Since the late 1960s, representatives from moving image archives have recognized the value of regular meetings to exchange practical information and experiences.

In 1991, AMIA voted to formalize as an individual-based member-based professional association, the only one of its kind in the moving image archival field.

[2] Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in the preservation of moving images and associated sound recordings: in practice, most of the membership are professional archivists (both public sector and commercial) and people working in associated professions, e.g. librarianship, the film and television industry or academics in related fields.

AMIA is governed by a Board of Directors, which is elected by the membership on a two-year cycle, and chaired by a president.

AMIA is a volunteer based organization and projects rely on work done by its members in Committees and Task Forces.