Santa Monica Welcomes Annual American Film Market For its 27th Year at the Beach
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2017) – From November 1-8, 2017, Santa Monica will welcome more than 7,500 global film leaders at the 27th 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 thrilled that American Film Market is once again returning to Santa Monica,” said Misti Kerns, President/CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT). “It is an honor to welcome film leaders from around the world to our beachside destination. From supporting our hospitality industry to showering our community with innovative ideas, AFM provides an economic boost to the entire city of Santa Monica at a time of year that is typically off-peak for our tourism industry.”
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. Last year, 21 films that were financed and/or sold at AFM received a total of 62 nominations at the 89th Academy Awards, including fan favorite La La Land.
“It is with great pride that Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel once again welcomes the iconic American Film Market,” said Derek McCann, Managing Director of Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. “Our entire team looks forward to ensuring the thousands of attendees have the best experience possible while in Santa Monica.”
Known as “Hollywood by the Beach,” Santa Monica 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.
“AFM’s 7,500 participants, from more than 70 countries, always look forward to their annual trip to Santa Monica,” said Jonathan Wolf, Managing Director of the American Film Market. “Santa Monica has been our home for 27 years and every year the AFM experience in Santa Monica gets better.”
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 55 special offers and discounts on local attractions, tours, shopping, dining and spa activities. To learn more about AFM specials, please visit: https://www.SantaMonica.com/afm.
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About Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) 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 santamonica.com; or email info@santamonica.com. Follow SMTT on Twitter @GoSantaMonica or become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/visitsantamonica.
Contact: Lauren Salisbury
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
310.319.6263
lsalisbury@santamonica.com
