AMV Salad 6...next stop: ZENKAIKON

[SammySamaProductions]

I updated the list of those editors who have expressed interest / intent and have submitted material at the bottom of the first post of this thread.

Just saying...

... I thought you had gotten the clip I sent you...or does one so far not count for the smilie face

[Squancho]

I updated the list of those editors who have expressed interest / intent and have submitted material at the bottom of the first post of this thread.

Just saying...

... I thought you had gotten the clip I sent you...or does one so far not count for the smilie face

Sorry...I derped.
I was going by memory at the time.
I fixeded it.

Gael...is this like someone getting hit on the head and hearing a duck quack or wet squish on impact?
Ugh...this running gag thing is a pain.
It hurts to think about, especially since anything I can come up with doesn't work for whatever reason (most of which I don't even talk about from being too vague in the end).
I'm one of those people who can't work with an idea unless it practically writes itself, otherwise it feels and looks forced.
Boredom is usually a creative stimulant for me but the chaos I've been surrounded by in the last few months hasn't let that happen either.


I know I haven't been as present as in previous years and I'm not gonna excuse it with the lack of free time since November due to a job and other obligations.
I also haven't been the motivating element I should be.
I lost the mojo somewhere amid everything and I apologize to the lot of you.

The bottom line is this.
And I'm gonna talk to Scott Melzer about this as well.
I'm not gonna gain my free time back any time soon.
I also don't wanna take the wheel of this project again if I know I'm gonna overextend myself by doing so and certainly don't wanna turn in a half-hearted product because I couldn't devote enough time to it.
My lack of creative presence is also not fair to the rest of you.
For these and other minor reasons, once Otakon passes, I'm stepping down as the lead for AMV Salad's foreseeable future (provided there is one).
Ideally, I'd like to see someone take over and lead this for at least another year but it's up to any of you.
There are but a few of you who have more intimate knowledge and extensive experience on this project and I'd hope one of you would take this on.
I hate to abdicate the position since I did start this over six years ago but nothing is forever and I'm no longer the best-suited to run things.

I'll finish with this year but, beyond that, I'll most likely be better able to contribute to the project.
Again, I apologize for not being here in the capacity I had been in years past.
Feel free to PM me with whatever concerns or questions you may have.
I figured I shouldn't wait any longer to inform you all about what's happening.
Essentially, it's "real life" that got in the way.
I tried to juggle the job and AMV contests / departments and this project.
AMVS deserves better and so do you.

Once I finish my clips, I'll upload and link them for your consideration.
When I get home from work today I'll line everything up and see where we are time-wise.

[Squancho]

One thing I forgot to mention.
We can add Zenkaikon to the list of exhibitions this year.
They're showing AMVS5 as walk-in entertainment before Masquerade.
Next year there will be a live screening of ReHeated and AMVS6

[krvabo]

It's a shame to hear that.
If no one is found, you could always start another salad when you've got the time to, instead of every year. Personally I don't have the time for it either, nor am I the best person to lead such a project.

For this year I've concocted a little "4 piece" set, although it might even work better as a 2-piece. (the first and last clip of this WIP).
It is roughly one minute long for the four clips, but it is far from done. The second and third clips are just placeholders for now, and I've left black gaps between them in the video. I'm not really sure about the second and third anyway. The clips could be a 'running gag', but I don't think it's really strong enough for that at this stage. The first clip is basicly a 'base' / explanation why the last clip is funny.

http://sketsi.com/salad/amvs6-wip2.avi (13MB)

[Gaelstrom]

Not to worry, we can finish this one up and make it as awesome as we can, and then some of us will meet at the con and discuss its future in person as well. Obviously if it comes down to it, I'll be happy to pick it up so that Deuce can concentrate on his life if nobody else is interested. I've got a lot going on myself, but I love working on these and no matter what, every year, I've made certain to make the time to do what I love. I'm really big on being around and discussing things as it is, so if you guys see audience reactions at Otakon and remember why we do this in the first place, I'm pretty sure we can make a better decision then I've never forgotten that first time seeing the 2000-person auditorium laughing at AMVS3 when I first joined, and it's just too addicting.

For the time being, we've got plenty of time to get more taken care of. I'll be making another clip today and tomorrow hopefully another will come together. Don't let Deuce's news dishearten you or anything. I can take care of editing together the project if worse comes to worst, so everything's covered.

Let's just concentrate on making things funny for US. It doesn't have to be forced, just take a deep breath and take a nap asking yourself "What would be funny?" before going to sleep, and often enough, it comes to you

[Gaelstrom]

It's a shame to hear that.
If no one is found, you could always start another salad when you've got the time to, instead of every year. Personally I don't have the time for it either, nor am I the best person to lead such a project.

