
It was an exciting time and representing CHRISTMAS RIDE and I met briefly with many Studios, Sales Agents, Distributors from around the world at the American Film Market (AFM). I attended a Distribution Conference one day which focused on the emergence of movies on the web and other changes in the marketplace. This internet movie streaming capability is seen as both a challenge to the traditional theatrical distribution mode and as a new lower cost way for independent movies to find an audience.
I met musicians and their representatives, actors, filmmakers, producers, representatives from WGA, LA Film Commission, Hong Kong DVD makers, and saw one film, a beauty from Turkey called The Butterfly's Dream about poetry. There were many films represented from Japan, China and Australia with posters and banners bigger than life.
"The 2013 American Film Market to screen 402 films, including 321 Market Premieres and 75 World Premieres, from 51 countries. Films in 30 languages will be screened for more than 8,000 buyers and industry professionals from more than 70 countries," was reported in a press release from AFM in late Oct. I believe it. Films screened there were included in a published Film Catalogue, but inclusion requires a lengthly lead time.
The American Film Market includes an online website where registered attendees can communicate with others before during and after the Market for making appointments and following up with meetings. --Karen Francis, Art Promotions