This is how you do a fan video*

[Kitsuner]

Except in this case, it's something that he CAN put in a reel and end up in front of the eyes of industry leaders eyes. I'd be surprised if this guy wasn't getting hit up for job opportunities or at least freelance work given all the buzz the video's been getting.

He can still put it on his reel even though the music isn't his?

[Vivaldi]

I was actually under the impression that copyright enforcement is pretty lax as far as personal reels go.

[Castor Troy]

Even professionals in the industry use copyrighted music for their "reels" when they have to look for more editing work.

Go nuts.

[Brad]

I've seen a ton of demo reels that use copyrighted music, and I have high doubts that the people using it either get permission or licensing rights. It's simply one of those things that has become common practice in the trade. And I'm sure a band like Grizzly Bear would be ecstatic to see this since the video is becoming quite popular and thusly raising their exposure.

[AFT]

Cool vid, it was like walking through a 2-D puppet museum...

This.

[Megamom]

This information is interesting ... I want to do more productions independeintes and stop making more AMVs!

[downwithpants]

it is different from what AMV editors try to do, for better or worse (probably better). The video was more of a showcase of his directing and compositing skills in addition to editing. It wasn't as closely connected to the song as some AMVs try to be- you could have thrown in another similar song and it would have worked fine. AMV editors focus more on the connection between video and sound, mainly because they have little control of what goes on in the video, at least much less than someone who is creating/shooting their video.

[Brad]

it is different from what AMV editors try to do, for better or worse (probably better). The video was more of a showcase of his directing and compositing skills in addition to editing. It wasn't as closely connected to the song as some AMVs try to be- you could have thrown in another similar song and it would have worked fine. AMV editors focus more on the connection between video and sound, mainly because they have little control of what goes on in the video, at least much less than someone who is creating/shooting their video.

I'd say that there's examples of AMV's that took a similar approach in the respect of compiling various visuals simply to fit a mood or atmosphere rather than tell some sort of literal story. Obviously there's a large distinction as far as the technical approach between this and AMV's, but that was really the whole point of my post. Because he took the approach he did, he was able to get away with making a "legitimate" fan video for the sole purpose of creating something born from inspiration. The inspiration likely being the song itself, which is how many AMV's begin their life. I don't know about you guys but I'd say 99% of my AMV's began their life because of the song and not because of the anime. As far as the whole throwing in another similar song, I could also easily say the same for a TON of AMV's.

[LuluandAuron]

It makes me think of a discussion I've had with several editors. Over the past 2+ years, I've been feeling less and less motivated to do an AMV. A portion of this feeling certainly has to do with my own laziness, but I think a much bigger portion of it has to do with being in school and working towards building my career in motion graphics and visual effects. Now, when it comes to building pieces for my portfolio/reel, I don't think I will ever do or include anything AMV-related. I know this opens up a whole other can of worms in terms of how you look at the hobby, but in the industry, your design concepts and creativity matter way more than how well you can use the software. Thusly, I'm only going to include centerpieces that I've either made myself or shot myself (I won't eliminate the use of stock imagery in certain situations, but the majority of the time, I'm making it all myself). Maybe if I was looking to get a job as simply an editor, an AMV would be a legitimate showcase of my skill, but in the industry I want to be a part of, originality and creativity is key. Because I have this goal, I just haven't been able to muster up the motivation to work on an AMV when I know I could be using that creative time/energy to be making something for my reel.

Although I'm just an editor, which has worked for me so far......I love great shooting, but simply just want to edit it. Kudos to all of you with the motivation for film and motion graphics ect. So far, just being an editor has worked out good, I hope that continues.

Beside using an amv to get my first job, I don't really feel comfortable using my them...and not because they couldn't get me a job, but I don't know that many people really understand anime...they think cartoon....and I'm old.....freak!!!! However, I have some game footage and music from KOEI that I have permission to use in my reel, which I thought was rather nice of them. I would have an easier time explaining the reasoning for it being on my reel.

But I hear you on the time issue. Even if I still had the time to work more on an amv, it really is so much work!!! In my job, I have about 6hrs allotted for any music video....so 100 to 500 hrs on an amv is kinda yucky....unless of coarse I really believe in the project.

Also with permission to use the koei footage and music, my amv time could much better be spent there making something I can use in my reel.

However, I think an amv/fmv project will always be ongoing in my computer as I use them to learn, as I don't have lots of my own footage to work with.

[PaperIsland]

Nice post Brad. I think many of us entry-level professionals in the video making world can sympathize with what you're saying.

Somewhat related to what you're saying -- Perhaps a-m-v.org could better include people who want more control over their videos by explicitly permitting Japanese-inspired original animation. I know right now it falls into a gray area...