Sci-Fi Fantasy Short Film "STRAW MAN" | DUST

At the height of the 1930’s Dust Bowl, a scarecrow must leave his post and find a way to save the only family he’s ever known. But facing the outside world proves to be a challenge when your face is a burlap sack.
"STRAW MAN" by Alexander Casimir
Connect with the Filmmaker:
www.alexcasimir.com/
/ divorcedgrandpa
/ john.laverman
/ erik_heee
/ a.d.ream3r
"STRAW MAN" Credits:
Directed By Alex Casimir
Written By John Laverman
Produced by Erik He & Aditya Vempaty
Cinematography by John Laverman
Edited by Isaac Sanchez
Production Design by Nicholas Pudjarminta & Lauren Collette
Sound Design by Benjamin Baraad
Assistant Director Gabi Ury
Music By Sebastian Sack & Jason O’Connor
Associate Producer McKinley Carlin
Associate Producer Evan O’Brien
2nd Assistant Director Connor Williams
Script Supervisor Aslan Dalgic
1st Assistant Camera Izzy Rael
2nd Assistant Camera Echan Keum
Gaffer Ezra Robinson
Key Grip Stanley Lin
Key Grip Liam Loughran
Best Boy Electric Yorgo Tzoytzoyrakos
Best Girl Grip Alexandra Miller
Grip Neil Yang
Alex Buysse
Dietz Wohle
Alisher Balfanbayez
Prop Master Taylor Ellis
Assistant Prop Master Danielle Mullins
Carpenters Danielle Mullins
Ellery Marshall
Drew Black
Katherine Xiahe
Set Dressers Taylor Ellis
Charlie Blecker
Alix Winschel
Costume Designer Lauren Collette
Patches Key Wardrobe Katie Lee
Assistant Costume Designer Gabby Occhipinti
Assistant Wardrobe Aodhan Ozawa-Burns
Chadd Alciati
Graphic Designer Nicholas Pudjarminta
Production Sound Benjamin Baraad
Boom Operators Dietz Wohle
Taher Gawad
Victoria Perez
Sound Mixer Benjamin Baraad
Assistant Editor Hanna Adams
Colorist Fio Karpenko
Still Photographer Stanley Lin
Key Make-Up and Hair Artist Luciana Suerro
Assistant Makeup Sophie Markus
Adeline Wang
Lexie Schemlzer
Assistant Hair Hope Abel
Studio Teacher Jeffrey Scott Nuttall
VFX Artist Chris Bryan
Catering Provided by La Barca Restaurant
Armando’s Lunch Truck
Big Mouth Pizza
In-N-Out Burger
Studio Teachers Provided by Stella Pacific
Casting Services Provided by Breakdown Express
CAST
Patches John Alan Hulbert
Mildred Charity Rose
Pa Rey Marz
Government Official Ben Sharples
Cletus Montgomery Jordan Ghidossi
Bank Teller Bob Sherer
Repossessor #1 Charlie Blecker
Repossessor #2 Ezra Robinson
Dancing Woman Deb Marcano
Townsfolk Kyle Sanderson
Nick Tehle
CJ Craig
Max Donovan
Jonathan Luner
Ben Laverman
Bruce Laverman
Thomas Sullivan
Willie Koch
Eric McDowell
Evan O’Brien
McKinley Carlin
Aodhan Burns
Drew Black
Claire Gostin
Mary Laverman
Isabella Marie
Sarah Wager
Brett Landin
Elizabeth Moser
Lauren Collette
Alexandra Miller
Gabby Occhipinti
SPECIAL THANKS
Peter Sherayko
Arman Gosparini
Diane
Brett
Jessica Fix
Cletus Montgomery
Stephen Flick
Brenda Casimir
Mark and Michelle Laverman
Hyma and Nagesh Vempaty
Haiou Chuang
Weibin He
William and Lizanne Ury
Carolyn and Michael Collette
Titi Rahardjo
Onky Pudjarminta
Jorge and Linda Sanchez
Nestor Trujillo
Jamie McNeill
Joseph DeRose
Kevin Maxwell
Aodhan Burns
Maggie Phillips
Michael Lappen
Yorgo Tzoytzoyrakos
Scarecrow
Stella Pacific
Wooden Nickel Lighting
Armando’s Lunch Truck
La Barca Restaurant
Big Mouth Pizza
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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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[@FishSlapsaBaby]

Hey everyone, I hope you all enjoyed watching Straw Man as much as I enjoyed directing it. And thank you to the people at DUST for featuring the film on their channel! I'm also more than happy to start a thread if anyone has any questions about the making of the short. Thank you all again for watching!

