nontheatrical

Nontheatrical, or non-theatrical, refers to the distribution, exhibition, or licensing of films and other audiovisual works outside traditional movie theaters. The term is used in licensing catalogs, distribution agreements, and copyright documentation to distinguish non-theatrical exploitation from theatrical runs.

The scope of nontheatrical rights typically includes television broadcasts, home video releases (such as VHS, DVD, and Blu-ray), cable and satellite channels, educational or institutional screenings, and presentations in venues like hotels, airlines, museums, and libraries. It can also cover non-theatrical online platforms and on-demand viewing when the license is not tied to a cinema release. The exact interpretation of what counts as non-theatrical can vary by contract and market.

Rights are usually divided into theatrical and non-theatrical categories. A license for nontheatrical use specifies details such as territory, duration, permitted formats, and audience or venue restrictions. Because non-theatrical exposure typically generates different revenue streams than theatrical releases, such licenses are often priced and negotiated separately by rights holders or distributors.

In practice, nontheatrical licenses enable studios, distributors, and exhibitors to monetize a film across multiple channels while preserving the exclusive window of a theatrical release. The term remains common in catalogs, archives, and contract language, though modern distribution frequently requires additional or separate rights for streaming and digital platforms beyond traditional non-theatrical categories.