Transformers: Earthfall | Tailgate | The Ascensionverse | Transformers Stop Motion Animated Short

EARTHFALL +12 HOURS
The anxiety-ridden Tailgate tries to find an alt mode and regroup with his pod buddy, all the while hounded by Astrotrain.
Voice Cast
Mason Brown - Tailgate
Larry Hankins - Astrotrain
Rob Graham - Bulkhead
30 years ago, Optimus Prime led his team of Autobots to Earth to stop Megatron and his Decepticons from robbing it of its resources. After an orbital skirmish that saw both the Ark and the Nemesis take critical damage, the Autobots abandoned their crippled ship, with only Optimus and a handful of the crew remaining aboard. Now, the scattered Autobots must evade human law enforcement, a government agency and the Decepticons as they try to regroup with their comrades at Lake Michigan to begin their mission on Earth…
Written by Joe Powell
Sound Design by Joe Powell
Music by Abbie Verity
CG SOFTWARE
Gmod
EDITING SOFTWARE
Corel VideoStudio Pro X8
Corel PaintShop Pro X8
Stop Motion Pro V7.5 Action! HD
Filmed with a Canon EOS 600D DSLR
Patreon! / crosshairsproductions
Ko-Fi! ko-fi.com/crosshairsproductions
Facebook Page! / crosshairsproductions
Facebook Group! / 607163216781403

[@MichaelBlaine]

Thank you thank you THANK YOU so much for making this! As someone who has had anxiety attacks, this video perfectly represented the feeling of someone going into an anxiety attack and how someone else can help calm them down. It was so good to see that represented. Thank you again so much!

[@CrosshairsProductions]

I'm so happy to see this comment, although I don't suffer from anxiety and panic attacks myself I wanted to make sure it was accurately represented and I'm glad it was successful. Really glad you enjoyed it!

[@IAMAMAZINGMASON]

(Voice of Tailgate here) I agree with Joe. 100% appreciate your kind words. A handful of my close friends and I myself have suffered from bad anxiety attacks when under a lot of pressure. I can say (and I don't even think I told Joe this) but I did get teary eyed when recording the anxiety bits because it is relatable. Joe did an excellent job with this and what we have planned for Ascension and other things after this are really gonna wow ya. Cheers!

[@MichaelBlaine]

I've been told by my theater professors "if you don't like a story or can't find the one you want, make it yourself" and I've been trying to find a method of telling stories to talk about different topics, including dealing with anxiety, and I would have told it the same way you dealt with it here. If I'm every talking to someone that doesn't understand anxiety or how to help someone with anxiety, I would show them this video, because its so much easier to see than to explain. Thank you again!

[@MichaelBlaine]

(To IAMAMAZINGMASON) I had to watch this video again and I got teary eyed again watching it (and even now just thinking about it) because as you said, it's so relatable to someone who's suffered from anxiety, but a special thank you to you for voicing it so well as to convey the message accurately to an audience that might not know of what anxiety is like. You did an amazing (pun wasn't intended) job! I've loved Broken Mirror/Ascension and I can't wait to see more!

[@yb7292]

@@CrosshairsProductions will tailgate be in ascension season 2?

[@tannerprice2018]

In my opinion, Tailgate was handled extremely well here, much like IDW. He’s so likable, and honestly adorable.

[@ironhorsehistorian9871]

Tanner Price He’s in my top five or ten favorite Autobots cause of more than Meets The Eye

[@LarryArtsProductions]

Fun Fact: the only reason I voice Astrotrain is because of a meme between me and Joe

[@CrosshairsProductions]

NOW WILL YOU SHUT UP ABOUT HIM

[@LarryArtsProductions]

@@CrosshairsProductions Astrotrain

[@trapsterb2634]

Larry Art's Productions that’s why they call him ASS-trotrain 😄😄😄😄

[@lemonhead7110]

joe and i

[@LarryArtsProductions]

@@lemonhead7110 ight

[@OmniTheLeader]

That scene with Astrotrain taking the hit and going across the ground.....priceless Also this is sweet as hell....so wholesome ❤️

[@ElectroguyTJ]

I agree. this is exactly why I love Tailgate

[@rainbowpegacornstudios]

I love that Bulkhead acts as the bodyguard/big brother for Tailgate. Reminds me of his bond with Miko in TF Prime.

