American Film Market comes to downtown next week
The largest convention group of the year is coming to town, and it’s estimated to bring in millions of dollars for local businesses.
More than 7,000 entertainment industry professionals will swarm Santa Monica next week during the American Film Market — dubbed the largest international film trade show in the world.
Taxes on hotel rooms alone are estimated to rake in nearly $300,000 for the city, but officials estimate delegates also will spend more than $2 million at city shops and restaurants.
“This is the biggest convention we host,” said Debbie Lee, communications manager for the Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s a very unique market because it’s not all in one hotel, it utilizes almost every hotel downtown. It’s just phenomenal.”
“This is the biggest convention we host. It’s just phenomenal.” — — DEBBIE LEE Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau, communication manager
This year will mark the 12th consecutive year the AFM has held its annual trade show in Santa Monica. The city has a contract with the group to hold all its future conventions here until 2004.
City officials said the convention is exactly what local businesses need to jump-start the economy and bring in badly needed funds for the city. The city of Santa Monica is projecting a loss of between $14-$18 million in overall tax revenue for next year, officials said.
“With the current state of the economy as well as it being our off-season, this important group visits at a crucial time for Santa Monica,” said Joanne Bogus, director of corporate sales for the Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This is just the boost our local businesses need, especially for retail and restaurants that rely heavily on tourism.”
The trade organization will take over the Loews Santa Monica Beach Resort, replacing office furniture with most of the beds and dressers.
“The only thing that stays in there is the desk,” said Lee. “They set up their fax machines and everything so they can do business. I have never heard of any other convention group doing something like that.”
Different film production companies will then work out of the temporary offices, where wheeling and dealing generates more than $500 million in film and distribution deals, officials said. where the delegates are staying will be tight. For example, at Loews only people with AFM badges will be allowed into the hotel.
Special shuttle buses will run between all of the downtown hotels and Loews. Officials say delegates use public transportation or walk to all venues, leaving very little impact on traffic.
“The amazing part of this city-wide effort is that even though there will be all these people here, it really doesn’t interrupt the flow of traffic or anything.” said Lee. “Almost none of them will drive anywhere.”
This year, the AFM is showcasing more than 600 screenings of 400 films on 23 screens throughout downtown theaters. As in past years, locals will be allowed to attend up to 50 soon-to-be-released independent films free of charge.
“The AFM has a wonderful relationship with Santa Monica for the past 11 years,” said Jonathan Wolf, managing director of the AFM. “We are delighted to open our doors to the residents so they can share in the excitement of the world’s largest film market.”
To register for a complimentary pass, click on the AFM link on the calendar section of www.santamonica.com.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 15, 2002. Read the original PDF.