top billing
Noun: - The advertisement of a star's name at the top of a theatrical poster: This is the primary and literal meaning, referring to the most prominent placement of a performer's name in promotional materials, signifying their status as the main attraction. - The position of greatest importance or prominence: By extension, it refers to the state of receiving the most attention, recognition, or priority in any context.
The term "top billing" is used to indicate that someone or something is considered the most important feature or attraction in an event, project, or promotional effort. It is often discussed in the context of entertainment (films, concerts, theater) but can be applied metaphorically to other fields.
Literal/Theatrical Context:
- The veteran actor received top billing on the movie poster, with her name above the title.
- In the play's program, the lead actress has top billing.
Extended/Metaphorical Context:
- At the technology conference, the keynote speaker gets top billing in all the advertising.
- The new safety features are given top billing in the car company's latest ad campaign.
"To get top billing": To be assigned the most prominent position or recognition.
- Despite being a newcomer, her incredible performance earned her top billing.
"To give top billing to someone/something": To assign the most prominent position or recognition to someone or something.
- The festival organizers gave top billing to the local indie band.
- Billing (n): The act or an instance of advertising or promoting; the relative prominence given to names in publicity.
- The order of billing on the album cover was a subject of negotiation.
- Co-billing (n): The sharing of top or equal prominence in billing.
- The two stars have co-billing for the new series.
- Headlining: Featured as the main performer or attraction.
- Starring role: The leading role, implying top prominence.
- Prime position: The most important or noticeable place.
- Above the title: A specific industry term for having one's name appear before the title of the work (e.g., a film), which is a key indicator of top billing.
- Only a few A-list actors have their names placed above the title.
- Second billing: The position of being the second-most prominent name in promotional materials.
- the advertisement of a star's name at the top of a theatrical poster