The boom in streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon along with the emergence of new services from Disney, Apple and Warner Bros. has disrupted the traditional business model for the independent sector.finance conference. “They don’t want it any more after you couldn’t sell it at festivals.”
Lionsgate made the first big deal of AFM on the second day by buying Butler’s action-thriller “The Plane” on the second day, followed by MGM’s acquisition of Statham’s “Cash Truck” with the actor portraying a mysterious truck driver who ferries cash around Los Angeles. As AFM got under way, it was announced that Affleck had committed to starring as a detective in “Hypnotic,” an action thriller written and directed by Robert Rodriguez, who met with buyers on opening day. Solstice Studios and Studio 8 are producing. Solstice also showed footage for Russell Crowe’s action-thriller “Unhinged.”
Jodie Foster showed up in Santa Monica to meet with buyers for STXInternational’s “Prisoner 760,” in which she portrays a defense attorney. Anna Faris stopped by for a meet-and-greet for the comedy “Summer Madness” for The Exchange, which is also handling Drew Barrymore’s “The Stand-In” and “A Gift From Bob,” the sequel to “A Street Cat Named Bob.”
Producer-directors Anton Ernst and Tati Golykh of Magic City Films and producer Donald A. Barton of Artistry Media Group were surprised by the backlash from actors and promised that they will be respectful of Dean’s legacy.