[@andrewmichael9201]

"Bulkhead?!? Awe sweet we're going to have some sweet Astrotrain vs..." *Thwack* "Well that was anticlimactic"

[@blackshadow37_Wraith]

but hilarious XD

[@rosepuppy1984]

Tailgate reminds me of Hotspot from TFI Production’s Transformers Roll Out Well, just the anxiety part really.

[@The_Dipship]

I swear To god if tailgate is dead, I’m gonna be mad, he’s to likable to be dead or die.

[@Alzeal07]

god damnit Hasbro just hire this man

[@jacksonelmore6013]

Right!

[@transformersstopmotionbr2972]

Then the expanded universe will turn on Legends

[@brostarx]

Agreed he makes episodes that tie into actual transformers lore so we’ll and having it fit in to his own story. It takes a true fan of the series to make a masterpiece

[@ShelbieTheLoveBug]

Gonna say it. That’s the cutest Tailgate impression I’ve ever heard. I love it!

[@blackshadow37_Wraith]

tru dat ^^

[@ValkInnit]

Mason does such a great job as Tailgate, I honestly felt for him when he was having a panic attack. This is honestly why I would like to go into voice acting

[@alexl9724]

This is one of the best stop motions I have ever seen! I also like the potrayal between Bulkhead and Tailgate!

[@Superior_Productions]

Dude, your VFX are always done really well, along with the storytelling and script. It's rare to find that these days among Transformers stopmotion animators.

[@bbrigman9382]

War for the Matrix by Grantman Filmmaker is another one that I think is top of the line like Crosshairs Productions. Worth checking out.

[@SkunkLifeMedia]

I been saying for a while Grant needs a lot more more views than he gets for his work. Him and Driftshotz are tops.

[@bbrigman9382]

@@SkunkLifeMedia Driftshotz? Have to go check them out, thanks. harrisloureiro is another one I'd recommend.

[@Hiangeloo]

Not really rare to find dude,lots of them have talent.But I will admit that Joe is the best.

[@Superior_Productions]

@@bbrigman9382 I've seen a couple episodes of War for the Matrix it is really good, thanks for reminding me. I actually want to go watch it now

[@worldssmallestdestron7819]

I like Bulkhead's character. a gentle giant.

[@chubbins543]

Will we see Bulkhead and Tailgate in the main Transformers Ascension storyline?

[@IsiahTomas]

I'm just gonna say it. I'm really gonna miss the IDW Transformers run when it ends.

[@punchline1279]

I CAN'T FREAKING WAIT!!!!!!! THIS LOOKS OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!! I also love how bulkhead acts like tailgate's big brother

[@spaceacereviews3338]

Tailgate is so adorable !!!!!!

[@ccttbedson]

Holy scra... Language! I understood that reference

[@omegaprime1139]

Bulkhead vs Astrotrain was hilarious and awesome. GREAT JOB!

[@prkinator9990]

Did anyone else jumped out of their seats when they saw Tailgate in the thumbnailxD

[@elijahhaynes216]

I hope we get a series centered on the adventures of the Autobot cast when they arrived, and their adventures, and how, eventually, Megatron defeated. I see why it may not be the best story idea, as we know how it ends, but imagine how much growth we could get from other characters, like Tailgate and Bulkhead here, or Bumblebee, Rodimus, or anyone else! It’d be fun to see the lore expanded upon, if nothing else.

[@spiderbots]

I often find myself coming back to this video more than the others on this channel. The character writing is phenomenal, and this video is how I discovered Tailgate. And now he’s my favorite character in the whole franchise lmao

[@ZigZagtheZiggurab]

*Slaps top of Tailgate while on the verge of tears*: This good boi can fit so much anxiety in him

[@collyman445]

I love how you were able to handle such a senseitvive topic so respectfully and intelligently too

[@andrewmichael9201]

I love how realistic Tailgate was

[@noodles7193]

i would literally die for tailgate

[@Knock0ut-Starscream]

Tailgate is so cute and his interaction with Bulkhead was really sweet. Great video.

