The American Film Market (AFM) is a place where dreams collide with reality. For many first-time attendees, it’s an overwhelming blend of hope, excitement, and new possibilities. The idea of taking a creative vision and making it a reality drives hundreds of producers, filmmakers, and screenwriters to the AFM each year. However, amid all this excitement, there lies a very real challenge: navigating through the genuine opportunities without falling prey to scams and false promises.

The Allure and the Risks

For newcomers, AFM can feel like the answer to all their filmmaking dreams. Deals seem to be made on the spot, conversations are buzzing, and everyone seems eager to be a part of the next big thing. Yet, it’s precisely in this high-energy environment that scams can thrive. Opportunists feed off of the hopeful, often pitching projects or deals that sound too good to be true—and often, they are.

The Danger of First Impressions

One of the biggest mistakes new attendees make is jumping into partnerships based on a good first impression or the “vibe” they get from someone. Yes, trusting your instincts is important, but it’s not enough on its own. AFM is a place where charisma is currency, and not everyone who smiles at you or shows interest in your project has genuine intentions. A charismatic pitch doesn’t guarantee a trustworthy partner.

Practical Steps for Protection

So, how do you protect yourself? It comes down to one thing: due diligence. Follow these steps to protect yourself and ensure you’re partnering with reliable individuals:

  1. Research the Potential Partner: Before signing anything, make it a priority to thoroughly research the distributor, sales agent, or production partner. A promising pitch is not enough—verify their background.
  2. Check IMDb Pro: Go onto IMDb Pro and look up their past projects. Assess whether they were truly involved in the roles they claim. Look at the types of projects they’ve worked on, and see if those align with your expectations.
  1. Verify Their Involvement: Look into the details of their previous work. Who were the producers on those projects? Did the project achieve any notable success? This helps to determine if they genuinely contributed to the project’s success or merely claimed credit.
  2. Contact Previous Collaborators: Reach out to the producers or other collaborators on the projects they list. Email them or give them a call to get an honest assessment of what it was like working with this person. Were they reliable? Did they fulfill their promises?
  3. Assess Industry Reputation: Look for any buzz or discussions in industry forums or among peers that mention the partner. A good reputation goes a long way, and a bad one often leaves warning signs.
  4. Trust, But Verify: This extra step may seem time-consuming, yet it is crucial to understanding whether your potential partner has a proven track record of following through on their promises. Trust is important, but it must be backed up by verifiable facts.

Recognising Red Flags

The truth is, AFM is a fantastic place to network, but it’s also a magnet for people who want to take advantage of those who are too eager to make deals. Scams come in many forms: bogus promises of funding, inflated distribution claims, and even so-called “investors” who ask for upfront fees to “process paperwork.” These tactics are designed to prey on your excitement and hope. Remember, genuine partners won’t pressure you into making snap decisions or demand payment before they’ve delivered on their end.

Hope with Caution

If you take away one thing from this post, let it be this: hope is essential, yet so is caution. The industry is built on relationships, and the ones you forge at AFM could lead to incredible opportunities. Just make sure they are real ones. Do your homework, trust your gut, and verify the facts. Your dreams deserve to be protected from those who would exploit them.