Ernie Bravo puts a gift into a 1956 Ford during the Fourth Annual Dukes Car Show and Toy Drive at the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, November 8, 2008.The car show entry fee was a toy which will benefit the Santa Monica Police Activity League. The Toys will be distributed during the PAL annual Holiday Workshop in December.

(left to right) Irene Yao, 25, Cecily Curry, 32 Norma Soto, 32, and her sister Diana Soto, 33, sample beers (hosted by Bud Light) 'paired with foods' during Shecky's Girls Night Out at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on Thursday, November 6, 2008. Shecky’s Girls Night Out is a five hour shopping event of up and coming designer names from across the country, with complimentary cocktails, mini makeovers and a Shecky's Deluxe Goodie Bagall included in the admission price. Shecky’s is the multi-platform media company keeping you city-savvy and in-the-know with a focus on nightlife, fashion, beauty, and everything fun. Dedicated to daily-brewed online content, Shecky’s also hosts wildly popular events across the country. Don’t know what to do or wear on a Friday night? Shecky’s has those answers and more to keep you informed on the latest and greatest in products, brands, locations, services, and events. Shecky’s is the go-to for where to party, how best to enjoy the city, and how to look good doing it. Currently Shecky’s hosts Shecky’s Girls Night Out events in New York, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Southampton, and Washington DC.

An actor portraying "The Toxic Avenger" promotes Troma Entertainment at Loews Beach Hotel during the American Film Market on Friday, November 7, 2008.

The business of independent motion picture production and distribution - a truly collaborative process - reaches its peak every year at the American Film Market. Over 8,000 industry leaders converge in Santa Monica for eight days of deal-making, screenings, seminars, red carpet premieres, networking and parties. Participants come from over 70 countries and include acquisition and development executives, agents, attorneys, directors, distributors, festival directors, financiers, film commissioners, producers, writers, the world’s press all those who provide services to the motion picture industry.

Founded in 1981, the American Film Market (AFM) has grown steadily to become the premiere global marketplace where Hollywood’s decision-makers and trendsetters all gather under one roof. Unlike a film festival, the AFM is a marketplace where production and distribution deals are closed. In just eight days, more than $800 million in deals will be sealed — on both completed films and those that haven’t started shooting yet — making AFM the must-attend industry event.

The AFM transforms Santa Monica. The Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel and the Le Merigot Beach Hotel are converted into a busy marketplace. All 23 screens on the Santa Monica Promenade and the surrounding community become AFM screening rooms for the entire eight-day event and eight digital and video screening rooms are added just for the AFM. Participants may view more than 900 screenings of approximately 500 films - 31 new films every two hours - the majority of them world or U.S. premieres. Titles range from big budget blockbusters that will be released by the major studios in the U.S., to lower budget art and genre films recognized at international film festivals, all destined for theaters and television around the world.

With 8,000 attendees, 900 screenings, and seminars programmed by leading industry organizations, the American Film Market continues to be the pivotal destination for independent filmmakers and business people from all over the world.

(top) Nannies Matilda (right) and Maryan (left) help Chloe, 3, ice skate at the outdoor rink at 'ICE at Santa Monica' during opening day on Friday, November 7, 2008. (above) Jaden Shneidman, 6, skates on Friday. 'ICE at Santa Monica' is sponsored by Starbucks Coffee Company, the Bayside District Corporation and the City of Santa Monica. The rink will be open daily at 5th St. and Arizona Ave. $10 admission, including skate rental.

Make-up artist, Christian Waltze gives a touchup to actor John Ennis as he portrays a Walrus, during a filming of Fuel TV's "Stupidface" at the Santa Monica Boardwalk on Thursday, November 6, 2008. “Stupidface” is a fast-paced, action-packed, comedy and FUEL TV’s answer to the late-night TV wasteland of infomercials and reruns. Featuring sketch comedy, animation, and hidden-camera hi-jinx, “Stupidface” segments are produced by independent, underground comedy teams, several of whom have found online fame via YouTube.com. “Stupidface” takes late-night comedy to a whole new level—with hilarious results. all brought to you by the producers of American Misfits. There’s no way you’ll be able to wipe that smile off your Stupidface.

Jason Jiang kicks three bowls up into the air and catches them on his head at the Third Street Promenade on Saturday, October 25, 2008.

Residents cast their vote while dozens wait their turn at Santa Monica City Hall on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.