What is a Topline?

Not just anyone is welcomed or asked to topline a film. Becoming a topline in the film industry is definitely something that requires more than just some focus and hard work. Topliners are billed above the title of the film. And they receive a lot of credit! But what is a topline? And how does any actor become a topliner?

What is a Topline?

The term “topline” is used to describe the star actor or actress of a film. However, not just any star is automatically considered a topliner. Toplining is something that only a select few actors manage to maintain. Or even achieve in their careers.

The designation, “Topliner” is given to star talent who’s credits appear above the title of the film. 

In the film industry, when a star is billed above the title. Or their name is featured above the title of the film. The term topliner is used to describe the star.

For example, in the 1937 showing of Marked Woman which featured Bette Davis as the lead star and topliner of the film, and Humphrey Bogart as the lesser billed actor. We see Bette Davis’s name listed above the film’s title.

Films with Topliners

Now you know a topline is a star that is given credit above the title of a film. Can you think of films in the past that have had topliners? Several films over the years have had topliners that are known for their star roles in the films that they topline.

In semi-recent films, we’ve seen Amybeth McNulty and Laura Vandervoort topline the film Maternal in 2019. Additionally, in Spanish cinema we saw Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas topline Competencia Oficial in 2020. 

Topliners are often well known actors and actresses that are featured above the title of a film as a means of drawing the attention of a wider audience.

In fact, many filmmakers will topline a particular star in hopes of attracting a larger audience base for a film similar to influencer marketing.

Summary

Essentially, the idea is that by incorporating a lead actor or actress above the title of the film, more people will recognize the topliner and be inclined to want to see the film.

So, what is a topline? A topline is a start actor or actress that is listed above the title of a film and is often incorporated into the above title credit as a way of attracting a large audience or otherwise garnering attention to a film.

In fact, you might notice some Directors repeatedly using the same actors in their films, and toplining the individual each time as a way of building up a particular audience and promising a similar experience for the group or audience that they build.