Podcast Summary
Audience testing: A double-edged sword for filmmakers: Audience testing helps identify issues and make adjustments, but can also be frustrating and disappointing. Essential for filmmakers to approach it with a balanced mindset.
Audience testing can be a valuable tool for filmmakers, providing insights to improve their work and connect better with audiences. However, it can also be a source of frustration and disappointment. According to Ron Howard and his producing partner Brian Grazer, while they believe in the value of audience testing, it can be a double-edged sword. On the positive side, it can help identify issues and make necessary adjustments. On the negative side, it can be a terrible experience, even when the results are positive. Ultimately, audience testing is an essential part of the filmmaking process, but it requires a balanced approach and an open mind to truly benefit from it. Meanwhile, the Capital One Venture X Card offers unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, turning everyday expenses into rewards for extraordinary trips. Cardholders also enjoy premium travel benefits like airport lounge access and a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel. With Kroger brand products, shoppers can feel like they're winning with proven quality and lower prices, backed by a money-back guarantee.
The filmmaking process: Balancing artistic vision and audience appeal: Filmmaking involves a balance between artistic vision and audience appeal, with results that can be unpredictable. Some films initially criticized have later gained iconic status, while others have found a cult following despite initial failure.
The filmmaking process, including audience testing, can be brutal and unpredictable. Some filmmakers, like Robert Altman, resist the traditional audience testing process due to their unique artistic visions. However, some films that were initially criticized, like "The Player" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," have later become iconic and beloved. Conversely, films like "Trolls 2" were panned by audiences and critics alike but have since gained a cult following through documentaries like "The Best Worst Movie." Ultimately, the filmmaking process involves a balance between artistic vision and audience appeal, and the results can be surprising.
NRG's origins in film industry through focus groups for Apocalypse Now: NRG, founded by Besser, Poehler, Robertson, and Walsh, grew from a small company to industry leader in audience testing, signing exclusive contracts with major studios, conducting market research, and dividing audiences into quadrants.
The National Research Group (NRG), a leading company in audience testing, was founded as a result of focus groups conducted for Francis Ford Coppola's film "Apocalypse Now." NRG, which originally consisted of founding members Besser, Poehler, Robertson, and Matt Walsh, started as a small company and grew to become the top dog in audience testing, even signing exclusive contracts with major studios. The company, which was later acquired by Nielsen, also conducted market research through random calling and awareness campaigns, and divided audiences into four quadrants based on age and gender. NRG's success in audience testing paved the way for the company's significant impact on the industry.
Gathering audience feedback through testing improves movies and projects: Testing movies and projects through audience feedback leads to improvements and enhances their impact
Testing is an essential part of creating successful movies and other projects. Whether it's testing jokes in a comedy or the level of violence in a film, gathering feedback from audiences can significantly improve the final product. For instance, Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" and "Apocalypse Now" underwent extensive testing, leading to changes that enhanced the movies' impact. Audience testing can be done through free screenings and surveys, and it's not just limited to the Los Angeles area. Ultimately, listening to and incorporating audience feedback can make a significant difference in the success of a project.
Being young and living in LA increases chances of movie test audience invites: Young LA residents have a higher likelihood of attending movie test screenings where they can provide valuable feedback to filmmakers
If you live in the Los Angeles area and are between the ages of 18 and 34, you have a higher chance of being invited to be a part of a movie test audience. This is because filmmakers and studio executives who work on the movies often attend these screenings to gather feedback and experience the audience's reaction firsthand. They may even be present during the screening to make last-minute adjustments. Test screenings can be a hectic experience for those involved in the editing process, as they may need to temp in music and special effects on the spot. During the screening, a moderator will introduce the movie and explain that the audience should focus on pacing and overall flow, rather than nitpicking minor details. After the screening, attendees will be asked to fill out comment cards with their feedback on various aspects of the film, including characters, jokes, and overall enjoyment.
Understanding the Power of Focus Groups in Movies: Focus groups help studios gauge audience reactions, make informed decisions, and determine a movie's overall success or failure based on participants' recommendations to friends.
Focus groups play a significant role in determining the success or failure of movies. During these sessions, participants are asked specific questions, and their responses contribute to the movie's overall score. The most crucial question being, "Would you recommend this movie to a friend?" The score is based solely on this answer, with a higher percentage indicating a more positive reception. Movies with scores below 80% are considered to be struggling. However, it's intriguing to ponder how films with dismal scores still make it to theaters. Some films, like "Human Centipede 3," have the lowest Metacritic scores of all time, yet some argue they are worth seeing at least once. Despite the controversy, focus groups remain an essential tool in the film industry, helping studios gauge audience reactions and make informed decisions.
