There was some really nice comical-sounding ambient music throughout this film, and there was an equally nice touch added where the music stopped strategically during some of the funny bits, then starts back up again (think of the comedy, Nothing To Lose, when they stop the car and Martin Lawrence runs out to use the restroom). It was a small effect, but certainly a good one.
The dialogue was mostly clear, although there were a few occasions where the volume dropped as though the microphone had been pointing away from the subject speaking. It’s tricky to get proper microphone placement in larger spaces, but these moments of dropping audio need to be fixed in order to make the final project better. Remember to keep shotgun mics between 1 and a ½ feet and 2 and a ½ feet from your talent’s lips to get optimum audio clarity. (And remember to have someone listening to the recorded dialogue with good head phones at all time to make sure the audio sounds satisfactory.)
This film’s budget of only $150 was spent on Mini DV tapes and food for the crew. And I was quite impressed that only that much money was spent in the whole film. The acting was good for actors who weren’t compensated (although many actors will be quick to admit that they are perfectly happy with a good meal.)
The location also seemed quite familiar as a rather popular video store (which shall remain nameless), which made me a bit concerned as far as potential copyright issues. The filmmakers did a good job, however, of using wider shots and not getting close enough to any copyrighted images to cause any potential problems.
This film has some really funny moments, and its two main characters certainly have the potential for a film in the same vein as Clerks, which could probably turn into a cult classic. However, it does need a clearer structure and plot, a bit more humor, a better backstory, and some cleaner shots and effects. Previously Viewed has great potential to be a really funny movie, but it just needs a bit more work.
There are some great moments in this film. The dichotomy between a cynical and lackadaisical worker and his enthusiastic colleague makes for some great interactions. This story could go in so many different directions, and any one of them will likely be fun to watch, so long as proper care is taken to tell the story.
