Producing : AFM Yes/No? by Geoff Harris

Geoff Harris

AFM Yes/No?

Hi Everyone,

Hope you had a great holiday weekend!

I'm a producer and director based in London UK, I'm currently developing three US set movies that I plan to shoot in Canada early-mid next year. One of them at least! I will also direct.

All in the $15M-$20M budget range, with a finance plan that includes 30% - 45% of the budget as pre-sales.

Should I go to the AFM?

Never been before, have long distance relationships with some LA sales people, talent agents, projects at a stage where. I'm looking for lead cast then sales agent.

Is this too early to take the projects to the AFM? Is it worth what will probably be just under $1000 for a three day visit including pass, air fare, accommodation etc.?

Thanks for guidance

Geoff

Sasha Tomas

Hi Geoff, I'm heading to AFM this year with the same hopes as you for finding a sales agent. Not sure about finding cast. Not sure if this helps. Hopefully someone will have a better answer.

Mike Boas

In my experience, AFM is best if you have a completed project to sell, not for finding investors. Do you already have funds lined up for your multi-million-dollar features? Name actors? What are you hoping to get out of AFM?

Geoff Harris

Hi Mike, thanks for your response. I can finance the debt portions of the budget - pre-sales, tax credits etc and would be looking for an equity investor for about 20%. I'll also be looking for a potential sales agent and potential co-producer.

No cast attached as yet.

What do you think?

Dan MaxXx

$15-$20M+ budget is ridiculous. Thats A-List actors, producers, talent agencies, studio theatrical distribution partnerships.

Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg

Geoff Harris Word is that the number of deals at AFM are lower each year, last year no exception. Truth is, presales and MGs are on the decline and I don't know that AFM is actually relevant for independent film any longer. If it is, it won't likely be for much longer. I have a number of productions in the works and I am certainly not going even though I live here. If you are going to come the LA area - make sure IN ADVANCE you have confirmed interest and meetings with people who confirm they will be there. Otherwise, treat it as a nice film holiday.

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