Often they seek out your authors and breathlessly spill the info that it has come—the chance for a screen test!
What to do?
We ask whether the test is to be shot here or on the Coast. Mostly likely, it's in the New York studios.
We caution, "Don't take it; hold out for a Coast test."
Few movie contracts have resulted from tests in local offices here. The facilities and abilities available are undergrade. The best points are not brought out. There are no directors here, so any talent that does lurk is often kicked around.
But when a studio has enough faith to ship one to the Coast for the test, chances of a film break-through are considerably higher.
First, the studio must pay a salary during the testing period, on top of round-trip, first-class fare. With that invested, efforts will be made to bring out assets. And, should the first test fizzle, others will be given.
Another factor against Eastern tests is that the try-out is viewed by a tough jury, 3,000 miles away—hard strangers predisposed to turn thick thumbs down.
In addition to meaning little, these Eastern screen tests are a walkaway for wise wolves, most of whom manage to get close to casting agents of studios.