Tom Cruise's Surprise Test Screening and Its Impact on Audience Feedback: Tom Cruise's unexpected presence at a test screening influenced audience feedback, emphasizing the power dynamics in Hollywood and the intense scrutiny of his personal life and career.
Tom Cruise's unexpected appearance at a test screening influenced the audience's feedback, potentially skewing the results. This tactic, while unconventional, highlights the power dynamics at play in the film industry. The LA Weekly article "How YouTube and Internet Journalism Destroyed Tom Cruise: Our Last Real Movie Star" sheds light on the complex public perception of Cruise, separating his acting abilities from his personal life. The article also emphasizes the distinction between Cruise jumping on a couch during an interview versus doing so during a test screening. The intense scrutiny of Cruise extends beyond his religion, with concerns over labor practices and the power of investigative journalism. The HBO documentary "Going Clear," based on the book of the same name, further explores these issues. Despite the controversy, Cruise continues to act and captivate audiences, showcasing the resilience of his career.
Listening to audience feedback and adapting: Adapting to audience feedback can lead to significant improvements in movies and businesses, from changing endings and names to growing with you at every stage.
The power of audience feedback and adaptability can significantly impact the success of a product or project, whether it's a business platform like Shopify or a movie production. From changing names and endings in movies like "Pretty Woman" and "Fatal Attraction," to the evolution of a business like Shopify that grows with you no matter what stage you're at, the importance of listening to your audience and making necessary adjustments cannot be overstated. For instance, iHeart Radio's Music Awards celebrate the past year's music and offer a sneak peek into the future, while classic movies like "The Wizard of Oz" and "Pretty Woman" underwent significant changes based on audience reactions. So, whether you're running a business or producing a movie, always be open to feedback and willing to make adjustments to ensure the best possible outcome. Sign up for your $1 a month trial at Shopify.com/listen, and join iHeart Radio for the 2024 Music Awards on April 1st to witness history in the making.
Creators sometimes alter endings based on audience reactions: Creators adapt endings to fit audience expectations, as seen in 'Pretty in Pink', 'Weekend at Bernie's', '28 Days Later', and 'Sunset Boulevard'.
Creators sometimes alter the original endings of stories due to audience reactions or expectations. For instance, in the movie "Pretty in Pink," the original ending had Molly Ringwald ending up with John Cryer instead of Andrew McCarthy. However, this was changed due to audience preference. Similarly, in "Weekend at Bernie's," the original concept involved the characters grabbing Bernie's arm and throwing the ball for him as if he were dead, but this was not executed in the final product. In the film "28 Days Later," the original ending had Jim's character dying, but this was changed to a happier ending. Even classic movies like "Sunset Boulevard" underwent changes, with the original beginning featuring Bill Holden's corpse talking to other corpses in the morgue, which was deemed confusing by audiences and was re-shot. These examples show that creators must consider audience reactions and expectations when making artistic decisions. Additionally, some stories, like "Heathers," have dark beginnings or endings, and the creative team may choose to alter these to better fit audience expectations or to explore different themes. Ultimately, the creative process involves a delicate balance between staying true to the original vision and meeting the needs and desires of the audience.
Impact of Audience Feedback on Movie Endings: Movie endings can change based on audience feedback, and missing important details in podcasts can impact the overall experience
The ending of movies can significantly change based on audience feedback. For instance, the ending of Blade Runner was originally dark and ambiguous, but was later changed to a happier ending with the famous blue sky shot, which was actually pulled from The Shining. This change was made after audience testing, and although director Ridley Scott was not thrilled about it, it became the version most people know today. Another listener shared their experience of biking to work instead of taking the train, which saved them money but made it harder to listen to detailed podcasts like ours. They missed important connections, like the one between rip tides and equatorial winds in the Oceans episode. The listener is now trying to find a new way to listen to our show, perhaps by saving up episodes and binge-listening during long bike rides. Overall, this discussion highlights the impact of audience feedback on movie endings and the importance of paying full attention to detailed content.
Seeking Solutions and Helping Kids: Reach out to Chuck and Josh for problem-solving advice, kids can use Zigazoo for safe socializing, Discover Card prioritizes customer service, and the VA hires for rewarding careers
There are various solutions to different problems. If you're facing an issue that needs solving, reach out to Chuck and Josh from Stuff You Should Know through their social media channels or email. Meanwhile, for kids, Zigazoo offers a safe and positively moderated social media platform. Regarding feeling special, Discover Card ensures its customers have access to excellent customer service and fraud liability protection. Lastly, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers rewarding careers for those who want to make a difference in veterans' lives.
