science fiction titles heading into the market.

Distribution

Ripples in the Reel: How Strikes are Shaping the Future of Film

AFM approaches amidst unprecedented industry turbulence. While there was hope for a post-Covid recovery, this year’s AFM finds itself under the cloud of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, a dispute reshaping not just this year’s film market but the very fabric of the film and television world.

Production

Made-For-Streaming Movies

After years of declining production activity for Made-For-TV movies, Netflix is accelerating the rate it licenses and produces lower-budgeted movies for its streaming platform.