Sci-Fi Short Film: "SPARKS!" | DUST

A happy, code-typing worker android falls in love with his human female supervisor. Just one problem: every time he sees her, his heart literally explodes.
"SPARKS!" by Robert Benjamin
Connect with the Filmmakers:
www.robert-ben...
/ robertbenjaminx
"SPARKS!" Credits:
Hero - Aaron Busse
Jane - Katrina Schmidt
Neil - Javon Alvin
Fix-It Man - Joseph Miller
Tom - Chris Pecchenino
Co-Worker - Ron Drynan
Director / Writer - Robert Benjamin
Executive Producer - Robert Benjamin
Producers - Sean Gearing & Joshua Paul
Director of Photography - Sean Gearing
Original Score - Zach Valdivia
Editor - Robert Benjamin
1st AD - Jenna Lolli
2nd AD - Michelle Nadjar
1st AC - Heather Aradas
2nd AC - Traiana Nescheva
DIT - Wayne Reese
Art Director - Molly Bailey
Set Designer - Zach Vantilborg
Hair & Make Up - Ash Ortiz
Audio Post - Post Production Inc.
Gaffers - Ryan Galvan, Max Allen
Key Grip - Alfredo Montenegro
Grips - Steven Gonzalez & Esko Robinson
Sound - Luis Alfaro & Steven Gonzalez
Wardrobe - Brittany Young & Danielle Arpon
Production Assistants - Jesse Riley, Nick Patterson, Erica Chan, & Lundon Boyd
Visual FX - Robert Benjamin
Colorist - Robert Benjamin
Post Production Services - Heart Sleeve Creative
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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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[@Shortlore]

Hello! Writer / director here! Thank you all so much for checking out our film. I’ll be thrilled to answer any questions!

[@meerathegreyhound1044]

Where did the idea come from for this film?

[@bryanbridgwood6923]

Why does she remove her jacket to retrieve the robot, and why wouldn't she roll him like a log rather than drag him?

[@lesliemckell-barnes4791]

L L pp please please

[@rickolive7828]

Great job! Full story, with a message, and welled acted, directed, written and filmed, good luck to all your future endeavors!

[@_lithp]

I very much admire the effort. I could not write and direct a film. But the story and the world you created feels really dated.

[@tombates1435]

The eloquence! She gave her heart to him! A very heart-warming tale!

[@dncviorel]

it, not him 🙃

[@rottncf]

Beautiful actress....reminded me of Jennifer Connelly...she did a great job and I hope she has a bright future.

[@leeakers4525]

OMG! A Dust with an ending. And a happy ending. Love it. Love the film too. Good work.

[@vincemartinez171]

I gotta see it to believe it ! A Dust Short with an ending? Let me get it straight, it’s an ending that you can understand ? I may be asking for too much, does it have a plot too ? Here I go , can hardly wait!

[@BadlandNP]

Good story, well acted, no, exceptionally acted! Filmography was well done. And a '61 Buick convertible!! What a nice bit of retro to contrast the new robotics!! Spot on short! Thanks!!

[@Shortlore]

Nice! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@odacruz4986]

I love everything Dust, and that old Buick♥️

[@monro2159]

Oh this was a very heartwarming, orgininal story with great production values. Great direction, cinematography, editing and performances. Was drawn in from start to finish. Great work.

[@Shortlore]

What a comment! Thanks so much and thank you for watching!

[@mcgregor711]

Yeah this one was definitely a good one. Didn't have to fast foward at all.

[@irvinscottprovinglifeandlo4830]

Lol it took a minute but it's a chick flick

[@quokka_11]

Casting was immaculate too.

[@fortunato1957]

Great! Retro style embedded in a super modern plot. The old Buick, the antagonist (and all other androids) dressed like one of "Kraftwerk" right on stage...

[@thaska6106]

Congratulations to Robert Benjamin and his talented team. Special effects incredible, script (including girl's revenge fantasies) it is out of this world. Fear, suspense, progress, harassment, compassion, love and infatuation come together in this unique piece with exquisite elaboration. Performances are excellent. Sound effects sound very good.

[@Shortlore]

WOW WOW WOW!! Thank you so much for these kind words!

[@conrad13579]

The Revenge visuals certainly added to this, especially since it had to be separate scenes.

