Sci-Fi Short Film "D.A.D" | DUST | Online Premiere

A workaholic father comes home to discover his twin daughters have built a digital android doppelgänger that they lovingly call D.A.D.
"D.A.D." by James A Sims
Connect with the Filmmakers:
jamesasims.com/
/ jamesasims
More About "D.A.D":
James Benjamin is a loving father who loves his family, but works too much. After his latest work trip, he returns home to discover that his twin daughters, Abby and Ella, have built an impressive android they’ve labeled the "Digital Android Doppelganger," or for short, D.A.D. Now, having to live with a robot who walks, talks, and thinks just like him, James has to find balance between work and family life or risk losing the special place in his daughters’ lives.
"D.A.D" Credits:
DARIEN SILLS-EVANS - James / D.A.D.
KRISTEN CORONA - Angela
JOEY THE JERK - Willy
GABRIELLA SIMS - Ella
ISABELLA SIMS - Abby
DIRECTED BY - JAMES A. SIMS
SCREENPLAY BY - JAMES A. SIMS AND DANNY ZANGGER
PRODUCED BY - BRIAN HAWKINS AND JAMES A. SIMS
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - BRIAN HAWKINS
EDITED BY - JAMES A. SIMS
ORIGINAL SCORE BY - MATT THALIN
SPECIAL EFFECTS SUPERVISOR - JAMES A. SIMS
“SHUT UP & DANCE” Written and Performed by JOEY THE JERK and produced by GR. JSNBEITS
Special Thanks:
Steven Tickner
John Naviera
Jenna Sims
3D MODELS BY:
Jotrain
Neutron_rus
MisterH
Re1monsen
Yanez Designs
Joshua.advityinfomedia
Exéla
iSteven
Alt
Mateusz Woliński
End Credit Character Avatars By Ready Player Me
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#DUST #scifi #shortfilm
About DUST:
DUST presents thought-provoking science fiction content, exploring the future of humanity through the lens of science and technology. From timeless classics to cutting-edge movies, series, short films, and podcasts, DUST acquires, produces and distributes all content types.
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"
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[@zatara]

So grateful to be a part of the Dust community! Hope you all enjoy!!

[@LewpyDrewpy714]

That was cutely awesome. Good job.

[@barrahart]

Welcome. And thanks for making beautiful art. Much love to you and the entire creative team from a fellow sci-fi storyteller 🤍

[@honusmom5144]

Great sci-fi short. Positive, and that’s very welcome in this day and age.

[@LewpyDrewpy714]

@@honusmom5144 wholesome. It pinpoints a very real problem.

[@honusmom5144]

@@LewpyDrewpy714 Parents who work too much are problematic but the daughters’ handling of the problem and the Dad’s response was constructive, as opposed to destructive so I consider that a positive.

[@sishowser848]

Nice to see a non violent/ horror ending for a replaced by robot video.

[@zatara]

We wanted to change it up a little! Thank you so much for watching!

[@JonathanFrost]

I had that ominous feeling as well

[@jabberwocky1707]

Yes, half expected D.A.D to decide it was in the girls interest for dad to ... go away. - There's one on Dust with Jewel Staite as a humanoid/android baby sitter that goes a bit like that.

[@berjo77]

As Dad to four daughters, I am moved. Thank you.

[@GDeNofa]

This was great! Got a few good chuckles and D.A.D looked like a legit android. Well done!

[@zatara]

So glad to hear that!!!! Thank you for taking the time to watch! Cheers!

[@craigsmith1443]

How seriously, engagingly, welcoming fun. Art can give a serious and needed message when it is done well, and this one is done very well. I enjoyed the exchanges between Darien and Joey which added a truly human depth (I'm frustrated because I know its true and I have nothing to say) to James. We've all been there and that provided sympathy and identification with him. That was a very good touch. Very well done.

[@zatara]

Thanks, Craig! We're grateful for your time watching!

[@jazzew]

That was a great one!! :D I love the lesson and how the girls taught it, so clever. Hee hee! I also love that the father didn't try to destroy D.A.D., that was nice. ;)

[@Fosten12]

that was seriously fun and heartwarming at the same time! good job on this one

[@zatara]

So thankful for you taking the time to watch!

[@jonny555ive]

This was a good one. Good episodes are getting a little few and far between these days for the dust channel. It's nice to see every now and then. Haha

[@roccov3614]

So refreshing not to have a "bad robot" ending. Just a feel good ending with a surprise twist. Nice.

[@zatara]

Thanks so much for watching, Rocco! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@missopowers]

Good to see a light-hearted story with a positive message, for a change.

[@zatara]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!

[@peggynulsen1365]

This was cute as all get out! Loved every minute. Kudos to all of you.

[@peterwinslow8329]

Original, clever, meaningful, superbly acting and presented. This could be a pilot??? Hope so!

[@elithunder]

This was really good!! Enjoyed it. A great take on a timeless lesson! Well done!

