What does Above-the-Line mean?
Above-the-Line refers to key personnel on a film or TV production who have a significant influence over the creative direction and financial decisions. This includes individuals like directors, producers, writers, and lead actors. Above-the-line costs are typically pre-production expenses and are often negotiated before filming begins.
Example:A movie’s above-the-line costs include the salaries of the director, screenwriter, and lead actors.
Example: In budgeting, above-the-line expenses are separated from below-the-line costs, which cover technical crew and equipment.
Did you know?
The term “above-the-line” comes from the way film budgets are organized, with creative and leadership roles listed above a horizontal line, and technical and crew roles listed below it!
You can also find “Above-the-Line” and related terms in this category: Roles and Titles.
