For every hit-television program, there are about 10 duds. How do these terrible shows (or even the good ones) make it to the broadcasting airwaves? Blame (or thank) those who watched the pilots in focus groups. ASI Entertainment has been in the business for 40 years helping producers and studios asses if they have a hit pilot on on their hands.
ASI Entertainment may appear a bit "sketchy" upon initial arrival. Although the building is nice enough; the lobby of ASI features old movie posters (such as "The Firm" and "Addams Family Values") which had me worried that this was going to be a terrible experience. After filling out some paperwork and waiting... and waiting... and waiting; ASI was finally ready to begin the focus groups.
The process of a pilot focus group has three steps. ASI split us into groups and filed us into various stadium-seating theater rooms with movie screens and two-way mirrors (I didn't expect these theaters and was pleasantly surprised). Although the seating is slightly uncomfortable, they are attached to high-tech gadget remotes which monitor your reactions to the show you are watching as a computer compiles the data. If you've ever been to a movie screening, you may be familiar with these contraptions.
After watching the show, the second step involves filling out a questionnaire (in my case, this was 3 pages) but it is simple and straight-forward. ASI encourages "writing a paragraphs" to open-ended questions so that they can truly gage reactions. The final step has ASI breaking the theater groups into smaller focus group panels whom are ushered into other rooms to have a market discussion. The great thing about this part? The client doesn't always need everyone which means you do have the possibility of going home early (with pay, of course!). This happened to me which means I got to leave an hour early but with the same amount of pay as the others who stayed. SCORE! Payment is in the form of a check, so don't have expect cash in your hands, however.
Employees at ASI were pleasant and quite professional which again, I found surprising. I was expecting a more ragtag environment (due to the fact that I was asked to participate in this via Craigslist). How is the parking situation? ASI has free parking across the street in a garage and there is ample street parking in the residential area steps away from the building.
For the record, don't try to update your Facebook status or tweet during the experience. This is strictly prohibited and ASI makes sures all electronic devices are turned off. In fact, they are trying to create a check-in process so that you can't even take them into the theaters or focus rooms.
So, the next time you wonder, "How the HECK did this crap get on TV?!" blame your fellow TV-viewers. Or better yet, take part in a focus group and voice your own opinion. Plus, get paid to do it! read more