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EntertainmentIndustry.name
Independent television is a major source of revenue for theatrical motion pictures. Historically, the six major networks, CBS, ABC, NBC, CW and FOX have dominated television broadcasting. For advertisers, the networks have always insured the greatest product exposure and most efficient use of their dollars by broadcasting programs with the widest audience appeal.
Topical or even political ideas too "timely" for the long theatrical development process are much better suited to the more marketplace-driven television medium. Still, as an "advertising" or "merchandising" medium, it must be “safe” enough for a mainstream major American sponsor at least for advertiser-supported television.
While programmers still shoot for the "highest share" of the evening in terms of sheer numbers, they focus on developing key demographic groups such as the “Millenials” or "GenXers" or the "thirtysomethings,” key consumer eyeballs that their sponsors are keen on reaching.
Most movies for television have budgets ranging from $1.5 million (Lifetime) to $5 million (HBO, Hallmark) with the networks averaging around $2.6 million. This is in steep contrast with the $40 - $60 million-dollar average feature film budget.
The longer the time required to shoot the story (TV movies are generally shot in 18-21 days), the more expensive it will be to produce and the more likely it is better suited as a feature film.
If your script has broad vistas (think Brokeback Mountain) or massive crowd scenes (think Braveheart, Troy, Alexander) or expensive special effects (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars), it’s better served on the big screen.
If your screenplay, however, is an intimate story, largely indoors, perhaps even dramatic “talking heads,” the intimacy of television being in someone’s home and the smaller screen for close-ups or shots of say one to five people lends itself to the smaller screen. Erin Brockovich would have been a television movie had Julia Roberts not signed on to make it as a feature film.
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