Dust BuddiesA technical analysis

ContextDust Buddies is a 3D CGI Animation short film aimed at a younger audience. The plot of this short is two friends helping each other from a danger, which is the hoover. The smaller friend overcomes his shyness and fear in this short in order to save his friend. The moral behind this story is that you should always stand up against your enemies, and that friends will always be there for you.

Camera• The power of the buddies against the woman (antagonist) in this film

is established through multiple shots of the woman from a low angle. This gives us a perspective of the woman from the dust creatures view, showing how intimidating she is. • Later, when the woman and the dust buddies face each other, a shot-

reverse-shot shows the two at the same height. At this point, they have equal power in the situation and when the dust buddies defeat the woman, it emphasises the moral.

Editing • The most obvious editing used in this short is intentionally sped up

pace of editing when the tension begins to build. When the buddies begin to escape the vacuum, the pace of the cuts between them and the woman become more frequent and are spaced out less, showing this build in possible danger. Meanwhile in the equilibrium and resolution phases of the story, the pace of editing is slow and calm. • Quick zooms into characters faces are common and highlight the

shock and danger of the situation.

Sound• Within this short film there is no dialogue. This helps the audience,

usually younger audience, focus solely on the facial expressions. This both shows raw emotion and keeps the plotline simple for the younger audience. • The dust buddies only create certain sounds in situations as if it is a form

of communication. These noises seem vulnerable due to their pitch and the size of the character.• Soundtracks are again used throughout this plot to reflect on the current

situation, with slow paced, downbeat soundtracks for scenes when the friends are separated & upbeat for when they beat the woman.

Narrative Structure• The common narrative structure of any film, short or feature, is used

in this short film. The film starts with the equilibrium of the shy character, the dilemma of the vacuum then occurs before a resolution is found, where the woman and the difficulties between the dust buddies are taken care of.