This Year’s American Film Market Won’t Just Cater to Buyers — It’s Ushering In AMC Members, Too

The AMC A-List theater subscription program now offers something more than free popcorn and drink size upgrades: the best seats at private American Film Market screenings in November.

A partnership between AFM, AMC Theatres and the Los Angeles-based B-List Movie Club unveiled on Monday will see film fans attend private market screenings and slate presentations alongside industry buyers at the AMC Century City 15 multiplex, directly across from the AFM headquarters at the Fairmont Century Plaza.

As it expands its slate of market screenings in Century City for sales and production companies, the leading indie movie bazaar will look to AMC’s A-List subscribers and B-List Movie Club members to help film buyers gauge audience responses, whether hushed focus or laughter and cheering, ahead of possible acquisition and distribution deals.

Jackie Brenneman, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance in a statement explained: “AMC A-List has become a powerful model for theatrical audience engagement, and our collaboration creates a unique opportunity for participating films to connect with frequent moviegoers and gain valuable audience response as they’re introduced to the global marketplace. Together with our expanded screening options, it’s another way we’re creating greater value for the companies and filmmakers who come to AFM.”

Opening up private AFM screenings to movie fans follows the indie business looking to diversify beyond traditional big-budget actioners at the multiplex. That includes high-concept genre plays like Backrooms and Obsession and concert movies that surprise by popping at the box office.

The AMC A-List program is aimed at avid moviegoers, and allows subscribing members to see Hollywood tentpoles and now upcoming movies being shopped to buyers at AFM.

“AMC A-List members are among the most passionate moviegoers in the industry, and we’re always looking for new ways to connect them with unique theatrical experiences. We’re excited to collaborate with AFM and engage communities like The B-List Movie Club to give movie fans access to special screenings, discover upcoming films, and experience content that isn’t typically available to general audiences,” Carrie Trotter, senior vp of marketing at AMC Theatres added in her own statement.

AFM will also this year expand its screening options with world and market premieres, slate showcases and other screenings with hospitality and concessions and red-carpet entrances by film talent during screenings from Nov. 10 to 13 at the AMC Century City. AFM’s 47^th edition is now at 215 exhibiting companies looking to do business, including around pre-sales.

The finance, production, sales and distribution company list includes Gaumont, AGC Studios, Voltage Pictures, HanWay Films, Lionsgate, Neon and Embankment Films.