[@Cdr2002]

If I may make a suggestion. Megs vs SG Megs smackdown.

[@fullmoonjg8441]

Crosshairs Production Tailgate and Bulkhead are a brilliant team and this video is awesome

[@RIDProductionsTransformers]

This is really cool. I'm glad that you're doing a TF Ascension prequel series that focuses on what happened to cause Optimus Prime and the Autobots to arrive on Earth. Great job as usual, keep it up... I cannot wait for more. :)

[@andrewmichael9201]

This is something I've always wanted to make, my own Transformers stop motion series. Until I finally decide to, I can faun over this work of art.

[@BetterBrickStudios]

Best of luck on that seires! If I can get mine out you can to!

[@crasherproductions15]

Tailgate is so Adorable

[@lilworm9893]

This was great not only are you expanding the universe but you have character development that is really important also great animation getting a lot better can’t wait for mire

[@pokeprime94]

Love everyone in this. Also love Astrotrains tumble

[@alfa1134]

Very nicely done! Great to see new content from you, but you might want to go easy on the music; it tended to drown out the dialogue. I especially liked how Bulkhead was able to help Tailgate get out of over-stressed anxiety.

[@iBeamer]

Always a pleasure to see a new post from you. These "spotlights" are fun to see and a great way to learn what you are doing with each character in your universe. Hope all is going well for you beyond TFA, and also that we'll see more from you soon!

[@andych8425]

something about Larry's voice works so well for Astrotrain ! This short is very well done ! Movement is very fluid !

[@madmaddie1702]

MY FAVORITE MINIBOT, TAILGATE!!!!😍😍😍😍

[@paperrain]

That was amazing! It definitely felt like it was in the Ascension universe but still its own thing, can’t wait to see what other projects you got

[@SkunkLifeMedia]

Usually greenscreen work is trash on these but yours has always been good with your Ascension series and has just gotten better it seems.

[@bradtobin839]

Good story. Plus, it gives hope and understanding to people suffering from anxiety or panic attacks. Everybody should have someone like Bulkhead to stand by their side, just like Tailgate in this one.

[@trickshot3386]

I love how a tramzam is tiny then a normal Ute

[@Transformingnormality]

This was great! Very heartwarming tbh. Can’t wait to see more!

[@Kirbyman1223]

Tailgate is a cinnamon roll

[@typeelite9283]

The visuals are getting so much better! I love the scene where Bulkhead Bashed Astrotrain. That scene was funny.

[@flameflamedramonva]

I love tailgate

[@natishafrancis1215]

so the decepticons around during the earth campaign seem to be megatron , starscream , devastator ( constructicons included ) , barricade , astrotrain and potentially soundwave

[@spittor47]

Tailgate's voice is too quiet compared to everything else. Otherwise really good.

[@crossover1015]

Nice. Hope to see more of this series. & I definitely hope to see Season 2 soon. Keep up the great work man! 😉👍🏻

[@Wild-Sider]

Tailgate is such an innocent child

[@ethanpersonius-naff7899]

I heard Tailgate mentioning French with a crane arm. The character from TLK.

[@itz_phill7547]

Astrotrain: GAH AH AHHHHHH

[@Anonymus_M8]

Bulkhead: First rule of being an Autobot, is- Astrotrain: HAAAAAARGH!!!!! Bulkhead: Never leave a bot behind. **Punches him in the face** Astrotrain: HURRGH!!!! OOOOOFFFF! Me: Damn. Astrotrain is pretty mad.

[@trumbitis7980]

Let's hope our little buddy doesn't bite the bucket like in prime

[@theroadblockreviewer9943]

Hahaha😂 astrotrain gets the equivalent of a falcon bunch to the face hahaha

[@starfieldproductions9282]

I loved tailgate

[@jjmurdock99]

Oh my goodness. Tailgate is an awesome character. I love tailgate

[@dragstrip1173]

Amazing!

