The American Film Market, Filmmaker Tips for Success

We are back from the American Film Market in sunny Santa Monica, California where we spent three days learning, pitching and meeting the film industries biggest players from around the world. The American Film Market hosts one of the industries biggest events for film makers, screenwriters and distributors.

Our #1 tip for success at the American Film Market is preparation. Setup your meetings in advance, don't wait for the last minute to schedule them because the likelihood of getting into a meeting without an appointment is very low. Even if you have an appointment the odds of it being on time may dwindle the later you wait to make that meeting. Not only do you have to prepared to schedule meetings with buyers and distributors, you have to be prepared with your pitch. You need to be professional and have a plan and understand why your film may be saleable and even more importantly what aspects of your film may not be saleable.

Tip #2 for success at the American Film Market is having a completed project. Nobody wants to hear about your concept or idea. Everyone has ideas. Distributors won't even touch you if you don't have a completed production. Screenwriters need completed scripts. Networking and building relationships take time. If you're a first time filmmaker, nobody is going to hand you a check after a 15 minute pitch meeting. If they do, we'd love to hear about it on our podcast!

We interviewed filmmakers, screenwriters, distributors and film industry heavy hitters including:

Pilar Alessandra from OnthePage.tv

Alex Ferarri from IndieFilmHustle.com

Jason Brubaker at Distribber & FilmMaking Stuff

Actor Branscombe Richmond at the Southern Kentucky Film Commission

Susan Yang Translator Beijing

Paul Ayre from SevereComedy.com

Sean Crayne filmmaker of Twisted the movie

Mike Lippert filmmaker of Expecting