The American Film Market (AFM®) will mark its 40th edition November 6-13 with its most expansive programming to date.  New to the lineup is a half-day Television Conference and a session centered on AVOD (Ad Supported Video On Demand). 

AFM’s more than 50 panels, roundtables and presentations will showcase international industry experts, decision makers, and academics across three stages, alongside the AFM’s industry screenings and marketplace.

Ted Schilowitz, XR expert and futurist at Paramount Pictures, will also present the opening State of the Industry keynote for AFM’s half-day Immersive Summit presented by Winston Baker on November 9.

AFM ’s Distribution Conference on November 12 will feature The Rise of AVOD panel with speakers Floris Bauer, president, Gunpowder & Sky, Jeff Shultz, chief business officer, Pluto TV, Adam Lewinson, chief content officer, Tubi TV, Julian Franco, sr. director--AVOD, Vudu, and Anthony Layser, VP, partnerships & programming, Xumo.  Moderated by Bruce Eisen, president, Digital Advisors, the session will explore this rapidly expanding model and the opportunities for independent film.  

For the first time, AFM will spotlight the small screen with a half-day Television Conference on November 11.  Two panels will examine the increasing opportunities for feature-length programming and made-for-TV Movies with TV networks and platforms. Initial panelists include producer Debra Martin Chase, Paul Bales, partner, The Asylum, Michael Stiller, VP, development & programming, The History Channel, Tony Vassiliadis, chief operations officer, MarVista Entertainment, Brad Krevoy, CEO, Motion Picture Corporation of America, and Pierre David, chief strategy advisor and producer, ReelOne/Lance Entertainment.

In his current role, Schilowitz works with studio leadership and the technology teams at Paramount/Viacom, exploring forms of new and emerging technologies, with an emphasis on virtual and mixed reality. Three XR panels covering topics ranging from storytelling to monetization will follow his keynote.