Dictated But Not Read Captivates In Capturing the Temping Zeitgeist

Web series production, let’s face it, can be a gamble — especially for the independent creator, who’s often funding the bulk of the production out-of-pocket, with no guarantee of success. But for those who put all their metaphorical chips on black, sometimes the YouTube roulette wheel has the courtesy to stop where it should. And that’s the case with Dictated But Not Read, from first-time writer/director Marty Rossum.

You might argue that that the mockumentary/vlog hybrid Dictated is treading similar ground as previous series, such as quarterlife, but the truth is that while we’ve listened plenty to Angelenos in their mid-20s, the voice of a disaffected 28-year-old Sherman Oaks temporary worker (“temp”) has rarely had a chance to be heard. And as a spokesperson for this subculture, Lucie (Claire Wellesley) is a compelling lead, bringing pathos to the world of temps working specifically in the entertainment industry.

Struggling with familial pressure to set up a Roth IRA while working for $18 an hour, Lucie is haunted by memories of her recent firing, the mystery behind which adds some powerful stakes to the ongoing narrative (and has also been spun off into an upcoming ARG component). Part film noir vixen, part screwball comedienne, Wellesley adds both pathos and wit to the proceedings: a delightful running gag is her continual inability to remember to pick up a present for her best friend’s baby shower, despite the fact that she lives next door to a Kids R’ Us.

The almost Dogma-esque choice to shoot every scene, including Lucie’s office and the local 7/11, within the confines of Rossum’s apartment gives the series a charming low-fi quality that reminds audiences of Michel Gondry’s more inspired efforts. But, even though he’s working with a cast derived mostly from his friends, Rossum does have one ace up his sleeve — he’s the second cousin of Star Trek: The Next Generation‘s Jonathan Frakes.

“I called him up and reminded him of the money he owes my mom,” Rossum deadpanned via phone, “and he came by to do a few scenes, no problem.” Frakes is a major draw as the delightfully jaded owner of the temp agency that staffs out Lucie and her friends, adding extra life to the three shots in which he appears during the first six episodes made available for preview. Also, Rossum was lucky enough to have some costs defrayed with minimal sponsorship (although, watching Frakes knowingly wink as he hands Lucie a carefully-displayed box of Kotex on her way to the bathroom is just the slightest bit creepy).

Ultimately, Dictated represents a bold step forward for the medium, an epic revision of what we thought online video could do. At least, as far as I could tell in the minute and a half I was able to watch before the player froze on me and I switched over to watching videos of cats. Streamy winner next year? Only time will tell — but for now, it’s got my vote.

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