AFM Kicks Off Amid Election Day Angst: “There’s Going to Be A Lot of Jitters”

AFM Kicks Off Amid Election Day Angst: “There’s Going to Be A Lot of Jitters”

As a seasoned gamer who has weathered countless apocalyptic scenarios in virtual worlds, I can’t help but see a striking resemblance between the chaos of my favorite games and the real-life drama unfolding in this year’s U.S. Presidential election. The anticipation, the tension, the fear of the unknown – it’s all too familiar.


Dean Devlin, who has produced blockbusters like Independence Day, Godzilla, and The Patriot, is accustomed to handling grandiose and cataclysmic tales. However, even for him, the idea of organizing the AFM (the world’s largest independent film market) in Las Vegas on the day of the 2024 U.S. Presidential election seems a bit excessive.

First off, Devlin mentions that the AFM is moving from Santa Monica, where it’s been for over four decades, to Las Vegas – a change he finds noteworthy. He adds that this transition happens during one of the most divisive elections in American history, leaving him in disbelief.

During the American Film Market (AFM), Devlin’s Electric Entertainment is showcasing the faith-based family comedy One Big Happy Family. Much like other independent film industry professionals flocking to Las Vegas this week, Devlin prefers discussing movies. However, it seems everyone is caught up in the ongoing election discussions instead.

Worldwide, there’s a resonating apprehension among Hollywood figures as they prepare for the confrontation between Trump and Harris. This apprehension stems from uncertainties about how the election outcome might influence American foreign policy, particularly with regards to conflicts like the one in Ukraine or crises in the Middle East. Additionally, given that these are industry leaders, they’re also concerned about how a Trump or Harris presidency could impact their businesses.

A U.S. vendor acknowledges that the situation leading up to AFM is likely to be highly emotional for everyone involved, causing a great deal of apprehension. Regardless of the outcome, some individuals will undoubtedly feel disappointed, frustrated, and upset.

David Garrett from Mister Smith Entertainment remarks, ‘If Trump wins, I believe it will create a somber atmosphere. But even if he loses, it won’t result in a peaceful resolution.’

As a movie enthusiast, I’m keenly aware of the potential impact a Trump presidency might have on the tax code for independent film producers. Policies in Democratic-led states, such as California, that aim to bolster the film industry through government incentives, like Gavin Newsom’s recent proposal to nearly double California’s current tax credit cap, could encounter significant resistance if the White House switches parties.

Devlin stated that when Trump was elected previously, it seemed like he wanted to punish New York and California. This man openly expresses a desire for retribution, and considering Hollywood hasn’t been friendly towards him, I wouldn’t be surprised if he chose to take his revenge.

Some optimistic business leaders suggest that a trade policy more favorable to the U.S., which has been supported by both Trump and Harris, could potentially boost American film production and sales. This could occur if the U.S. government supports Hollywood during international trade talks on various matters like online regulation and piracy protection. Conversely, foreign sellers might benefit if, similar to what happened in 2016, the value of the U.S. dollar decreases following a presidential victory, making their exports less expensive.

Garrett mused, ‘If Trump wins, I suspect the dollar may weaken, but that might benefit sales instead.’ So, it’s an interesting thought.

The AFM (American Film Market) may appear and disappear without definitive outcomes. Surveys suggest a tie between Harris and Trump, and even after November 5th, it might take days, weeks, or longer – if the results are disputed by either party – for the world to learn who will be the 47th President of the United States. However, regardless of the outcome, the independent film industry is expected to continue its course.

Regardless of the circumstances, there’s an ongoing requirement for films and amusement, asserts a sales representative based in L.A. During periods of political unrest, there’s a noticeable increase in the demand for entertainment that allows people to escape reality. Essentially, this is our line of work.

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2024-11-05 17:24