[@iamtherealbritney]

the script was sexist and racist af, I knew it was a mens team the second they showed heels, boobs; butt, because only a man can fall in love with a woman for her body. And only black man are obviously harrassers. And obviously a damsel in distress needs to be rescued by another man, even though it's a robot. Just your average white male hero story, wrapped in sci fi. Boooooring, next

[@fredmoss3515]

This is what's so missing from our films today - a good story. Great film .... hope to see more from you.

[@andrejsasd8904]

Positive and light-hearted sci-fi? That's illegal! :D But seriously, really good short movie. I like that in15 minutes this film shows complete story.

[@tessacyclone6329]

Positive and light heart scifi that illegal lol ? Douglas Adams just phoned from 95 and told me to tell you to eat his bum biscuits

[@maruiscordier2042]

What a wonderful production, I loved every moment of the short. The acting was brilliant, and the score was brilliant. The writer, the production team, and the cast did a brilliant job. This is without doubt the best Dust had to offer this year. I even saved it in my youtube playlist to watch later again. It's so original and it was a heartwarming story with a powerful message. Thank you !!!!

[@Shortlore]

Amazing to hear!! Can’t thank you enough!

[@mdhj67]

The vintage Buick was a nice touch!

[@yosemitedan7457]

Somehow I saw Rowan Atkinson, Mr. Bean as the android. The guy just had the same mannerisms and facial expressions. And in my mind that equates to high praise. Not only was this short good in it's own right, it got me thinking about another good thought. Now that is entertainment. Thank you.

[@erikt1713]

This film goes against recent stereotypes in a refreshing way. First of all the android is a man and the human is a woman. Besides being the supervisor, the woman is also good with tools and can fix the guy. In addition they were not afraid to have a black man as the bad guy. In fact, that's a sign of entering a future that has overcome racism. If a black man could never be a perpetrator of sexual harassment in a movie, this taboo would also still show racism.

[@Higggzzz]

The ghost in the machine is a heart. Perhaps the heart of the host dedicated to the android program? Maybe he's still in there. I dig it. A refusal to be committed to programming!? Love never dies they say. Edit: I decided to call him SCANdrew. I'll call her Nikola Testa.

[@jamesmorgan1063]

Every attention to detail was synchronous and flawless. The payback was proportional and spot on. Loved it!

[@Shortlore]

Wow!! Thank you!!

[@wm.tomlinson1434]

When a woman gives her heart to a man who truly loves her, no matter how humble that man may be, she can see greatness produced in him.

[@kingxxmeatkingxxmeat9071]

That’s why it’s a robot there ain’t no man like there may be a Simp

[@Shortlore]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@paulcosgrove6160]

Genuinely superb. This channel has more talent than the total of all mainstream content in my honest opinion.

[@Godrules1111]

One man's garbage is another man's treasure. Just as every puzzle can be solved, where there's a will there's a way!

[@biglakejudy]

I truly loved this short. It was so well done, and so sweet. you can only watch so many soul sucking aliens before you become weary. Thank you.

[@stephanhuebner4931]

What's wrong with soul sucking aliens? :-p

[@Shortlore]

LOL! I really appreciate it. THANK YOU!

[@nathanhyde2079]

Here you got sucking on robot stuff instead lmao

[@sirbelphegory9828]

Lovely story....beautifully told....fantastic use of camera angles and POV scenes...really tried to make you feel what he was feeling and seeing...superb effects....artfully done and not glaringly typical CGI that looked like it was done on a x486 PC! Really enoyed this little movie, made my night. Big thank you to all involved..keep up the good work and hope there will be lots more!!

[@Shortlore]

This makes my day! Thank you!

[@sirbelphegory9828]

Only giving credit where credit is due😊 Looking forward to your future projects 👍

[@woodstoney]

She's been needing him as long as he's been wanting her. Great film!

[@darkbulb367]

Great job on sound design, subtle bot noises did not go unappreciated. Environmental sounds, subtle & unnoticed. The audio dept. is one of the most unappreciated. Super job guys, you nailed it! At some point the A.I. of all internet nannies will use this post against me.

[@RocksterOO1]

What the hell is this? A short with a beginning, middle AND an ending... on Dust? None of that lazy, "Oh, we left it to the viewer to make his/her own mind up what happened.", nonsense we usually get. Wow! This is uncharted territory. I don't know if I'm ready for this. Is anyone?

