Use of Audio
The dialogue clarity is very good; I love it when I can actually hear what the actors are saying, especially when it is a great script! (While the levels are fairly even, I would suggest raising the overall volume of the dialogue slightly, because the music is a bit louder than the dialogue.) The background score is simple, but fits the feel of the different scenes. There were one or two instances where the music used for the fishing sequences (which sounds more laid-back) runs right up against the music used in Juan’s scenes (which is more quirky-sounding). The effect is rather jolting, so I would suggest making a longer cross-fade between the two themes.
Use of Budget
Half of the $1,500 budget went for food*, with the remaining amount going for set rental, props, wardrobe, makeup, and transportation, respectively. They were able to get a professional DP and sound mixer to volunteer their services and equipment. Considering the technical quality of the finished product, I am blown away that it only cost them this much to make the film! (By comparison, Fearsome4’s first short, Skankobite, was 9 minutes long and cost $2,000). Way to go, guys!
* Note to aspiring filmmakers: it is not uncommon for food/catering services to be a significant chunk of your budget. While $750 might sound like a lot for food, it is a small price to pay to keep your cast and crew happy and fed!
Juan plays on the computer and
enjoys random "gifts" people give him...
...while Esteban must sit through an
all-day corporate meeting.
Lasting Appeal
I have shown this film to at least two of my friends, and they really enjoyed it. This is one of those comedies that appeals to a wide audience, and can be appreciated by just about anyone. It is not dependent on experience (e.g. Office Space, which is amusing to most people, but really only hilarious if you have ever had a similar job), nor is it limited in its style of humor. Day Labor is still funny after repeated viewings, and I would highly recommend this film to my friends.
Overall Comment
Although it does not happen very often, one of my favorite things at Microfilmmaker is when we get to see new films from past directors. I enjoy watching these new submissions; I love seeing the progress these filmmakers make with each endeavor. David Lindabury is an excellent example of just such a filmmaker; he has shown incredible improvement in the last two years, since his first submission to MFM.
Day Labor is incredibly creative, very well written, and well acted. The visual quality is great; the camerawork is artistic and smooth, and the lighting quality is even and well balanced. Although the dialogue could stand to be a bit louder, and a few of the score transitions could be smoother, the audio is overall very good, with clear dialogue and appropriate music. The use of budget is outstanding, as they were able to augment their “budgeting power” with the volunteering of some professional services. The film’s appeal is broad, and just about any viewer can appreciate the humor. A great comedic short; way to go!
A
powerhouse in management, Kari
Ann Morgan successfully produced a feature length film before
coming to work at Microfilmmaker as Assistant Editor. In addition
to writing for the magazine, she's been successfully working with
various distributors to get microfilmmakers the chance for theatrical
distribution.
