The term "lobby card" refers to a promotional item used in movie theaters. It is spelled as [ˈlɑ.bi kɑrd] in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "lah" with an open "a" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced as "bee" with a short "i" sound. The final part of the word is pronounced as "kard" with a hard "k" sound at the beginning and a long "a" sound at the end. The spelling of "lobby card" accurately represents its pronunciation in English.
A lobby card refers to a rectangular promotional item typically measuring about 11 by 14 inches and is mainly associated with the film industry. It serves as a publicity tool used to promote and advertise a specific movie. Typically displayed in the lobbies of cinemas and theaters, hence the name, this card features key scenes, actors, or thematic elements from the film. The lobby card acts as a visual representation of the movie's content, enticing potential viewers and stoking their interest in purchasing a ticket.
The lobby card serves multiple purposes, including generating awareness, building anticipation, and providing a visual sneak peek into the film. It often includes captivating images capturing memorable moments or significant characters, accompanied by short captions or descriptions. These cards are commonly printed in full color and crafted with high-quality images to captivate the attention of passersby.
Over the years, lobby cards have evolved from being purely promotional items to becoming collector's items. Eager film enthusiasts and collectors often seek these cards to preserve and collect a piece of film history. Due to their limited availability and unique designs, lobby cards have gained appreciation and value, becoming sought-after artifacts in the world of cinema memorabilia.
In summary, a lobby card is a rectangular promotional item displayed in the cinema lobby to advertise and generate interest in a film. It features captivating visuals and text that offer a glimpse into the movie's content, captivating viewers and encouraging ticket sales.
The word "lobby card" originated in the early 20th century in the United States. It is derived from the word "lobby", which refers to the entrance area or foyer of a theater or cinema. In the early days of cinema, these lobbies were often adorned with large display boards or frames that showcased promotional materials such as posters, photographs, or illustrations to attract the attention of passers-by. As the display boards often contained a collection of these cards, they became known as "lobby cards". Over time, the term became commonly used in the film industry to specifically refer to the small-sized promotional cards or photographs displayed in the movie theater lobbies. These lobby cards typically featured key scenes, stills, or images from the movie and were used to generate interest among potential moviegoers. Today, the term "lobby card" still exists, although their use has significantly diminished with the rise of digital marketing and online promotions.