Santa Monica Welcomes Annual American Film Market for Its 28th Year at the Beach
SANTA MONICA, CA (October 31, 2018) – From October 31 – November 7, 2018, Santa Monica will welcome more than 7,000 global film leaders from more than 80 countries at the 28th annual American Film Market (AFM), the world’s largest motion picture business event. During the eight-day conference, producers, distributors, sales agents, directors and key members of the worldwide motion picture and television industry will convene for screenings, deal-making, panels, networking and parties. Event attendees will fill local hotel rooms, restaurants, theaters and retail outlets throughout the duration of the conference, infusing an estimated $20 million in spending into the local Santa Monica economy.
“We are delighted that the American Film Market will once again return to its home base in Santa Monica, bringing film leaders from around the world to our beachside city,” said Misti Kerns, President/CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT). “AFM provides an important economic boost to our city, from supporting our hospitality industry to infusing the destination with innovative ideas. That this business comes at a time of year that is typically off-peak for our tourism industry, makes the group ideal for our community.”
During AFM, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel transforms into a bustling marketplace for a conference where more than 300 films are screened over the course of eight days. In fact, 90% of the world’s films are financed, produced and/or distributed by AFM participants.
“The entire team at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel is excited to welcome back the American Film Market,” said Derek McCann, Managing Director of Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. “The team and I are looking forward to hosting the thousands of attendees and making sure that they enjoy everything that Santa Monica has to offer.”
Known as “Hollywood by the Beach,” Santa Monica’s is an ideal location to screen films with a plethora of theaters all located within the city’s 8.3 square miles. As in previous years, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel will convert hotel ballroom space into screening rooms. AMC Santa Monica, Broadway Cineplex, Laemmle Monica Film Center and Ocean Screening Room will also host AFM attendees, giving buyers the opportunity to view screenings in ideal environments across the AFM campus.
“Santa Monica has been our home for 28 years and every year the AFM experience exceeds the previous.” said Jonathan Wolf, managing director of the American Film Market. “Our 7,000 participants from more than 80 countries always look forward to their annual trip to Santa Monica.”
SMTT has partnered with local businesses to provide AFM guests with an authentic experience during their visit. Throughout the duration of AFM, delegates are encouraged to take advantage of nearly 60 special offers and discounts on local attractions, tours, shopping, dining and spa activities. To learn more about AFM specials, please visit: www.SantaMonica.com/afm. SMTT encourages businesses to show AFM a warm Santa Monica welcome by displaying an AFM window placard. To request a downloadable placard, email marketing@santamonica.com.
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About Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT), formerly Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau, is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination. For travel and accommodation information or a free copy of the official Visitors Guide, the public can write to the Santa Monica Visitor Center, 2427 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405; call (800) 544-5319 or (310) 393-7593; visit www.santamonica.com; or email info@santamonica.com. Follow SMTT on Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), Twitter (@GoSantaMonica) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/visitsantamonica).
Contact: Lauren Salisbury
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
310-319-6263
lsalisbury@santamonica.com
