Insider Secret #1 – Location
Most movie premieres take place in Los Angeles or New York. These are also the top cities for promotional, research and press screenings. Second to these, most movies will be screened in the major cities (Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, etc). If you live in a city outside a major city, know that they may still offer screenings, but it will be less frequent than the main cities. You may need to drive into the big cities to attend. As long as your information is accurate with most of the websites, you’ll be emailed as soon as an event happens in your area.

Insider Secret #2 – Screening Dates & Times
About 70% of movie screenings will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. This is because movie theaters generally have less traffic on these days and it’s more cost effective for studios to rent out the theater on these days. Screenings will also typically start between 6:30pm-8:00pm. This allows people to attend after work or school.

Insider Secret #3 - Know where to look.
Movie screening locations will be advertised in the entertainment section of local newspapers or online. Newspaper ads will require you to RSVP to an email or pick up the tickets from a physical location. Online movie screening recruitment companies provide information, news and a movie screening locator about free movie tickets to screenings and movie premieres.

Insider Secret #4 - Check back Frequently
Checking websites that distribute screening tickets on a regular basis provides a higher chance of reserving a ticket as screenings are added on a daily basis. In addition, make sure to sign up for any electronic newsletters to keep informed as new screenings are posted.

Insider Secret #5 - Keep Personal Information Updated
Make sure any personal information you share with screening recruitment companies is updated and correct. Tickets are often distributed based on specific demographics or by certain regions. Having your information correct will increase your chances for getting invited to movie screenings you would actually want to attend.
Insider Secret #6 - Don’t Get Greedy
Even through the movie screening tickets are free, it can often be counter-intuitive if you take tickets and don’t attend. The new online ticketing systems can track audience attendance. This means people who take a lot of tickets or don’t show up may be excluded from messages for future screenings. A good rule of thumb is to keep it under four screenings a month. If you are unable to attend, make sure to release your ticket so that others can attend.
Insider Secret #7 - Know the right people.
Another fact is that the easiest way to get tickets to a movie premiere is to know someone related to the movie. If you have any connection with filmmakers, movie stars, studio executives or publicists, make sure to ask them if they can ever get you into a movie screening.

Insider Secret #8 – Charity and Fundraising Events
Keep an eye out for charity movie premieres. In some cases, tickets are sold to movie premieres in order to raise money for a charity. You can buy tickets for the event and get a tax deduction later.

Insider Secret #9 – Start a Blog
Starting a blog or a systematic way to review each movie you have seen can have long term benefits. If you’re articles are good and you get a large following of readers, not only can it generate ad revenue for you, but studios may approach you and offer tickets for press screenings. Online tools like Blogger or WordPress allow you to set up a blog in minutes.

Insider Secret #10 – Offer to Help
Movie screenings are usually fast paced and the studio reps need to move quickly. Some events will have a variety of staff, while others may only have one person. If you see a person that looks in charge and they seemed stressed, ask if you can help them in exchange for saved seats inside the theater. Typical tasks that need to be done are counting the people currently in line, collecting tickets at the entrance, assisting any elderly people into the theater, guarding the saved seats for press and passing out promotional items (if available). While this approach may not work every time, it never hurts to ask.