Industry News · November 13, 2026
AFM panel weighs distribution alternatives as Deep Focus announces 2027 debut
| Source | What it reported | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Media Play News | Panelists discussed rights ownership and distribution models. | November 12, 2026 |
| Trade Show News Network | Deep Focus announced a production exhibition with AFM. | November 13, 2026 |
What did the AFM panel say about pre-sales?
Media Play News reported that Michael Favelle said international buyers increasingly prefer completed films. In the outlet's account, Favelle linked that change to the loss of guaranteed downstream licensing agreements that once supported buyers' commitments.
Media Play News also reported that Manny Halley described a model combining ownership of intellectual property with theatrical, digital and streaming distribution. The outlet reported a caution from Favelle: retaining ownership can leave a filmmaker carrying debt when a production fails to recover its costs. The account presented competing views rather than a shared prediction of investor returns.
What will Deep Focus add to AFM?
Trade Show News Network reported that Douglas Emslie and David Larkin are launching Deep Focus in partnership with the Independent Film & Television Alliance and AFM. According to the outlet, organizers intend to connect production decision-makers with providers of technology, facilities, financing and specialist services.
Trade Show News Network said the event will include an exhibit floor and a conference on the Los Angeles AFM campus. The outlet reported that organizers had not published exact dates for its 2027 debut. Its coverage identified production workflows, stages, tax incentives and direct audience monetization among the planned areas of attention.
What do the reports establish for independent producers?
Media Play News documented a discussion about how producers fund and sell films, including direct relationships with exhibitors. Trade Show News Network described a separate planned event addressing the businesses and tools behind production. Neither report announced a financing commitment to FourBoys Entertainment or a distribution agreement for one of its projects.