AFCI News Releases

Robust turnout at Locations Trade Show indicates entertainment industry vitality, bucks trend toward sagging trade show traffic
Longest-running gathering of location filmmakers welcomes 3,800 visitors as economy creates struggle at other trade shows.

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 23, 2010—The highly-anticipated 25th anniversary of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) Locations Trade Show held last week in Santa Monica welcomed nearly 3,800 film industry professionals over three days, signaling momentum for the entertainment industry in the face of a larger trend toward sagging trade show traffic.

The number of returning and new exhibitors at Locations Trade Show also held steady with 240-plus exhibitors from more than 30 countries showcasing the best locations, financial incentives, co-production programs, local resources, and service providers worldwide. In addition to spotlighting hundreds of locations around the globe, show organizers tailored this year’s program to address the needs of a budget-conscious entertainment industry that is turning a profit even in a lagging economic climate. The show attracted both large production companies and independent filmmakers.

“As trade shows covering a multitude of sectors across the nation and around the world struggle to attract crowds, the entertainment industry is encouraged by the strong numbers seen at Locations Trade Show,” said Larry Brownell, CEO of the AFCI. “The steady traffic coming through the doors last week is undoubtedly an indicator that our industry continues to grow despite a challenging economy that’s really taken a toll on other industries’ trade shows.”

The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) is the global professional organization whose members are film commissioners that assist film, television, and video production throughout the world.  It is a non-profit educational association whose network of members serves as city, county, state, regional, provincial, or national film commissioners for their respective governmental jurisdictions.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Kevin Clark, Communications Manager  
AFCI              
Email:  kevin@afci.org        
Office:  1-307-637-4422