Melanie Massie

Hollywood Betting Big on Genre Films: AFM’s Vegas Move Signals Shift in the Independent Film Market For the first time in its 45-year history, the American Film Market (AFM) has traded the coastal ambiance of Santa Monica for the glitzy setting of Las Vegas, launching its 2024 event at the Palms Casino Resort. This relocation comes with high hopes for streamlined networking, concentrated events, and fresh energy—but also a dose of skepticism as the independent film market continues to erode. With a notable focus on genre films, the independent film industry is gathering to confront market challenges in a bold new setting. A New Venue and New Energy Relocating from Los Angeles, where AFM was a fixture for over four decades, the Las Vegas setting promises to bring renewed energy to the market. At the Palms Casino Resort, all activities—from screenings to panels to networking events—are conveniently held under one roof, a feature set to alleviate some of the logistical challenges of prior years. By consolidating everything into one venue, AFM aims to foster a community atmosphere, allowing filmmakers, distributors, and buyers to maximize their time without shuttling across various locations. The all-in-one setup at the Palms is already a draw for industry heavyweights. With 286 sales, production, and distribution companies registered, including significant players, AFM sees increased interest from international representatives spanning 80 countries. European delegates from Italy, France, and Germany are attending in solid numbers, underscoring the global appeal of AFM’s new setting. The Rise of Genre Films Amid Uncertain Markets In an industry facing unpredictable returns from theatrical releases, genre films have emerged as a key investment focus at this year’s AFM. Genre films, especially horror and action, command significant buyer interest due to their strong built-in audiences and relatively lower risk. The recent success of horror films like Longlegs and Terrifier 3 has reinforced this trend, with AFM showcasing an impressive slate of horror and action offerings. Projects generating buzz include George A. Romero’s final zombie movie, Twilight of the Dead, directed by Brad Anderson, and the psychological thriller Victoria Psycho, which reunites Sanctuary star Margaret Qualley with director Zachary Wigon. Action films are also gaining traction, with high-profile offerings such as Cleaner, featuring Daisy Ridley in a Die Hard-style thriller, and The Last Druid, a sword-and-sandals epic led by Russell Crowe.

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From the Latest FilmLA Report • Scripted TV production in Los Angeles dropped 99% in Q3 2023 compared to 2022. • FilmLA calls for a significant expansion of California’s $330 million production incentive due to a 20% drop in local filming. • Other jurisdictions like New York, Ontario, Georgia, and the U.K. offer more competitive, uncapped or larger subsidies, putting California at a disadvantage. • Strikes in 2023 and a decline in Peak TV also contributed to a production slowdown. • Global production declines occurred, with Georgia and the U.K. also seeing reduced TV releases. • California temporarily boosted its incentives in 2021, but ongoing state budget deficits limit further expansions. • FilmLA warns California must act to support its entertainment industry or face continued market share losses. FilmLA Seeks 'Vast Expansion' of California Tax Credit (variety.com) https://lnkd.in/gps_6c9A

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“Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.” - Arthur Ashe #folsom #thelastringmaster #stopthehategotothecircus #circusvargas #circus #circuslife #circuseverydamnday #keynote #keynoting #keynotespeaker #keynotespeakers #podcast #podcasting

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“Puerto Rico remains an underrated powerhouse in the music industry — and here’s the latest proof. Separated from the US, this tiny island was still the third-largest exporter of top 10 singles worldwide in 2023. New data from the global recording industry trade group IFPI reveals that Puerto Rico — if separated from the United States and treated as a separate country — still ranked third on a list of exporters of top 10 singles worldwide last year. In fact, Puerto Rico was barely edged out for number two by Colombia.” “Perhaps unsurprisingly, the United States dominated that list, and it isn’t even close — 113 singles from the US reached the Top 10 worldwide in 2023. But Puerto Rico came in at an impressive third place with 45, and only one hit behind Colombia at 46. And that’s still miles ahead of the UK’s 29, followed by South Korea’s 16. Puerto Rico is actually an extreme powerhouse in the music industry in its own right, even when viewed in a bubble and not as an extension of the US, as a US territory. Already, the country is top-ranked against huge nations like the US, UK, and Japan in terms of its industry presence.” Read the article for more: #IFPI #PuertoRico #USA #UK #Colombia #SouthKorea #Japan #BadBunny #Singles #Global #GlobalMusic #Latín #LatinMusic #EU #Music #MusicBusiness #Musica #MusicIndustry #Musique #Musik #MusicBiz

