Glossary

Comprehensive glossary of filmmaking terms, concepts, and techniques.

Showing 10 terms

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Search: "limited-release"

B

Bootleg

An unauthorized copy of a film, recording, or broadcast, distributed without the rights holder's permission.

Business & FinanceFoundational

Box Office

The total revenue a film generates from ticket sales at cinemas, measuring commercial performance.

Business & FinanceFoundational

D

Dark Horse

A film that achieves unexpected commercial or awards success, outperforming the low expectations set for it before release.

Business & FinanceFoundational

G

General Release

A wide simultaneous release of a film across thousands of cinemas, designed to maximise opening weekend audience and box office revenue.

Business & FinanceFoundational

M

MPAA

The trade association representing major Hollywood studios that administers the voluntary US film rating system.

Business & FinanceFoundational

N

Nickelodeon

An early American cinema venue charging five cents for short film programmes, circa 1905 to 1915.

Distribution & MarketsIntermediate

P

Pre-Screening

A screening of a film held before its public release for critics, industry professionals, test audiences, or awards voters.

Business & FinanceFoundational

R

Revival House

A cinema that specialises in screening older films, repertory programmes, and classic titles rather than current first-run releases.

Distribution & MarketsIntermediate

Roadshow

A prestigious exhibition strategy in which a major film is shown in select venues at premium prices, with reserved seating and an intermission, before general release.

Distribution & MarketsIntermediate

S

Screener

A copy of a film distributed to critics, awards voters, and industry professionals for evaluation before release.

Distribution & MarketsFoundational