Definition

Noun: A motion picture that is produced specifically for initial broadcast or distribution on television, rather than for theatrical release.

Usage

The term "telefilm" is used to distinguish a film produced for television from one made for cinema theaters. It often implies a certain production scale or format, such as a made-for-TV movie or a feature-length television production.

Examples

• The network premiered a new historical telefilm about the civil rights movement.
• Many famous directors started their careers by directing telefilms.
• That award-winning drama was originally produced as a telefilm before gaining international recognition.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes carry a connotation of lower budget or different artistic constraints compared to major theatrical releases, though many high-quality productions are telefilms.
• In industry contexts, "telefilm" may be used to refer to the funding or production category for television features.

Variants and Related Words

• Television movie (n): A direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "telefilm."
• Made-for-TV movie (n): A common alternative phrase emphasizing the production purpose.

Synonyms

• Television movie
• Made-for-TV film
• TV feature

Notes

While "telefilm" is a standalone noun, it is related to but distinct from terms like miniseries (a story told over multiple episodes) or television series (an ongoing program). A telefilm is typically a self-contained, feature-length narrative.

Noun

1. a movie that is made to be shown on television