[@SnarkNSass]

That was so cool 😎💕 I thought at first that it might be the origin story for another short movie... Strawman falls in love with a robot performer who's about to die.... Always had a soft spot for the Scarecrow.... 💕💕

[@malcolmkogut]

Wonderful. Thank you for making it.

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

One of the best shorts I've seen on this channel. Did so much in so little time. Excellent choice in casting, all the actors did exceptionally well.

[@rockmyworldmusic]

I can't believe the amount of emotion you made me feel for a stack of hay. LOLOL. Nice job!

[@SparkS1166]

great job ) thank you

[@johnalanh.mp4]

That was me inside the burlap sack, it was an absolute pleasure flopping around town as Patches with this incredible cast and crew. Much love to you all, thank you for showing this story love, a lot of love went into it!💛

[@ruiner_9]

Conveying emotion without words or facial expressions must be difficult, but you nailed it without being too exaggerated. Wonderful job!

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

Wonderful chemistry between you and the young lady. Both of your performances made this sweet film work. I loved you as TWIGFOOT also. Thank you and best wishes

[@charleswhitley8999]

Excellent job!

[@tmm12345]

Amazing job as always buddy. I'm so glad you're doing what you have always wanted to do. So proud of you John. Btw it's Tammy

[@M.Campbell]

You did an excellent job. I was thinking "Wow. He's good." I did wonder if it was a bit itchy in that costume though.

[@user-gj7hx4ry3g]

My favorite kind of film. Low budget that 10 times the money wouldn't improve. Relied entirely on talent and heart, with tons of each.

[@paulalexander2928]

Brought a tear to my eye. A heart warming story. The kind of story rarely told in these times.

[@themarlboromandalorian]

Same. I just worry they'll hang the father for "robbing the bank". Clothes are right there on display.

[@bruceolga3644]

Ewe huemans should know that this is not a story...

[@MR_MR843]

I'm guessing the girl is dorothy 🤣

[@bruceolga3644]

@@MR_MR843 no ewe huemans are cliche clones...

[@leroyj3627]

That's the word I was looking for! "Heartwarming!" Fun and clever movie.

[@icequ1211]

Absolutely lovely. The dust, the straw, the wind, and The Love. We need more well-told tales of hope like this. Thank you for your creation and for sharing!

[@Howard-ur2rj]

Fricking awesome right to the end when refurbished straw man caught his hat. Made me laugh and cheer !!!!

[@GDeNofa]

Why am I crying…?! 😭 Seriously, this was unexpectedly adorable and wholesome. Loved it!

[@bufkin2011]

Beautiful heart warming, and refreshing story. Her love brought Patches to life. Then Patches returns that love,in his own unique way,and the cycle of love continues. Awesome story telling at its greatest expression. Thank you for sharing this most uplifting experience 🙂👍💯💯💯

[@trmon8890]

This was great and a lot of respect goes out to patches. I can only imagine wearing that costume while filming. Bravo!!! excellent short film

[@kurtbilinski1723]

Wait, there was someone inside? :)

[@johnalanh.mp4]

That was me inside the burlap sack! Thank you so much for your kind words. Much love to you all!💛

[@0neIntangible]

Right, plus the body control of his legs and torso bending at near obtuse positions... I suspect some gymnastics training or stuntman style slings were involved... impressive all the same.

[@peterruiz6117]

Really ! I remember my wrestling days, watching Patches flop foward.....Getting twisted into a pretzle....Flexible.... The bent knee-laying back flat was one stretch we did.

[@m118lr]

@@0neIntangible ..nah, not necessarily..JUST YOUTH and health will generally do it with a modicum of flexibility/coordination.

[@YoungGandalf2325]

Excellent. We all need Patches in our lives.

[@lisaj2269]

the actor who played strawman made it worth it. Really great work. Though for a very simple and not super original story, it was well done - enough to suspend my natural tendency to snark. Nicely done overall.

[@sillysausage72]

Straight to the heart. Well done.

[@scottwolf3973]

Amazingly well done. Easily one of the best short stories I’ve ever seen with Dust. Seriously great story telling, setting, and acting. Wow.

