JOURNAL: rentahero (Chris Davis)

  • Acen 2k2 2002-04-25 09:22:04 While it was not my first con, it was my first con south of the border (I'm Canadian, eh!). I was quite impressed with the layout and the atmosphere. The staff were great, as were the fans themselves. I didn't see any unecessary behaviour, and all the fans were generally well behaved. That sort of thing does help contribute to how a hotel's management contemplates hosting the event in the future. We've all seen hotel based cons move around from year to year. The size of facilities and whatnot are not the only reasons a con moves, if you get my meaning. It's important as a fan to be mindful of your surroundings and know that your behaviour influences future events. I sincerely hope that Acen takes place at the same location next year.

    As for the AMV fiasco at Acen, I was largely unaware that there was such a big problem. As the coordinator for the AMV at CNAnime in Toronto, I can certainly sympathize with Acen's staff, Patrick Bohnet (Quu) in particular. Working under time constraints, and equipment hiccups is not fun at all. The one thing running through your mind is whether or not you're going to get lynched by a mob of angry fans if you don't deliver. I applaud his efforts and those who assisted. Given the number of entries, dealing with the conversion of multiple file formats, and limited time, the fact that it came out completed in one form or another is remarkable. Two big thumbs up to the AMV staff for weathering the storm.

    I had the pleasure of speaking briefly with EK, and had a chat about AMV contests with Patrick. It was nice to meet them both in person. I saw some other AMV folks there but I didn't want to muscle my way into conversations or whatever so I didn't say hi. In case any of those folks are reading this I wasn't trying to be a snob or anything, I just didn't want to bug you guys seeing as you were busy doing something or other most of the time, just so you know.

    Overall Acen was an enjoyable experience and I plan on returning next year. One final note. I must appologise for my friend's comment on stage during the awards for video gaming. He had won the Virtua Fighter 4 tourney and made the comment "It must suck knowing that a Canadian won this" which was followed by an understandable moan from the crowd. His actions and words do not reflect the feelings of the Canadian population. Heck, I bowed my head in shame when he made that statement. No hard feelings guys, he's like that and doesn't actually hold any ill feelings towards Acen, or Americans in general. He's just...insensitive at times.  
  • Back in the saddle 2001-10-15 22:43:43 After a long stint away from actually doing any AMV work I have begun a new project. Actually it's not the one I planned on doing first (I have a couple ideas on hold) but I felt it would let me ease myself back into things.

    After making that travesty of an AMV, "In the Grip of Fear" I kind of took a step back to evaluate myself and think about why I was doing any of this. I didn't really come up with any answers that satisfied me, so I just stopped for a while.

    With this new project I'm just going to go with it and see what happens. If the end result is satisfactory then I'll probably resume my other projects. Wish me luck.

    It actually feels kinda good to be back in the saddle, so to speak.

    On another note, the Premier of Ontario is visiting my workplace this week (to see how our station works...or doesn't, in particular our new digital master control). Thanks a lot Mike, we all love the new 60hr work week thing...bastard! As if we didn't get screwed enough already. 
  • Need a motivational kick in the a$$ 2001-09-29 05:07:32 Well, here I am at work on a midnight shift. I've been trying to get myself going on a new project for some time now, but I just can't seem to get into the groove. I've had ideas and the like but everytime I open Premiere or After Effects all I can do is groan and accomplish nothing.

    You see, the problem is I work in television. I'm exposed to stuff like this day in and day out. The last thing I really want to do after work is anything related to video (except for video games of course). Heck, I barely watch TV anymore (I see enough at work). Not to mention the stress level shot up a few hundred points in the last month as we launched 5 new channels on digital (adding to our 3 exisiting networks).

    YTV
    Treehouse
    CMT
    Scream
    Edge TV
    Discovery Kids
    Documentary
    Country Canada

    Eight! That's eight freakin' channels to provide content for. Overtime is no longer an option at my workplace, it's now the norm. We've got everyone breathing down our necks for things not going smoothly (Gee, you expect 5 new networks to go at once and without a hitch? Excuse me while I laugh myself stupid). I could swear that I got a few more gray hairs adding to the growing collection atop my head (and I just turned 30).

    Anywho, I need something to jumpstart me. I need to get back in the saddle and do something creative. I no longer have the excuse of preparing for CNAnime 2001 (since its long since past now) so it's time I got off my lazy ass and did something. Wouldn't you agree?

    Ready and willing to hear any words of encouragement (or scathing criticism) from anyone who cares. 
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