For early edits of a film, informal test screenings are shown to small target audiences to judge if a film will require editing, reshooting or rewriting. At this stage, the film may be incomplete, with missing or … See more

Private preview screenings are commonly provided for investors, marketing and distribution representatives, and VIP media figures. While … See more

Public preview screenings can occur at boutique theaters (which may not be scheduled as a release theater). These may serve as final … See more

After a combination, or all, of the above, the film goes on general release if taken up by a film distributor. See more

Focus group screenings are formal test screenings of a film with very detailed documentation of audience responses. Target audience … See more

Critic (or "press") screenings are held for national and major market critics in advance of print and television production-cycle deadlines, and are usually by invitation only. This step may be omitted if a studio anticipates negative critical reviews, or if a film … See more

A sneak preview is an unannounced film screening before formal release, generally with the usual charge for admission. Sneak previews were created in the 1930s to help determine … See more