1. Test Screenings and Press Junkets FM2 Section A Producers and Audiences

2. What is a test screening? A chance for producers to test a rough cut of their film before major release. Studios will go to great lengths to ensure that test screening audiences are made up of the widest possible range of the population so that they are able to assess what demographics the film appeals to and why. After the film the audience are asked to fill out questionnaires and take part in focus groups to give them both qualitative and quantitative data. After the test screening, the studio evaluates the responses to the film and often will alter it considerably to eliminate overwhelmingly unpopular parts or to change the film's emphasis. The studio may even order reshoots to achieve what production executives think will be a more appealing movie.

3. There are 2 types of test screening… Tester & Talker The tester is where the audiences response to the film have the opportunity to have an impact on the finished product. The talker is a screening of the finished product a couple of weeks before release. This gives the studios data for future campaigns. http://www.seefilmfirst.com/homepage.welcome.action

4. It is said that the original ending the ‘Average Joes’ loose in their game against the ‘Purple Cobras’. The studio and test screen audiences did not like this so the ending was re-written to feature them winning. Good or bad move?

5. Test Screenings of ‘Seven’ were unsuccessful, however, the producers choose to ignore this and the film was a massive success. Can you think why they ignored the negative feedback?

6. In the original ending of Pretty Woman Vivienne rejected Edward. However this was also changed due to negative response at a test screening.

7. Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince was received extremely negatively by fans during test screenings last year. Fans said that it was “too soppy” and that too many changes were made.

8. Originally called ‘Licence Revoked ’ Different ending in the US

9. Have you ever heard of a film where the ending was changed?

10. Press Junkets Anybody know what a press junket is? Does this scene appear familiar?

11. http://www.junketproductions.com/#/services http://uk.hollywood.com/films/amsweet/jumket/junket.html