When Testing Fails

Director John Schlesinger was dead-on with his comments about the studios’ propensity for audience testing (“Straight Mom. Gay Dad. A Forthright Director,” by Robert W. Welkos, July 31). The body of Schlesinger’s work that was created before this odious practice became common speaks for itself.

The bottom line is simple: If audience testing worked, then all films released and all television shows aired would be hits.

The only reason audience testing exists is to provide a scapegoat for studio executives. When a film or a pilot they have championed goes into the tank, they can simply shrug and say, “It’s not my fault. It tested through the roof.”

STEVE MARSHALL

Agoura Hills