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The Black Panther Party (BPP), originally the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, was a revolutionary political organization founded by Bobby Seale and Huey Newton on October 10, 1966, in Oakland. The party was active in the US (1966-82), with chapters in numerous major cities, and international chapters operating in the UK in the early 1970s, and in Algeria (1969-72). The Black Panther Party’s core practice was its armed citizens’ patrols to monitor the behavior of officers of the Oakland Police Department, a practice is known as “cop watching”, and challenge police brutality in the city. Community social programs became a core activity of party members. The BPP instituted a variety of community social programs, most extensively the Free Breakfast for Children Programs, to address issues like food injustice, and community health clinics for education and treatment of diseases including sickle cell anemia, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. The original ten points of “What We Want Now!” follow: We want freedom. We want the power to determine the destiny of our Black Community. We want full employment for our people. We want an end to the robbery by the Capitalists of our Black Community. We want decent housing, fit for the shelter of human beings. We want education for our people that exposes the true nature of this decadent American society. We want an education that teaches us our true history and our role in present-day society. We want all Black men to be exempt from military service. We want an immediate end to POLICE BRUTALITY and the MURDER of Black people. We want freedom for all Black men held in federal, state, county, and city prisons and jails. We want all Black people when brought to trial to be tried in court by a jury of their peer group or people from their Black Communities, as defined by the Constitution of the US. We want land, bread, housing, education, clothing, justice, and peace. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

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Terrific opportunity! I’ve put the direct application link in the first comment below. #entertainment #tv #television #directing #firsttimedirecting #disneytv #mentoring #professionaldevelopment #networking #scriptedseries #unscriptedseries #opportunity

Social media can make those facing depression, anxiety, or other mental health struggles, feel more alone and isolated. But, the reality is that this is something that affects millions of people every day, whether or not you see it on the outside, including some of your favorite artists and athletes. Tune in to your local Audacy, Inc. station or the Audacy app tonight at 7pm local, to hear some of those stories, and be reminded that you are never alone. 🙏 #mentalhealth #talksaveslives #anxiety #depression #socialimpact #nationalsuicidepreventionmonth

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Improve your theatrical skills with our Booking The Theatrical class! Teacher and working actress, Stacy Edwards, works with you to really hone in on your skills and learn how to break down any script. Sign up today! https://lnkd.in/gW5k6rX4 #actors #acting #actinglife #actingclass #theatrical #casting #script

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Wrestling Reunion: Cody Rhodes on Talent and Revenue Boosts! Join us for an exciting conversation about the dynamics of wrestling and entertainment, featuring Cody Rhodes! Discover how high school reunions and live audience experiences can elevate the wrestling scene while ensuring better revenue for superstars. Don't miss this insightful discussion on WWE talent and logistics! #CodyRhodes #WWE #HighSchoolReunion #DustyRhodes #WrestlingTalk #LiveAudience #ProfessionalWrestling #EntertainmentIndustry #WrestlingCommunity #TalentManagement

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During my time in the entertainment industry, I pursued an MFA in Film at UCLA, believing it would grant me the credibility I needed to teach and advance my career. However, I soon realized that the degree was essentially useless. Despite my qualifications and education, I was still viewed through the lens of the same stereotypes I had hoped to overcome. It highlighted the systemic issues in the industry—elitism, racism, and exclusion—especially toward Hispanics like me. My time at UCLA felt like an exercise in futility. I was treated unfairly, my opinions were disregarded, and I was prevented from taking courses I had a right to pursue. The institution, like the industry it prepares students for, wasn’t interested in fostering an inclusive environment for minorities. The industry’s claims of progress are empty, and DEI programs only serve to distract from the deeper issues of systemic exclusion. These programs don’t lead to jobs or real opportunities; they’re just talk. Despite decades of experience as a screenwriter, I continue to be shut out of opportunities. Even landing an interview is a struggle. The elites who defend the system benefit from it, while hardworking Hispanics like me are left behind. President-elect Trump recognized this disparity, which is why he resonated with many. The people who defend this broken system are the ones who created it, and they have no intention of changing it. Despite my qualifications, I’m still judged by my background, and the industry continues to be set up to maintain the status quo. Until that changes, I’ll remain caught in a cycle of exclusion.

