American Film Market Relocating To Las Vegas’ Palms Casino Resort
Following years of speculation as to a new location for the American Film Market, organizer IFTA and its Board of Directors have confirmed Las Vegas’ Palms Casino Resort as their venue for the 45th edition. The decision comes almost two weeks after Deadline exclusively reported the Palms as a leading contender.
Held in Los Angeles and Santa Monica for over four decades, the leading indie market moved away from its longtime Santa Monica home The Loews last year, though its relocation to the Delfina was beset with issues and drew complaints from attendees.
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The decision to move to Las Vegas came after a multi-city search and careful consideration of the needs of AFM’s Exhibiting Sales Companies and Buyers. “After extensive research, discussions with the Board and invaluable feedback from stakeholders, this move underscores our determination to evolving AFM to meet today’s industry needs,” said Clay Epstein, IFTA Chairperson and President of Film Mode Entertainment. “The strength of the AFM lies in its ability to create community and present a sophisticated platform for all our participants’ activities in one convenient location. The Palms enables us to do all of that and beyond.”
Added Jean Prewitt, IFTA President & CEO, “AFM was created by the Independents and remains the Independents’ market. The industry has called for a fresh look at how the market can better serve a rapidly changing business. The Board has made a monumental decision that allows us to better serve these needs. We look forward to introducing everyone to the new AFM venue and its offerings.”
At AFM, hundreds of U.S. and international film and TV companies gather for multiple days of deal-making, screenings, industry panels and meetings. Amenities at Palms Casino Resort that sold the market’s organizers included its newly renovated rooms and suites for Exhibitor office space and guest rooms, the Brenden Theatres’ 14 screen state-of-the-art multiplex, and more than 170,000 square feet of available conference, meeting, and event space. Also factoring into the decision was the easy travel options that Las Vegas affords, for those coming and going both domestically and internationally.
Major production, finance, sales and distribution companies set to participate in this year’s AFM include Arclight Films, Blue Fox Entertainment, Blacktop International, Cinema Management Group, Cornerstone, The Exchange, Film Mode Entertainment, FilmNation Entertainment, Film Seekers, HanWay Films, A Higher Standard, Lakeshore Entertainment, Millennium Media, Myriad Pictures, Neon, Protagonist Pictures, The Asylum, The Solution Entertainment Group, Vision Films, WME Independent and XYZ Films.
It’s set to take place from November 5 – 10.
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