Robert “Bobby” Meyers, a long-standing film distribution executive, who played a crucial role in the establishment of the American Film Market, passed away on Sunday at his residence in New Jersey. He was 90 years old.
At the start of his professional journey, Meyers found himself at Columbia Pictures International. Here, he worked in both Paris and Brussels, eventually climbing the ranks to become the European Sales Manager. Subsequently, he took on crucial roles in international sales and distribution within companies like National General Pictures, Lorimar Motion Pictures, Filmways Productions, Orion Picture, and Village Roadshow.
He handled the launches of movies such as “Obsession,” “Being There,” “Blow Out,” and “Twilight’s Last Gleaming.”
Or, more casually:
He was involved in releasing flicks like “Obsession,” “Being There,” “Blow Out,” and “Twilight’s Last Gleaming.
Under Meyers’ leadership as head of sales at Lorimar and subsequently as president of Filmways, an alliance of international sales firms initiated the American Film Market, now in its 46th year.
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During his tenure as sales leader at Lorimar and later as president of Filmways, Meyers was instrumental in founding the American Film Market – a venture that started with a group of international sales companies and is now celebrating its 46th year.
When the practice of securing funds for movies in production by selling foreign presale rights became popular, he was instrumental in initiating the American Film Market (AFM) as he recognized the necessity of having a film sales event based in Hollywood.
Meyers expressed in 1995 to EbMaster during the AFM’s 15th anniversary that they aimed to blend the glamour associated with Hollywood and the efficiency characteristic of Milan. This was a response to the steep costs of conducting business in Cannes, where Meyers had initially attempted a market in 1972 but without success. However, by 1991, the circumstances were favorable for a significant number of independent film companies to unite and host hundreds of global buyers at screenings for independent films in Los Angeles.
Additionally, he held various leadership roles within the organization that was previously known as the American Film Marketing Association (now IFTA). These roles included being the vice chairman, a member of the executive committee, and a member of the board. He was widely recognized in the corridors of the AFM and the Cannes Film Festival and Market due to his active involvement.
Jean Prewitt, President & CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, stated that Bobby significantly influenced and molded the landscape of the independent film industry throughout his long career. He was the key figure in initiating the American Film Market and served as the first Chairperson for the American Film Marketing Association. Over the subsequent four decades, he continued to be engaged and dedicated to the association. Bobby was a reliable associate, a wise counselor, and someone whose advice and backing meant a lot to those who had the opportunity to collaborate with him.
He leaves behind his spouse Roberta, as well as his sons Adam and David, daughter Jen, nine grandkids, and two great-grandkids.
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2025-03-04 23:06