Katsucon 14 Music Video Awards Contest

[Editinghermit]

HELLO EVERYBODY!

This thread is to announce that the Katsucon 14 Music Video Awards Contest is now underway!

Please adhere to the rules and guidelines below, as it would be greatly appreciated by the KMVA 14 staff.

WELCOME TO THE KATSUCON 14 MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS CONTEST!


The CATEGORIES for this year's contest are:
- ACTION
- ROMANCE
- DRAMA
- UPBEAT
- COMEDY

The AWARDS for this year's contest are:

Audience Vote Awards for:
- Best Action
- Best Romance
- Best Drama
- Best Upbeat
- Best Comedy

Judges Vote Awards for:
- Best of Show
- Best Technical
- Coordinator's Choice

PRIZES for winners will be the following:

- Each of the Audience awards and Coordinator’s Choice will win a $20 gift card for Best Buy.

- Best of Show and Best Technical will each receive a $50 gift card for Best Buy PLUS FREE REGISTRATION (for one person) to Katsucon 15!!!

- And let’s not forget the almighty KATSU TROPHIES, EVERY winner will receive one!

1.) Acceptable File Formats for Submissions

DV AVI (Most Preferred Format)
- Resolution of 720 x 480
- Frame rate of 29.97 fps.
- For audio, encode in uncompressed audio if your program allows you to. If not, then please use the default audio settings in your program.
- Please use an audio sample rate of 48 kHz. If you cannot encode the audio at 48 kHz, we WILL accept 44.1 kHz. However, the audio will be converted to 48 kHz for the final contest reel. This could potentially lead to slight degradation in the quality of your video’s audio.

MPEG-2 (2nd Most Preferred Video Format)
- Resolution of 720 x 480
- Frame rate of 29.97 frames per second (fps)

MPEG-1
- Resolution of 720 x 480. If your system cannot produce an MPEG-1 at 720 X 480, we will ALSO accept a resolution of 640 X 480. Please note that 640 X 480 files will be converted to a resolution of 720 X 480, which may lead to some degradation in video quality. If possible, we would MUCH rather receive MPEG-2, as to guarantee the quality of the video to the audience. You will not be penalized in judging if you have to send an MPEG-1 file.

Notes for entrants using either MPEG-1 or MPEG-2
- When compressing video, please use a Variable Bit Rate (VBR). For VBR settings, please use a Maximum bit rate of 16 megabytes per second (mbps) or best possible, a minimum bit rate of 4 megabytes, and an average of 8 megabytes. If you cannot use VBR, we also accept a Constant Bit Rate (CBR) compression. If using CBR, please use the highest bit rate possible.
- When compressing audio, please use MPEG layer-II audio in stereo (do not use a joint- stereo setting, please).
- Audio sample rate of 48 kilohertz (khz) if possible. If unable to encode in 48 khz, then 44.1 khz is also acceptable.
- Audio bit rate of 224 kilobytes per second (kbps) or higher.
- If possible, please do NOT use PCM or Dolby Digital as the audio compressor for MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 files.


IMPORANT Notes for all file formats:
- Please encode files as INTERLACED, with the field order at bottom (or lower) field first. The final play through of the contest will be progressive (non-interlaced), so if you feel you can make a proper progressive encoding instead, then please go ahead. We ask for an interlaced file because we can convert your interlaced video to a high quality progressive format, but we have little ability to fix a poorly de-interlaced video, and make it look good on screen.
- PLEASE add 1 second of silent black video at the beginning AND end for EACH video. No more, no less.
- We will accept videos in a frame aspect ratio of 4:3 or 16:9 (widescreen); however, PLEASE make a note on your entry form, should you decide to use a widescreen format.
- If you are unsure how to encode your video file to meet all the above requirements or if you are concerned about quality loss as a result of re-encoding just send us your raw file and we will do our best to encode it for you. However, we must have the one second of black video at the beginning and end of your entry.

2.) Video Content Regulations
- Video must have at least 70% genuine Japanese-produced anime footage and/or anime-related video game footage. Please remember that this is an anime music video contest, not a live action video contest. Should the music video staff find any discrepancies with your video’s content, you will be contacted and consulted with. If we are unable to contact you (hence, please fill out your submission form in full), then we reserve the right to disqualify your video.
- Footage with subtitles will not be accepted. This includes both licensed and fan-subbed work. If you create your own subtitles and/or screen text, then that IS allowed, pending you tell us this on your submission form.
- No logos, bumpers, or watermarks.
- This contest is intended to be all ages-event, so please do not submit content that can be possibly considered above a rating of PG-13. Hence, please no explicit nudity, excessive sexual content, EXCESSIVE violence, and profanity. The Katsucon Music Video staff reserves the right to disqualify any submission if we feel that an entry violates any of these conditions. Should you have a production that may be “walking the line” with these conditions, please contact us in advance.

3.) Video Duration
- All entries must have a minimum running time of 30 seconds, and a maximum time of 6 minutes. This duration rule does NOT include the one second of silent black video at the beginning and end of each entry.

