How test screenings work

I work for a company that pre-screens films for major production companies. I've worked for this organization for about 15 years, and I wanted to share with you how the test screening process works. Also, let me clarify that there is a big difference between a test screening and an advanced screening. More about that in a second. Basically, we assemble test audiences, show the film, collect their responses, and submit the data to the production company. Back in the day, we used to hand each audience member a clipboard with questions on it. Nowadays, we have electronic handheld "thingies" with basic questions on them. The number of questions depend on the film. For example, we pre-screened Jurassic Park III, and there were only three questions that we asked, one of which was, "Would you want to see a Jurassic Park IV?" Test screenings are very select and very private. Most test audience members are asked to not share the movie's plot with others, though it happens more times than not. This is how bad information gets out, because the production company will often go back and change a movie based on the test audience's reaction. So a spoiler could end up on the cutting room floor by the time it is leaked (e.g. Captain Kirk's original death in Star Trek: Generations). Advanced screenings are different and are dependent upon location. Some theaters will release the film the night before, and some locations will release the film much sooner, but only according to the production company. Remember - theaters don't have the actual "film" in their possession until the production company sends it to them. Even when its sent, theaters usually keep them under lock and key until the actual release date. If someone comes out and claims to have seen the movie in either an advanced screening or claim to be have been part of a test audience, do not believe them. Test audiences for the Star Wars prequels were selected carefully by Lucas Films, and they didn't comprise your average "Joe". In fact, most test screenings were held on the Skywalker Ranch. I have a friend who works for Fandango, and he said that he doesn't know of any advanced screenings anywhere in the nation for Prometheus. The soonest one I've heard of will be in the UK on May 31st, but that should be common knowledge right now. I post this primarily to tell my "Prometheus friends" not to trust all of this spoiler junk on the internet. Rumors are fun to entertain, but until you see the movie with your own eyes, consider all rumors with a grain of salt. -Thomas