Category: Market Insights • Published: Nov 26, 2025 • Author: ScriptMatch Intelligence Team

Post-AFM 2025: Where Buyers Are Still Spending (And How to Get Read)

Buyer announcements are down ~40–50% vs Sept/Oct, but international co-productions, creator-led/AVOD models, and targeted genre bets are growing. Streamers are spending surgically; the $1–5M band with IP/audience proof is the sweet spot.

Growth Areas

  • International co-productions: rebates + new funds (Qatar 50% rebate, emerging Iraq fund), cross-border packaging.
  • Creator-led / AVOD: Tubi x Hartbeat creator films, Minerva’s $1–5M YouTube-first model.
  • Targeted streamer mandates: Paramount+ $1.5B 2026 slate, Disney+ Korea/Japan focus, Prime Video YA/BookTok slates, Netflix AMC licensing expansion.

What Buyers Want Now

  • Cross-cultural hooks and specific demos (Arabic-language, Korean crime, YA/fantasy romance).
  • Existing audiences/IP (books, podcasts, creator channels, BookTok traction).
  • Contained budgets ($1–5M) that can travel and recoup on streaming/YouTube; franchise potential over one-offs.

How to Pitch

Lead with a fresh announcement: “You just announced X; my project aligns because Y.” Package cross-border to unlock rebates. Show audience proof (creator/BookTok/podcast/newsletter). Offer both a series bible and a 100-page feature version for optionality.