Shailene Woodley will star in the psychological thriller 'Ultra,' directed by Victoria Negri, which follows a woman participating in the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon after her twin sister's death, confronting her inner demons amid extreme physical and psychological challenges. The film will be showcased at AFM 2025 for international sales.
Shailene Woodley will star in the psychological thriller 'Ultra,' about a woman running the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon while being pursued by an ominous figure, inspired by director Victoria Negri's personal experiences with grief and ultrarunning. The film is set to be sold at AFM 2025 by Mister Smith Entertainment and WME Independent.
The American Film Market (AFM) faced criticism after relocating from Los Angeles to the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for its 2024 edition. Attendees complained about logistical issues, limited dining options, and the venue's "soulless" atmosphere. Despite some praise for the proximity of screening rooms, many expressed dissatisfaction, with some suggesting a return to LA. Organizers defended the choice, citing logistical and economic considerations, and are open to reevaluating the location for future events.
At the American Film Market (AFM) in Las Vegas, independent film executives are increasingly focusing on genre films, particularly horror and action, due to their built-in audiences and international appeal. This shift comes as drama and comedy titles are seen as riskier investments. Notable projects include the final film in George A. Romero's zombie franchise and several high-profile action films. The move to Vegas has been costly for exhibitors, but the centralized location is expected to improve efficiency.
The American Film Market (AFM) is taking place in Las Vegas amid heightened anxiety over the 2024 U.S. Presidential election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Hollywood insiders are concerned about the potential impact of the election results on the film industry, particularly regarding tax policies and international trade. The election's outcome could influence American foreign policy and the industry's economic landscape, with independent film producers especially worried about Trump's possible return to power. Despite the uncertainty, the film industry remains focused on providing escapist entertainment during politically tumultuous times.
The 45th American Film Market (AFM) kicks off in Las Vegas amid the backdrop of a tense U.S. presidential election and a surge in horror film offerings. The move from Santa Monica to the Palms Casino Resort has drawn mixed reactions, with some attendees concerned about the venue's suitability and potential political unrest. Despite these concerns, AFM has sold out its exhibition space and is hosting 286 companies from 34 countries. The market is heavy on genre films, particularly horror, though some buyers express concerns about the originality and quality of the projects.
A mysterious paralyzing condition in children, called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), has been linked to the enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). For years, AFM cases surged every other year, coinciding with EV-D68 outbreaks. However, in 2022, despite a rise in EV-D68 cases, AFM cases remained low, leaving researchers puzzled. The reasons behind the unexpected decline in AFM cases remain unknown, adding to the ongoing mysteries surrounding the condition and its connection to EV-D68.
The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) is gearing up for negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to secure a new contract that reflects the current state of streaming media, seeking AI protections, increased wages, health care improvements, improved working conditions, and residual payments for streaming content. The union, representing roughly 70,000 members in the US and Canada, is concerned about the significant decrease in musicians' earnings from streaming and is prepared to take necessary actions, including a potential strike, to address these issues. This follows recent strikes by the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and the possibility of another strike by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) in 2024.