Category: AFM Reports • Published: Nov 20, 2025 • Author: ScriptMatch Intelligence Team

AFM 2025 Special Report: What 176 Hollywood Buyers Are Acquiring RIGHT NOW

A week on the ground at AFM 2025 revealed 297 buyer activities from 176 companies. Horror accounted for 23.6% of activity, action packages still commanded premiums, and drama required festival validation. Packages (star + director + proven writer) won most checks.

Key Signals

  • Horror/Thriller: 23.6% of tracked activity; micro-to-mid budgets move fastest.
  • Action: Still hot when packaged; international appeal required.
  • Drama: Selective—needs festival strategy or European co-pro validation.
  • Platform fit: Buyers ask “Which platform bucket?” before “Is it good?”
  • Access reality: 0% of AFM deals came from cold submissions; packages and rep-driven routes dominated.

What This Means

Horror writers have the strongest window in five years; action writers need packaging and global appeal; drama should be approached as elevated genre or via co-pro/festival pathways. Every pitch should anchor to a fresh buyer announcement and an obvious platform lane.