[@strixcz]

I'm a grown man and you made me cry like a little kid. And I liked it :) Thank you for melting my heart in these trying times!

[@lauratheexplora5020]

THIS WAS THEEEE BEST short! This had me engaged and intrigued. The story was original and a breath of fresh air! Executed perfectly!!👏🏻👏🏻BRAVO👏🏻👏🏻

[@humanmusic]

I want to see more shorts about the strawman committing worse and worse crimes as he gets bolder and bolder. Fire is his only enemy, that and clothes that are ripping and about to fall off.

[@DAoutaouais]

If the director has serious ambitions of taking this 'round the film festival circuit, collecting an award or two, if I were you, I wouldn't hold my breath, hoping that yours is the direction that he goes next. HOWEVER, I DO suggest that you wire him two pints' worth of cash, and invite him to a Skyped meeting at a pub, to offer up your alternative visions and pick his brain for dark places he might've imagined Patches going. Provide motivation - like the girl getting maimed by baddies - for the protagonist's journey, from "straw man" to "scarecrow". Imagine Guillermo del Toro re-working John Wick! SERIOUSLY, if you have the initiative, you never know where such a conversation will lead. You MIGHT end up able to make a fan film, with advice from Straw Man's director, for the price of beer and an "executive producer" credit! I wish you luck.

[@dougholliday467]

Thank you so much Mr. Casimir for this super fantastic little gem. The dust bowl happening in Oklahoma brought back some significant memories. My dad & his family fled the dust bowl early on and came to California. lol I could just imagine one of his sisters performing the same thing. Odd sometimes, what the imagination can do. Thanks to all for the production & best to you all in the future. Sincerely, Sentebey

[@LOLmusics]

That bank scene was kind of funny - loved this!

[@lexfauser3009]

OMG, what a heartwarming, emotional (with a smile and a tear) and very unique story! My compliments to the entire crew who worked on this great SHORT DUST film! Especially for the actor who played PATCHES! How strange but super nimble he keeps moving, falling over, getting up and walking in that straw costume with a closed (!) burlap bag over his head: unbelievably handsome!

[@glen7228]

Fantastic! Pulled all the right heart strings and had a happy ending. This is easily one of the best shorts I've seen a while.

[@kimberlybiss]

We absolutely loved Straw man. My entire house stopped swiping through their gidget gadgets, and all zoned in on mine; which was playing your Straw Man. Everyone put theirs down and enjoyed SM to the point that we all anonymously spoke and said that they wished there was more episodes. You did a fantastic job as well as everyone else who assigned in the making. I just wanted to take the time and say "Thank you" and to let you all know that your gift is widely received and recognized here in The Biss's & even the Platt's family household and we ALL look forward into watching any other creations you come up with. Kiddos to you and yours. PS: Awesome timing with Fall Season and Halloween time 🎃🌾 Loyal followers of Dust & your's truly, Kim Biss & Charles Platt family ❤️🌹

[@Jasongvl]

Wow. Amazing! This should get plenty of awards!!

[@STime_4_YT]

Such a beautiful story! As to several others, it brought tears to my eyes, too. It depicted the love and affection, experienced so intensely only by children, so nicely. I loved how Patches came into life, some movements were really acrobatic. And the bank robbery scene was so much fun. Great story, acting and filming, congratulations and thanks to the creators!

[@stacymcgee5378]

Never thought I would love a scarecrow so much . Good film

[@BTCtrees]

I smoked a joint and cried, true story

[@lynnt092952]

Such a great short! Your film making is astounding. If this were a full length movie, I would be the first one in line to see it. Very heart warming, especially in this era of time.

[@nancyM1313]

This Strawman had a heart❤

[@Yupitsasela]

Congratulations to the cast and crew for this wonderful short film! My friend John Alan did an amazing job as Patches. Amazing yet heartbreaking short film!

[@markfoster1520]

Charity Rose...... you couldn't make up a better name for the young actress.

[@donaldccook8899]

Brilant weaving of story line and direction! It stands on its own, yet could see it expanded into more of a feature film. Keep up the excellent work!

[@thedancingdreamman]

Such a nice retelling of the snow man. Good job guys, what a wonderful piece.

[@bradgarrett7790]

Accept it was not a snow man....LOL But yeah we get ya.

