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Other international attendees fear political violence with Nevada being a swing state.
IFTA has moved its welcome party to Monday night.
That said, AFM is welcoming 286 sales, production and distribution companies from 34 countries.
Adam Driver, Chris Rock Penelope Cruz, Timothée Chalamet and Milla JovovichPalms Casino Resort/Getty Images
Panels and talks include sessions with Ford andSebastien Raybaud, founder and CEO ofAnton.
People are attracted by the concept of what Im calling the big tent.
This is the first time in AFM history, said Prewitt.
AFM spent years at the Loews Hotel but was forced to move in 2023.
That edition at the Le Meridien Delfina was difficult, with striking hotel workers picketing loudly outside throughout.
And while the Delfina was the main venue, there were three others.
The Palms enables us to do all of that and beyond, he said.
This is shaping up as an intense week of business.
I think the level of attendance for this years AFM is super encouraging.
There seems to be a real buzz, and thats what you want.
That can conflict with sellers entertaining buyers in hotel-suite offices.
Setting out dishes of traditional candy is fine, cocktail parties needs clearance.
The volume of projects is high.
One buyer told us they are sifting through close to 90 projects.
But they expressed a familiar refrain that quality is lacking with very few wow projects.
Theres too much unoriginal horror, one buyer lamented.
There is a handful of decent projects but not many despite the high number were dealing with.
Oscar nomineeAdam Driver, Emmy and Tony winnerJeremy Strongand Oscar winnerAnne Hathawaywill star.
A24s Timothee Chalamet starrerMarty Supremeis another in that mould.
There may be a knock-on impact of the WGA strike on available material, AGCs Ford thinks.
Theres some room for optimism in 2025, he said.
Talent costs have normalized 12-18 months into the streamer slowdown.
I also think that a steady influx of AI products is going to soon shrink post and VFX costs.
Cost of capital should also reduce as interest rates come down.
Overall, the U.S financial/seller community has become leaner and more efficient in 2024.
AGCs three new projects at AFM includeThe Journeyman,Last DruidandFing!
AFM has negotiated discounts to The Sphere and other entertainment, curated a list of restaurants and shopping.
And if it works well, is efficient, and returns good results, well all be satisfied.
