Learn from Michelle Alexandria, a seasoned producer and film distributor with over 20 years of industry experience!

Plus, you’ll get an exclusive AFM checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared to make the most of your time at the market!

The American Film Market (AFM), the largest film market in the United States, offers a prime opportunity for filmmakers to network, pitch their projects, and connect with distributors. This year, AFM is making a major move from Los Angeles to Las Vegas for the first time in decades, presenting filmmakers with a fresh landscape to build valuable industry connections. But AFM is more than just a marketplace; it’s a critical event for showcasing your work, securing partnerships, and ensuring your project reaches the right audience. This exclusive Stage 32 webinar is designed to give you the strategies and insights needed to navigate AFM confidently, so you can fully capitalize on this dynamic event.

AFM can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to assume that a great project will naturally find the right people—but that’s often not the case. With so many filmmakers competing for attention, preparation is essential. Many creatives make the mistake of attending AFM without a clear plan, whether it’s lacking a compelling pitch or the proper marketing materials. This webinar will help you overcome those hurdles by teaching you how to research sales agents, build a professional press kit, and set realistic goals for your project. Being fully prepared will allow you to make the most of your AFM experience and stand out in a competitive market.

Your Stage 32 educator, Michelle Alexandria, is a powerhouse in the world of film financing and distribution, making her the perfect mentor to guide you through this journey. With over 20 years of experience as a seasoned producer and a respected member of the Producers Guild of America, Michelle has successfully worked on dozens of feature films and television projects. She’s a regular at major markets like AFM, Cannes, and Sundance, where she’s built an impressive network and deep expertise. Her unique blend of creative insight and business acumen will provide you with the confidence and practical knowledge you need to navigate AFM and position your film for success.

In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you’ll dive into the structure of AFM, learn how to pitch your film effectively, and discover strategies for networking with buyers, distributors, and sales agents. We’ll cover everything from crafting your marketing materials to building long-term industry relationships. By the end, you’ll walk away with actionable steps and a clear plan for how to stand out at AFM and keep up the momentum long after the market ends.

PLUS! You'll receive:

• An exclusive AFM checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared to make the most of your time at the market!

Praise for Michelle’s Past Teaching with Stage 32

"Michelle Alexandria proves to be an excellent guide cutting away at the barriers, self or industry created. Stellar webinar, she provides selflessly a deep knowledge, her experiences towards acquiring interest from the least expected sources, helps streamline efforts towards gaining the optimal financial support and guiding products towards audiences. Going to “throw clay onto the wheel” with confidence. Kudos, highly recommend!" -Jen K

“I learned so much from Michelle about how to break into the film/tv industry. There's so much to learn about the craft and business of working in this industry and I'm grateful to have Michelle's expertise in guiding me through it.” -- Nick S.

"I can't say enough good things about Michelle! Talk about a woman who knows her stuff. I highly recommend all writers, producers, and directors take a course with her to hone their craft and propel their careers." -- Kaitlin L.

Introduction 

• Overview of AFM

• Importance of attending AFM for filmmakers

• Overview of the 2024 move to Las Vegas and its implications

• Rates and timeline 

AFM Structure & Key Players 

• Understanding the AFM ecosystem

• Buyers, distributors, and sales agents

• The role of producers, filmmakers, and financiers

• Identifying the key opportunities for networking

Preparation for AFM 

• Creating a compelling pitch

• Building a press kit and marketing materials

• Setting realistic goals for your project at AFM

• Researching sales agents and partners who would be a good fit for your project

Maximizing Your AFM Experience 

• Strategies for effective networking

• Pitching your film: What to say and what not to say

• Tips on effectively engaging with buyers and sales agents

• Building long-term relationships for future projects

Selling Your Film at AFM 

• What distributors and sales agents are looking for

• Packaging your film for the market

• Understanding distribution deals

• Pitfalls to avoid when selling your film

Post-AFM Strategies 

• Following up with contacts

• Maintaining momentum after the market

• Adjusting your strategy based on market feedback

• Addressing specific concerns from attendees

• Recap of key takeaways

• Final tips for a successful AFM experience

Q&A with Michelle 

-Filmmakers preparing to attend AFM for the first time or those looking to sharpen their market strategy

- Producers seeking to connect with distributors, sales agents, and buyers at AFM to advance their projects

- Directors eager to learn how to pitch their films effectively and stand out in a competitive marketplace

- Screenwriters wanting to understand the business side of film distribution and make valuable connections at AFM

- Industry professionals aiming to build long-term relationships and networks with key players in the global film industry

- Independent filmmakers looking for practical tips on crafting marketing materials, including press kits, and setting realistic goals for their projects at AFM

- Anyone interested in gaining insider knowledge on how to avoid common pitfalls, navigate the AFM ecosystem, and secure distribution deals

- Creatives looking to combine their artistic vision with strategic business acumen to get their films sold and distributed globally

-For anyone ready to take their project to the next level and make the most of the opportunities AFM has to offer

"Michelle Alexandria proves to be an excellent guide cutting away at the barriers, self or industry created. Stellar webinar, she provides selflessly a deep knowledge, her experiences towards acquiring interest from the least expected sources, helps streamline efforts towards gaining the optimal financial support and guiding products towards audiences. Going to “throw clay onto the wheel” with confidence. Kudos, highly recommend!" -Jen K

“I learned so much from Michelle about how to break into the film/tv industry. There's so much to learn about the craft and business of working in this industry and I'm grateful to have Michelle's expertise in guiding me through it.” -- Nick S.

"I can't say enough good things about Michelle! Talk about a woman who knows her stuff. I highly recommend all writers, producers, and directors take a course with her to hone their craft and propel their careers." -- Kaitlin L.