[@JAGtheTrekkieGEMINI1701]

Damn... I was *SO READY* for a "Grim turn" for the Straw Man becoming a Killer due to all the negative events He/It had with the Human towns people 😂

[@stevenscott2136]

Turns out the girl's subconscious power to animate objects is wildly unpredictable. First try a helpful friend, second try Slenderman. 😁

[@JAGtheTrekkieGEMINI1701]

@@stevenscott2136 Haha Sounds Like *cruel* Straw Man sequel 👍

[@danspencer9499]

So sorry that only 5% of viewers give a good video a "thumbs up"! That really helps get it out to more viewers. Help these great content makers out!

[@jessereyes7009]

We need to make sure" DUST" would accept your stories and make known to more households! Because you do have talent to create great stories!

[@deanbarnette1602]

This completely broke my heart even more because my sister loves scarecrows & unfortunately I lost her this last month just after she turned 61 years old in July, so this hit me hard on so many levels & I hate that I can't share these withmy big sister today, she would have loved this with all her heart so it breaks my heart that I cant share these with her today, Iove & miss Robin, love your brother Dino.... 💔 😢

[@johnalanh.mp4]

I am so sorry for your loss!!! Bless you and your loved ones, may your sister rest peacefully!

[@deanbarnette1602]

@@johnalanh.mp4 Thank you I appreciate that 💜🙏🏼

[@izziOnBass]

I think Patches represents all the unseen forces who have helped us for who we are today!

[@jerrychan1471]

Loved the story! It was fun to see the straw man come to life, esp. how he was able to maintain character in the way that he folded himself to an upright position. The girl's performance was also very good. Excellent imagery, very believable sets. Look forward to seeing more from you!

[@onebridge7231]

Patches’ dismount and stroll into town is my 3am skip from the pub! 🤗

[@AffordBindEquipment]

Great story! At the end, all I could think of was how many takes they had to do for him to catch that hat just right 🙂

[@reinereine1896]

A true feel good film. Excellent. The friendship between Milly and Patches were simply beautiful.

[@claybryon4955]

She did great! I hope she becomes famous.

[@donutwindy]

A lot of dust film are annoying as they have good intros that go nowhere. But this one, is a complete story. And it is good. It is what I wanted: a pleasant escape from daily life, form the hectic pace of the world even from modern entertainment. A simple story, told well, that flows well and doesn't waste time. It is everything going to the movies was meant to be. Well done. The best 12 minutes of my day. Thank you.

[@fabled-pilgrim]

To give a performance through nothing more than physical movement is very impressive and an art form in itself. The straw man had great physicality but also expressed sadness in an understated and nuanced way. I love this film and just wish it had been a little longer so that the story could've been developed just a little more. Well done to all involved.

[@irishdevil1490]

That was the best movie I seen in 10 year's !!!! That movie was priceless......

[@BeauNero666]

My grampy talked about the dust bowl and how the snow/rain here in New England was red for quite some time. Getting to the point, I just cried watching this, and in a good way, because I never ever really cry., nor comment much on anything. Such great filming and acting all around to everyone. Y'know it's good if you made someone feel what you were doing. Peace and straw love.

[@jeconnor44]

Truly a scarecrow outstanding in his field...😊

[@woodturner1954]

One of the best short stories I've seen in a long time. Keep at it.

[@harvest4peace]

that was great!!!.it called all the right emotions to the front.

[@victoriaguitar]

Thank you for this lovely and heartwarming tale of Straw Man and Milly.

[@michaeljones7183]

Nice. Well done and very touching. Good job.

[@faustocardy5018]

I almost cried, it's just too cute and sweet.

[@thebones]

Right now I need some love and 'Straw Man' delivered in spades. Excellent storytelling and cinema photography.

[@roldayan]

A great little actress, a good history and well directed

[@pfang100]

One of the best DUST short film I have watched. Great Job!!!!

[@czlowiekzhuty]

This young actress is amazing! Great story, funny and heart warming.

[@poppabearskitchen1769]

Great story, not all hero's wear a cape.

[@jonny2r]

How wonderfully charming. Well done all.

[@joanwallace1373]

This was so, so cute and heart touching. Thanks a bunch!!!!

[@deathmetalsl]

Geez this was heavy. What an absolute masterpiece ❤️

[@M.Campbell]

One of the best stories I've seen on this channel. Loved it. Thank you for making and sharing it with us!