[@andrewbrunner8189]

This is fricken awesome!!! I totally love it! Superb script, acting and production. Though, I know that we all need to curb our insecurities when it comes to getting help, even from a droid. Two heads are better than one.

[@zatara]

Glad that you liked the short! Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment!

[@0neIntangible]

Dust could offer this one up again near to Father's Day every June.

[@darkbulb367]

Had my doubts, ended up NICE piece of work! Good writing, good delivery cast & crew across the board.

[@johnlg8223]

A very well executed work of excellent storytelling, art and presentation!! I see Great things on the horizon for you guys! Even a hint of future innovation to telling the human story with clarity and a light heart. I enjoyed this episode 💯 percent!

[@johnlg8223]

I was anticipating an alternate ending via a realization that the android could be programmed to take his place at the job with pay (as rent for his children’s programmed intellectual property and know how😄😄😄)…. just a bit of optimistic thinking on my part for the future and AI.

[@Seytom]

Loved this! So much personality and charm.

[@eleweyter4462]

A great movie, once more. And thank you, that there is finally a happy ending in one of your movies. ^^°

[@eu5563]

Nice to watch a dusk that had a warm ending. 🥰

[@ZeeGeeSims]

It was so great to see a video with a positive message, no bad language or violence and a great ending. Loved it so much!

[@zatara]

Thank you for watching and leaving this wonderful comment! Have a great weekend!

[@datastorm75]

Why does the future always have transparent screens? Is there some point where we want to make it possible for other people to see what we're doing, while at the same time degrading the image quality of what we see?

[@freedomwriter1995]

It's kind of like that outer limits episode "family values"

[@rollingsteady3107]

" I meant dance battle " love it! 🤣😂😅😂

[@charlesfreeman9917]

Wonderful, just wonderful. Thank you so much...

[@barrahart]

Heartfelt, with that classic family vibe, right down to the score. And oh, the twins! What a touch (I have a soft spot). Kudos to the creative team 🤍

[@zatara]

Thanks for the kind words! The composer is awesome. And the girls are my daughters so I'm biased! Thanks so much for watching!

[@barrahart]

@@zatara Oh, wow! Please send them both my best on the performances 🙏🏽 And kudos again!

[@mikedollinger6132]

This is one of the most skilled, talented stories & the most gifted actors and actress's i have seen re: sci-fi dust short film !!!

[@ocalaskyhigh]

This should be mandatory watch for ALL working D.A.D.s.

[@chelle315]

This was great and the dance battle was hilarious! Very good short!

[@zatara]

Thanks Rochelle!! ❤

[@wlawrence7794]

Way fun video, and his quick change of mind to do a dance-off was hilarious!

[@rollingsteady3107]

This was great! You guys did a great job!

[@nb4749]

Good one! I was expecting it to go all dark, but it didn't. I am glad for that!

[@RJPWritez]

I truly enjoyed the film! Great message and theme. Everyone did an excellent job!

[@zatara]

Thank you!!! Hope you're well!!

[@RJPWritez]

@@zatara You’re welcome! Hope all is well with you as well!

[@user-pw1nc3pc9r]

"'Shut up Willie nobody said that in like 40 years!" 🤣🤣

[@rottncf]

Left me with a smile on my face....Mission Accomplished!

[@Bear049]

Very good dad excellent script and outstanding acting.

[@PersonalComputer-kx3kj]

Just brilliant with a good narrative.

[@marcelmoraisluna]

Great message. Smartphones are the D.A.D's :D for that one's who still need help

[@craigme3014]

wish life was so simple. thankyou. made me smile.

[@peteruk8925]

Excellent video !!!

[@pauls5745]

when social lacking gets filled by tech, who is to blame? I think we are headed in this direction, it's scary! very cute film!

[@williamstevens8875]

Great show... Thank you very much... So close to the home I used to have

[@FWCC1]

The Dance Battle Killed Me 😆 8:56 Then they played my favorite, Holographic Chess was Surprised the human won! 10:45

[@georgemiller151]

Charming! Well done.

[@raphlvlogs271]

a future where advanced technology becomes too available

[@diracio]

This was great thank you! Recently saw the showing up trailer but as a dad into scifi this was it for me

[@zatara]

So glad you liked it! Thank you for watching!

[@jetblack1917]

This was real nice. Not everything should be dystopian.

[@RacerX888]

That was simply excellent in every way.

[@zatara]

So glad you enjoyed our work! Thank you for watching!

[@richlydiard3521]

that was a great ! i have twin daughters (8yrs old)...totally understand where the father is coming from with regards to work....great little film!

[@zatara]

Thanks, Rich! A lot of truth in this film! Thanks for watching!

[@fendonc]

A light-hearted nice story. I enjoyed that. Thank you.

[@ARWest-bp4yb]

Wow, really nicely done! Thanks to all of you for this. A "dance off! 🤣🤣👍👍

[@jasonturner4265]

I applauded this one at the end and I wanted to click on episode 2!!! I really enjoyed watching this one!!!

