Biopic is the combination of the words “biography” and “motion picture.”

There’s some question regarding the correct pronunciation of biopic. Some pronounce it bio·pic and others bi·opic. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, both are correct.

A biopic is not the same as a docudrama, a docufilm, a documentary or a movie based on a true story. Here are basic definitions of these terms …

• ‎Biopic: biographical movie centered on one historical figure

• Docudrama: dramatized re-enactments of actual events

• ‎Docufilm: archival footage and/or interviews supported by narration

• Documentary: documentation of reality for educational or instructional use

• ‎Based on a true story: recreation of events with changes in the story to suit the audience’s understanding and expectations