Detailed Definition
Blockbuster refers to two main contexts within entertainment and media industries:
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Broadcast Program Context: A broadcast program that far exceeds expected or estimated ratings, thus attracting a significantly larger audience. Advertisers benefit from blockbusters as their commercials reach a wider audience than forecasted.
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Feature Movie Context: A feature movie whose success at the box office is extraordinary. When a blockbuster movie is scheduled for television display, it garners high audience estimates, leading to high expected ratings.
Examples
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Broadcast Program: The finale of a popular television series, like “Game of Thrones,” which attracted over 19 million viewers, exemplifies a broadcast program blockbuster.
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Feature Movie: “Avengers: Endgame,” which grossed over $2.8 billion worldwide, serves as a notable example of a blockbuster movie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What qualifies a broadcast program as a blockbuster?
- A1: A broadcast program qualifies as a blockbuster when it far exceeds the expected ratings and audience estimates, capturing a significantly larger viewership than anticipated.
Q2: What is the impact of blockbuster movies on advertisers?
- A2: Blockbuster movies attract high television ratings when aired, providing advertisers an expanded audience reach and potentially greater return on advertising investment.
Q3: Can a program or movie be a blockbuster internationally but not domestically?
- A3: Yes, the success of blockbuster programs or movies can vary by region. An example is “Avatar,” which performed exceptionally well internationally compared to some other domestic markets.
Related Terms
- Blockbusting: An important term used in real estate referring to a practice by real estate agents encouraging property owners to sell their houses cheaply by suggesting that the racial composition of the neighborhood is changing, often to the detriment of the existing residents. However, in the entertainment industry context, blockbusting is often likened to the creation and marketing of blockbuster movies or shows.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Blockbuster You’ve Never Heard of: Directorial Video Mammoth Success” by John Smith
- “From Script to Screen: Behind the Blockbuster” by Jennifer Fay
- “The Marketing of Hollywood Blockbusters” by Robert Marich
Fundamentals of Blockbuster: Marketing Basics Quiz
### What defines a broadcast program as a blockbuster?
- [ ] Significant original content
- [ ] High costs of production
- [ ] Unexpectedly high ratings and large audiences
- [x] Far exceeds expected ratings and draws larger audiences
> **Explanation:** A broadcast program becomes a blockbuster when it significantly surpasses expected ratings and attracts a wider audience than anticipated, benefiting advertisers.
### Which of the following is a notable example of a blockbuster movie?
- [ ] An indie film
- [ ] "Avengers: Endgame"
- [ ] A documentary
- [ ] A low-budget film
> **Explanation:** "Avengers: Endgame," with its extraordinary box-office success, is a quintessential example of a blockbuster movie.
### What benefit do advertisers get from a blockbuster broadcast program?
- [ ] Increased production costs
- [ ] Reduced advertising pricing
- [x] Larger audience reach
- [ ] Lower production quality
> **Explanation:** Advertisers benefit from blockbusters by reaching a larger audience than expected, potentially enhancing their return on investment.
### Why are high audience estimates significant for TV blockbusters?
- [ ] They increase licensing costs
- [ ] They ensure exclusivity
- [x] They attract more advertising revenue
- [ ] They reduce runtime
> **Explanation:** High audience estimates for TV blockbusters attract more advertising revenue as advertisers are drawn to the larger viewership.
### What impact do international audiences have on the success of blockbusters?
- [ ] They do not affect success
- [ ] They decrease the overall ratings
- [x] They can contribute significantly to its box-office success
- [ ] They increase production costs
> **Explanation:** International audiences can significantly boost the box-office success of blockbusters, as seen with films like "Avatar."
### Which term is related to the concept of creating and marketing blockbuster movies?
- [x] Blockbusting
- [ ] Directing
- [ ] Screenwriting
- [ ] Storyboarding
> **Explanation:** In entertainment, "blockbusting" is akin to creating and marketing blockbuster movies, ensuring massive success and audience reach.
### What characterizes a blockbuster in the entertainment industry?
- [ ] Low production cost
- [ ] Average audience size
- [x] Extraordinary box-office success
- [ ] Minimal advertising
> **Explanation:** A blockbuster is characterized by its extraordinary box-office success and large audience reach.
### What makes "Game of Thrones" a notable broadcast program blockbuster?
- [ ] Special effects
- [ ] Genre
- [ ] Number of seasons
- [x] Audience and ratings for the finale
> **Explanation:** The series finale of "Game of Thrones" drew over 19 million viewers, making it a broadcast program blockbuster.
### How can a movie be a domestic blockbuster but not internationally?
- [ ] Genre mismatch
- [ ] Cultural differences
- [ ] Marketing failure
- [x] Different regional success
> **Explanation:** Blockbuster status can vary; a film may be a domestic success but not perform equally well internationally due to varying audience preferences.
### What does high TV ratings of blockbuster films reflect?
- [ ] Reduced advertising rates
- [ ] Limited viewership
- [x] Larger than usual audience
- [ ] Specific genre preference
> **Explanation:** High TV ratings of blockbuster films reflect a larger than usual audience, leading to higher advertising revenue potential.
Thank you for exploring the concept of blockbusters and test your understanding with our challenging quiz questions. Stay curious!
