VGBND Production Services Sets Sights on AFM 2025: Bridging Emerging Markets and Global Film Ambitions

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In the dynamic arena of international cinema, where collaboration across borders is increasingly the key to innovative storytelling, VGBND Production Services is poised to make a strategic appearance at the American Film Market (AFM) 2025. Held annually in November—this year's edition running from November 5 to 10 in Las Vegas—AFM serves as the epicenter for independent film professionals, facilitating deals, financing, and partnerships that shape the global industry. With over 100 speakers at The AFM Sessions delving into trends in financing, production, and distribution, and the LocationEXPO showcasing international production hubs, the event is a vital nexus for discovering new opportunities. VGBND's delegation, led by Partner and Executive Producer Gabriel Carratú and Executive Producer for Argentina Matias Barbiero, signals the company's deepening commitment to film and television, particularly in leveraging emerging markets to fuel expansion.

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Established in 2002, VGBND has evolved from a regional production facilitator into a multifaceted partner for creators worldwide, with operations spanning South America, Europe, and the USA. While the company has long excelled in branded content and commercials, its trajectory in recent years has pivoted toward long-form narratives—films, TV series, and documentaries—that demand sophisticated logistical support and creative ingenuity. This shift aligns with broader industry currents, where international co-productions are on the rise, driven by streaming platforms' hunger for diverse content and the economic advantages of filming in cost-effective, culturally rich locales. As VGBND expands its footprint, AFM 2025 represents a pivotal platform to connect with financiers, distributors, and producers eager to explore untapped potential in emerging regions.

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The allure of emerging markets in film and TV production cannot be overstated, particularly in Latin America, which is experiencing a renaissance amid global shifts. According to recent industry analyses, Latin America's screen industries are projected to grow significantly through 2030, bolstered by investments in infrastructure and a surge in co-productions. São Paulo, for instance, is emerging as a new film capital, with record investments exceeding R$143 million in 2025 alone, attracting international projects through enhanced facilities and talent pools. Brazil's ascent as the world's third-largest FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) market by 2029 underscores the region's digital evolution, where local stories are gaining global traction via platforms like Netflix and beyond.

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"We're diving headfirst into the film and TV world because there's this huge appetite for real, diverse stories from places like Latin America. Streaming giants are hungry for global content, and with incentives cutting costs by up to 54%, we're connecting bold creators to fresh opportunities for boundary-pushing, cross-cultural tales." – Lorenzo Benedick, VGBND Managing Partner

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This growth is fueled by competitive incentives that make South America an attractive alternative to traditional hubs like Hollywood, especially as production costs rise elsewhere. Argentina offers rebates through its Film Commission, reimbursing a portion of qualified expenditures to incentivize foreign shoots. Colombia's CINA audiovisual incentive has already allocated its full 2025 quota, drawing high-profile directors like Zack Snyder and supporting over 165 projects that blend local expertise with international vision. Chile provides up to 40% cash rebates for features and series, while Brazil facilitates co-production agreements that streamline cross-border collaborations. These mechanisms not only reduce financial barriers—potentially saving up to 54% on spends—but also promote cultural exchange, enabling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences in an era of streaming globalization.

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VGBND is uniquely positioned to capitalize on these trends, acting as a bridge between visionary filmmakers and the logistical realities of filming in these vibrant markets. The company's expertise in managing tax incentives, location scouting, and local crew assembly ensures seamless execution, allowing creators to focus on storytelling rather than bureaucracy. In Argentina, where Barbiero oversees operations, VGBND taps into Buenos Aires' eclectic urban energy and Patagonia's dramatic landscapes, ideal for epic dramas and thrillers. Extending to Colombia's lush jungles, Brazil's bustling metropolises, and Chile's Andean vistas, VGBND provides access to a mosaic of settings that enhance authenticity and visual impact. This regional prowess is complemented by extensions into Europe and the USA, offering hybrid production models that blend emerging-market efficiencies with established industry standards.

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The decision to attend AFM stems from VGBND's strategic expansion plan, which emphasizes scaling up film and TV services amid a post-pandemic recovery. Industry reports highlight a 7.5% CAGR in the global movie-making market from 2025 to 2032, with international co-productions diversifying to include more Southeast Asian and Latin American partnerships. VGBND's growth mirrors this, with recent collaborations involving acclaimed directors like John Hillcoat and Haley E. Anderson, and clients such as Netflix, underscoring its capability in high-stakes projects. Carratú and Barbiero's presence at AFM will facilitate targeted networking—in-person meetings that, as AFM emphasizes, can be career-defining—aiming to forge alliances for upcoming features and series.

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Looking ahead, VGBND's expansion is not just geographical but technological and sustainable. Embracing trends like virtual production via LED volume stages and remote streaming, the company is adapting to an industry where generative AI and cloud workflows are reshaping workflows, as noted in 2025 production forecasts. Moreover, with a focus on eco-conscious practices, VGBND aligns with the growing demand for sustainable sets, ensuring that its operations in emerging markets contribute positively to local economies and environments. 

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In a year where international films are taking center stage—evidenced by prestige projects with immersive visuals and cross-cultural narratives—VGBND's AFM participation heralds a new chapter. By promoting its film and TV services, the company invites industry leaders to envision partnerships that transcend borders, harnessing emerging markets' momentum for mutual success. As AFM 2025 convenes amid discussions on the future of independent cinema, VGBND stands ready to contribute, proving that true innovation lies in the fusion of global ambition and local expertise.

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For inquiries or to schedule meetings at AFM, contact VGBND at hello@vgbnd.com. More details on AFM 2025 are available at americanfilmmarket.com.