Film previewing

New films may be previewed by the trade, i.e. distributors and exhibitors and by film critics. Film festivals have developed from such practices. In countries where films are subject to licensing and/or censorship, previewing or trade showing is obligatory. The private screening for the trade is intended to allow for exhibitors to know what exactly their chains of theatres are booking. However films are frequently subject to cutting and other alterations after previewing or trade shows.