Julie Barnett| Emol.org
The American Film Market 2026 is bringing together some of the entertainment industry’s most creative minds and influential business professionals in Century City, Los Angeles. From November 10–15, the Fairmont Century Plaza has become a meeting ground for filmmakers, actors, producers, investors, international production companies, sales agents and distributors looking to establish relationships and create new opportunities in an increasingly competitive global film market.
Beyond the red carpets, screenings and film presentations, the real energy of AFM is happening through networking. Conversations between talent, production executives and international business representatives are opening doors to potential collaborations, financing arrangements, co-productions and distribution opportunities. For independent filmmakers, the market provides access to an international network that can help transform an ambitious creative project into a commercially viable production.
Among the talent connections is Ryan McInerney, an actor, director and producer whose professional experience spans major motion picture productions and independent filmmaking. With more than 1,000 days working on major film sets, McInerney brings experience both in front of and behind the camera. A SAG-AFTRA member since 2012 and a Directors Guild of America member since 2018, his credits include Mr. Goalie, Mookie, Mo + Me, Reefa and Bloodline. His background reflects the increasingly interconnected roles of performers, filmmakers and independent production entrepreneurs.
International production opportunities also bring attention to Łukasz Szklarz, International Executive Producer at Poland’s Under Ski Tower, part of the OTO Family entertainment group. Szklarz brings an international perspective shaped by years of experience across European and North American film production. His education includes creative producing at the Leon Schiller Film School in Łódź, economics and international relations at the University of Economics in Kraków, and finance studies at Münster University of Applied Sciences.
His professional experience includes international projects such as Netflix’s The Witcher and Barbarians, Rammstein’s Zick Zack music video and the Indian feature Super 30. His background in producing, production management and international production coordination provides a valuable understanding of the logistical, financial and creative demands of bringing productions together across borders.
At Under Ski Tower, Szklarz is involved in developing international production relationships, co-productions and opportunities that connect Poland’s film infrastructure with the wider entertainment industry. The company’s activities span feature films, documentaries, television, post-production, casting and emerging production technologies through its wider OTO Family network.
Another important connection emerging from the international networking environment is the potential to bring together production companies, talent and distribution representatives under collaborative business structures. These relationships are increasingly important as independent productions look beyond traditional financing and seek access to international audiences.
Perhaps the hottest business topic at AFM 2026 is film distribution. The conversation is no longer simply about getting a movie made. It is about who acquires the rights, who controls the release strategy, how international sales are structured and how producers generate revenue across multiple territories and platforms.
AFM’s conference programming is addressing these issues through sessions examining independent film distribution, theatrical marketplace technology, international rights, financing and emerging distribution models. November 11 features discussions about the global screen economy, theatrical windows and exhibitors becoming distributors. November 12 brings further attention to film distribution and finance, the future of international film markets and YouTube as a distribution platform. November 13 continues with discussions about the distribution shake-up and independent self-distribution.
These sessions are particularly relevant to production companies seeking to understand the difference between theatrical distribution, streaming agreements, international licensing, sales representation and retaining distribution rights. For producers, choosing the right distribution partner can be as important as selecting the right cast or securing production financing.
AFM’s greatest value is its ability to bring these different sides of the industry into one marketplace. Talent meets producers, producers meet financiers, international executives meet potential co-production partners, and distributors meet projects looking for their next commercial opportunity.
As the market continues through November 15, the focus remains on building meaningful industry relationships and identifying opportunities that extend beyond the event. In today’s entertainment business, having a compelling project is only the beginning. The people, partnerships and distribution strategy behind it can determine how far that project travels.
Reporting for Entertainment Magazine Online | AFM 2026 | Los Angeles
Industry profiles and references:
Ryan McInerney – https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4126425/
Łukasz Szklarz – IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12312247/