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The part of the industry that doesn't get talked about enough... Those retransmission and carriage costs and fees play such a major role in the broadcast ecosystem. With the streaming boom and big tech finding a lane for audiences to disrupt the traditional market, some of the big companies are leveraging far more than they used to. DirecTV and Dish have the hardest challenges, with this being the first year their highest subscription package is not available with the NFL. Now, with the secondary leg of football being pulled, this will hurt. Working for cable, this would be the time most people switched their services to prepare for football. The Hulu leverage is immense and this will hurt direct and dish if it goes too long. The only thing they can do is work a deal that includes bundling apps since they aren't an ISP. This is a really big deal.

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Good news on labor negotiations in Hollywood: Union IATSE and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a tentative agreement for a 3 year deal cover the 13 West Coast Locals (approx. 50K crew members). Provisional terms include: 1. Wages Increases of +7% in Y1, +4% in Y2 and +3.5% in Y3. 2. Additional penalties for 'long work days' including 3x hourly wage when a workday exceeds 15 hours. 3. 'On-Call' workers will receive 2x hourly on their 7th day of the workweek. 4. $670M required to keep the health and pension benefits going has been agreed, with 'new streaming residuals' being ear-marked as the main source of funding for those programs. This deal: the successor contract to the Basic Agreement, still needs to be ratified by the membership, and a vote has not yet been scheduled. More details from union leadership to come over the coming days, including webinars for the Local chapters on July 13th. #streaming #unions #IATSE #AMPTP #Hollywood #contracts

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“Go within every day and find the inner strength so that the world will not blow your candle out.” - Katherine Dunham Get your tickets today🎪 circusvargas.com #folsom #thelastringmaster #stopthehategotothecircus #circusvargas #circus #circuslife #circuseverydamnday #keynote #keynoting #keynotespeaker #keynotespeakers #podcast #podcasting

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To My Entertainment Industry Colleagues: The recent closure of Paramount Television Studios and ongoing industry layoffs have hit our community hard. As someone who's been in the trenches with you, I want to share a message of support and hope. You should be proud of the legacy you've created. To everyone navigating these uncertain times: - It's okay not to be okay right now. Our industry is facing unprecedented challenges. - Your worth isn't defined by your job status or a single studio's fate. - The skills you've honed are incredibly valuable—not just in entertainment, but across industries: • Creativity • Problem-solving • Adaptability • Project management • Collaborative teamwork - This might be the push you need to explore new horizons where your talents can shine. Remember: The resilience you've developed in this dynamic industry is a superpower. Whether you've produced award-winning content, broken streaming records, or worked tirelessly behind the scenes, your experience is gold. Next steps: - Take time to process and heal - Reflect on your transferable skills - Network outside your comfort zone - Consider industries that value storytelling and creativity (Tech, Marketing, Education, Real Estate) I'm offering my support to anyone who needs: - A listening ear - Brainstorming sessions for your next move - Networking introductions Let's leverage the strength of our community. Comment below if you're open to connections or have opportunities to share. Together, we can turn this challenging time into a launchpad for new beginnings. "Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else." - Fred Rogers #EntertainmentIndustry #CareerTransition #MediaJobs #NetworkingSupport #CreativeResilience Are we connected? If not, feel free to send me a connection request. Let's navigate this together.

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“You have to know that your real home is within.” ~ Quincy Jones #folsom #thelastringmaster #stopthehategotothecircus #circusvargas #circus #circuslife #circuseverydamnday #keynote #keynoting #keynotespeaker #keynotespeakers #podcast #podcasting

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Loan outs! I know most productions are still honoring them. We have been successful using Bellar Pilukas Consulting as our loan out. However, many non production corporate partners are really causing issues for small companies that have been running this way for years (I am looking at you of the capital D). What have you run into? How has this affected your business and do you think this bill will help? #entertainment #loanout #smallbusiness #womeninfilm #icvfx #losangeleslocal #savethecaliforniafilmindustry

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