Calling all editors! Kumoricon 2021’s AMV Contest is ready for AMV submissions!
Please follow this link to reach our online rules/submission page: https://www.kumoricon.org/amv-contest
Thank you to everyone who entered our AMV Contest and attended our AMV Programming in 2020. This pandemic has been tough to work around and we know that it wasn't the same to not have our event in-person, but we are so thrilled at the response and the community that we were able to foster online. Our online voting system and programming was such a success that Kumoricon has plans to integrate these online aspects into future conventions. We really appreciate all of your patience and trust throughout this process—we couldn't have done this without you!
Currently, an in-person convention is being planned for this year, but do keep in mind that plans may change due to COVID-19. As we learn more, we will update this thread with the most current information.
An online fundraising event, known as DigiKumo Lite (July 17-18th, 2021), will take place shortly. You will find a lot of digital programming and events here. For more information, check out this URL: https://www.kumoricon.org/digikumo-lite
AMV Contest
All of our rules have stayed the same, but this year for the first time ever, you can contribute to the Melting Pot—a category for entries that don’t fit into our definition of anime/manga-styled sources. These entries may use any source of their choice including, but not limited to: live action media, cartoons, video games, etc.
We are so excited to continue hosting some of the best AMVs and AMV programming in the U.S. — and it's all because of your support that we can make this possible. Thank you!
Let the Games Begin!!!
Here are this year’s rules! They can also be found on the Kumoricon AMV Contest page.
CATEGORIES:
There are seven categories for the 2021 contest:
UPBEAT / FUN: We're looking for fast-paced enjoyment.
INTENSITY: Action, suspense, conflict, triumph, and despair!
DRAMA / SENTIMENTS: Give the audience the feels!
TRAILERS: Short, sweet and to the point!
FAN FICTION: Rewrite the anime. Make your wildest dreams come true!
GUILTY PLEASURES: Delightfully annoying and cringey. Take the worst of pop culture and make it great.
MELTING POT: For the first time ever, we are accepting entries that don't fit into our definition of anime/manga-styled sources. These entries may use any source of their choice including, but not limited to: live action media, cartoons, video games, etc.
Depending upon the content and number of AMV entries received, categories are subject to change.
CONTEST RULES:
ANIME: are Japanese animated productions featuring hand-drawn or computer animation (video game footage is not anime).
The majority (over 50%) of your entry's video content must consist of anime-styled or manga-styled content. Consideration will be given to other non-Japanese sources that feature such styles (examples of exceptions include Voltron: Legendary Defender, Teen Titans, Avatar: The Last Airbender, etc.)
We try to run a respectable show. This includes no themes likely to insult or disparage by race, social class, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexuality—because that's no fun for anybody. Judges reserve the right to disqualify a video if it contains too much profanity, nudity, and/or references to drugs/alcohol. Judges may also disqualify a video if they find the content to be too serious/disturbing for a contest setting.
TV station logos ("bugs") and other commercial indices must be obscured or removed.
Bumpers and credits are NOT allowed as we will be adding custom-made intro and outro slates for each AMV finalist. There is an exception for AMV titles (NOT credits) that add to the overall message and purpose of your AMV.
Parody uses of commercial logos are acceptable.
No source subtitles allowed. Intentionally added subtitles are okay.
No more than 3 entries per person, with no more than 1 entry per Category.
Maximum file size: 330MB.
Maximum duration: 6:00 minutes.
HOW TO SUBMIT:
To submit, you MUST UPLOAD your file to the Kumoricon AMV Contest page.
We accept a wide range of file types, but MP4 is preferred. We strongly discourage submitting older codecs/formats like QuickTime, DivX, RealMedia or Flash Video. If you are unsure that your format is optimal, try playing your video in VLC Media Player. If it plays without any issues, then it will be optimal for submission into the contest. Physical media (such as by mail) is not accepted at this contest.
***By submitting an AMV, you grant Kumoricon and the AMV Contest staff unconditional permission to use, copy, share and show that AMV.
DEADLINES:
Entries MUST be submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Daylight Time on August 31, 2021 (UTC 6:59am on September 1, 2021).
A panel of judges will convene to review all entries and select up to six AMVs per category. The judges' decisions on the playlist is final.
All entries must have premiered or been created NO EARLIER than the previous year's Kumoricon/DigiKumo (November 6, 2020).
Entries that have been finalists in previous Kumoricon/DigiKumo contests are excluded from the 2021 contest.
PRIZES:
Each category will win one prize chosen by audience voting.
The audience will also choose a Best In Show winner.
The coordinator/judges may make a Judges' Choice award, Coordinator's Choice award, Technical Effects award, and Honorable Mention as well as any other awards they believe best represent the top AMVs shown at the contest.
Therefore, a guaranteed seven prizes shall be awarded for 2021 with the potential to reach upwards of twelve prizes.
A category prize is usually an anime DVD/Blu-Ray, a manga/art book, and/or a small figure. Top prizes for Best In Show, Coordinator's Choice, and Judge's Choice include anime figurines and/or other larger goodies. Each winner also receives a custom-made award plaque.
Email questions to: amv@kumoricon.org.
