Fleet used wireless microphones to record the on-screen dialogue for Fvoyer. It can be heard rather clearly most of the time. However, there is a slightly fuzzy, distorted quality to the dialogue recorded using the mics that becomes tiresome as the film wears on. It seems like Fleet recorded his off-screen actors using a different method. I don’t hear the same quality in their dialogue. The only time the wireless mic setup didn’t work well was when Nichole stood outside her apartment building and talked to Justin on her cell phone. When the conversation began, there was loud feedback as Justin spoke. Nichole’s dialogue could be heard without disruption. I’m not quite sure why this occurred, but it worked itself out a couple of sentences into the scene. However, the feedback was severe enough that I think it should have been omitted. Fleet could have worked around this with the audience hearing only Nichole’s dialogue. She reflected enough of what Justin said to communicate his thoughts and intentions.
The audio throughout the film seemed plausible. As actors changed physical locations, the sound changed with them. When a pizza delivery guy appeared to open his car door, the music coming from his car became louder. Fleet seemed careful to pay close attention to these nuances. I only have a couple of suggestions here. It would have been nice to have more of a distinction in the sound between individuals talking in the foyer and outside. Maybe additional sound effects could have been added during the dialogue outdoors to communicate this. Also, it seemed like the vocal quality of the investigators kept changing. It sounded as if they were all using one mic and were at varying distances from it as they recorded their lines.
Nathan Fleet’s budget for this film was $100. That was used to rent a van, pay for VHS tapes and buy food and gas. Fleet admits that the cast and crew were friends and acquaintances in the film and music industry. Also, he did all the scoring and sound editing himself. With only one camera shot with no video editing needed, plus a professional cast and know-how for the audio, Fleet was well positioned to be able to make a film for such a small amount. Without all that, he would have needed a larger budget.
Although the concept is a good one, I don’t think I’ll be watching this version of Fvoyer again. I had to watch it twice to fully appreciate much of its substance, but that was difficult to do considering its current production value. I definitely encourage Mr. Fleet to take this concept and refine it. It has the potential to be a great movie. (Perhaps finding a way to disconnect the camera so that it can be taken along into the action. With some creativity, you might be able to create the immersiveness of the JJ Abram film, Cloverfield.)
Overall, Fvoyer has a lot of potential. The premise is clever and believable and the actors and audio make this production work. Nathan Fleet has a great foundation and framework to build upon. With more money invested and good camera work, this can be a great film. Even if he doesn't reshoot this film, I look forward to what his creativity can come up with in his next film!
