(Animation) Talking to My Girlfriend About Mushrooms

In which Bird and Worm (I voice the Bird, My girlfriend Allison voices the worm and the squirrel at the end!
Like I said before, I had another video to upload!
I would have uploaded it before, but I had to make an end screen, and it seems that burnout hasn't let me go completely, so I had to get myself to make the screen... but I figure it might be good to just get the video out, work on making a new screen in the meantime! (I also need to make a proper thumbnail!)
This was made for my animated documentary class! We were split into groups! my group decided to just split up and make an anthology film (our film topic was mushrooms) thats why the worm opens to black, I originally assumed it would be laid over another film for transition. It didn't end up that way, but my part is the same so
Again, this was made in the same made character animation first (all character animation was made in TVpaint 10, on 3's and 4's mostly, done straight ahead for most of it), then made the bg. this and Meet Me Inside both taught me to DO BACKGROUNDS FIRST.
The last storyboard was a bit I was going to do, but I had worked so hard, animating for months on end, I decided to just submit the original film without the spore print bit. (I had gotten feedback from the tutor at the time, that it might be good to include more information about spore prints for those who weren't already into mycology), but i didn't know how to put that in without messing up the flow. I really wanted to go for the conversational, Midnight Gospel feel. So I was going for an Art Attack informational style thing... but I couldn't take animating anymore, so I cut it. (Don't worry, I passed it's cool)
Anyway, back to work on Untrust Us, and then you guys can keep your eyes peeled for more YCH auctions!
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My Instagram - / starcheopte. .
Support me on patreon! - / starcheopteryx
Programs used-
tvpaint 10 - character animation
clip studio paint - backgrounds, concept art and animations
Premiere Pro - Compositing and exporting
After Effects - lighting and particle effects
-------Copyright thing for the end music--------
Chucky the Construction Worker - Stings by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/

[@SquirrelLeech]

T'was a pleasure workin witcha

[@thegrandnil764]

This was mega trippy < 3

[@fungusscarf7376]

I really liked the detail of the Caterpillar going to a high point because that is what the fungus does when it zombifies insects, it gets to a high point.

[@DaBaSoftware]

the bird also helped the caterpillar get higher without any of it being discussed either. Lovely touch.

[@liamatte]

Very nice detail of the caterpillar slowly succumbing to the cordyceps over the course the animation. Very nice touch.

[@EchaSkqech]

haha the whole vibe was giving me Midnight Gospel and the description only certified that. I love the style a lot and the voices being on different sides was a great touch. I hope you get a good grade :D

[@wereclancy]

Oh my god you’re so right!

[@Comment3230]

EXACTLY

[@crypticcrayons3276]

That's what I was thinking the whole time I was watching it, I love content like that

[@drsprite_official]

I was just about to say that

[@godomoths242]

I was just about to comment that but then I saw your comment and geez great lol

[@hotdog2611]

Definitely a Midnight Gospel feel! One of the shows that makes me think a lot despite not really watching it all that much. I really adore this

[@medicinalmercury]

I never would've thought of the parasites as rebirth until now, the description combined with the cool animation of it has definitely convinced me of it though. Anyway, your animation is very well done as always! It was especially cute in this one, and I love the realism on the squirrel at the end. Proportions and fur and all the jazz is just (insert that one emoji of the ok hand but in an italian mwa way)

[@Starcheopteryx]

🤌

[@thegrandnil764]

@@Starcheopteryx The rebirth section made me tear up. Good job dude.

[@ijlayugan4149]

I like how one of Allisons eyes turn yellow then both of them. That idea in the end sounds like a pretty cool thing to do too! I wanna try it!

[@darkbanez]

allison’s voice is so soothing… i mom american so her accent literally is gonna lull me to sleep LMAO

[@mothercereal4438]

After my 5th rewatch I JUST noticed the spores came out of the dead worm from before and that they fell onto the worm and that’s how she got infected!!

[@thefancyconspiracist]

Almost 100% percent sure that was a ant but I could be wrong

[@Kankan_Mahadi]

Dark ending, but the character designs were so adorable! I love the way the caterpillar climbs on the bird's head.

[@isopod122]

THE CHARACTERS DESIGNS R SO CUTE THEY REMIND ME OF A STORYBOOK I LOVE THIS SM!! 💞💖💕

[@Nennecatgirl]

don't know if you've seen The Midnight Gospel but you perfectly recaptured what makes it great and it's vibe. Excellent work.

