About the Dave Gates "In the Background" Series

How It All Started

The idea was originally conceived as a result of two factors:

1. I like the groovy sound of having a certain type of movie on in the background (Swingin 60s, James Bond, Spy-Fi, etc.)

2. Whenever I would actually play one of these movies, I noticed that, once there was any dialogue or suspense, the movie would dominate the room, causing people to stop whatever they were doing and pay attention to the movie.

But, I thought to myself: All those scenes! All those cool sets, and music, and just the *feel* of having a swingin movie on in the background! Was there some way to duplicate that effect, in the *background* without actually having the plot of the movie step in and bring the movie to the foreground?

After hours of careful editing to eliminate *all* suspense and nearly all dialogue from a group of cool, potential "background" movies, I believe I have my answer.

Quotes from Actual Users

DG: How did you like having the video on?

User 1: It was fine. I didn't really notice it.

DG (to User 2): And how about you?

User 2: Yeah, it was fine. It was just in the background.

Warning: In preliminary case studies, one participant noted:

"You definitely don't want to try to *watch* the movie, or else you'll get frustrated each time the scene changes."

Very useful information there, indeed!

Correct

• Playing cards (or other less verbal games).
• Painting.
• Doing a jigsaw puzzle

Incorrect

• Actually trying to just *watch* the video.

Untested Uses

• Reading.
• Having a regular conversation.
• Noisy chores.
• Walking in and out of the room

So, please do enjoy. If you have any feedback feel free to report it to:

Dave Gates

davegates@linkline.com