tent-pole movie

Franchise anchor film

A tent-pole movie is a big-budget film expected to generate enough revenue to support a studio's entire slate of productions—like the central pole holding up a tent.

Studios schedule these blockbusters for summer and holiday seasons: The superhero sequel is their tent-pole movie for next summer.

Also called a tentpole.

megahitEnormously successful release
summer blockbusterHigh-grossing warm-season theatrical release
sequelContinuation of prior work
cinemaMotion picture theater
franchiseLicensed business operation

blockbuster · CGI · special effects · premiere · opening night · merchandising · box office · tentpole · big budget · studio · ensemble cast · cross-promotion · hype · release · screening · trailer · media blitz · action-adventure

Opposites

budget and production scale

tent-pole movielow-budget film

Cheaply made motion picture

B-movie · guerrilla filmmaking · cheapie · indie film · student film

commercial strategy and studio importance

tent-pole movieprogrammers

Those who write code

limited release · B-picture · sleeper hit · awards bait

production and distribution model

tent-pole movieindie film

Non-studio produced movie

independent film · arthouse film · festival film · underground film · passion project

Family

tent, pole, movie, tents, poles, movies, tented, tenting, poled

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Timeless · Rated G