[@Starcheopteryx]

This apparently needs to be said but any comments about either of our voices (not talking about the audio mixing) will be deleted. Some common sense, please.

[@isleofdead1337]

I remember seeing that David Attenborough documentary when I was a kid and it started a lifelong fear of all fungus and mould.

[@SquirrelLeech]

Akfkahrne did the exact opposite to me lmao

[@pemdii]

oh my god y'all's voices are so soothing this is such a comfort animation 🥺💕

[@shawverno.1130]

Hearing people talk about the things they love is always so cool :) Allison seems really intelligent

[@SquirrelLeech]

Thank you! I don't think I am necessarily intelligent, I just retain information well :3

[@RokkTheRock]

Allison has a soothing voice

[@BoksieChoy]

really cozy and very very cute!!!

[@Comment3230]

wait- WAIT, *WAIT A FULL SECOND*

[@The-EJ-Factor]

Your the warrior cats guy

[@Nanamowa]

I also love mushrooms. I think they're fascinating and incredibly under utilized.

[@nekomataumbreon]

Thinking of death as rebirth makes my inevitable early death a lot less scary, thank you.

[@zohra_vt]

These are some of the best convos to have in a relationship

[@arachnits]

YESSS OMG I LOVE THIS!!!! i love the midnight gospel feel and how dynamic the animation is to follow the flow of the conversation!! great work!!!!

[@cosmic9023]

I think the poor worm had killer fungi, makes bugs act like zombies and the. It grows out of they’re poor bodies.

[@icantchange.youtubesaysine7338]

Tbh, I knew nothing about cordyceps until I played the Last of Us. Then I was obsessed with the idea of them. Even watched a whole documentary and I watched David Attenborough explain what it was. I feel stupid for admitting I learnt about cordyceps through a game. Love the animation. It's so adorable and amazing and it moves so well. And the designs are awesome.

[@flora_7719]

Bruh the credit version of the infected worm looks sick as hell, great work on the whole thing

[@megaman1on1]

While I can appreciate the viewpoint, I will admit, I'd still prefer something wait until I'm dead to make use of my body. I feel like when I die, and it's something I've given some thought every now and then, that I don't MIND something using my body any longer, since... I don't exactly have USE for it. But while I'm alive, I still enjoy and appreciate my bodily autonomy, even if technically I myself am still covered in thousands of things making use OF me, like for my dead skin cells. But when it comes to something like the ants that the cordyceps take over, it was still alive, and doesn't even have to be old. It just... Takes over them, and forces this behavior, forcing them to go do something that only serves to make more of itself. It doesn't improve the ant, or it's colony, it just... Takes from them. And while I can see the idea of rebirth... It just feels... Wrong, I suppose is the only word I can think of, for it to do so. And sure, you could tell me how an ant wouldn't feel it, or things of that nature. But once something like a person would develop it, something that can talk, feel, and has a sense of individuality, and it just takes it away like that, and gestates within and breaks you apart just to make itself...? For me, that is an uncomfortable thought. Because once I'm dead, fine, whatever. But if I still have my own cognitive existence, something that I'm blessed to have, only for something to forcibly take the only thing in life that is -truly- meant to be mine until such a time as I cannot operate it anymore, and FORCES that cycle of change? It feels... Disturbing. Which of course, I know there are arguments to be made on what is the autonomy of the self, and how much is really "your own" decisions and whatever, there's a LOT of rabbit holes this can go down. But specifically in regards to mycology... Cordyceps and some similar species, to me, still put a pit in my stomach that I cannot quite contend with, and make me uncomfortable. A mix of "loss of the self" and "I don't want to feel a pressure growing in my skull bucket, spine, and feel my body ripping itself open slowly just to make room for something I never gave permission to be part of me in the first place", is always why I feel so uncomfortable around fungi. But, this is just my random-ass-rant on a rather adorable animation, which still presents a way of thinking that allowed me TO challenge my own thoughts on the subject itself. To anyone who read this far, I wish you a wonderful day, and hope you have a safe one! And preferably not get zombified by mushrooms when "The Last of Us" eventually comes true. Cuz somehow, pretty sure mushrooms will outlive us all.

[@chargemanken]

This is amazing and just incredible. I love the tone and the little cute gestures both characters make! This is wonderful! Thank you for sharing!

[@ToFearthyTempest]

This was such a beautiful conceptt, and wonderful animation. A great experience all together.

