The American Film Market(AFM) has signed a multi-year deal with the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel tocontinue holding the annual eight-day trade event through 2008.

The Loews first hosted theevent, now in its 25th anniversary year, in 1991. The next market is scheduledto take place in its new November slot from Nov 3-10.

"The Loews and the city ofSanta Monica have truly become the home of the AFM," Jonathan Wolf, executivevice president of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA,formerly AFMA), which runs the AFM, said in a statement.

IFTA sources said eventplanning for November was ahead of schedule with more than 250 companiescommitted to exhibit.

Beyond this year the AFM isscheduled to take place on Nov 2-9 2005, Nov 1-8 2006, Oct 31-Nov 7 2007, andNov 5-12 2008.