Happy Thursday, Creative Army!

Every year, the American Film Market (AFM) transforms Los Angeles into the beating heart of the global film industry, where thousands of producers, distributors, financiers, and creatives come together to make deals, launch projects, and build partnerships that define the year ahead.

Whether you’re attending AFM for the first time or returning with new projects to pitch, understanding how to navigate this event strategically can make all the difference. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce that Stage 32 is partnering with the American Film Market to bring you a completely FREE webcast— How to Work the AFM (American Film Market) 2025!

Event Details:

Date: Monday, October 13, 2025

Time: 1:30 pm PT

Cost: FREE

Register for free by clicking here!

Why This Webcast Matters

AFM is unlike any other film event in the world. It’s not just a festival, it’s a marketplace where films are bought, sold, and financed. Thousands of deals are made here every year, and understanding how the market works, from badges and screenings to the art of negotiation, can give you a major advantage whether you’re a writer, producer, or director.

This free session will take you behind the curtain of AFM, helping you understand how to prepare, how to make meaningful connections, and how to turn conversations into opportunities.

Meet Your Expert Panel

We’ve assembled a powerhouse lineup of industry leaders who live and breathe the business of film:

Jean Prewitt – President & CEO, Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), producer of AFM.

Jean Prewitt is one of the most influential figures in the independent film world. As President and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA®), she oversees a global network of distributors and producers spanning 20 countries — and serves as the producer of the American Film Market itself. Before leading IFTA, Jean spent a decade as a senior U.S. government official with the Department of Commerce, representing the White House and Executive Branch on international communications and entertainment policy. Her background also includes serving as Senior Vice President and General Counsel at United International Pictures (the international distribution arm of Universal, Paramount, and MGM-UA), where she managed global legal and government affairs. A graduate of Harvard University and Georgetown Law, Jean brings unmatched insight into how the independent sector connects with the global marketplace.

Clay Epstein – President, Film Mode Entertainment; former IFTA Chair.

With over two decades of experience in global film sales and production, Clay Epstein has built a reputation as one of the most trusted names in independent film. As the President and Owner of Film Mode Entertainment, Clay represents more than 70 feature films worldwide, helping producers navigate financing, marketing, and distribution strategies that drive international success. His executive producer credits include Breach (Bruce Willis), As They Made Us (Dustin Hoffman, Candice Bergen), Crypto (Kurt Russell), and Monstrous (Christina Ricci). Prior to founding Film Mode, Clay served as SVP of Sales & Acquisitions at Arclight Films, representing acclaimed titles like Predestination starring Ethan Hawke and Dog Eat Dog with Nicolas Cage. He has also served as Chairperson of IFTA, lectures at UCLA Extension and global film festivals, and is a proud member of PGA, BAFTA LA, and AACTA. Clay’s experience spans every stage of production and distribution — from creative development to international dealmaking — making him an essential guide for anyone attending AFM.

Richard “RB” Botto – Founder & CEO, Stage 32.

As the Founder and CEO of Stage 32 — the world’s largest online platform connecting over one million film, television, and digital media professionals — RB Botto has revolutionized how creatives access opportunity in the entertainment industry. A producer, writer, actor, and educator, RB has spoken at major events including Cannes, SXSW, Tribeca, and Harvard on the business of filmmaking and the power of community. Through Stage 32, he has helped incubate and produce feature films like Chick Fight (Malin Akerman, Alec Baldwin), Neighborhood Watch (Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jack Quaid), and 10-31 (produced by Eli Roth and Orion Pictures). He also authored the #1 best-selling book Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers: Indie Film and the Power of the Crowd, published by Routledge under the AFM Presents banner. As both a creative and entrepreneur, RB offers a rare insider perspective on how to leverage networks, build partnerships, and navigate AFM strategically in today’s democratized film landscape.

Together, they’ll offer you a front-row seat to how AFM really works, what buyers and financiers are looking for, how deals get made, and how to approach meetings with confidence.

What You’ll Learn

• The role and history of AFM in the global film ecosystem
• How the market functions: badges, screenings, conferences, and dealmaking opportunities
• What buyers, sellers, and financiers are really looking for
• The art of pitching and relationship-building at AFM
• How to prepare before you go — and how to follow up after the market ends
• Live Q&A with Jean, Clay, and RB

Why You Should Attend

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your project distributed globally, securing financing, or networking with the right partners to take your career to the next level, this is where it starts. AFM is one of the most high-impact markets in the world, and this webcast will help you arrive prepared and confident.

Even if you can’t attend live, register anyway! Everyone who signs up will receive the full replay in their Stage 32 Education Library as soon as it’s available.

How to Work the AFM (American Film Market) 2025, happening live on October 13th at 1:30 pm PT!

Register for free by clicking here!

Let’s Get You Ready for AFM

Whether you’re bringing a finished film, a script, or simply want to better understand how to position yourself in the international marketplace, this session will give you the clarity and confidence you need to make the most of your AFM experience.

If you have questions ahead of the webcast, drop them in the comments or email our team anytime at Edu@Stage32.com. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

See you on October 13th, Creative Army. Let’s make this your year to work the market like a pro.

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