Markets

The American Film Market (AFM) has launched New Global Screen Economy Summit and an expanded conference program featuring more than 45 sessions across three stages, including the new AFM House Stage. The 47th edition of AFM will take place November 10–15 in Los Angeles, at the Fairmont Century Plaza, AMC Century City 15 and The Pavilion. Under the theme The New Global Screen Economy, the event will bring together executives, creators, innovators and dealmakers to discuss emerging business models and opportunities across entertainment, technology, finance, production and distribution.
“Our industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation, and while the pace of change can feel overwhelming, the opportunities are incredibly exciting,” said Jackie Brenneman, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, which produces AFM. “From how stories are discovered and what gets made to how content reaches audiences and the renewed excitement around the theatrical experience, nearly every part of our business is being reimagined. We're expanding AFM to bring new voices and perspectives into the conversation alongside the industry leaders and innovators driving this change. This complements the tremendous business and dealmaking activity at the heart of the Market while creating more opportunities to connect, exchange ideas and discover new opportunities together.”

Opening on November 10, the half-day New Global Screen Economy Summit will feature keynotes by Brenneman and media cartographer and industry analyst Evan Shapiro, alongside discussions on the new federal production incentive, intellectual property, the evolving studio system and audience discovery. Featured speakers include Scott Karol and Steven Paul of SP Media Group, Josh Rogin of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), Jordan Lonner of United Talent Agency (UTA), Christian Mercuri of Capstone Pictures, Jared Geesey of Angel Studios, filmmaker Wesley Wang, Tyler Chou and Aaron DeBevoise of Spotter.

AFM Sessions
Running November 11–14 across two conference stages, The AFM Sessions will cover independent film and television financing, production, distribution, audience engagement, emerging technologies and new routes to market. Highlights include finance panels featuring executives from AGC Studios, Manifest Pictures, Wrapbook, Ashland Hill Media Finance and Legion M, as well as one-on-one conversations with Amy Baer, president of film and television at Artists Equity, and Stuart Ford, chairman and CEO of AGC Studios.
Other sessions will examine what attracts financiers, buyers and talent, with speakers from Range Select, Gersh and Lionsgate, alongside a discussion on the enduring appeal of horror featuring representatives from Project X, Cineverse and Spooky Pictures.

AFM House
Taking place November 11–14, The AFM House will feature conversations, presentations and live demonstrations focused on innovation and emerging technologies. It will host the expanded AFM Innovation Hub, presented in partnership with Marché du Film’s Cannes Next, and the North American debut of the Cinemas Club, dedicated to the future of theatrical exhibition and moviegoing. The program includes discussions on box office performance, distribution windows and industry consolidation, as well as alternative theatrical content such as anime, concerts and faith-based programming. Speakers include representatives from Crunchyroll, Trafalgar Releasing and Alamo Drafthouse. The AFM House will also host a session on the practical applications of non-generative AI in the screen industry, featuring executives from The Boxoffice Company/Webedia and The Cinelytic Group.

With its expanded programming, AFM 2026 aims to bring established industry players and emerging voices together to examine the business models, technologies and audience strategies shaping the global screen economy.