The AFM in Las Vegas caused mixed reactions. Some favoured the location, others wanted to return to Los Angeles. Challenges with cinema releases remained an issue, while the British tax credit programme sparked interest in UK co-productions.
The American Film Market (AFM) 2024 in Las Vegas received mixed reviews. Some attendees appreciated the convenience of having everything in one place at the Palms Casino Resort, while others found the location problematic due to long wait times, high costs and casino distractions. Many attendees, especially from Los Angeles-based companies, preferred to return to LA.
The cinema market remains sluggish, with buyers focusing on high-budget films with big stars or low-budget films for streaming platforms, while mid-budget films are struggling. Streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Studios were active buyers, underlining the trend towards digital distribution strategies. Genre films, especially horror and science fiction, were particularly in demand due to their global appeal.
The UK's new tax incentive programme also attracted interest as US producers considered moving projects there to benefit from a 40 % tax break. Overall, AFM 2024 showed the evolution of the industry, with streaming platforms being the main buyers but the future of cinema distribution remaining uncertain.
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