LocationEXPO will return to the American Film Market in 2026 with a clear focus on the financial and practical role that filming destinations can play in bringing film and television projects into production.
Taking place from November 10 to 14 in Los Angeles, the dedicated exhibition will connect producers, filmmakers, financiers and production executives with film commissions, destination organizations, production-service companies and facilities from around the world.
For producers working with increasingly complex budgets, choosing where to film is no longer only a creative decision. Incentives, tax credits, regional funds, infrastructure and access to experienced local crews can all influence a project’s financing plan and production viability.
Locations as Part of the Financing Strategy
LocationEXPO allows producers to meet directly with organizations offering support across location scouting, permitting, casting, facilities, local crews and production services.
Participants will also provide information on incentive programs, regional funding opportunities and the practical requirements of filming in different territories. For independent productions in particular, these resources can help reduce costs, close financing gaps and identify potential local partners.
The event reflects the growing role of film commissions and regional agencies at an earlier stage of production. Rather than becoming involved only after a location has been selected, many now work with producers while budgets and financing structures are still being developed.
A Broad International Presence
Organizations already announced include the Thailand Film Office, Tokyo Film Commission, West Virginia Film Office, Invest Barbados, Louisville Film Office, the Italian Trade Agency, Japan Film Office, Costa Rica Film Office, Singapore Tourism Board and the City of Palmdale, with more participants expected.
Their presence highlights how strongly territories now compete to attract production through a combination of financial incentives, infrastructure, skilled professionals and local support.
LocationEXPO also gives producers the opportunity to compare different jurisdictions in one place, making it easier to assess which territory best fits a project’s financial, creative and logistical needs.
Beyond the Exhibition Floor
Location-related discussions will continue through The AFM Sessions, where international territories and U.S. destinations will present updates on incentives, emerging production hubs and strategies for maximizing budgets.
Within American Film Market 2026, LocationEXPO is positioning filming destinations not simply as places to shoot, but as active production and financing partners. In a market where every element of a budget matters, the right territory can become an important part of the structure that allows a project to move forward.
