Los Angeles will welcome international filmmakers, television executives, producers, investors, distributors, and creative entrepreneurs when the American Film Market (AFM) returns November 10–15, 2026. Its 47th edition unfolds at Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City, alongside AMC Century City 15 and The Pavilion. More than a gathering of entertainment professionals, AFM represents an essential marketplace where independent projects find financing, distribution relationships, commercial partners, and pathways toward global audiences.
Opening Day: A New Screen Economy
This November, AFM introduces its inaugural New Global Screen Economy Summit, scheduled for Tuesday, November 10. The half-day event examines how entertainment, technology, investment, and audience behavior are transforming the business of storytelling.
Jackie Brenneman, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, opens the summit, followed by media industry analyst Evan Shapiro. Their perspectives frame a rapidly changing landscape in which traditional studios compete and collaborate with independent producers, digital creators, streaming platforms, and emerging entertainment companies.
The summit also examines a proposed federal production incentive and its potential implications for domestic filmmaking. Motion Picture Association executive Josh Rogin joins SP Media Group leaders Scott Karol and Steven Paul for that discussion. For production communities, these conversations matter because investment decisions affect employment, local suppliers, production infrastructure, and regional economic development.
The People Behind Tomorrow’s Stories
Who discovers the next breakout screenplay, and who controls the intellectual property? That question anchors a November 10 discussion featuring United Talent Agency representative Jordan Lonner, Capstone Pictures CEO Christian Mercuri, talent manager Brett Rosen, and journalist Jeremy Kay.
Another panel explores the evolving studio model with Angel Studios executive Jared Geesey, Popular Demand Studios cofounder Jon Leland, and filmmaker Wesley Wang. Their participation highlights how new distribution strategies and creator-led enterprises are expanding the routes from concept to screen.
Audience discovery receives attention through creator attorney Tyler Chou, Spotter founder Aaron DeBevoise, Kynetic Media Ventures founder David Freeman, and Bamboo Bridge founder Joel Savitt. Together, these conversations underscore the growing commercial importance of audience relationships, intellectual property ownership, and adaptable business models.
Financing, Buyers, and Real Deals
From November 11–14, AFM presents more than 45 sessions across three stages. Financing discussions include AGC Studios executive Miguel Palos Jr., Cold Iron Pictures founder Miranda Bailey, Ashland Hill Media Finance executive Juliana Lubin, and Wrapbook representative Ryan Broussard.
Industry innovators Amy Baer of Artists Equity and Stuart Ford of AGC Studios will share perspectives on production and market opportunities. Representatives from Gersh, Lionsgate, Range Select, and other companies will examine what persuades financiers, distributors, and talent to support projects.
For independent producers, these discussions offer more than inspiration. They address practical questions about budgets, risk, packaging, sales expectations, and the partnerships required to bring ambitious work into the marketplace.
Theaters, Technology, and Cultural Momentum
AFM House introduces expanded conversations about exhibition, innovation, and emerging technologies. Its Innovation Hub, presented with Marché du Film’s Cannes Next, includes demonstrations and discussions designed to connect creative ideas with commercial applications.
The North American debut of Cinemas Club brings renewed attention to theatrical audiences. Representatives from Crunchyroll, Trafalgar Releasing, and Alamo Drafthouse will examine anime, concerts, faith-based programming, and alternative cinematic experiences.
Artificial intelligence also enters the conversation through a November 14 panel on non-generative AI applications already assisting entertainment businesses. Meanwhile, a Friday the 13th discussion featuring Project X, Cineverse, and Spooky Pictures explores horror’s continuing appeal and commercial resilience.
Six Major Highlights
- November 10 opening: The inaugural summit explores new entertainment economics and business structures.
- Industry leadership: Executives, creators, agents, and investors discuss emerging opportunities across global screens.
- Independent financing: Sessions investigate capital, production incentives, budgeting, and distribution strategies.
- Audience development: Panels explore discovery, intellectual property, creator businesses, and engagement.
- Theatrical evolution: AFM House spotlights cinema innovation and alternative screen experiences.
- Technology integration: Industry specialists examine practical artificial intelligence and changing workflows.
Why AFM Matters Now
AFM 2026 arrives when entertainment businesses must rethink how stories are funded, marketed, experienced, and monetized. The gathering connects established decision-makers with emerging talent while highlighting the wider economic ecosystem supporting film and television.
The opening-day summit requires a separate ticket, with limited capacity. Main Stage access requires a Platinum or +Sessions badge, while AFM House programming welcomes all badge holders. Registration information is available at https://americanfilmmarket.com/attendee-badges/.
Beyond transactions, the market reveals how international demand, production capabilities, and changing audience preferences intersect. Conversations in Century City can influence projects long after November, connecting creative ambition with commercial relationships.
For independent publishers, creative entrepreneurs, and entertainment professionals, AFM offers a timely opportunity to follow the people, partnerships, and decisions shaping tomorrow’s global screen economy.
Feature Editorial News Event Report by Lela Christine
