LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Thousands of film producers and industry insiders are meeting in Las Vegas for the very first time, as the world’s largest film market makes its inaugural debut in the Entertainment Capital of the World.
The American Film Market, held at the Palms, hosts more than 5,000 producers, buyers and sellers from 80 countries.
Business decisions at the convention drive what movies you’ll see on the big screen, small screen or a streaming platform. Producers seek distributors, financing and marketing for movies they already made – or hope to create.
“Without this process, no independent film would actually be seen anywhere in the world…most of the films would never be financed, and therefore would never be produced,” said Jean Pruitt, president of the Independent Film and Television Alliance, which produces the American Film Market.
Pruitt said AFM picked Las Vegas as its new permanent home, moving from Los Angeles for the convenience that hotels like the Palms offer for conventions, business meetings, travelers and international attendees.
“Distribution is a huge part of any filmmaking — it’s not just domestically, but internationally and all over the world, and when you spend your heart and soul and sweat and tears making a film, you want people to see it,” said UNLV Film Asst. Professor Andi Isaacs, who is helping dozens of college students work at the convention and learn from industry professionals.
“You’re learning the process and the operations that go into making a movie. Even just selling your movie once it’s made, it’s very, very difficult, and it takes years,” said UNLV student Aidan Snyder, who hopes to one day direct a movie. “Who do you need to have on your side that can make that happen? What kind of relationships can you build and connect with people to make that happen?” Snyder said.
Isaacs said that students are working to secure summer internships from the companies featured at AFM.
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