Entertainment is any activity which engages and brings pleasure to its audience, from storytelling to watching a film, and it can be done alone or together with others.
Entertainment comes in various forms and sizes – from intimate gatherings for just two people up to performances aimed at thousands or even a global audience.
Definition
Entertainment refers to any activity which provides pleasure. This can range from sports and music performances to dance or theater productions and games designed to help relieve daily stresses.
Entertainment comes from Medieval Latin intertenere, meaning to hold within or maintain. Thus, its roots lie within us while its definition refers to holding something up before an audience.
Entertainment can be defined as any activity which provides enjoyment to an audience through external stimuli and occurs passively, providing respite from daily stressors while contributing to mental and emotional well-being. It serves as a form of respite from daily responsibilities while relieving tension.
Purpose
Entertainment can serve as a respite from stress and can help people relax. Entertainment is also an opportunity to meet people, form new bonds, learn something new or develop skills. Selecting appropriate entertainment for an event is key; its focus should match up well with its target demographics and interests.
Entertainment continues to adapt and can accommodate for audiences of any scale – from individual consumers who select entertainment from an ever-increasing selection of pre-recorded products, banquets designed for two, performances meant for thousands, or even global audiences. But its core purpose remains the same – to hold an audience’s interest or provide pleasure and delight.
Origins
Entertainment has its roots in various languages; Latin’s term entretenere first appeared as an abbreviation of “to hold in,” possibly during the Middle Ages.
An audience transforms any private activity from recreation and leisure into entertainment, whether that involves watching a play or opera or actively taking part in games.
Ancient people amused themselves through activities like music, singing, dancing and simple games such as storytelling. Over time however, theatre emerged; then cinema; but even today storytelling remains the oldest form of entertainment.
Development
Entertainment can be enjoyed on any scale, from an individual watching a film or reading a book alone to an entire community coming together for concerts or sports events. But its development must consider its societal ramifications.
Entertainment development encompasses the creation and dissemination of creative content using technologies like video streaming, social media platforms and virtual reality. Such technologies also help customize user experiences while streamlining distribution processes to make them more efficient and secure – thus improving revenue sharing systems and royalty payments systems.
Employment
Entertainment is a key contributor to our economy, offering opportunities and creating jobs worldwide. From performing artists onstage or screen to cheering on sports heroes we follow – there are multiple ways for individuals to be involved with this industry.
An entertainment career can be both fulfilling and demanding; it requires creativity, drive, and persistence to make a success of it all. No matter if your passion lies with acting, writing, producing or other areas – there’s likely an avenue open up in the entertainment industry for everyone interested.
Find your ideal arts and entertainment job using JobMonkey’s free guide to the industry. Discover roles like roadies, music analysts or YouTube partners as well as advice for furthering your career path.
Awards
Awards and recognition ceremonies have become an integral component of the entertainment business, often offering glamorous events that honor excellence in certain fields such as film or music. Some awards may come from government bodies while others come from private organizations or renowned institutions.
At Cannes Film Festival, the Palme d’Or award stands as cinema’s highest honor. Additionally, Grammy Awards are given out by the Recording Academy to artists in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in recording industry. Fifteen individuals have won four distinct awards–an Emmy, Grammy Award, Oscar Award and Tony Award–called an EGOT.