Okay, it's a new year, a new Ushicon, and as such, new rules for the Anime Music Video Showcase. Please note, before we go any further, that this is a <b>SHOWCASE</b> not a contest. Our goal is to spotlight good music videos, especially from regional creators. Why isn't it a contest, you ask? Well, mainly, Ushicon has a different kind of outlook. We don't judge.
What, then, you ask, do you mean by AMV Showcase? Well, we'll show Anime Music Videos, especially from local creators. There will be no awards, save the warm fuzzy feeling you get from applause. You will also get to show your work to hundreds of con attendees. AMV is one of our two biggest events. It always draws. And we're not a small Con. So you will get fame (if not fortune) from this.
So what are the criteria for admission to the Showcase? Well, first, you have to submit something. Second, we give preference to regional (and by this we mean Central/South Texas) creators. Third, you should follow the guidelines below. We'll show as many videos as time allows. Your video WILL be bumped higher in the queue for admission if you follow the guidelines (see below).
Are there any rules, you ask? Well, not really. They're more like guidelines. <u>First</u>, try to keep it a reasonable length. Submitting a music video to the full version of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida will probably not get you in the showcase, unless the video is incredible, or you bribe us. In general, reasonable clocks in at about 5 minutes. <u>Second</u>, try to keep the profanity down. This is an all ages admittance event. While one or two curse words won't get you canned, 2 Live Crew will (well, unless it's a Hentai video, and then see below). <u>Third</u>, please, PLEASE don't use fansubs for your vid stock. It just looks bad. <u>Fourth</u>, the video should be primarily anime. Anime Music Video does NOT mean live action set to anime music. It means anime clips set to music. <u>Fifth</u>, please create some kind of splash screen with the name of the vid, music, and creator. Crediting the anime you use in the vid at the end is nice too. <u>Sixth</u>, and perhaps most important. NO IN THE END BY LINKIN PARK. Not only will we not show these vids, we will publicly mock you at the Showcase for thinking you could do something original with it. Seriously, folks, try and be original. Every Con has those DBZ/Linkin Park vids. We're aiming for a higher standard.
If you have any questions about these guidelines, please email
video@ushicon.com. Unless you're trying to increase my package size or refinance my mortgage, I will respond to your email.
Please also note: if you submit something and don't get in, it is NOT a value judgement. We just couldn't fit you in. Sadly, there's a time constraint to the Showcase, and we can't show everyone. We've always strived to show at least one video per creator, and if we didn't show yours, you have our sincere apologies.
Okay, Hentai Music Vids. If you want to submit one, please do. Just realize that it'll get shown at HentaiFest and not at the AMV Showcase. Since traditionally we don't get many of these, if you make one, your chances of getting shown are much higher. Seriously, submit as many of these as you can. There aren't enough HMVs out there.
How to get the video(s) to me (in order of preference):
<u>Electronic Transfer:</u>
If possible, please submit all files in .wmv, .avi, or .mpg format. We can take .mov, but it's a pain to deal with when queuing. Since we here at Ushicon firmly believe that running vids to VHS is a BAD THING, please make our lives easier.
Also, for all electronic submissions, a separate text file containing:
Your Name
City, State, Country (if outside the US)
Music Video Title
Song Used
Anime Used
Any Comments You Might Have
would be nice, ESPECIALLY if your video has no splash page included.
If you have a website with your video available for download, email me the link. In your email include the information stated above (File name, song title, etc.).
I also accept files over AIM. On AIM, I am Driftpeasant.
We will also have FTP access set up for video submission, but given the amount of bandwidth that will suck up, it will be MASSIVELY LIMITED. You'll have to email for access, and you should probably expect a bit of a queue.
<u>Via snail mail:</u>
CD/DVD is definitely preferred. If you must, you CAN submit on VHS, but realize that we'll encode it digitally and it probably won't survive the ransfer well. If on VHS, please separate all vids by 10 seconds of black screen. Please also send a note/file with the above listed information.
Here's the mailing address:
Chase Hoffman
1600 Wickersham, Apt. 3084
Austin, Texas 78741
If you want your cd/tape back, come to the showcase and collect it there or send an SASE with the entry.
The deadline for all entries is January 1, 2005.
See you at Ushicon!