by Chris Davison
AFI FEST Daily News

The American Film Market (AFM) began in 1981 when a group of sales agents who had been going to Cannes decided that Hollywood needed a world class market for the buying and selling of film rights.

The first AFM was held at the Westwood Marquis hotel with a little more than 30 companies present.

Fast-forward 25 years and AFM 2006 will welcome over 9,000 attendees, expected to close more than $800 million in deals on film projects in all stages from pitch to post-production.

AFM 2006 is November 1-8 in Santa Monica, with attendees coming from more than 70 countries.

Another star on the world stage is AFI FEST presented by Audi, celebrating 20 years as a program of the American Film Institute.

With headquarters at state-of-the-art ArcLight Hollywood, AFI FEST 2006 runs November 1-12 and features international competitions of new films from emerging filmmakers, global showcases of the latest works from the great masters and nightly red-carpet gala premieres.

In 2006, AFI FEST is exhibiting 147 films from 45 countries, hosting more than 60,000 attendees.

Suppose that AFM and AFI FEST were to partner, were to work together to build upon each other's strengths and opportunities. Would this represent a match made in the heavens?

The answer is a resounding yes. For the third year in a row, AFI FEST and AFM share their star power via a strategic alliance that represents the only festival-market combination in North America.

And writers, directors, producers and distributors from around the world are successfully integrating AFI FEST and AFM. This year, 54 AFI FEST films will be represented at AFM. (Screening times at www.afmfilms.org.)

AFI FEST accredited filmmakers are entitled to an AFM badge allowing access to the entire Market, including AFM's lineup of conferences and seminars, opportunities to interact with and learn from prominent filmmakers, financiers, industry executives and talent.

AFM also hosts a brunch and workshop for AFI FEST filmmakers to educate them on how to best take advantage of opportunities at the Market.

All AFM badge holders are entitled to access to the AFI FEST Moviefone Cinema Lounge at the Rooftop Village, located on the 7th floor of the ArcLight parking structure.

AFM exhibiting companies receive a complimentary AFI FEST ProPass and AFM buying companies are eligible for complimentary tickets to any regular festival screening at AFI FEST, pending availability.

The AFI FEST Priority List program provides the ultimate in AFI FEST benefits to a select group of AFM exhibitors, with Priority List members receiving exclusive industry badges, reserved Gala tickets, hotel rooms and entry into AFI FEST parties.

Transportation between AFM in Santa Monica and AFI FEST in Hollywood is provided by free shuttles, November 1-8.