You have just made a movie, and now, you’d like to sell it. There’s several options open to you. Maybe you have representation, or sales agents who can find distributors for you. Or maybe you’re doing the festival circuit, hoping your film will be seen and bought by buyers that way. Another option you may not know about already is the American Film Market (AFM). But what is the American Film Market, and how can you use this event to help launch your filmmaking career?Â
Afm American Film Market
First, what is the American Film Market?
You probably know what a film festival is and you might know which are considered the best film festivals. But a film market is a different sort of event that’s more focused on the business side of filmmaking. There are many markets around the world but perhaps the biggest stateside is AFM.
So what is the American Film Market?
AMERICAN FILM MARKET DEFINITION
What is the American Film Market?
The AFM is an annual event, usually held in Los Angeles, where filmmakers and sellers can make acquisition and distribution deals. Films can be at any stage of the process, whether that’s merely in development or completely finished, and just in need of distribution. At the event, thousands of professionals meet and make deals to develop films, finance films, and license films.
American Film Market Quick Facts:
- Held annually, typically November for 6 days
- In the greater Los Angeles area
- Buyers and sellers meet, promote, make acquisitions
- Anyone can attend, screenings require a badge
- Not a festival, there is no competition or awards
AFM Details
When is AFM?
So when is the American Film Market? Typically, AFM is held every year in November. For years, the American Film Market location was Santa Monica, but, in 2025 is was held at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel. Century City is a neighborhood near Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, and conveniently located next to a large theater — the AMC Century City 15 — which the AFM will use for screenings.
AFM Details
What is the purpose of AFM?
At AFM, production companies with finished films or projects in development can meet with buyers. Buyers must be vetted, and to register as a buyer for the AFM Film Market, a company must be accredited. People can pitch their projects, or screen their films in hopes of securing interest from distributors.
A24, NEON, and Pathé are just some of the sales and production companies that have participated in the event. For filmmakers who are in the process of setting up production, there are also opportunities to meet with film commissions, government agencies, and production services.
As explained, AFM is primarily for the buying and selling of film properties. You might think that if you aren't buying or selling a film, that AFM isn't for you but that's far from the case. There are many opportunities and benefits to simply being an attendee.
Many filmmakers and sellers find the event helpful because of the various conferences and panels that are offered, which allow filmmakers to connect with each other and with potential business partners, while also learning new things about the business side of the entertainment industry.
AFM Film Market
Markets vs. Festivals
Film markets and film festivals have similarities, but the focus of the two events differs by quite a bit.
A film festival is a chance for filmmakers to showcase their finished films in front of an audience. Festivals are a celebration of storytelling and filmmaking, and tend to be centered on artistic achievement, with a focus on screening new films for live audiences. While there is plenty of film buying that goes on at festivals, business is not the sole focus of the event.
A film market is much more finely focused on buying and selling of film. It’s more of a trade event or a marketplace where films can be bought or sold, or get distribution. Film markets do not have big screenings for the public — the screenings are markets for buyers who might want to buy or distribute the film, not the general movie-going public.
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AFM Film Market
Should I go to the American Film Market?
Are you thinking about attending the AFM? If so, there are a few things to consider. Watch this video to get a quick inside peek.
An inside view of the American Film Market
Many filmmakers attend AFM to find financing, representation, creative or business partners, or to help with film production needs like locations and incentives. If you are a buyer, it can be a great place to see new films that are available for purchase. If you are a filmmaker, it can be a great place to find buyers for your film, or partners that can help it get distribution.
How much does the American Film Market cost? That depends on what kind of ticket you want to buy. The event has various prices for varying degrees of access and number of events, with tickets starting at $345 for a single day pass.
AFM Entrance
Overall, the AFM can be a great opportunity for filmmakers and buyers alike to get great movies sold and eventually seen.
AFM Film Market
American Film Market FAQs
The AFM is an annual film industry marketplace for buying, selling, and financing films. It is the largest film market in the U.S.
The AFM is held annually in November for 6 days.
Attendee tickets starting at $345 for a single day pass. They offer different levels of packages ranging all the way up to $1,445 for a five day pass.
Yes, some people have secured sales agents for their films at the AFM. But there is no official process for this, it might just happen organically by meeting and networking while you're there.
That depends on what you want to do! If you’re simply a movie love, the AFM is not for you, since screenings for the public are not the focus. If you are a filmmaker with a film to sell, or a buyer ready to buy or distribute film, then it may be a good event for you.
Up Next
What is film financing?
You’ve got a movie, now how do you get it made? Filmmaking depends on financing. Read more to learn how to finance your film, and how film financiers choose and support projects.
Up Next: Film Financing →
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