The American Film Market 2026 federal production incentive panel meets Nov. 10. See who is speaking, what the House bill pays for, and how to get a ticket.
Steven Paul and Scott Karol are scheduled to speak at 9:55 AM on Tuesday, November 10, on the first panel listed for the American Film Market’s new Summit.
TheWrap reports that the two producers, working with actor Jon Voight, persuaded President Trump to back a federal incentive in public. The American Film Market 2026 federal production incentive panel is titled “The New Federal Production Incentive: A Turning Point for U.S. Production” and runs until 10:30 AM.
Josh Rogin, SVP of Federal Affairs at the Motion Picture Association, completes the panel. A House bill was introduced on September 24, so its terms can be read before the panel starts.
What the bill would pay for
The bill is titled the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act. TheWrap reports a base credit of 20% of qualified labor costs. That figure includes above-the-line costs, meaning pay for directors and actors, which TheWrap calls the bill’s biggest gain.
Countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom count that pay in their incentives. The U.S. credit would stack on top of the programs in the 31 states that have them, according to TheWrap.
Productions can add 5% uplifts, up to 30% in total, by meeting bonus criteria. One is being an independent project. Another is shooting at least 30% of principal photography days in a rural qualified opportunity zone or a federally declared disaster area. TheWrap notes that Los Angeles County carries that disaster designation through 2030, so Los Angeles shoots would qualify for one uplift.
What it leaves out
Spending sets the credit. Results do not. TheWrap reports a $1 million minimum spend, with 75% of the work done in the United States. It also notes that Obsession, which grossed more than $500 million worldwide against a reported budget of $750,000, would not qualify.
The panel title calls the incentive new. The reporting reviewed for this article describes a bill that has been introduced, not one that has passed. TheWrap’s September 24 report says congressional insiders expect passage and a signature by the end of 2026, with the credit open to qualifying productions at the start of 2027.
The Summit around the panel
The Summit is a half day on opening day of the 47th American Film Market, which runs November 10 to 15 at the Fairmont Century Plaza, AMC Century City 15 and The Pavilion in Los Angeles. Jackie Brenneman, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, which produces AFM, gives the opening keynote. Evan Shapiro, a media cartographer and industry analyst, gives the second.
Three panels follow the incentive session. At 11:00 AM, “The New IP Value Chain” has Jeremy Kay of Screen International, Jordan Lonner of United Talent Agency, Christian Mercuri of Capstone Pictures and Brett Rosen of TFC Management. At 11:40 AM, “The New Studio System” has Jared Geesey of Angel Studios, Jon Leland of Popular Demand Studios and Wesley Wang of Wesley Wang Media. At 1:00 PM, “Where the New Hits Begin” has Tyler Chou, Aaron DeBevoise, David Freeman and Joel Savitt.
FAQ
Do I need a separate ticket for the New Global Screen Economy Summit?
Yes. Access to the Summit requires its own ticket and that capacity is limited. Tickets are on sale now. The Summit takes place on Tuesday, November 10, the opening day of the American Film Market.
How does the federal production credit calculate what a film earns?
A base credit of 20% of qualified labor costs, including above-the-line pay for directors and actors. Productions can add 5% uplifts, up to a maximum of 30%, by meeting bonus criteria, one of which is being an independent project. A project must spend at least $1 million, with 75% of the work done in the United States.
Would a film made for under $1 million qualify for the credit?
Under reading of the bill, no. The bill sets a $1 million minimum spend. Obsession, reported at a $750,000 budget, would not have qualified.
Has Congress passed the federal film incentive?
As of September that the bill had been introduced in the House. Congressional insiders told the outlet they expect it to pass and be signed by the end of 2026, with the credit available to qualifying productions at the start of 2027.
Summit tickets are sold separately, and capacity is limited.
