Over the last few months, the AFCI has been looking ahead at exciting new ways to add value to membership. In particular, we have been identifying new tools and platforms that can proactively get film commissions out in front of filmmakers in more varied and creative ways. We wanted these opportunities to be complementary to our existing line up of products, and to provide new angles to explore. We were delighted, then, to be presented with the opportunity to work with Movie Media Group.

Movie Media Group is a renowned gatherer and distributor of entertainment news, as well as a marketing and event sponsorship expert. It is a firm industry insider – which is right where the AFCI aims to be. Many film commissioners already know the company as the host of famed interview studios and networking lounges at major festivals such as Sundance, Cannes and Toronto. At the recent Sundance 2012, Movie Media Group’s portrait and interview studio hosted over 140 filmmakers, emerging talent and movie stars.

Our exciting new relationship with Movie Media Group is planned to roll out across a number of different platforms and programs.

Firstly, Movie Media Group and AFCI will become active partners in the events we have planned around the world. The first of these will roll out at the Cannes Film Festival 2012, where we will be jointly sharing the Movie Lounge under the AFCI banner. This placement offers AFCI direct access to producers and talent, studios and independent filmmakers, as well as unprecedented branding opportunities for Film Commissions and Commissioners wishing to get in front of target audiences. Of course, as part of its festival activities, MMG provides access to special programs for hosting events / receptions and these on-the-ground opportunities that arise will be available to members. (to join the AFCI Cannes initiative, please contact Elyse Gammer today at elyse@afci.org)

What’s more, at the major events themselves, the MMG reach will also allow us to find additional sponsorship partners for our various initiatives, which will cut the costs of participation for Film Commissioners at AFCI Lounges even further.

But, in the words of Home Shopping advertisements, that’s not all…..

Because the angle of MMG interviews will change just a little, and begin addressing questions that are of interest or benefit to Film Commissions. Where did you film? Why did you choose that location? What assistance did you receive on the ground?

These exclusive interviews with active filmmakers, actors and producers, and other content gathered by MMG will be made directly available to us, for use by the AFCI in a number of different formats, depending on the requirements: We will be able to populate our website with better, more relevant and more attractive information that will draw new visitors. We will be able to use video footage in our educational programs and workshops, something that will be incredibly useful and dynamic as we begin to shift our Professional Development courses into online platforms. And we will further be able to use the content in our e-blasts and marketing activities, be that be online or via mobile devices, at events, festivals and markets.

In this way we truly hope to begin fulfilling our mission to be the go-to entity on filming on location.

And a final, exciting outcome, is that MMG will publish a couple of magazines each year – entitled “Beyond Cinema” – that will focus on aspects of filmmaking (production and creative) that are of interest to the general consumer as well as the established industry. Addressing the culture and social relevance of movies, this is not a publication just about Film Commissions or even just about Film Commission work. But because it will be of interest to a broad section of industry and public, we believe it can contribute dynamically to our offerings and expand the reach of our message beyond our core. “Beyond Cinema” is positioned as being entirely complementary to our existing b2b title “Locations Magazine” - which is really about “Behind Cinema” and the specific things film commissions do to support production behind the scenes. In the year ahead, we will continue working to improve and upgrade Locations Magazine, tightening up the distribution list, increasing the reach and promoting the magazine at Cannes, LA Film Festival, Toronto and AFM, so that the AFCI adds value on all platforms.



Peter Trimarco -

Peter has been in the entertainment and publishing industries for over two decades and most recently with Moving Pictures since its move to the U.S. in 2004, primarily in publishing, marketing and public relations. Establishing and fostering ties with affiliate groups, he solidified marketing programs for the company with most major film festivals and entertainment organizations for the brand. Peter’s industry background and expertise is extensive as a successful art director, publisher, music producer, marketing director and entertainment industry executive. An established business development and media professional, he is also winner of seven Addy Awards for art direction and two Grammy Award nominations, as both co-producer and art director.

Elliot V. Kotek -

Elliot V. Kotek has interviewed close to a thousand filmmakers and actors as the former editor-in-chief of Moving Pictures Magazine, and contributor to The Hollywood Reporter, Movies.com, Little White Lies, MovieMaker, Inside Film, Fade In, BackStage and ABC Radio. A recipient of the NYU/Tisch Craft Award for acting and of three Maggie Awards for film industry journalism, Elliot has appeared on television as the host of IFC's Film Independent Spirit Awards pre-show, a regular guest expert for Reelzchannel, and as the host and head writer of Moving Pictures Live! He has served on the juries of the Palm Springs, Bend, Bahamas, Cinequest, Hatch and Middle East International film festivals, and as a panelist or moderator for dozens of festivals and events.