Over-the-Top (OTT)
Over-the-Top (OTT) refers to streaming video services like Netflix and Disney+ that deliver content directly over the internet, bypassing traditional cable and broadcast distribution.
Prints and Advertising (P&A)
Prints and Advertising (P&A) refers to the combined costs of distributing a film to theaters and marketing it — including trailers, billboards, and digital campaigns — separate from production costs.
Phase Alternating Line (PAL)
Phase Alternating Line (PAL) is the television broadcast standard used across Europe and much of the world, running at 25 frames per second — distinct from the NTSC standard used in North America.
Production Manager (PM)
A Production Manager (PM) oversees the day-to-day operations and budget of a film or TV production — coordinating crew, managing logistics, and ensuring the production stays on schedule and within budget.
Pay Per Download (PPD)
Pay Per Download (PPD) is a digital distribution model where consumers pay once to permanently own content — generating a specific category of residual payments for actors under union agreements.
Public Relations (PR)
Public Relations (PR) in entertainment involves managing how actors, films, and studios are perceived by media and the public — through press coverage, reputation management, and strategic communications.
Public Service Announcement (PSA)
A Public Service Announcement (PSA) is a non-commercial broadcast message raising public awareness of a social cause — offering acting opportunities with specific union rate structures distinct from standard commercials.
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) represents US record labels, administers Gold and Platinum music certifications, and enforces music copyright on behalf of the industry.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Return on Investment (ROI) measures a film or production’s financial profitability by comparing total revenue to total costs, and is a primary metric for investors evaluating entertainment projects.
Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD)
Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) is the dominant streaming model — platforms like Netflix and Disney+ — where subscribers pay a monthly fee for unlimited access to a content library.