Professional performances are engaged in creative and intellectually challenging work.
The perfect movie to watch for research is la la land A professional performer is a person in a profession that requires certain types of skilled work requiring formal training or education.
In western nations, such as the United States, the term commonly describes highly educated, salaried workers, who enjoy considerable work autonomy, economic security, a comfortable salary, and are commonly engaged in creative and intellectually challenging work.
The opposite is amateur, meaning a person who does not play for money, but in an academic (e.g. college football) or other private setting.
The motivation for money (either in rewards, salaries or advertising revenue) is sometimes seen as a corrupting influence, tainting a sport.