screen test

¹

noun

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

screen-test

²

[skreen-test]

verb (used with object)

1. to give a screen test to.

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

verb (used without object)

1. to undergo a screen test.

   Dozens of actors have screen-tested for the role.

screen test

noun

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

2. the test film so made

Word History and Origins

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

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

"Instead of doing a screen test and auditions, it was like, 'we've seen your videos, here's your mic, here's your earpiece, off you pop'," he says.

From BBC

I loved it and I gravitated towards it, was so happy to be cast in it, went out to LA to screen test for it a few times and ended up making the movie.

From Salon

Right after he wrapped “The Order,” he was off to do his screen test for next summer’s “Superman” and then hopped on a plane to Georgia for current release “Juror #2.”

From Los Angeles Times