Los Angeles Welcomes the Newly-Formed American Film Convention
(2024-11-22, Boston, MA) The American Film Convention held its inaugural show at the Magic Box venue in Los Angeles last month. This trade show boasted unique and informative industry events, including an expo showcasing the latest in filmmaking methodology and technology, screenings of films from around the world, and industry conferences featuring over 120 guest speakers.
These industry conferences included a popular discussion panel on the growing prevalence of AI in media and revealed how some filmmaking professionals are using these tools to accelerate their workflows.
This AI panel entitled, “AI is In Every Part of the Production Pipeline,” programmed by Heather Hale and moderated by Cirina Catania, publisher and senior editor of USTimes.biz and host of OWC RADiO, this panel’s featured cutting-edge guests. Shamel CEO Feras Alfuqaha, RollCredits CEO Nishant Mathur, HUSSLUP’s marketing lead and Forbes 30 under 30 list Mateusz Balcerek, and Intelligent Assistance President Philip Hodgetts are all notable figures in the filmmaking industry who have integrated AI into the software and tools they develop. Also weighing in was indie experimental filmmaker Damon Merchant, best known for his groundbreaking interactive horror film, I, Victim. With technology having advanced significantly in the years since I, Victim’s release, Merchant reflected on what that project may have looked like with generative AI.
Other notable events included the Actors’ Nest, programmed by Heather Hale, which is a networking-focused platform facilitating connections between actors, talent agents, managers, casting directors, and producers. The Actors’ Nest allows talent to showcase their capabilities through self-tape auditions, professional headshots, workshops, and panels with industry pros.
American Film Convention also touted its Speed Pitching Event, an opportunity for emerging writers and storytellers to show off their projects and ideas to industry executives and production houses in a casual yet high-energy setting akin to speed dating.
The trade show introduced a first-of-its-kind feature film auction, a streamlined process that allowed filmmakers to sell their films in real-time negotiations with top industry buyers. Filmmakers could set minimum selling prices, onsite legal counsel assisted in finalizing agreements, and in case a deal went south, filmmakers retained the right to refuse.
Mitesh Kumar Patel, indie filmmaker and founder of American Film Convention commented, “Our goal is to break new ground in the film market category. The auction and online and in-person market screenings of features and shorts offer filmmakers more ways to get their projects in front of buyers. We welcome filmmakers and organizations to collaborate with us to foster a brighter, more dynamic future for film.”
In a related interview on OWC RADiO, Heather Hale, mentioned above, talks about her career in Hollywood, and all things life-affirming. Click below to listen in, and keep your ears peeled for a special code in the interview that will give you 15% off all OWC-branded products (for a limited time!).