[@Kayjee17]

This one was simply beautiful. The story line was straightforward with a beginning, middle, and an end; an yet it left so much room for speculation. How did a simple work robot fall in love? Was it the upgrade? If all the robots were upgraded, would they have the capability to love too? Was it the fact that she literally gave him her heart that brought him back to life? And if so, was that how he was able to provide the proof she needed to get her abusive boss fired? Most importantly, what's next for the two of them? Could their love for each other (and maybe help from a friendly mechanic) enable him to grow into a sentient being?

[@johncunningham4820]

When his " Chamber " blew the second time I burst out laughing . Not the Third time though . Old Tech Guy really seemed to care . Nice . The Young Lady , Katarina Schmidt , reminds me a bit of Sigourney Weaver when she was younger . EXCELLENT little Movie .

[@chap666ish]

Definitely one of the best Dust videos I've seen. Thank you.

[@josiah42]

I'm impressed I couldn't predict where this story was going moment to moment. It was fun the whole time. Very original.

[@yemarican]

I watch many of Dust films, but whoever wrote this has a very good sense of humor especially the part of the woman's evil imaginations of revenge.. that was super cool man lol

[@Failte630]

Aaah this was like a modern day fairy tale. Thanks.

[@kencanvey]

I really enjoyed that one, great story and well made ... perfect ... would love to see some sort of series .... the secret life of an office robot hero and his female human companion!!! 🤖😎🕵

[@jmaraf7741]

Great story....and the best way to get him fired! And watching her trying to lift and move the robot had me laughing in hysterics.

[@Shortlore]

Love hearing it! Thanks!

[@katrinbandel]

O kept thinking, why didn't she just drive closer with her car. 😄

[@herds22]

I've never seen anything on DUST quite like this. I was immersed! Thank you!

[@Shortlore]

I love these kinds of comments! Thank YOU for watching!

[@conrad13579]

Unusual and very good meaningful, short. I was hoping the robot would eventually talk, but I guess that upgrade still needed to be done lol

[@TheSilmarillian]

Putting high budget hollyweird offerings to shame thank you for your time and effort in creating this wonderful piece of work.

[@Shortlore]

Wow! To shame?? :) I’m humbled. Thanks so much for watching!

[@abacero2009]

Lovely story, it looked like a Pinocchio-like story, but it went far more deep, and the Android gave her a lesson about using brains more than power to overcome the abuser, and she found an unexpected and warm friend that she perfected. Congrats!

[@IxnayMalarkavitch]

Finally one of these shorts that has an uplifting ending.

[@leannaerickson9745]

I've seen "Sparks!" a couple of times before, and I'm always happy to see it again. Keep up the good work!

[@Shortlore]

Always appreciate you coming back! Thanks again!!

[@davidgapp1457]

Excellent story telling. Of course the science is deliberately absurd which is a integral part of the magic. Very enjoyable and looked great too.

[@Shortlore]

Oh how I appreciate this comment 😂 Thanks so much for watching, David!

[@fatherofkayos]

FAVORITE!!!!! MORE PLEASE!!!!!

[@TickeyBoo6]

I absolutely loved this, it was so sweet. Not much dialogue but touches your heart, that's what films are about. Amazing.

[@Shortlore]

And I love this comment :)

[@ACMzw]

Honestly from where I am in sub Saharan Africa this is excellent work and I ACN only imagine what will come in the future

[@matthewdenckla6567]

The Tin Man gets a gold heart, AND the gal and a legal, non-violent WIN! Hooray! Very clever and very well done. Kudos for the ultra-competent tech gal.. and, as a geezer myself, the sweet old maintenance man who does his best with kindness and compassion!!! Kudos!!!

[@Shortlore]

Really appreciate it! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@rottncf]

+1 on the maintenance man...he added a very uplifting dimension to this amazing short.

[@patricktilton5377]

"No, no . . . pretty sure that's illegal." 🤣

[@philipm.4738]

I've been watching a few of the Dust films lately. This one is by far the best l have seen! An actual positive, beautiful story that is still wonderfully gripping! I got angry,laughed and cried all in the space of 16 riveting minutes! Fantastic film! I'm really enjoying being taken back to my Outer Limits ( the newer series) days. Thank you so much!

