The American Film Market (AFM) is set to undergo a major transformation this November, pivoting from a traditional industry bazaar into a comprehensive hub for analyzing the rapidly shifting landscape of modern entertainment. Now entering its 47th year, the event will take place at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles from November 10 to 15, debuting an inaugural Global Screen Economy Summit as the centerpiece of its expanded programming.
As the industry grapples with the dual pressures of market consolidation and the disruptive influence of emerging technologies, the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA)—which produces the AFM—is positioning this year’s summit as a critical touchstone for producers, financiers, and distributors.
Navigating the AI and Creator Economy Revolution
The summit’s kickoff on November 10 will feature a dual-keynote structure aimed at defining the future of the sector. Jackie Brenneman, the newly appointed president and CEO of IFTA, will open the forum, followed by a high-stakes keynote from noted industry analyst Evan Shapiro. Together, they are expected to dive deep into the “creator economy” and the impact of artificial intelligence on traditional filmmaking workflows.
For tech-forward attendees, the inclusion of AI as a primary discussion point signals a broader industry recognition that generative tools are no longer experimental, but foundational. The summit will host dedicated sessions exploring how AI is reshaping production pipelines and content creation, moving beyond speculation to address the technical and ethical realities of the current production environment.
Redefining the “New Studio System”
This year’s conference program includes over 45 individual sessions designed to dissect the “new math” of the independent film business. The curriculum is specifically structured to address how content is financed, produced, and consumed across a fragmented digital landscape.
Notable panels, such as The New Studio System, will feature executives from emerging powerhouses like Angel Studios and Popular Demand Studios. These discussions aim to highlight the decentralization of Hollywood, where traditional gatekeepers are being challenged by digital-first production entities. Complementing these sessions are deep dives into financing, including panels on new investment strategies featuring participants from Wrapbook and Ashland Hill Media Finance. The goal is to provide a roadmap for navigating the “new IP value chain,” where the traditional multiplex experience now shares space with niche digital platforms.
A Focus on Audience Discovery and Global Trends
Brenneman emphasized that the market’s evolution is a necessary response to changing viewer habits. “From how stories are discovered and what gets made to how content reaches audiences… nearly every part of our business is being reimagined,” she said in a statement regarding the upcoming event.
To that end, the AFM has curated sessions such as New Rules of Discovery & Audience Building, which lean heavily into data-driven strategies for reaching modern viewers who bounce between platforms. Beyond standard feature films, the summit will also explore alternative content that is currently seeing a surge in demand, specifically anime, concert films, and faith-based programming.
Furthermore, a dedicated panel on a proposed federal production incentive highlights the alliance’s goal to keep film production within the United States, linking policy advocacy with market strategy. By broadening its scope to include the mechanics of global distribution, the impact of AI on the creative process, and a renewed focus on data-centric audience discovery, the 47th American Film Market is signaling that the era of “business as usual” for independent film is officially a thing of the past. As the industry gathers in November, the focus will remain firmly on how technology and creative agility can sustain profitability in a world of screens both large and small.
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