made-for-TV
Broadcast film production
Made-for-TV describes movies, specials, or other productions created specifically for television broadcast rather than theatrical release.
Such projects typically have lower budgets and shorter production schedules than theatrical films: a made-for-TV movie about a kidnapping.
The term sometimes carries a dismissive connotation, implying inferior quality or sensationalized subject matter.
Movie made for broadcast
- telemovieFilm made for television
- miniseriesFinite-episode TV narrative
- docudramaDramatized account of actual events
- teleplayDrama written for broadcast
pilot · special · anthology · serial · biopic · thriller · melodrama · adaptation
Broadcast viewing device
- networkInterconnected system
- cableHeavy-duty woven line
- primetimeTelevision's highest-viewership period
- airtimeScheduled transmission period
premiere · ratings · viewership · Nielsen · syndication · telecast · timeslot · sweeps
Costing relatively little
- formulaicFollowing a set template
- predictableAble to be foreseen
- melodramaticExaggeratedly emotional in expression
- overwroughtExcessively emotional or elaborate
sensationalized · cheesy · schlocky · campy · disposable · forgettable · generic · mediocre
telefilm
Movie made for broadcast
- telemovieFilm made for television
- miniseriesFinite-episode TV narrative
- docudramaDramatized account of actual events
teleplay · pilot · special · anthology · serial · biopic · thriller · melodrama · adaptation · sequel
television
Broadcast viewing device
- networkInterconnected system
- cableHeavy-duty woven line
- primetimeTelevision's highest-viewership period
airtime · premiere · ratings · viewership · Nielsen · syndication · telecast · timeslot · sweeps · simulcast
low-budget
Costing relatively little
- formulaicFollowing a set template
- predictableAble to be foreseen
- melodramaticExaggeratedly emotional in expression
overwrought · sensationalized · cheesy · schlocky · campy · disposable · forgettable · generic · mediocre · hackneyed
budget
Plan for spending
script · casting · actor · actress · director · producer · turnaround · residuals · licensing
- TV moviesTV movie, TV movies, telefilms, telefilm, mini-series
- low-budget filmsB-movie, low budget, TV movie, mockbuster, bargain bin
- film termsfilm, auteur, genre, celluloid, mise-en-scene
made-for-TVtheatrical
Exaggeratedly emotional for effect
theatrical release · feature film · cinema release · wide release · silver screen
made-for-TVprestige film
Movie aiming for awards
blockbuster · cinematic · A-list · prestige · epic
made, make, makes, maker, makers, unmade, remake, remade, for