what you look for in a drama AMV...

Org Profile · Post by **Vlad G Pohnert** » Tue Nov 02, 2004 2:49 pm

Contrary to what some people may thing, Good Dramatic videos are probably the hardest to make...

Most people get confused in what is a good Dramatic video from where the Dramatic elements are actually coming from. Generally it's easy to take something like "Grave of the Fireflies" and make a more dramatic video since the Dramatic feel is coming from the clips more than the actual video concept/editing. Don't get me wrong, some of those can be real good videos as well, but it's just easier to call those really good dramatic video for the wrong reasons.

To create something Dramatic that stands on it's own and compliments the clips is not easy. In this case concept, flow, editing, song & Clip selection is very critical and must have the right balance of ingredients to work... In Action and Comedy, there is a lot more leeway for imbalance. It not that these videos are a lot easier then a Dramatic video, but to stir emotions not directly associated with just the clips is not easy by far...

For me, A dramatic video is my way of conveying my feelings/emotions and how I look at something in particular anime(s) and it’s tough sometimes to visually show that so others experience the same emotions that the creator feels….

Vlad

Sentient Satire · Post by **Sentient Satire** » Tue Nov 02, 2004 3:22 pm

Well, I'll use what Vlad contributed to illustrate my point further.

Vlad G Pohnert wrote:Most people get confused in what is a good Dramatic video from where the Dramatic elements are actually coming from. Generally it's easy to take something like "Grave of the Fireflies" and make a more dramatic video since the Dramatic feel is coming from the clips more than the actual video concept/editing. Don't get me wrong, some of those can be real good videos as well, but it's just easier to call those really good dramatic video for the wrong reasons

With what he said in hindsight:

Sentient Satire wrote: I believe whether subtle or overt, an emotional equivalent of an ostinato would be in order for good drama.

I was more or less trying to equate concept and pacing footage with the tempo appropriately to better success rate with drama. Footage with "dramatic elements" inherent with it, does in no way automatically produce the quality of "drama" in AMVs persay. Emotions, a critical aspect of drama, can't be achieved by a formulaic approach. Just the nature of the beast.

Sentient Satire wrote:Can't cite any particular examples at the moment... I suck.

And that was just an attempt at coyness on my part.

yumi+chan · Post by **yumi+chan** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 9:41 am

krzT321 wrote:
yumi+chan wrote:A Drama AMV must be very emotional and sad with a lot of crying people.
There musn't be any romance.
I guess this doesn't really apply to Vash as much, but I really don't see why a drama can't have romance, too. What about the tragedies of love? Heartbreak? I consider that drama.

I haven't said that there should be no romance. I meant that romance isn't necessary in a Drama AMV.

Voices_Of_Ryan · Post by **Voices_Of_Ryan** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 10:39 am

My Unbiased list of some of the best and greatest Drama amv's of all time (Reguardless of what otherpeople think, or what I think of the paticular editor(S).). I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Also, I don't have the link's for all of them since alot of them are on Disc now. But I spell checked and made sure every title and editor's name was correct before I posted. So just search them : ).

NHMK
Beautiful Earth
Footage: Arjuna
Song: ColdPlay "Everythings not lost"
Drama Type: Emotional Surroundings

The best idea I can think of, of doing a romantic yet.. Involved drama amv using simplistic editing and some of the best use of colors I've seen in a while.

It does what a good drama amv (of this type) should do. It makes you think not so much about the characters, but more about the world they inhabit and whats really pushing them to be like they are.

KoopSkieva
Damaged Rei-Mix
Footage: Evangelion
Song: Plummet "Damaged (808 Mix)
Drama Type: You against yourself

The excellent example (over euphoria, yes) is Damaged Rei Mix by koop. He did an excellent job of really making you feel like you knew what Rei was going threw. And reguardless of if it was his secound, third, or hundreth amv. It's his best dramatic amv (In my honest opinion). Because over anything.

It shows the true strength of the character, and it makes you think that maybe she's not as robotic as everyone led you to think.

MajinKoji
Synthetic
Footage: Rahxephon
Song: Feeder "Yesterday Went Too Soon"
Drama Type: Am I alone?

This video, over anything is one of my favorites in the drama category. Why?
Quite simply it shows the plight of the character. Threwout the video he continuesly seemes to ask himself "is it all worth it" and "why am I doing it at all?". For a simplistic amv like it is, with the band that it uses. It does the job of keeping your face glued to the screen because you keep waiting and wanting to see what happens next.

Akimbo
Fathers & Sons
Footage: DragonballZ
Song: Ben Folds "Still Fighting it"
Drama Type: Family

This video really shows one thing overall. No matter how much you regret the mistakes you've made in your life. You always try not to burden/pass them on to other people. And moreover While Dragonballz is one of my favorite animes, I havnt seen too many people that can doubt the very emotional resiance of this video.

It's that powerfull.

Cyanna
These Angel Hearts
Footage: Evangelion
Song: Billy Joel "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)"
Drama Type: Who are these people around me?

I think what this video does dramaticly well (and diffrent mind you), is the simple fact that it shows Rei in a situation thinking not only about her life, but the people around her.
It also should be noted that much like koops entry, the editor seems like she/he already know's their way around. And knows that they have limitations in editing, so they go more towards the drama angle.

Which is really what makes this special.

MeriC
Memory
Footage: Sailor Moon
Song: SugarCult "Memory (Acoustic)"
Drama Type: Bordering on Romance

I think what makes this amv such a great success, is not the romance angle, but the very drama angle that you wouldnt quite expect from a sailormoon music video (Espically using campy Live action footage).
The song fits the mood and the idea so well, that it really stays in your (and forgive this pun) Memory for times to come.

You choose Sam,the rest · Post by **You choose Sam,the rest** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 12:39 pm

Drama amvs = 3-4 minutes made up of 5 to 7 seconds of uninteresting, long cuts.

Flint the Dwarf · Post by **Flint the Dwarf** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 12:51 pm

As opposed to trailers?

Which are 2-4 minutes made up to 2-3 seconds of uninteresting, overly-flashy, short cuts.

Wong · Post by **Wong** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 1:05 pm

You choose Sam,the rest wrote:Drama amvs = 3-4 minutes made up of 5 to 7 seconds of uninteresting, long cuts.

I think someone is upset that they can't create a good drama vid

Voices_Of_Ryan · Post by **Voices_Of_Ryan** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 1:14 pm

You choose Sam,the rest wrote:Drama amvs = 3-4 minutes made up of 5 to 7 seconds of uninteresting, long cuts.

I resent that.

Beowulf · Post by **Beowulf** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 1:24 pm

You choose Sam,the rest wrote:Drama amvs = 3-4 minutes made up of 5 to 7 seconds of uninteresting, long cuts.

Thats funny considering your a one trick hack who makes trailers.

Corran · Post by **Corran** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 1:26 pm

You choose Sam,the rest wrote:Drama amvs = 3-4 minutes made up of 5 to 7 seconds of uninteresting, long cuts.

He's so right.