Ten minutes later the phone rings and he hits the pause button. Then he watches another ten minutes before he is interrupted by his secretary. Perhaps the best venue to exhibit a picture is at a film festival. If the film is warmly received, your bargaining position is enhanced. Another benefit of a festival showing is that it may generate positive reviews.
Most publications have a policy of only reviewing films about to be released theatrically.
Thus, a filmmaker who has not secured a theatrical distributor often is not reviewed. But the trade papers and other publications may review films shown at major festivals. Always screen at a convenient location familiar to those in the industry. You will want to screen your picture in Los Angeles, and possibly New York. When you prepare an invitation list, do not invite distributors inappropriate for your film.