Selfie Dad (2020) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

Ben's pursuit of online and professional success strains his family, while faith and personal choices push him to confront the husband and father he needs to become.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

The Cost of Self-Absorption

Ben prioritizes his videos over his family, missing Hannah's school play. Jessica confronts him, and he admits his choice was wrong while still defending his professional hopes.

Key Events

• A Family Drifting Apart — Ben's ambitions and self-centered habits overshadow his responsibilities to his wife and children. Characters: Ben Shuster, Jessica Shuster, Hannah Shuster, Jack Shuster Location: Family life
• Ben Chooses the Video — Ben makes and posts another video instead of attending Hannah's school play. Characters: Ben Shuster, Hannah Shuster Location: Hannah's school play and Ben's video-making setting
• Jessica Confronts Ben — Jessica challenges Ben over missing the play; he admits he made the wrong choice but cites his career opportunity. Characters: Ben Shuster, Jessica Shuster Location: Family home
• How-To Videos Gain Attention — Ben's how-to videos attract attention, although he jokes that he does not know how to do many demonstrated tasks. Characters: Ben Shuster Location: Work

A Challenge to Reconsider

Ben's videos begin attracting attention, but Mickey challenges him to take the Bible seriously. The conversation awakens Ben's genuine interest in faith and understanding Jesus.

Key Events

• Mickey Challenges Ben — Mickey urges Ben to take the Bible seriously and connects faith with his responsibilities to his family. Characters: Ben Shuster, Mickey Location: Work
• Ben Wants to Read — After Mickey's challenge, Ben is surprised to find that he wants to read the Bible and understand Jesus more deeply. Characters: Ben Shuster Location: Unspecified

Choosing Family in Practice

Ben attempts to guide Hannah after her mistake, drawing on his own foolish choices instead of relying only on punishment. He also deletes a personal photo and affirms his love for his wife and family.

Key Events

• Ben Talks with Hannah — After Hannah makes a serious mistake involving a boy from school, Ben tries to guide her rather than simply punish her. Characters: Ben Shuster, Hannah Shuster Location: Unspecified family setting
• Ben Admits His Own Mistakes — Ben acknowledges his own history of foolish decisions during his awkward conversation with Hannah. Characters: Ben Shuster, Hannah Shuster Location: Unspecified family setting
• Ben Rejects the Photo — Ben deletes a personal photo and tells the woman involved that his family is too important and that he loves his wife. Characters: Ben Shuster Location: Unspecified

The Price of Change

Packer Tools cancels its deal with Ben because of religious content associated with his work. Frightened and angry about the financial loss, he argues with Jessica and starts filming again, exposing how difficult change remains.

Key Events

• Packer Tools Cancels Its Deal — Packer Tools cancels its deal with Ben because religious content has become associated with his work. Characters: Ben Shuster Location: Work
• Ben and Jessica Argue — Angry and frightened by the financial loss, Ben argues with Jessica and insists he is thinking clearly. Characters: Ben Shuster, Jessica Shuster Location: Family home
• Another Video Begins — Ben starts filming a video supposedly explaining how to go inside and talk with his wife. Characters: Ben Shuster Location: Unspecified
• Online Persona Exposed — The video moment exposes the gap between Ben's online persona and the husband and father his family needs. Characters: Ben Shuster, Jessica Shuster Location: Family home
• Change Remains Difficult — Ben has begun confronting his failures, but the reference leaves his effort to change as an ongoing struggle. Characters: Ben Shuster, Jessica Shuster, Hannah Shuster, Jack Shuster Location: Family life

Story Breakdown

• Family Neglect — Ben's self-focus keeps him from recognizing how his family is drifting away.
  • Missed School Play — Ben chooses to make and post a video instead of attending Hannah's play.
  • Jessica Confronts Him — Jessica challenges Ben, who admits his choice was wrong but cites his career hopes.
• Online Ambitions — Ben's how-to videos attract attention despite his joking admission that he lacks knowledge of many demonstrated tasks.
  • Videos Gain Attention — Ben's online work begins drawing notice.
  • Career Second Chance — Ben initially defends his choice by pointing to a renewed professional opportunity.
• Mickey's Challenge — Mickey confronts Ben about faith and his responsibilities to his family.
  • Bible Reading Book — Mickey gives Ben a book about the importance of the Bible and how to read it.
  • Interest in Jesus — Ben discovers that he wants to read the Bible and understand Jesus more deeply.
• Guiding Hannah — Ben responds to Hannah's mistake with an attempt at guidance rather than simple punishment.
  • Awkward Conversation — Ben tries to speak with Hannah after her serious mistake involving a boy from school.
  • Own Mistakes — Ben acknowledges his own foolish decisions as he talks with his daughter.
• Choosing His Family — Ben makes a personal choice that affirms his commitment to his family and wife.
  • Deletes the Photo — Ben deletes a personal photo.
  • Affirms His Love — He tells the woman involved that his family is too important and that he loves his wife.
• Professional Consequences — Ben's changed direction carries a cost at work and heightens tension at home.
  • Deal Is Canceled — Packer Tools cancels its deal because religious content is associated with Ben's work.
  • Financial Fear — Ben reacts to the loss with anger and fear.
• Persona Versus Family — Ben's attempt to address his marriage through another video highlights the gap between his online habits and family needs.
  • Argument with Jessica — Ben argues with Jessica and insists he is thinking clearly.
  • Filming Again — He begins a video supposedly about going inside to talk with his wife.

Directed by

Brad J. Silverman

Key Cast

• Michael Jr. — Ben Shuster
• James Denton — Steve
• Chonda Pierce — Rosie
• Johnny Pacar — Mickey
• Pat Finn — Marvin