AMV Design Process

danielwang · Post by **danielwang** » Mon Jul 21, 2003 11:42 pm

Ok, I admit I’m practically an AMV n00b, so don’t get me wrong here, I’m not authoritatively saying this is “the” design process. I’m trying to design an AMV, and I’d like to know what you think of my hypothetical design method.

I don't want my next video to screw up like my last one.

Step One: Product specification, project parameters
Objective: Emphasize themes and concepts in “Vision of Escaflowne”
Method: Cluster themes/scene classes together in blocks, sync to music
Materials: Various music, “Escaflowne” volumes and movie.

Step Two: Taking notes, selecting prospective music
I will begin by referencing existing content notes on Escaflowne and list various themes and scene classes. Begin initial mapping of music using paper into layer blocks, dynamics (rate, etc), and lyrics (lyrics MUST match or not exist). After selecting music, match theme blocks to music segments.

Step Three: Conceptualize (the artistic part)
I am thinking of a “Memories Dance” type of video with overlapping blocks and a reference frame for each scene class change. Begin with scenes of “normal world” blocks, then change amount of action with music dynamics. Showcase the themes, then end with real-world or some type of “finale” scene.
But I don’t want to do something really cheesy like sticking the mecha/battle scenes together and then jumping right to the slow romantic-looking parts when the music transitions.
A possible concept would be to select a neutral scene class to transition. Separating themes with clips of the Blue Beam Of Light is a cheap trick, but there are only 3 of those clips. “Memories Dance” got away with overlapping effects and picture album transitions, but I don’t want too many digital effects.

Step Four: Technical Execution
I don’t have much equipment, but I do have the minimum stuff. I have (legit) copy of After Effects, and staples including VirtualDub (free). Additionally, I have a DVD drive on a laptop, DVD player and (access to) Silicon Graphics workstations.
This is the trickiest part – I watch the DVDs first and take notes, writing down the time codes. I rip them and then produce, do a design conference and try again. But my technical setup blows. I have to the clips off the DVD mobile computer with a USB drive, which is time consuming. Assuming I get far enough to want to do an AMV, I will have to either get a network card, or second DVD drive.
Too bad school lab hours are so short.

Step Five: Collaborate and Conference
I need critics, etc, for viewing the conceptual version. I go to beta, which is putting it out on dot org forums for flame bait. Then, that goes to (preproduction) release candidate, with several versions. Whichever one is best is published. How this gets done: stick links to file (hosted by CU) on Off Topic. Read the flames. Try again.
Or, I can find colleagues at school, strap them to a chair and show them horrible AMVs.

If all else fails, I can do a mecha-themed AMV. At least it’s better than LBZ. Hey, a mecha themed one might be nice, for a change.

Saeth1 · Post by **Saeth1** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 12:20 am

well here's how I do it:

<unplanned> watch anime or listen to music, get an AMV idea

look into plan - compare lyrics to anime to see if I can realisticly match them up

rip dvd's

---during dvd ripping

basic planning - get the idea for my video, theming, and ways to incorperate that theme (i.e. basic scene/song matcup - brainstorm effects and major thinks you wont be happy with yourself if you dont include)

as soon as the first disc is done ripping, watch it.. i always rewatch the entire series before i start the AMV

---

edit video

import all my files, and i usually start at the begining, and go until i get to a hard part, at which point i skip onto the next section i had planned out

whatever sections i dont have planned out, i just look through for something that fits

if there are no lyrics i just pick a cool scene that fits with the general theme or emotion of it

render export test compress test test upload test confrim test announce :p

Lyrs · Post by **Lyrs** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 1:25 am

i just sit back and load up an anime till i find the right one.

/end

trythil · Post by **trythil** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 1:36 am

I have no real process. I usually sit back, listen to a song, close my eyes, and note the colors and shapes I see.

:/

Leanan · Post by **Leanan** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 1:41 am

I get an idea in my head and I run it through like a movie. I then try to create as close to what I'm imagining as possible. It doesn't always work.

EarthCurrent · Post by **EarthCurrent** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 1:50 am

I find a song...and then I look for an AMV that is about the same length.

Once I find a one, I replace the AMVs original music with the new song.

Simplicity.

Farlo · Post by **Farlo** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 2:10 am

i listen to songs, or watch anime, and if one makes me think of the other, then i do it

Dannywilson · Post by **Dannywilson** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 6:08 am

Hmm... I listen to a song. I listen to said song roughly 300 times. I then find myself singing said song while I watch the DVD's. I then rip dvd's while still singing said song. I open up premiere while singing said song with a few verses tinged blue with swearing as premiere crashes while loading. I proceed to edit wile singing said song along with the one playing on my screen. By this point, I hate said song with a passion, but manage to complete video. I hear said song on radio. I vomit blood to the tune of said song.

OmniStrata · Post by **OmniStrata** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 9:52 am

Timing vid processes, (2JA) Omni Strata Studios Style...

1. Learn the timing/rhythm of the song. (takes days usually)
2. Footage check, is there enough? [if not, what can I use to replace?]
3. Placement of Timeline markers [actually, I'm now trying to refrain from them...]
4. Slicing the footage to the frame. [DVD rips or Digisubs, all the same to me...]
5. Effects creation [the name and the effect are directly connected...]
6. Find trustworthy friends [who are VERY good creators to boot] who'll take a little bit of time to watch your betas as they come. (Zarxrax, j00 da man...)
7. Release the video to a very greedy public who'd very soon rip your gold fillings out if you took any longer... [me shudders]
8. Enter cons to see who else hates your video...

koronoru · Post by **koronoru** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 12:28 pm

EarthCurrent wrote:I find a song...and then I look for an AMV that is about the same length.

Once I find a one, I replace the AMVs original music with the new song.

Simplicity.

You are (I hope) joking, but this made me think of something that would be cool to do (probably difficult, though): find two songs that have (or can be edited to have) the same structure and length. Edit a video that can go with either song but will have a different meaning depending on which song you use.