Bobby Meyers, Co-Founder of the American Film Market, Dies at 90
- Bobby Meyers, co-founder of the American Film Market, passed away at the age of 90 after a career spanning over 55 years in the film industry.
Bobby Meyers, the longtime independent film executive and co-founder of the American Film Market, died Sunday at his home in Wyckoff, New Jersey, a spokesperson for the Independent Film & Television Alliance announced. He was 90.
In a career that began in 1956 and lasted more than 55 years, Meyers worked in various roles before joining Columbia Pictures International, where he served in Paris and Brussels before eventually becoming the company's European sales manager.
More from The Hollywood Reporter
He later held executive positions at National General Pictures, Lorimar, Filmways, Orion Pictures and Village Roadshow and was responsible for the release of such notable films as Obsession (1976), Twilight's Last Gleaming (1977), Being There (1979) and Blow Out (1981).
In 1981, while heading film sales at Lorimar and later as president of Filmways, Meyers was among those who led a consortium of international sales companies to launch the AFM.
The first market took place in Westwood on March 21-31, 1981, and Meyers saw its creation as a response to the rise in independent filmmaking and the need for an event to facilitate film sales in Hollywood.
He served as the first chairman of the American Film Marketing Association (now IFTA), and under his leadership, it introduced many vital services for independent companies that continue to play a role in the industry today.
After two terms as chairman, Meyers remained involved in the association, holding positions including vice chairman, executive committee member and board member. He attended the AFM annually as well as the Cannes Film Festival.
In a statement, IFTA president and CEO Jean Prewitt noted that Meyers "remained involved and deeply committed to the association" for 40 years after the birth of the AFM. "Bobby was a trusted colleague, a confident and an adviser whose insight and support mattered to me and to all who had the pleasure of working with him."
Survivors include his wife, Roberta; children Adam (and his wife, Dana), David (Alison) and Jen (Ben); grandchildren Eric (Nicole), Rachel (Mike), Carly, Samantha, Benjamin, Asher, Bodhi, Ida and Florian; and great-grandchildren Jacob and Kara.
After a year in Las Vegas, the AFM will return to the Los Angeles area (Culver City, to be exact) in November for its 46th edition.
Best of The Hollywood Reporter
Sign up for THR's Newsletter . For the latest news, follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .
