Market Madness
Sharon Swart looks ahead at the AFM, running Nov 5-12, where GK Films' will have its thriller "Edge of Darkness," starring Mel Gibson.Swart sees a rocky road in Santa Monica this year:
"The velocity of sales has slowed down considerably," says Jere Hausfater, CEO of Essential Films. "Buyers are being very cautious. Look at Toronto: There were 20 high-profile movies screening for U.S. buyers, and so far only two bigger deals have been announced. What does that tell you?"
When finished titles aren't selling, there's a heavier level of trepidation when it comes to product that has yet to be made. The question surrounding presales now is all about whether or not a project will actually get produced.
She also has AFM by-the-numbers:
Estimated number of attendees: 8,200
Estimated number of buyers: 1,600
Number of exhibitors: 409
Net square feet of exhibition space: 172,470
No. of films screening: 520
Approximate number of screenings: 900
Michael Jones is the film festival editor at Variety.com. 
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