But most filmmakers don't want to risk that. You can't assume that they're going to run out to theaters and see it. Academy voters estimate that they get 40-70 screeners each year. But the mail-outs don't always go to everyone. One Oscar consultant says that campaigns are so expensive, studios are forced to be selective.
Some pictures go out to all branches.
But studios send some smaller films just to acting, directing and writing branches, and ignore the technical wings. Conversely, some spectacles go out only to technicals. A studio rep cautions, however, that they have to be careful with filmmaker politics. You'd really be insulting a lot of people.''' On the other hand, another Oscar consultant says the screaming doesn't matter. In the filmmakers' opinion, of course.