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The AFM Conference Series gives attendees tremendous knowledge, insight, access, value and a rare opportunity to hear from the industry’s global thought leaders, decision makers and experts who all converge annually at the AFM.

The AFM Conference Series will take place Friday Nov. 4 – Tuesday Nov. 8, from 9:00am – 1:00pm daily, and will include a Finance Conference, Production Conference, Marketing Conference, Distribution Conference and Pitch Conference.  From treatment to screen, it’s all covered!

• Friday, Nov. 4 – Finance Conference
  Leading CEOs, filmmakers, financiers and studio executives converge to explore the current state of independent film financing: emerging trends, where the money is, new opportunities and incentives, and what the future holds.

• Saturday, Nov. 5 – Pitch Conference

  A good pitch can get a bad film made and a bad pitch can leave a terrific project languishing on the shelf.  Pitching is part art (it’s creative), part science (needs to follow a tight script) and part salesmanship. Conference attendees will first learn the essential rules and tools of pitching from the experts.  Then, in the AFM’s own variation of The Voice and American Idol, volunteers from the audience (you?) will pitch a panel of Hollywood decision makers.  They will give unvarnished feedback on each pitch - saying what worked, what didn't, and why. Warning: This session is not for the weak.

• Sunday, Nov. 6 – Marketing Conference
  In the age of digital media, word of mouth and friend recommendations can make or break the box office results.  Connecting with and engaging the audience in authentic, creative ways is critical.  The gurus behind the most successful and innovative marketing campaigns discuss reinventing the marketing wheel, explore how the consumer can be the most effective marketing tool, and reveal how to win over the broadest possible audience.

• Monday, Nov. 7 – Production Conference
  Brand integration and packaging often play an important role in the filmmaking process.  From big-budget blockbusters to art and genre films, the creative visions of directors, writers and producers are being supported, yet challenged, by these new business models and opportunities.  Agents, advertisers and producers disclose what is going on behind the scenes and how to seamlessly incorporate these new decision makers into the production process. 

• Tuesday, Nov. 8 – Distribution Conference
  Why make a film if no one will see it?  Industry leaders disclose their successful strategies for managing and monetizing the proliferation of global platforms and changing release strategies.  They will also separate fact and fiction about limited& specialized releases, film festivals and straight-to-VOD.

Speakers will be announced as confirmed on this page, AFM’s Facebook page, and MyAFM.

The AFM Conference Series will be held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel, 101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica.