How can I find people to be in my focus groups for my film?

Question

Hi there! I am a college student interested in film making. I've made several shorts and have a rough draft of my first feature. I want to have focus groups where people watch the rough edits and then write down their opinions to help me improve the film for the final cut.

Anyway, my question is, where do I find people to be in the focus group? (I want to use strangers so that I won't be hurt by harsh critics) Also, where can I find official documents to have them sign to make sure they don't tell others what they've seen?

Thanks for any help!

Answer 1

Post a flyer on your college's bulliten board. Do the same on MySpace and other blog sites...XeA

Answer 2

If you need to find strangers for your groups, one good source would be craigslist. In case you're unfamiliar, it's a web based nationwide classifed service that will allow you to post free ads and have them appear in the area(s) of your choosing. Your responses go directly to your email, and from there you make your direct connect with the people. Probably wouldn't hurt to offer a little incentive for their participation, maybe a small credit at the end of the film for their time and input. Heck, you could probably get enough people by just offering light refreshments and a sincere thanks!
As far as the documents you need, I think you're referring to what is known as a "confidentiality agreement". If so you could have one drawn up by an attorney, or if you're like me and can't afford an attorney, you could draft one up yourself, make copies, then have each copy notorized after the participant signs them to make the agreement binding. The latter is probably not the best choice of the two, but if cost is an issue it's definately the most economic, and will hold up in court if need be. Let me know if this helps!!

Answer 3

The suggestions for corralling people to be in your focus groups are excellent thus far - university art departments, clubs, and craigslist postings can all be helpful ways to reach focus groups.

I'd recommend reading up on legal disclosures for film, specifically The Independent Filmmaker's Law and Business Guide: Financing, Shooting, and Distributing Independent and Digital Films. I used this for simple releases, budget tips, and key ways to protect my ideas when shooting my first few indie features. If I remember correctly, the section that discusses "releases" covers some language to use for early screenings and focus groups.

Good luck to you, and I hope this helps you out.

Answer 4

i would suggest contacting the art department of your college, and requesting to make a short announcement at one of the lectures inviting ppl to come to a screening of your film.

you could do the same at a local hgh school and invite members of the theater group.

i don't know how you would get a hold of "non-disclosure agreements" but you could try the law department of your college for free legal advice regarding that issue.

good luck and i hope i helped at least a little