[@cynthiaballou4504]

Truly enjoyable on so many levels 🥰

[@xanderxalamander9492]

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand that is how the robot apocalypse starts.

[@imfromcanaadaaeh3330]

THAT WAS AWESOME!

[@thetony5474]

Wait…there’s a Disney island in the future?

[@zatara]

Haha, figured it'd be the next progression! Thanks for watching!

[@stevenscott2136]

Maybe it's the island they exile Kathleen Kennedy to, so we can have decent Star Wars movies again.

[@newhopefamilyinvestmentsll3737]

This would be a great series!

[@alecnewman6052]

i really enjoyed this one. the dance off was hilarious

[@dag1972]

Great to see your film James. Congrats!

[@hikesystem7721]

Great! Finally a story arc!

[@SynthoidSounds]

Cool story . . . the Disney channel meets DUST. The 2 girls are ridiculously cute!

[@keithwood6459]

I was really hoping D.A.D would actually explode at the end destroying half a city block. It would have been the ultimate plot twist.

[@bobalicious2696]

Well done! Loved it!

[@woodstoney]

That was very cool and also carried a good message of how important it is for us to give of our time to those we care about.

[@daviddickinson6346]

That was fun to watch, do a sequel. Cheers

[@zatara]

There's definitely more story there. Thank you for watching!

[@Marc_Gagne]

Bringing old themes new life. Kudos.

[@zatara]

Oldies but goodies! Thanks for watching Marc!

[@cliffroebuck2277]

That was good, no,it was really great. Merry Christmas.

[@truepatriots3860]

Best short film of the year 👌 .

[@kwadwoamponsah]

This was sooo darn wholesome 🥲

[@PunditKING]

This comedy is great... Old Tesla battery as a power source, rotflmao. When I heard that I knew it was going to be good show.

[@maceomathis771]

Refreshing! Great short!

[@donmcneal233]

Pretty cool & smart...!

[@UkDave3856]

So much potential for an interesting conclusion. Instead we get this wholesome sickly tripe

[@jamesevans3492]

Ouch, . . . That Was A Good 1 Jim . . . lol . . .

[@AcapulKero]

That was great!!! Thanks for this video! Made my day.

[@squirrel_bait]

Finally a really good one. I would like more like this one please.

[@toupac3195]

Why are clear phones and screens always so futuristic? It looks cool and all that, but its 2023 and we still say its impractical.

[@Chris-sx3he]

Loved it!

[@lisamcdonald8835]

That was cute! --The father should of been relieved that it was called DAD, and not, HUBBY.

[@MrNewrossman]

Perfect Friday vid, as a Dad I really loved this.

[@zatara]

So glad to hear it! Thank you for watching!!

[@txbluesguy]

Heartwarming. Good story.

[@lluviasuperacida]

Brilliant!.

[@douglasworley8422]

Thanks…Enjoying This.

[@zatara]

Thank YOU Douglas!! 😃

[@douglasworley8422]

You, re Very Welcome…God Bless.

[@sragga]

loved it. would have been cool if he found out it was a joke after he beat its head in with a shovel, and buried it in a corn field 😁

[@zatara]

There was a version early on... Thanks for watching!

[@fredweigman5853]

Well done! I really enjoyed it. Thank you :)

[@Film-DCinema]

Wow. So well done!

[@stephenwade8093]

Nice work, please continue the theme

[@kotMekong]

Someone who cares is never alone,

[@ruffrider2626]

That was great! Good job. Thanks for this. Cheers!

[@zatara]

Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed our work!

[@eviljods]

That was great, really very very good. Great job, well done :)

[@matthewjones1702]

Soooooooooo GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!

[@chimmy___]

Who's yo DADdy now! 😆

[@BigChrisENT]

I left a well paying job to be home for my kids so I felt this... Wish this is how it turned out 😂

[@poshmoth567]

Cute little film ! Loved it

[@zatara]

Thanks!!!❤

[@HeyThatsMe3]

This is why I’ve established in my son, 1) You’re not leaving home until you marry 2) Save enough to provide for 10 years 3) Work as much as possible before marriage (two or three jobs) 4) Invest invest invest 5) Be present and do better than I did

[@teebob21]

Good luck to your son finding a woman willing to marry him while he still lives at home with Mommy Dearest

[@Zoratoune]

The chess was very weird, 2 bishop on the same color, robot making an illegal move into check. Aside from that good short, with an interesting theme.

[@martw3240]

dance off, dad vs daddy, wet his charging port, worked with my damn phone

[@zatara]

Haha that would have definitely done it! Thanks for watching!

[@arunvs4176]

Boy....aint it beautiful..... What a feel good short.... I want more frm the team .....🤩

[@zatara]

Thank you Arun for the kind words! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@giraffebecky]

So cute!

[@loadtoad]

That was fun!