direct-to-TV
Skipping theatrical release
Direct-to-TV describes a film produced for television broadcast rather than theatrical release.
Such productions typically have lower budgets and shorter production schedules than theatrical films: a direct-to-TV movie about a small-town murder.
The term sometimes carries a slight stigma, implying the work wasn't good enough for cinemas.
Also direct-to-television.
Festive-themed broadcast production
- true crimeGenre covering actual offenses
- disaster filmMovie about large-scale calamity
- romanceLove and its excitement
- family dramaConflict among relatives
biographical · Lifetime movie · Hallmark · docudrama · miniseries · pilot · reunion special · suspense thriller
Created for broadcast
- telefilmMovie made for broadcast
- small screenTelevision as a medium
- syndicationMulti-outlet content distribution
- primetimeTelevision's highest-viewership period
scheduling · ratings · advertising · commercial breaks · licensing · international sales · streaming rights · residuals
Period of peak prosperity
- B-movieLow-budget, low-quality film
- genre filmMovie within recognizable category
- exploitationSelfish use of others
- WBTwo-letter media abbreviation
basic cable · premium cable · USA Network · broadcast television · appointment viewing
Costing relatively little
- quick turnaroundCompleting tasks rapidly
- commercial breaksBroadcast advertising intervals
- shooting schedulePlan for filming sequence
- soundstageIndoor film production space
location shooting · post-production · editing · color grading · sound mixing · television standards · broadcast quality · production value
holiday special
Festive-themed broadcast production
- true crimeGenre covering actual offenses
- disaster filmMovie about large-scale calamity
- romanceLove and its excitement
family drama · biographical · Lifetime movie · Hallmark · docudrama · miniseries · pilot · reunion special · suspense thriller · inspirational
made-for-TV
Created for broadcast
- telefilmMovie made for broadcast
- small screenTelevision as a medium
- syndicationMulti-outlet content distribution
primetime · scheduling · ratings · advertising · commercial breaks · licensing · international sales · streaming rights · residuals
golden age
Period of peak prosperity
- B-movieLow-budget, low-quality film
- genre filmMovie within recognizable category
- exploitationSelfish use of others
WB · basic cable · premium cable · USA Network · broadcast television · appointment viewing
low-budget
Costing relatively little
- quick turnaroundCompleting tasks rapidly
- commercial breaksBroadcast advertising intervals
- shooting schedulePlan for filming sequence
soundstage · location shooting · post-production · editing · color grading · sound mixing · television standards · broadcast quality · production value · cost-effective
- TV moviesTV movie, TV movies, telefilms, made-for-TV, telefilm
direct-to-TVtheatrical release
Film shown in theaters
theatrical · cinema release · wide release · roadshow · direct-to-streaming
direct, directly, direction, directional, director, directory, indirect, indirectly, redirect