We all know what the ultimate destination looks like for a movie production process: a primetime showing in the theaters, rave reviews from critics, and steep box office revenues.
But where does it all begin? What happens before the filming, the directing, and even the casting?
Chances are, it all started right here in Santa Monica.
Every year, 8,000 indie film industry leaders descend on the coast of west L.A. for the American Film Market (AFM), a world-renowned event featuring eight days of deal-making, screenings, seminars, networking, and parties. Different than a normal film festival, the AFM allows independent filmmakers to meet with Hollywood’s leading decision-makers—from directors to financiers to film commissioners to producers—to pitch their films and secure production deals.
It’s a lucrative opportunity: of the past 31 winners of the Academy Award for “Best Picture,” 19 have either been licensed or financed out of the AFM—including hits like Million Dollar Baby, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and The Lord of the Rings. By the end of the week, a staggering $800+ million in deals are sealed, giving legs to many of Hollywood’s future blockbusters and entertainment trends.
With the 2014 American Film Market (November 5 – 12) mere weeks away, excitement is mounting for what this year’s event has in store. On top of industry networking and planning, participants will also be invited to more than 700 screenings of approximately 400 films—that’s 28 new films every two hours. Quite literally, Santa Monica transforms into the motion picture capital of the world.
At Shutters on the Beach and Casa del Mar, we’ll be in the thick of the action. Located right on the sand at Pico and Ocean Way, our restaurants and venues are popular destinations for all things AFM, from meetings to networking events to conferences to celebrations.
As the event draws ever closer, we hope you can join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the future of entertainment.