[@Shortlore]

Wow! This is why I make movies. So happy you enjoyed it!

[@Omegavision79]

The bad guy lost! Loved this on many levels.

[@yt_Ajay_]

I really love how she could totally fix him herself and even improvise a little. I wasn't expecting her to have such an active role in this story. Also that he didn't turn into a generic murder robot.

[@ghostintheshadowofthecity5702]

Heartwarming, a little corny, and very beautiful.

[@ricrandmfx]

This is a great short. It hits on multiple levels. It is simple, w/a serious undertone, quirky, funny & endearing.

[@Shortlore]

Thank you so much!

[@craigjay6820]

How surprising, a very sweet and endearing short, tackling one of the banes of society. Loved that, made me feel warm inside!!

[@gagarinone]

That is a great story. When an android with a consciousness is as good as a real person, it can be your best friend, which you never had. Sometime into the future conscious androids will be a part of the humanity. As the android robot manufacturer ("United States Robots and Mechanical Men"), in Isaac Asimov's robot short stories "I, Robot?" When android's get's consciousness.

[@Shortlore]

Really happy you enjoyed it. Thank you!

[@billr6983]

Best short film I have seen on this channel to date. Make movies. I will go see them. Didn't want it to end!

[@Shortlore]

Comments like these make my day. Thank you!!

[@kateburk2168]

Perfect ending shot, in my opinion. Glad the Bot Boy got the girl.👍🤗

[@kpb58]

Very, very good. Heart, humor, just great storytelling. Beautifully rendered film short. Thank you. Wonderful.

[@lazerathhome]

This was both beautiful and horrifying at the same time! Good job 👍

[@Shortlore]

A success! Thanks so much!

[@SynthoidSounds]

Silly, but very cool. Excellent production, it all fit together just right. Definitely a bit different from the usual AI vs humans type of story, nicely done.

[@Shortlore]

Haha thank you!! (I’m somewhat of a silly guy 😁).

[@tessacyclone6329]

Its not silly at all .

[@michaelwilson8461]

@@tessacyclone6329 I personally agree with Charles. I think it was silly. The scene where she imagines him turning a guy's head around 180 degrees, then says "nah I'm pretty sure that's illegal" Then just has a bunch of them roar outside his house then advance on him, causing him to cower and cry for help. The look on the androids face was silly. Silly isn't a solely derogatory remark , silly is also fun. Thats exactly what I found this short to be. Fun.

[@RaulDiazPaloAlto]

Heartwarming, beautiful: rare for a sci-fi story. I think this is my favorite. Thank you!

[@jaynewman6420]

Thank you. This didn't follow the expected course. Congrats!

[@Shortlore]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching!

[@allycat8755]

This is so cute! I love the i love u part. Xxo

[@piyushskhandelwal]

Exactly what we need, simp robots

[@LordKohaegan]

That was great! Very original and the acting was gold.

[@Shortlore]

Appreciate you!

[@brendatajik6150]

That was sweet love story and although unrequited, _(thank you)_ "he" did come to her rescue! *A true 21st century knight in hidden armor.* ❤️‍🩹 _Well done!_ 👏👏👏

[@Aelita3575]

Really great short film! I just wish it had continued on, like a part two in a separate video. I'd like to see the reaction of the organization towards the footage. Maybe even see him getting a voice box installed, and further upgrades. I'm getting major Bicentennial Man vibes, and I'm loving it.

[@Shortlore]

Haha, great idea!

[@Morpheus-pt3wq]

The start with the mechanical typing noise was like listening to irish dance.

[@peterburi2727]

Really nice job. Simple values, great production and it felt good to watch.

[@Zenasanatomy]

charming with a truly happy ending. a unique take on love we often don't see in sci-fi. thank you💚

[@Shortlore]

Thank YOU!!

[@J0hnnieP]

The last scene was hilarious and capped an already great with an even better ending!!

[@duanejessup3708]

She is ❤️

[@ericchild8845]

This must have been released prior to today because I have seen this before. Regardless, it is very very well done in all aspects of film making. Definitely a storyline good enough to be a major motion picture compared to the endless crap being produced these days in LA. Would love to see more!

[@charlestaylor3195]

I've seen it before too., but I thought I saw it on Dust. Crap is produced, this was created.

