A documentary is a factual film or video that explores a specific event or individual. The term “documentary” can also encompass any subject matter related to documents. The concept of “documentary” in the sense of relating to documents emerged in the early 1800s. Over time, it evolved to signify an authentic recording or portrayal of real-life occurrences.

A feature film, commonly shortened to “feature,” is a storytelling motion picture that has a duration significant enough to be the primary or exclusive component of a commercial entertainment program.

A web film refers to a movie created specifically for the Internet, taking into consideration the unique characteristics and limitations of online distribution. This term is used to distinguish content produced specifically for the Internet from content originally intended for other mediums like cinema or television that has been adapted to be compatible with the World Wide Web. Web films are a type of new media.

A web series, also known as a web show, is a collection of scripted or unscripted videos released on the Internet in episodic format. This form of entertainment originated in the late 1990s and gained prominence in the early 2000s. Each individual installment of a web series is often referred to as an episode or a “webisode,” although this term is not universally used. Web series can be accessed and viewed on various platforms and devices, such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. They differ from streaming television, which is intended for consumption on specific streaming platforms, although the term “web series” is often used to encompass streaming television shows as well. Due to the interactive nature of the Internet, web series may incorporate elements of interactivity. They are categorized as a form of new media.

A miniseries, also known as a mini-series, is a television series that presents a complete story within a predetermined and limited number of episodes. In some cases, miniseries can also be classified and broadcasted as television films. The term “limited series,” a more recent term in the United States, is sometimes used interchangeably. Since 2021, the miniseries format has gained popularity in both streaming services and traditional broadcast television. In the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth nations, the term “serial” is used to describe a show with an ongoing narrative plotline, while “series” refers to a collection of episodes, similar to how “season” is used in North America.

A podcast is a digital program that is accessible for download over the Internet. It typically consists of a series of episodes in audio format that users can download to their personal devices and listen to at their preferred time. While podcasts are primarily audio-based, some may include supplementary video content. Streaming applications and podcasting services offer a convenient and integrated platform for managing personal podcast playlists across multiple sources and devices. Additionally, there are podcast search engines available to assist users in discovering and sharing podcast episodes.

A television show, also known as a TV show, refers to any content created for viewing on a television set and transmitted through over-the-air, satellite, or cable channels. This encompasses content produced by television broadcasters as well as content intended for broadcasting by film production companies. It does not include breaking news, advertisements, or trailers typically shown between shows. Television shows are usually scheduled in advance and listed on electronic guides or TV listings, although streaming services often offer them for on-demand viewing. The production of television shows follows two main methodologies: live taped shows such as variety and news magazine programs filmed on television studio stages or sporting events (considered linear productions), and animated shows and various film productions including movies and series. Shows not produced on television studio stages are usually contracted or licensed to appropriate production companies.

A short film is a motion picture that has a duration shorter than what is typically considered a feature film. According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, a short film is defined as an original film that lasts 40 minutes or less, including the credits. In the United States, short films were commonly referred to as “short subjects” from the 1920s to the 1970s when they were limited to two 35 mm reels or less. Additionally, films with three or four reels were called “featurettes.” The term “short” was an abbreviation for either of these terms.

A radio program, also referred to as a radio show or radio program, is a segment of content created for broadcast on the radio. It can be a standalone production or a recurring series that is aired periodically. Each installment of a series is known as an episode.

Screenwriting, also known as scriptwriting, is the art and skill of crafting scripts for various mass media platforms, including feature films, television shows, and video games. It is often a freelance profession, where screenwriters work independently. Their role involves conducting research, developing the story, writing the script, including dialogues and screenplay, and delivering it in the required format to development executives. Screenwriters hold significant influence over the creative direction and emotional impact of the screenplay and, arguably, the final product, whether it’s a film or another media form. Screenwriters may pitch their original ideas to producers, hoping to have them optioned or sold. Alternatively, they may be commissioned by a producer to create a screenplay based on concepts, true stories, existing screen works, or literary works such as novels, poems, plays, comic books, or short stories.