[@astriixaniimates9077]

Bird and worm gfs they're so cute omg I love them

[@aequoreavictoria2726]

This was just so cute, beautiful, and touching.

[@Amebaby]

my god so much of that felt like a midnight gospel episode to me before i even read the description, fantastic job!!

[@BingBongFairy]

I was thinking of doing something like this with a conversation I had with my grandpa before he passed... wonderful execution of the midnight gospel idea

[@pughat5233]

i love this so much but like. poor little worm. she was so happy to talk about mushrooms, and the bird was so interested, and the poor bird is alone

[@pifflesomepuffnadder855]

This gives me some major Midnight Gospel vibes. Y'know, that podcast show with the meditating space man? I love that show.

[@FuckTheYoutubeUsernameChange]

Nerdy nature talk? Wlw? Cute animation??? The youtube algorithm is finally working as intended

[@Zombie_Fever]

this makes me think of midnight gospel, made me tear up a bit. great art and animation 10/10

[@foxredjb781]

Damn this was very good, it was an interesting conversation and animation was very good too, gave me the feeling of a series I saw on netflix ... But I forgot the name. Anyway, congratulations got very interesting and fun to see.

[@foxredjb781]

@@thespaceyvoid Thanks for reminding me!

[@inkadoodle]

Beautiful animation its simple yet it tells a story without directly telling wats happening u know what's happening and I felt like I learned something ,you should be vary proud case u deserve it

[@TheAngryLibrarian]

Yoooo, that ending tho! It was perfect! I really like this. It's cute, the animation is smooth, it's got diverse framing if that's the right word (it wasn't just shot reverse shot faces talking), and the voice acting was very soothing tbh! VERY natural deliveries! Y'all did amazing!

[@erin.artemis]

This is too adorable- So smoothly animated and calming! I love the character designs and even the little storyline was great! :0

[@YourDad-dh6fj]

Gosh I loved this, wonderful voices and characters, Allie talks about such interesting things and the animation is beautiful

[@Ryeven]

crumbs this is super interesting ! i absolutely love the colours n just the whole vibe going on ! amazing work :D

[@Newtid]

I immediately thought of the midnight gospel while i watched this, and i absolutely adore that vibe! You did such a good job with this

[@dragonofsomething2820]

She made an interesting point about the rebirth Sorta the death of one is the life of another

[@Notquitekris]

Immediately connected to you via the Archaeopteryx being the kickass best dinosaur

[@Starcheopteryx]

Exactly, underrated Dino King 😤

[@adorabomber123]

I do hope you don’t mind if I add my own thoughts into this. Expanding upon the whole entire rebirth thing, it can also be possibly said for predation as well. Carnivores are in of themselves parasites if you break it down to it’s bare minimum. One organism suffers, the other gains, so on and so forth. But the process of energy being used and what it is being used for could very well be said as the rebirth of that organism as another generation of that predator.

[@scribblecloud]

its tHe CiiiiiIiiIiiiIiiRcLe oF LiiiiiiifE

[@AnnthemofArt]

I love the vibes of this so much. Definitely giving Midnight Gospel but with ur own kinda style to it.

[@flutterbree]

I knew EXACTLY where the animation was going as soon as I saw the caterpillar's eye turn yellow -- it's a direct reference, and a perfect analogy to the topic!

[@wanderingwildlife6639]

This is so beautiful and the lingering image of the caterpillar sprouting into mushrooms is both stunning and haunting. ❤

[@mcstronghuge]

love the animation! can I just say, as a half-deaf person, I quickly realized i wasn't crazy when I couldn't hear half the conversation on my headphones.

[@bensoncheung2801]

0:34 There! That's when (s)he got infected!

[@SquirrelLeech]

She* :3

[@bensoncheung2801]

@@SquirrelLeech The caterpillar? Nevermind, read the description, Allison has a really deep voice. (Do worms have feet and antennas?)

[@SquirrelLeech]

@@bensoncheung2801 I think that it's like a worm in the sense that inch worms or silkworms are, like they're called worms but they're little grubs or catipillars

[@CaptainUnikitty]

This is really good animation and I like the characters

[@azimoert]

I could not come to conclusions how to express the fact that I like the video so I will just drop the whole thought here.

[@margitvarganemunkacsi9700]

This reminds me of an animation series thats made out of a podcast

[@hiitsfley]

You can really see that you took inspiration from the midnight gospel!!