[@Shortlore]

Thank you so much! It was released on my personal channel a while back before DUST got ahold of it a picked it up!!

[@TheSilmarillian]

I had seen it before also but more than worthy of a second watch

[@edwardgerson4504]

Beautiful film. I loved it. Very original. Look forward to more of your work.

[@Shortlore]

Thank you 🙏🙏

[@talismanskulls2857]

HAHAHA. This was fun :D. Especially why the Android was constantly shorting out.

[@Legna1826]

Plotting one’s revenge against a harasser is like drinking a vanilla cream soda. so sweet😜

[@Shortlore]

Haha! Thank you for watching!!

[@batterbury4477]

Really like the camera work, the lighting is wonderful, excellent production values. Story is predictable but lovely character actor - repair man, and humorous skits help it rise above.

[@Shortlore]

Appreciate it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@RAMZIAARON]

Man, post-it notes are very reliable in the future ;-)

[@woodie62]

Someone should write a short entitled, "DUST Gets Better With Time!"

[@deker0954]

HR will ensure he never works in his level ever again.

[@neilmackenzie4394]

Excellent production, good cast, well done, nice twist, revenge with a happy ending! I liked the Buick too!

[@twoeightythreez]

Yeah Loved that 1962 Skylark! I have a 1963 Special

[@zuluXtreme]

...WOW & the Buick

[@eliz.1244]

My favorite work on Dust so far. Fantastic job.

[@Shortlore]

Wow!! Huge compliment! Thanks so much!

[@babygirl694u2luv]

I just love your channel! Always something different/original. Keeps me thinking... all things are possible!

[@markthomas36]

What a great little film. It was all so well done. I really enjoyed it, acting camera work, the whole thing. Well done guys.

[@Shortlore]

Really appreciate that!!

[@imichael2411]

So nice! A change of pace for Dust, which is normally quite dark. I will be watching for more by Ashworth Entertainment!! Please, Sir! May I have another? 😁😁😁😁

[@Shortlore]

And we’ll keep making more! Thanks for watching!

[@girlonfire6067]

This is the best short I've seen yall put out in a long time

[@vinnyganzano1930]

I loved this, it was clever, well written and intelligent, everything I want from science fiction.

[@vancewesterberg4509]

Such a brilliant short!! Thank you for this gem.

[@Shortlore]

ThanK YOU for watching!

[@kata7628]

Cute and very well done! Makes me want to rewatch Making Mr. Right

[@livenbelieve4819]

Soooo cute! Love this clever story. Praise to Ashworth in every category, fabulous everyone and everything! Way to make genuine feel good smiles! 👍🌸👍🌸👍🌸👍

[@goddessmelanisia]

I can see him being her personal spy for all future boyfriends. He can live in her livingroom, with his own computer for communicating. Anyone disrespects the Droid, they're gone! Then I can see her meeting a great guy, who likes her droid, and asks her droid for advice. Then uncle droid will be included in all the family events, later becoming the family snitch as the kids get older. 😆

[@Shortlore]

Sparks 2 😂😂

[@BlastersandBladesPodcast]

Loved the Buick!

[@jm844]

she would make a perfect wonder woman , the beauty of all the female stars . great acting too . looks like inspector gadget has new plans .

[@sallyoquinn]

This little film made my day! definitely the sweetest story I've ever seen on DUST.

[@Shortlore]

I really appreciate that. Thank you!

[@zeeldaazoonk]

Beautiful ! Love is the only solution...

[@cindybellusia6623]

OOohh i wanna see complete movie about this....wonderfull story, super movie...thx moviemakers.♥♥♥♥

[@meerathegreyhound1044]

Great short film, enjoyed it very much. Heart warming.

[@Shortlore]

THANK YOU!!

[@paulmaggiar8274]

Thank you, I needed the entertainment. Romcom at its best. Hope to see more of your work.

[@Shortlore]

Thanks so much, Paul!

[@lindsaydickson3096]

Poignant and heartwarming, but also original and hilarious! Well acted with great special effects. Good social commentary about the horrors of sexual harassment in the workplace.

[@Shortlore]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@lillyanneserrelio2187]

12:46 what a great laugh and smile

[@petrepeter3629]

Brilliant!!!

[@0neIntangible]

1961 Buick Electra convertible...nice touch.

[@theshocker4626]

I wondered what year it was. Pretty rare car.