AFM ANNOUNCES FINAL BUYER ATTENDANCE UP 2%
Santa Monica, CA, November 8, 2004 – The 25th American Film Market (AFM), which has moved to an annual November date, achieved gains in buyers, it was announced today by Jonathan Wolf, Executive Vice President, I.F.T.A. and Managing Director of the AFM. This follows the previously announced record 356 exhibitors.
The final tally of buyers is 1,459 compared to 1,434 in February 2004, a 2% increase. Buyers came from 637 companies.
A number of countries showed significant increases in buyers, including China (up 400 %), India (up 300%), Turkey (up 60%), Thailand (up 50%), Belgium (up 26%). This market also experienced increases from Middle Eastern countries (up 20%) and Asian countries (up 7%).
Total attendance for the November 2004 AFM is forecasted to be over 7,000 and final numbers will be announced at conclusion of the market.
A full analysis of buyers is listed at the bottom of this release.
About the AFM The American Film Market (AFM) is the world’s largest motion picture trade event. The AFM is a global marketplace where more than $500 million in motion picture and television production and distribution deals are closed annually. Each year, over 7,000 industry professionals converge in Santa Monica for eight days of deal making, screenings, seminars, networking and hospitality. Participants come from more than 70 countries, and include leaders in motion picture and television production and distribution, directors, agents, writers, lawyers, bankers, festival directors, film commissioners and trade groups.
About the Independent Film & Television Alliance The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance (formerly AFMA), the global trade association of independent distributors and producers of motion picture and television programming. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the organization represents and provides significant entertainment industry services to more than 150 members from 22 countries, consisting of independent production and distribution companies, sales agents, television companies, studio-affiliated companies, and affiliated financial institutions engaged in film finance. Forty percent of the membership and thirty percent of the association’s board are from outside the U.S. Collectively, the Alliance’s members produce more than 400 independent films and countless hours of television programming each year and generate more than $4 billion in distribution revenues annually.
The November 2004 AFM is sponsored by: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Alabama Filmmakers Association, Audi of America, Inc., Canadian Film Commissions & Agencies, Film Offices of the Hawaiian Islands, Fiji Audio Visual Commission, The Hollywood Reporter, North Carolina Film Office, Screen International, Singapore Film Commission, Sony Digital Production Systems and Variety. New this year, the AFM joined forces with AFI FEST 2004 presented by Audi (November 4 –14, 2004). While each event continues to be managed separately, the collaboration resulted in a unified market and festival combining commerce and culture.
A full analysis of buyers is listed below. Please page down.
# # #
Media Contacts: Jennifer Garnick/Paul Nichols Debbie Lawrence The Lippin Group/LA The Lippin Company/ London AFM Press Room 011-44-207-745-7189 310-570-4029 [email protected]