AFMA Taps Telecom Exec to Become New President

Allen R. “Mike” Frischkorn Jr., a telecommunications executive, was chosen Friday to become president of AFMA, the Los Angeles-based trade organization that stages the yearly American Film Market and represents the interests of independent film companies.

Frischkorn, 52, will be AFMA’s second paid president; in March 1998 he will succeed Jonas Rosenfield, who is retiring from his post after 15 years.

AFMA Chairman and Chief Executive Fred Schneier said the list of more than 40 applicants for the job was narrowed to three: Frischkorn; Michael Goldman, AFMA co-founder and former chairman; and Tim Kittleson, AFMA executive vice president. Schneier said Kittleson will remain through his current contract, which expires in late 1998.

Frischkorn has no experience in the film industry but is considered a Washington insider. An attorney, Frischkorn has worked in the telecommunications industry for the last 14 years. He will leave his post as chief operating officer of the Washington, D.C.-based Telecommunications Industry Assn., where he has directed trade shows and seminars in addition to his government relations and international affairs duties.

Frischkorn identified four areas particularly important to AFMA: the impact of technology and multimedia applications; worldwide trade barriers; intellectual property protection and anti-piracy legislation; and financing.

Frischkorn gets a two-year contract. His salary was not disclosed; a spokesman would confirm only that it is in the “six figures.”