Test Screening
Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2011 1:18 pm
The last couple of film's i've made, i have been organising a "Hollywood-Style" Test Screening of the film. Using either a local community centre or even my own front room, i've gathered a small group of people together to watch an almost complete version of my production. We watch and then we have a sort on informal chat. My opening line is always... "So what did you hate about this film?"
I have a problem in that i get too emotionally invested in my projects to the point that i get very protective over any criticism. I also get blinded by what i see and feel, rather than what others see. So i find holding these sessions both therapeutic and very very helpful.
Last night i held a Test Screening for my latest film 'Room 4'. It's been a pet project of mine for almost as long as i have been making films! I've attempted to start making this film on a number of occasions, but due to one reason or another i never actually got the project off the ground... until now. Seeing as it's taken so long for me to sort this out, you can imagine how protective i am of it?! That was until last night. The Test Screening really opened my eyes, and has given me plenty of ideas to improve the film, which i am really grateful for.
So... my advice is that before you finalise your project, give it a showing to people who know nothing about your film and see how they respond. It might make you think twice about your decisions in the film making process and perhaps give you a chance to make some changes.
Anyone else do this? Would you consider doing this in the future?
I have a problem in that i get too emotionally invested in my projects to the point that i get very protective over any criticism. I also get blinded by what i see and feel, rather than what others see. So i find holding these sessions both therapeutic and very very helpful.
Last night i held a Test Screening for my latest film 'Room 4'. It's been a pet project of mine for almost as long as i have been making films! I've attempted to start making this film on a number of occasions, but due to one reason or another i never actually got the project off the ground... until now. Seeing as it's taken so long for me to sort this out, you can imagine how protective i am of it?! That was until last night. The Test Screening really opened my eyes, and has given me plenty of ideas to improve the film, which i am really grateful for.
So... my advice is that before you finalise your project, give it a showing to people who know nothing about your film and see how they respond. It might make you think twice about your decisions in the film making process and perhaps give you a chance to make some changes.
Anyone else do this? Would you consider doing this in the future?