AMVs - Why we make them.....

[MadNavigator]

I don't think that has too much to do with it. I make AMVs and I'm writing a fanfic for almost a year now (at a somewhat inconstant rate), and I am bordering page 180. Yeah, it's big, but I have no self-control and I can't end it. As a matter of fact, the creative process of the fanfic is to me more pleasurable than that of the AMVs, although I'd much rather watch a five-minute AMV than read 170 pages of fanfic just for kicks.

They're just different ways of expressing yourself.

You notice, though, that hardly anyone really comes to the "Fanfic Panels" at the cons? Yet the AMV Contest or the Cosplay or even the fan art or guest artist panels always have a good crowd? Or you notice how someone may win the Art Contest and get a really great prize, or a picture drawn and submitted into the Art Show may get a bunch of money from a sale, while the winner of the Fanfic contest is nothing more than a blurb in the daily newsletter? Or what if "MegaTokyo", "Penny Arcade", and its' ilk were nothing more than just words of fiction? Wouldn't get so much recognition now, would it? It'd just be another obscure fanfic, with only a handful of fans, and Fred Gallagher, Gabe & Tycho, and the others wouldn't be where they are today.

Expression is one thing, yes. But I am one of those that still needs an audience for my creative outlet. And it's hard to say who does or doesn't feel the same way, because everyone is different. On top of that, we live in a society (as well as fan culture) where doing things "for attention" (ie: "attention whoring") is highly frowned upon, as cynicism and apathy become embraced philosophies.

While I truly do what I do for creative expression, there is still a part of me that does seek and enjoy the recognition that comes with it. Perhaps it could be my lineage that includes carnies and actresses? Who or what's to say? It's just how I feel.

It's just how we all feel about expressing ourselves. Yet the fact remains is that anime fandom is a visual culture; not a literary one (except if it involves foppishly handsome robot pilots having gay sex with each other, but that's another rant). So AMV's do get noticed at the least because they can be seen.

My apologies for letting the thread tangent off. Rotten produce is in the table in the back; one item per person, please.

[O-Kagachi]

simply put, as stress relievers for people like me...

[Maver]

its somthing else my parents don't understand

[themaan]

Why make an anime music video? Why not? The reason I make AMVs is because I love filmmaking and the editing process. I also like anime and music. When I first saw an AMV I figured they were pretty cool and it would be fun to make them. Plus, it gives me something to do. Lot's of my friends and family seem to like my videos and it's always fun to be respected, tee hee hee. I make videos for everyone, including myself. It's a cool hobbie and I enjoy it. I think those are good reasons!

[Gepetto]

I don't think that has too much to do with it. I make AMVs and I'm writing a fanfic for almost a year now (at a somewhat inconstant rate), and I am bordering page 180. Yeah, it's big, but I have no self-control and I can't end it. As a matter of fact, the creative process of the fanfic is to me more pleasurable than that of the AMVs, although I'd much rather watch a five-minute AMV than read 170 pages of fanfic just for kicks.

They're just different ways of expressing yourself.

You notice, though, that hardly anyone really comes to the "Fanfic Panels" at the cons? Yet the AMV Contest or the Cosplay or even the fan art or guest artist panels always have a good crowd? Or you notice how someone may win the Art Contest and get a really great prize, or a picture drawn and submitted into the Art Show may get a bunch of money from a sale, while the winner of the Fanfic contest is nothing more than a blurb in the daily newsletter? Or what if "MegaTokyo", "Penny Arcade", and its' ilk were nothing more than just words of fiction? Wouldn't get so much recognition now, would it? It'd just be another obscure fanfic, with only a handful of fans, and Fred Gallagher, Gabe & Tycho, and the others wouldn't be where they are today.

Expression is one thing, yes. But I am one of those that still needs an audience for my creative outlet. And it's hard to say who does or doesn't feel the same way, because everyone is different. On top of that, we live in a society (as well as fan culture) where doing things "for attention" (ie: "attention whoring") is highly frowned upon, as cynicism and apathy become embraced philosophies.

While I truly do what I do for creative expression, there is still a part of me that does seek and enjoy the recognition that comes with it. Perhaps it could be my lineage that includes carnies and actresses? Who or what's to say? It's just how I feel.

It's just how we all feel about expressing ourselves. Yet the fact remains is that anime fandom is a visual culture; not a literary one (except if it involves foppishly handsome robot pilots having gay sex with each other, but that's another rant). So AMV's do get noticed at the least because they can be seen.

My apologies for letting the thread tangent off. Rotten produce is in the table in the back; one item per person, please.

