It's been a while since I've been "in the lounge," so maybe a search through posts could answer this. Are there specific definitions to the above genre modifiers? I've searched the Internet for answers, and I have a fairly decent idea, but not a definitive one. And Stage 32, a site that uses these terms for their pitch sessions, does not supply the answer. (Certainly not on the FAQ's page.) While I'm certain that many of you will have your interpretation, it is the applicable usage for the producers/managers/agents that I am looking for. And if there are any that I missed.
Screenwriting : Tent pole, contained, high concept, grounded, elevated, etc. by Peter R. Feuchtwanger
Production Manager, Screenwriter, Set Designer
8 years ago
Tent pole, contained, high concept, grounded, elevated, etc.
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I've been wondering about those terms too but by now I have impressions of what they mean. Let's see how close I come in accuracy, assuming someone knows what they truly mean and corrects me:
"Tent pole" means films that are shown virtually everywhere in the USA and in the big overseas markets, high budget, lots of pyrotechnics, often based on comic books.
"Contained" means the film takes place primarily in one setting and the overall costs to make the film are low.
"High concept" means you can generate intrigue just from the logline with some hook that hasn't been seen before, the same, but different, e.g., Snakes on a Plane.
"Grounded" is usually associated with Sci-Fi, I think, and means, I think, that the sci-fi aspect is actually a possibility in the near future and wouldn't be cost prohibitive.
"Elevated" strikes me as vague and near as I can tell means the script is clever in some way.
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Well, I don't know if there are definitive answers, but there are certainly answers. Lol! ;) I'm sure others will add, but... in a nutshell:
Tentpole: A program or movie that supports the financial performance of a movie studio or television network, which may be expected to support the sale of tie-in merchandise, and/or build a franchise. "Tentpole" is a studio term that relates to risk allocation. A tentpole is designed to carry less financial risk than the rest of the film slate to return an overall profit to the studio.
Contained: A story/film that takes place in a limited number or single location. A "contained" script is of a story that occurs in one, maybe two(three) locations and features a small cast, thus they generally cost much less to produce. "The Disappearance of Alice Creed," "127 Hours," "Buried," "Open Water" are examples of contained films.
High Concept: A concept that is easily understood and quick to visualize, and has mass entertainment and broad appeal. "Snakes on a Plane" is high concept. "Jurassic Park" is high concept. "High concept" delivers upon an easy-to-grasp idea.
Grounded: A story that feels "grounded" in its reality, is authentic, or is logically grounded, has a sense of "realism" and believability. The term "grounded" is very subjective. An area of example, say... a science fiction film that is grounded in real science. Or another example/term: "Grounded Sci-Fi" may be set in a realistic, earth-bound, future world, as opposed to say... "Valerian." Or compare "District 9" to say, STAR TREK.... "District 9" feels much more "grounded."
Elevated: An "elevated" concept has an added intelligent, complex twist or hook to it. An "elevated" concept may also blend different elements from different genres together to create a new approach to a type of story. "Silence of the Lambs" is elevated. It's not just about an FBI Agent who has to hunt down a serial killer; it's that she also needs the help of an even worse serial killer in order to do so. That twist elevates a common concept: FBI agent hunting down a serial killer.
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Both of you answered pretty much what my research was able to discover, but it's great to have this confirmation. Thank you.