AFM Sees Increased Buyer Attendance

SANTA MONICA: The American Film Market (AFM), which wraps tomorrow, has reported a 6-percent increase in buyers and a 5-percent increase in the number of buying companies on hand at the event.

A total of 1,616 buyers were recorded, compared to 2011’s 1,523 buyer attendance. There were also 35 more buying companies this year than last year, for a total of 753. These companies represented more than 60 countries. Asia had a 14-percent increase in its buyer attendance and Latin America had a 17-percent increase.

Exhibiting companies were relatively the same as last year, with 357. Attendance among exhibitor-affiliated participants was 3,069. Non-buyers/sellers finished at 3,063. This means that overall the market drew more than 7,749 people to date.

“The healthy growth in new buying companies is the most important metric for us,” said Jonathan Wolf, AFM’s managing director. “It shows that the global marketplace for independent film is continuing to expand.”