AFM to Stay in Santa Monica

LOS ANGELES: The American Film Market (AFM) will remain in Santa Monica through 2017, where it has been held since 1991.

The international market event will continue to be held at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, with additional exhibition space continuing at JW Marriott’s Le Merigot Beach Hotel and with conferences at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows. Over the next few years, development projects in Santa Monica will be in the works to enhance AFM, including a new cinema complex with 12 screens and an IMAX theater anticipated to open in late 2014 or early 2015. The rehabilitation of the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, which will provide AFM with venue for red-carpet premieres, is also expected for 2014.

Paul Hertzberg, the chairman of the Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA), said, “We tirelessly explored every option to ensure the AFM would have the best long-term home. We look forward to many more successful markets with the beach as our backdrop.”

Jean Prewitt, the president and CEO of IFTA, commented, “Our stated goal from the start of this process has been to provide the best environment, resources and value for the world’s buyers and sellers and, after long and careful deliberations, we believe remaining in Santa Monica will achieve all of those goals.”

“In Santa Monica, the AFM will soon have access to a new 12-screen multiplex, a 2,000-plus seat world class venue for red-carpet premieres, more hotel rooms, light rail transportation to Los Angeles and Hollywood, and even a spectacular new park across from the Loews,” added Jonathan Wolf, the executive VP of IFTA and managing director of AFM. “We are thrilled that everyone in the city came together to make this happen.”