For this year I've concocted a little "4 piece" set, although it might even work better as a 2-piece. (the first and last clip of this WIP).
It is roughly one minute long for the four clips, but it is far from done. The second and third clips are just placeholders for now, and I've left black gaps between them in the video. I'm not really sure about the second and third anyway. The clips could be a 'running gag', but I don't think it's really strong enough for that at this stage. The first clip is basicly a 'base' / explanation why the last clip is funny.

http://sketsi.com/salad/amvs6-wip2.avi (13MB)

Hmmm... well, I guess it has some potential, but to be honest I kept expecting something to happen, and then in the fourth one, I'm pretty up on my memes, but even I don't know what that is. Of course knowing my comedic timing, I expected his head to keep banging faster and faster until it exploded, but... well you know me and explosions

I think the problem is there's no reaction involved by either of them. First off I don't know the source, and if that's important, well I can tell you anyone who doesn't know it won't find this funny. One of the reasons I think many of us use so many classic and older or very popular anime is because it opens up more potential for audience enjoyment.

Personally, I wouldn't really consider this one worth continuing I'm sorry to say, Krvabo. If you're having any trouble coming up with ideas you actually feel strongly about, do you want to chat via messenger or something and brainstorm? I promise you brainstorming between a couple people really leads to some great moments. I have two other friends who I bounce ideas off of, they're a chief reason some of my stuff exists. Warlike Swans is technically two people as well. I'm not trying to discourage you at all, but if your idea well is dry with your usual direction, maybe you could get some inspiration going in another creative direction?

[Squancho]

Krvabo...I was amused by the final clip because I didn't see "cool story bro" guy coming BUT I think the surprise might get lost along the way to the end.
I'm reminded of the "watching you fap" clips from last year.
Those worked because of the recurrence of the scene, the same music, and the "awesomeface" popping up at the end.
The general reactions have been moderate at best.
With this set, I think in the end there's too little going on to have enough impact, if that makes any sense.
You're on the right track but there's more potential to be realized here.

[krvabo]

Well that's why I put a WIP on, and it seems I was right to do so

It's not the "cool story bro" 'rageface', it's "b.tch please" http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/yao-ming-face
But if you don't know what it's supposed to be, I guess it really isn't funny. The trollface I used last year was more evident in that regard.

My reasoning was that with the Dr Oizo one (first one), you've got that headbanging thing going on, like in the clip, and when you see the beginning of the fourth clip you expect him to headbang again, but instead 'b.tch please" comes up. I could do a "Bitch Please" on top to make it more obvious and in that regard, funnier. Though I don't know the policy on swearing at the cons, but in my view of what 'goes' in America, you're not big fans of swearing in video

Gaelstrom: no, it's not the source that matters. If you know the source, it doesn't make it funnier. You have to, however, know the "B.tch please" and the Bieber song.
We could do the first clip, then a "video divider" (test screen), and immediately after the fourth clip.
If you don't think it'll work, then by all means don't include it and I'll give up on it

[Gaelstrom]

Aaaah, I see now. The idea of "Bitch please, I ain't head banging to that shit!" In concept that's amusing, but I honestly didn't catch on to that at all I'm sorry to say, I don't know if many others will either. To be honest I wouldn't ever headbang to the first song anyway personally. This idea relies too much on the audience hearing stuff they WANT to headbang to, and the only one I started bobbing my head to was Du Hast. The idea works, but considering you're dealing with such a personal thing as musical taste, it's a bit risky as a base for humor, and the comedic connection requires a bit too much.

For example I personally didn't necessarily find the "Electric Slide" clip last year that amusing, but lo and behold, there was the entire audience clapping along That one caught me off guard in a good way. Which made it slightly awkward when you see in the reaction vid that the clip's cut was off-beat and the entire audience got tripped up in their clapping Oops... Also keep in mind there will be a bunch of teenage girls at a con, and unfortunately they may love Justin Beiber so your clip could actually backfire... which would be a strange moment

This is one of those instances I think Deuce was talking about regarding forcing an idea. I think letting this one go will be for the best, because I know you can do better. You don't have to force it. Actually you know what worked for me was looking through a list of things I've watched before, just seeing their names, and thinking about various comedies and comedians I've seen recently, and got three ideas out of that. I threw out two of them, but one of them lead to the "Drive Down the Street" clip from AMVS4. I did it again and got the "Neighbors" One Piece clip.

[moonbunnychan]

I sent stuff. I want my Smiley face.

But anyway...a new salad is over a year away. A lot can happen between now and then to any of us. Lets consentrate on making this one awesome. Besides what you've been doing as overseer is just as much work as clip making so don't feel bad.