Santa Monica Welcomes Annual American Film Market for its 29th Year
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (November 5, 2019) – From November 6-13, 2019, Santa Monica will once again welcome more than 7,000 global film leaders from more than 70 countries at the annual American Film Market (AFM), the world’s largest motion picture business event, celebrating its 29th year at the beach. 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 and networking. 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.
“For nearly three decades the American Film Market has been a welcome staple of autumn in Santa Monica, bringing film leaders from around the world to our beachside city and providing an economic impact to the city,” said Misti Kerns, President/CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT). “From supporting our hospitality industry and local businesses to infusing the destination with groundbreaking creativity. November is typically off-season for our tourism industry, making this business an even more ideal group business opportunity 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.
“We are thrilled to work with the American Film Market to help create this amazing event for film industry leaders around the world for another consecutive year,” said Tony Phillips, Managing Director of Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.
“It’s an exciting time to be in Santa Monica and the entire team at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel is looking forward to welcoming all of AFM’s attendees to experience the best of what this city 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.
“This year we celebrate the 40th American Film Market and the 29th year in Santa Monica,” said Jonathan Wolf, managing director of the American Film Market. “In the film world, Santa Monica and AFM are forever linked; the destination that 7,000 participants from 70 countries look forward to every year.”
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 65special offers and discounts on local attractions, tours, shopping, dining and spa activities. To learn more about AFM specials, please visit: http://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) 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, Instagram @SeeSantaMonica, and Facebook @VisitSantaMonica.
