tentpole films

Major franchise releases

Tentpole films are big-budget productions that studios rely on to support their entire release schedule—like the central pole holding up a tent.

These blockbusters, typically franchises or established properties, generate enough revenue to offset riskier, smaller projects: The summer tentpoles carried the studio through a slow fall season.

The term reflects Hollywood's increasing dependence on a few guaranteed hits.

franchise

sequel

Continuation of prior work

prequelLater work, earlier setting
trilogyThree linked creative works
sagaExtended heroic narrative

universe · spinoff · reboot · installment · crossover · canon · lore · continuity · world-building · mythos

blockbuster

box-office

Theater's ticket-selling counter

megahitEnormously successful release
premiereFirst public performance
red-carpetLavish welcome for dignitaries

theatrical · release · spectacle · epic · cinematic · marquee · mainstream · studio · showcase · feature

production

budget

Plan for spending

CGIDigital movie imagery
cinematographyMotion picture visual craft
set-piecesPreplanned dramatic sequences

visuals · score · A-list · director · producer · studio · investment · post-production · stunt · soundstage

starpower

star-studded

Featuring many celebrities

headlinerTop-billed performer
ensembleUnified group or outfit
castPerformers, throw, or splint

leading · cameo · A-list · celebrity · bankable · draw · audience · fanbase · chemistry · billing

tentpole films

sequel

box-office

budget

star-studded

tentpole films

Opposites

Categories

Family