[@MrTigroz]

Holy shit. That was the most devastating anime plot-twist 🐛

[@quoipi]

I love that I'm getting more mushroom content recommended to me by youtube, in this case alongside fuckin awesome animation like ZAMN this slaps

[@CaraOMara]

Midnight gospel vibesss I love it~

[@ecoleafv]

i am just loving the whole vibe coming from this ! ya’ll did a great job 🦐

[@lovebug7985]

I called itttt! Knew immediately what was going on when he signalled that he wanted to go up higher. Amazing animation!

[@FurbyCentipede]

She*

[@giingersnaps]

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH

[@Taylornthebois]

Midnight gospel vibes. Love it!

[@docdoc.4500]

Lovely job! I adored every aspect of this video

[@lemonpal6243]

As someone who loves mushrooms, I live for this. Also thanks for reaching me how to make spore prints

[@SquirrelLeech]

You're very welcome!! It works best if the mushrooms are fresh!

[@abfg616]

omg this is so cute, definitely midnight gospel vibes.

[@worldweary5750]

This made my cry in a good way. I'm excited to have found your channel.

[@Mandus_The_Mad]

Reminds me of midnight gospel but more grounded

[@chimpsimp9879]

omg this is a pleasure with headphones

[@riverinsilan3225]

this was a refreshing watch. I've been doing the same mindless KZbin consuming of jumping from video to video so I didn't fully realize what wat happening until the second eye x'd out. It really made me go 'Wow" as I realized they had been talking about exactly what was happening in the video the whole time. well done. love to see it

[@MadGameBoy]

I have never been more disturbed by a cute animation.

[@notzombie3703]

the worm's voice came through the left of my headphones and the bird came frim the right, and it mad me think my headphones were broken

[@hilbertfaust1954]

being from central europe, mushrooming is just something we do... it is interesting to hear that it can be fascinating to people

[@stymecoulli]

this was incredible!!!!!!

[@SoneRust]

Serious midnight gospel vibes, I love it!

[@idkjustleavemebeplease]

I love this, I'm so glad KZbin recomended it to me. Amazing animation!

[@skeletonbirdanimations7486]

I love how the very last bit almost looks like the worm is growing butterfly wings

[@sleepninja2350]

Ooh loved it! Really took me by surprise

[@FleyDragon]

A bird dating a worm? Scandalous!

[@Light-fi1mj]

This is sooooo good!!! Also funny because I’ve been researching cordyceps for a campaign villain recently so this is coincidentally relevant!

[@Russianbluez]

the way you personalized the bird to you and the worm to your gf is just so beautiful, it shows in your movements and lines, and your concept art how they went from basic characters to standins for the both of you having this conversation. just really really lovely.

[@bugpocket]

i love this video it has bugs in it

[@craftynest3435]

I love this sorta stuff

[@BagelBoyboss]

I like that emo ladybug fella.

[@lonagen9340]

This feels like a 2 minute mini-sode of the midnight gospel

[@Chicken-Cha-Chas]

Me and my grandparents used to gather mushrooms for fun on our forest walks. I miss it a lot.

[@syppy7416]

this feels like Daffodil, I love it!

[@crypticcrayons3276]

This is so cute and sweet agh, so much joy in one video

[@SMGlxy]

The characters are adorable 😭😭

[@racoon9815]

I watched the segment on rebirth 20 times already

[@Stinker2029]

Me when the caterpillars eye turned yellow: oh no..

[@zenendrahhernz1371]

Idk what this Midnight Gospel thing is that the comments are mentiotning but I genuinely loved this animation and it's vibe. Absolutely gorgeous using just the dialogue/convo and the animation. Nothing else. Wonderful. Thank you for this 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

[@FoxFallsInc]

ok midnight gospel no need to get so deep on me. 10/10

[@lunarmoon7636]

i can't get enough of this its so cute

[@cultofthebloodgod429]

This is adorable

[@malmamia8912]

This whole thing is so cute and interesting at the same time, well done

[@actionman9451]

This is amazing keep it up 👍 I loved the art style of the bird and caterpillar bravo 👏

[@chomp8100]

I love this !!! definitely midnight gospel vibes

[@PuckLokin]

This is so cute and well made! Getting some great Midnight Gospel Vibes here.

[@leoorton6533]

this is absolutely beautiful!

[@ijlayugan4149]

This is the cutest omg