Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound, 4th Edition

Chapter 8

Temp Dubs and Test Screenings:

A Critical Objective View

“We've just had a test screening, and the upshot is that we arethrowing out the first reel and starting the picture with reel two.”

John Carpenter, director, after a last-minute test screeningduring the predubbing of Escape from New York

So you think you have a surefire hit—the most important picture of the year. Of course, all producers and directors believe their film is the one, but that's only to be expected. You lived with the project for months, perhaps even years. You know every word, every moment, every cut. Actually, all this places you at a tremendous disadvantage. You lost your objectivity, especially if you were in the throes of the love—hate evolution that so often ...