The 2005 American Film Market (AFM) has set 44 independent feature films to be featured in the Public Previews screening program that offers free badges to all individuals working in the entertainment industry, as well as Santa Monica, California residents.
The AFM Public Previews runs Nov. 2 8 at the AMC Santa Monica 7, 1310 Third Street Promenade (at Arizona). Industry executives and Santa Monica residents wanting to take advantage of this unique opportunity must register online for a badge, which will grant them access to all 44 films, as well as the AFM shuttle buses. Registrants can pick up their badges on-site at the AFM at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, 1700 Ocean Ave.
Registration applications and a complete schedule of the Public Previews films, including screening information, film trailers and synopses are available at www.americanfilmmarket.com or www.iftaonline.org/afm/premiere.asp.
Most of the AFMs 850 screenings are limited to acquisition and distribution executives, so the AFM introduced the Public Previews screening program in 1999 to involve a broader cross section of those working in the film industry, as well as the Santa Monica community to see films, most of which are making their world or U.S. debut.
Amongst the offerings is animated film, DISASTER! (English), directed by Roy Wood; featuring Motley Crue; (85 min) and produced by Bleiberg Entertainment Inc. Its an 85-minute clay animation spoof of big-budget action films, where a rag-tag group of misfits have three days to save the world from a killer asteroid.
There will also be sci fi, horror, fantasy and action/thriller movies to appeal to the visual effects community.
The AFM is the worlds 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, some 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. For more information of the AFM, please visit www.americanfilmmarket.com.
The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), the trade association representing the worlds producers and distributors of independent motion pictures and television programs.
In 2004, the AFM moved to November and established a strategic alliance with AFI FEST, creating the only festival-market combination in North America. AFI FEST, presented by Audi, runs Nov. 3-13.
Some 410 exhibitors will take part in the 2005 AFM, making it the largest market in the events history. Exhibitors will come from 33 countries, also a record. The 410 exhibitors represent a 15% increase from the 356 companies that exhibited at the November 2004 AFM. The increase is across-the-board, with 24 countries showing an increase in exhibiting companies.
A record 529 films are confirmed to screen at the 26th AFM, Nov. 2-9, including a record 382 market premieres,
The full list of films being screened along with cast, director and synopses appears on the AFM web site www.americanfilmmarket.com.
AFI FEST announced its full festival lineup on Oct. 6. For additional information on the festival please visit www.AFI.com.