[@gusatvorodrigues4396]

finaly i love idw tailgate

[@MR-1]

AMAZING JOB JOE!! I can't wait to see other characters!

[@tfreviewsstudios8546]

I can't wait to see more! I freaking love broken mirror and Ascension! I also can't wait for season 2 of Ascension

[@LordofLight-vt8fq]

Nice, another amazing video for transformers. Good job.

[@Awesomeness10]

This is beautiful...

[@Dragonchief1337]

Man this was so good i watched it multiple times can't wait for the rest

[@Hiangeloo]

Love it!Just amazing!

[@sm3sam97]

That was so good. Like, fantastic! It was worth the wait, and I hope we get more of these soon down the line! Astrotrain getting hit and flipping around is symbolic of Monday smacking me in the face

[@heroscentral9380]

That was awesome!!!

[@Biodragon882]

Soo freaking cute Joe, I love it.

[@zillalordstudios5409]

Tailgate sounds like TFS Gohan 😂😂

[@PunadianOfficial]

Damn this is so well made!

[@MOLDER79]

Brilliant!!!!! Give us more!!

[@lilzippy9180]

Another great stop motion! Hope more of these will happen I REALLY like them.

[@MateoPotatoReviews]

Excellent work! The voices were great, the stop motion was flawless, and the VFX worked really well! Good job!

[@ironhorsehistorian9871]

Maketoys Rearend (Tailgate) was my first 3rd party figure

[@MECHSUITBRUTE]

This hurt my heart

[@ExiaBlade]

Tailgate sounds a lot like Goku from DBZA 😜😜

[@GirlyGamer76]

That was so sweet 😭😭😭

[@ironhorsehistorian9871]

Ohh I love these teasers! Can’t wait for season two of acension!

[@BensProductions]

Awesome

[@ifanthanese]

Nice short it's almost too cute to be Transformers and I love it

[@brostarx]

Any chance of adding Bulkhead and Tailgate to the main series as part of Treadshot's team? He could really have some more bots on his team in the fight against Megatron and Sky Shadow.

[@battlestarkiwiaudios1704]

I just want to tell tailgate that it'll be ok. Well done I have feels already!

[@RNDMNT]

Dude this is so great, Tailgate reminds me of Shinji Ikari for some reason.

[@royalvanoss5556]

YASSS QUEEEEEN THIS IS PERFECT

[@CardboardBots]

Very cute

[@anthonyhero9605]

Astrotrain being knocked out one hit by Bulkhead?! 🤔 No way! Run it back bro, that's freaking Astrotrain put some respect on his name🤨🤨🤨

[@Daldi564]

Cool video dude

[@ArchivesofCybertron]

*YES*

[@megatron2171]

This is a fantastic short tf video

[@umagnus77]

I'm glad I subbed to this channel. you inspire me to pursuit this

[@leyuku]

Tailgate is very style

[@natishafrancis1215]

@Crosshairs Productions i really hope to see an episode where we get to see ratchets time during the earth campaign

[@hawkshoty12345678933]

wholesome af

[@wreckersproductions]

2:52 , please tell me that THAT doesn't remind you of Kung Fu Panda.

[@ejhproductions1]

OK, so when I saw the title of this, I thought “goddamnit Joe, you’re going to make me care about Tailgate aren’t you?” And not only did you make me care, I almost cried! 😆 Can’t wait for more

[@rave1X]

Dammit Joe, enough with the teasing already and give me the whole load, I can take it

[@crossover1015]

Dude, you should totally release a music score for Broken Mirror, Ascension, & Earthfall. You did great on all these tracks, everyone should use this music on iTunes and Spotify. Consider it, it could make you some 💰💰💰

[@NexusProductions-rz1sv]

Earthfall, huh? Surely just coincidence the 2020 generations line is called EarthRISE.

[@pumpkinspicedproductions7515]

*HMMM*

[@nilenicee]

This is super incredible!! Can't wait to watch the whole season! but I think Tailgate's voice should be a bit louder.