Use of Budget
Few times have I been more impressed by a filmmaker’s resourcefulness. The majority of the budget went toward camping gear, two inflatable rafts, and a tent (used in the film and then sold after shooting was complete). They also paid $750 for access to the grounds of a local university, which included use of restrooms, dressing rooms, and the cafeteria. While $750 is a lot of money, it sure beats sleeping in tents, or the especially pricey option of driving back and forth to a location each day. To top it all off, after all that, they were still able to pay their actors $25 a day and provide lunch. This was definitely not a bad deal, particularly considering that most actors are unpaid for their performances in microfilms.
Lasting Appeal
“Bad Spirits” has some great visual elements – as with the use of a dolly and green screening, which were well done. Also, it is a very interesting story. There are a few things that could be improved and be worked on – namely the low-lit, interior scenes that probably need to be re-shot, a story that doesn’t drag in spots; and some more ambient, nature sound, as opposed to suspenseful music. But, all in all, it really is an entertaining film.
Besides, it is beyond impressive that a husband and wife team (Ray Etheridge manages the creative side, while his wife Migdalia works as producer, administrator, hair, makeup, etc) are able to make films together, without killing each other.
The two set out in search
of treasure anyway...
...But are unprepared for the unhappy
spirits they are about to unleash.
Overall Comment The concept of “Bad Spirits” is quite an interesting one. Most people have probably wanted to be a treasure hunter at some time in their life. Comparatively, a film such as “National Treasure” is certainly entertaining, but is not that realistic. “Bad Spirits” has a similar type of historical mystery, but in a more believable way. There is definitely a supernatural element to this film, that might scare off the more superstitious. But being presented with the typical person being able to discover history’s secrets inspires me to want to try, too.
The
author of half a dozen screen plays, two novels, and a proficient
camera-woman in her own right, Monika
DeLeeuw-Taylor is Microfilmmaker's lead writing analyst and
one of our top film reviewers. When she's not writing a critique for
Microfilmmaker, she's writing screenplays for Viking Productions.
