tentpole film
Studio's big bet
A tentpole film is a major studio release expected to generate enough revenue to support smaller, riskier projects—like a tent's central pole holding up the canvas.
These are typically big-budget blockbusters with franchise potential, released during peak moviegoing seasons: The summer slate depends on a few tentpole films to carry the studio's year.
Also used as an adjective: a tentpole release.
- megahitEnormously successful release
- summer blockbusterHigh-grossing warm-season theatrical release
- franchiseLicensed business operation
- sequelContinuation of prior work
- blockbusterEnormously successful entertainment property
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- star vehiclesstar turn, vanity project, one-man show, one-woman show, biopic
tentpole filmarthouse film
Unconventional, artistic movie
limited release · cult film · awards bait · counterprogramming · passion project
tentpole filmindie film
Non-studio produced movie
independent film · arthouse film · art film · festival film · experimental film
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