screen test

¹ American  

noun

1. a filmed audition to determine the suitability of an individual for appearing or acting in a motion picture.

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screen-test ² American  

[skreen-test] / ˈskrinˌtɛst /

verb (used with object)

1. to give a screen test to.

   The studio screen-tested 400 children before casting the part.

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verb (used without object)

1. to undergo a screen test.

   Dozens of actors have screen-tested for the role.

screen test British  

noun

1. a filmed audition of a prospective actor or actress to test suitability

2. the test film so made

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Etymology

Origin of screen test¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Origin of screen-test²

First recorded in 1965–70; v. use of noun phrase screen test

Example Sentences

Paul Monash, the producer of “Slaughterhouse-Five,” which was based on Kurt Vonnegut’s acclaimed novel about World War II and time travel, directed the screen test.

From Los Angeles Times

The screen tests were not successful, but Vadim - who was six years older - took her on, first as his protégé and then as his fiancée.

From BBC

There are jump cuts too, and interludes of his actors in close-up that could be color screen tests or just a nod to Hujar’s aptitude for portraits.

From Los Angeles Times

The casting process for “Superman” was famously so tenuous that producer Ilya Salkind arranged for his wife’s dentist to get a screen test just because of his striking resemblance to the Man of Steel.

From Salon

And I got a call from my manager saying, “They want you to screen test with Sarah Paulson for this thing.”

From Los Angeles Times