[@EARTHMUSIC3]

Incredible short films; have only watched 2 and am thrilled to have found you! I have been wondering what Marissa Tomei has been doing! She is still as gorgeous as ever, and cannot wait to watch them all. Thanks to Straw Man - great job and incredibly flexible!

[@billcurls8871]

A heart warming story!

[@catl1783]

Sweet! A real gem, high tech cgi and all that jazz not needed to weave a good story.

[@themartian3300]

That was truly heartwarming.

[@koreamsp77]

I wonder how many good straw men exist in these days . Heartwarming and touching. Great job indeed.

[@561ismael]

With everything on the line Patches hit a lick for the fam.... Respect 💯

[@pattylabella9584]

One of the best short films i have seen in a long time! Great acting from Patches (and not a word said)! I loved the two dancing scenes! Wonderful short about the power of a loving relationship! Bravo!

[@charlestaylor3195]

That was great, it really was. Way to go Dust.

[@colonelhermesl.1710]

Wholesome story. Good writing and acting! I really loved it, made me smile after a hard day. I was a bit afraid that after the gunshot Patches would have turned bad and started hating humans but no... he stays good hearted 🥰

[@martintrapper5366]

Damn tears my heart out especially with grand daughter.

[@drewroe3455]

This didn't just pull on my heartstrings, it ripped them out and put them back in again... 🙏💜💪🌏✅

[@eyecomeinpeace2707]

The young girl gave the strawman a big heart.

[@raphlvlogs271]

it has a great deal of fantasy and nostalgia

[@jasmingrande8074]

I loved the friendship like how. You did well with. The shots costumes everything was perfect

[@echospaw899]

Captivating sad, happy story.

[@highdesert50]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for an utterly uplifting story, a hero's journey done with wit, humor and a good dose of hope. What a pleasure to watch something other than another depressing post-apocalyptic short film.

[@SaxonArmamentsCo]

Really well done. Ive sent it on to my daughters.

[@beautifulfaith9367]

Wonderful 🎉🥰🐾🐾🎉🎉🎉🐾🐾

[@empathic_light]

This waas such a heart-warming and adorable flick.

[@lynnscadden1446]

An incredible, heartwarming tale. Told with inordinate skill and superb acting.

[@rudevalve]

Certified Gold!!!!!

[@luckymull230]

Beautiful fairy tale, and all actors were excellent! Congrats!

[@herreaper486]

That was the sweetest thing ever!!

[@renekingfisher9065]

That was so sweet!! Loved it!!

[@Omegavision79]

Beautiful story. How many of us need a Patches in our lives?

[@benninger123]

another awesome short Dust you are amazing everyone who is involved in making these short movies are amazing. never stop

[@brucethompson7214]

A very touching story. Well done!

[@rabidcougar6465]

Finally, a Dust video that I thoroughly enjoyed.......Well done!

[@geraldkalisik8086]

Awesome, the little girl was excellent as was Patches.

[@solomonstines6518]

Who ever played the scare crow is awesome

[@opinando.]

Wonderful, thanks for stories like this.

[@jimsmith556]

So well done everyone. A great heartwarming story. Congratulations!

[@septimuswarrensmith879]

A rose is a rose is a rose. Charity Rose--a perfect name for an amazing young actor. Am I a soft touch or what? Keep up the great work, girly two shoes!

[@dcj212]

Loved it soooo much, the innocence, the pure love of a childs mind 🧚‍♂️🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@Lucky_Chase]

That was great! Thanks a bunch, all of you who put the time into this and delivering a solid piece of work for us to enjoy. Thank you.

[@billyandrew]

Well, now you've dug yourself into a very deep hole! Terrific film, truly terrific, but, somehow, you have to live up to that, if not surpass it, with the next film. I don't envy you. 😂😂😂 Kudos to everyone involved and thanks for uploading!

[@sydecarnutz972]

Beautifully acted and very touching. Thank you for this.

[@ronhanks4610]

This was a awesome video, thank you. What we need is a story about love and friendship theses days.

[@michaelb.42112]

So much to say without saying a word... VERY tough to pull of successfully.

[@kayray4858]

Could you put a WARNING in the title “MAY NEED TISSUES” please thankyou, oh and thru my tears I just loved it❤️❤️🌹❤️

[@thephantomraspberryblower2675]

Lovely tale. Nice one.