I agree that it is a video culture. What I meant was that there are many people that make AMVs for themselves and I, as one of them, also enjoy writing fanfics. I see both as creative outlets, and in that sense, fanfics are far superior to AMVs.

However, if one`s goal is to achieve recognition, fanfics are definately the worst possible option.

It`s completely a matter of oppinion, so we can keep on this discussion virtually forever. We should just agree to disagree and be happy that we found a way to express ourselves to the world.

[StarMasayume]

I think kitsunebeolnet summed up why I started making amvs niceley. "I have to CREATE or have an active hand in something to >realy< enjoy it."

I was happy just reading fanfics and reading books--then I surprised myself by starting to write my own stories. I think I like reading even more now that I have a greater understanding and appreciation for the written word. Now I even aspire to publish young adult books in the future.

I was happy just visiting web pages and admiring other peoples graphics and design--then I started a web site of my own and gradually learned html and all these programs, trying to improve the purpose and designs of my site. Now I plan to get a degree in graphic design and web design.

Art---well, I've always loved art and sketched my whole life. Though after I gave it up for about 2 years and starting seeing digital art that people have done, I was amazed and felt a renewed vigor. Had to get into art again.

Anime Music Videos--loved them for the many months I slowly gathered them and for the month or two I lurked at a-m-v.org, but then there was that familiar tug to be a part of the amv world and make my own. It can never satisfy me for long just admiring from the sidelines.

So with me I think it's an artistic need, and I've always done everything for my own satisfaction as well as to be appreciated by others. I don't think I could enjoy my artwork or my stories nearly as much as I do without knowing that someone's looking at them or reading them. I don't believe this, however, has ever affected what I draw, what I design, or what amvs I create. I create something that I know I'd enjoy myself.

I know the impact that a good art, story, or amv can have on me and I like to aim to achieve that same feeling to someone else.

AMVS are a hobby, however, there's not neccessarily "free time" for them (I have enough time consuming interests - I've just been neglecting the rest of my interests temporarily for time).

Oh, and I can't agree about fanfiction being a poor for recognition purposes compared to amvs. Sure, amvs you can bring to cons and such, and I've never even considering going to a con for fanfiction, but for me that isn't the case. The first two years were slow, but with the entrance of a few impacting stories, I know that I have a few hundred readers just by the ones who have reviewed or e-mailed me (what's the percentage of ones that actually do that who have read? =/). I believe I currently have recognition in my stories than I do with my amvs. That may change, but at least for now it's true.

Just had to point that out. Though I do agree there are a lot of fanfics
(probably majority) that don't get much recogniction. But I think the same is true for a lot of amvs that are out there. Annddd... better stop before I keep rattling on. ^_^

There, my take on why I create amvs and response to some things that've been said.

[genestarwind21122]

After Otakon, I've been thinking a lot about AMVs and the AMV community altogether. Theres a whole lot to be said on "originality" and whatnot, but one of the biggest things that seems to stick out in my mind is: Why do we make these videos?

Its funny, really, how some of the AMV community works. An artistic video won't be accepted by the general audience because it would fly over their heads. However, a Naruto/Linkin Park video won't be accepted by many creators strictly because of the anime/song choice. So that brings up my little question....

Who do you create your videos for? Yourself? Other creator's in order to gain respect? The generic public?

Call it a little social survey, I'm truely interested in everyone's response and I'm sure others wouldn't mind hearing as well

~Seen

How could you not remember what I was saying at Otakon? We were sitting on the pannel together. Anyway to answer your question it is any song that strikes me saying hey you know what this song would be good for a music video I don't go with the flow all the time such as popular songs or anime. And that's how you are creative. I do it for the fun of it. Take your time and don't rush your work. If you lose insperation on your work don't force it. Come back to it later. Just start on another project. That's what I do.

Well I hope this helps.

Gene Starwind 21122

[ANTDrakko]

I know, Gene. This is more like a question directed toward any and all creators individually.

My memory is bad but its not that bad

Thanks for the input, everyone, keep'em comin'

~Seen

[pen-pen2002]

Simple, I know. I do love the creative side of it, and consider inventing and working on videos one of the ultimate ways of active music listening (which is something I really like to do). If only it wasn't such a pain in the ass sometimes

That's a really interesting way of looking at it.

As for me:

...Because I get better every time.

[Otohiko]

That's a really interesting way of looking at it.

As for me:

...Because I get better every time.

That's entirely true, from what I've seen of you, I admit

I don't know if I get better...

As for my approach - I think I might be one of the only editors who actually likes listening to the same music over and over and over for hours in a row while editing