4.) Total Number of Entries Per Entrant
- Each person or party may have a TOTAL of THREE(3) entries for the contest.
- Each contestant can only be associated with 3 productions total.
- ex.: One entrant can be in three team projects, OR one team project and two independent projects, OR 2 team projects and 1 independent project, and so on. One entrant can NOT be in 3 independent projects and 1 team project (totals four projects, and exceeds three-entry limitation).
- Limit of ONE production PER category.
- ex.: If submitting three videos, then one video could be in Romance, one in Action, and one in Comedy. In the same instance, two videos in Romance and one in Action would not be allowed (only one of the two romance videos would be accepted into the contest).
- Entrants are responsible for noting their participation in a team endeavor. Failing to will result in disqualification of the entry.
- If the entry being submitted is a team project, ALL members MUST SIGN the signature release forms on the submission form, along with all necessary information. If the members of a team are unable to sign the same entry form, for whatever reason, please contact the Katsucon Music Video staff so we may help you and get your production into the contest.

5.) Limitations of Contest Submissions
- If your entry has participated in a prior contest, that contest must have occurred after February 15th, 2007.
- Your video may not have participated in a previous year’s KMVA contest.
- Trolling rules: If a video has won 3 or more MAJOR awards prior to SUBMITTING to the Katsucon 14 Music Video Awards, then that video will be disqualified. Major awards include awards such as Best in Show, Best Action, Best Drama, etc. Minor awards include Honorable Mention, 2nd Place or below in a category, etc. If your video wins an award AFTER your video is sent to Katsucon 13, then those award(s) do NOT count towards the trolling disqualification rule.

6.) Submission Form
- One form must be completed for each entrant.
- Submissions by a group must have their own entry form, regardless if individuals in that group are also submitting their own entries.
- ex.: an individual has submitted 2 videos, but is also a member for a group video. That individual must have a completed entry form for his/her individual videos, plus another completed entry form for the group project.
- Form MUST be filled out completely and legibly when mailing in entry.
- When submitting via FTP, please include a filled out entry form as a text(.txt) format file, and include with your submission. We will send out an e-mail upon receiving your entry. The entrant must then reply to our e-mail to confirm the entry and this will also count as your “signature” for the entry form. Please note the full rules under the FTP submission section.

7.) CD / DVD Submissions
- We accept CD-R, DVD-R, and DVD+R. No CD-RW or DVD-RW, please.
- When burning to disc, please use the RAW video files. Do not make an actual, authored DVD that plays like a movie. We accept raw data files only.
- When Labeling your videos for your disc, please use the following label method:
- Category-Entrant’s Name-Title of Entry
- ex: Comedy-BryanMinnix-ILoveChobits.avi
- We ask for this method, as this will help GREATLY in organizing all of the entries on our systems.
- When burning the raw data file of your entry onto disc, please also burn a text format file (.txt) of your submission form. This will ensure that we have your information both on paper and disc, so we can always identify your video as needed.
- When your text file is complete, please use the SAME naming preference as when naming your raw data files.
- ex.: Comedy-BryanMinnix-ILoveChobits.txt
- When creating your submission disc, the following information must be CLEARLY written as the label for your disc:
- The title KMVA 14 at the top of the disc
- Title of your video(s)
- Name of Entrant(s)
- Entrant’s E-mail address
- Entrant’s phone number

8.) FTP Submissions
- For the KMVA 14 Contest, we will also be accepting submissions via FTP . Please use the following guidelines should you decide to submit in this manner:
- When submitting an entry, please submit the following:
- The raw data files of your video(s)
- A text format file of your entry information, identical to the one required if you were to submit via CD / DVD entry.
- Please create a folder and put your raw data file(s) and entry form into the folder for an organized ftp submission. Name your folder using the entrant’s last name and first initial ex.: Minnix B
- Please name ALL your files, which includes your folder, your entry form(s), and your video(s). Please use the same naming system as the one described for the CD / DVD submissions.
- Category-Entrant's Name-Title of Entry
- ex: Comedy-BryanMinnix-ILoveChobits
- How to submit your FTP
- If you are interested in sending via FTP, please complete an entry form as a text (.txt) file.
- PLEASE send the entry form attached to an e-mail to: kmva14@yahoo.com
- PLEASE label the subject of your e-mail to us as: FTP Request Katsucon 14
- Once we have received your entry form, we will reply to you with the necessary information to be able to upload your video(s) to our FTP server.
- When submitting your FTP entry, you MUST have in a file folder, a copy of your entry form, and your video(s). Yes, this means that the KMVA 14 staff will be receiving two entry forms from you when everything is complete. This will make sure that there are no errors in identifying each entry.
- When the KMVA 14 staff has received your FTP folder, we will double check the entry info and test your video for playback capability.
- After your entry has been tested, we will e-mail you to notify as to whether or not the file plays properly.
- We will also e-mail you to verify your entry information. You MUST reply to this e-mail, as this will count as your “digital signature” for the entry form, and thereby granting the KMVA 14 staff full permission to use your video.

9.) Submission DEADLINE for the KMVA 14 Contest
- The Deadline for both mailed-in and FTP entries is:
- DECEMBER 29, 2007
- This means that all FTP files must be uploaded by 11:59 pm on December 30, 2006.
- This also means that all mail-in entries must be IN OUR HANDS by 11:59 pm on December 29, 2007.

MAILING ADDRESS FOR THE KMVA 14 CONTEST is the following:

KMVA 14 CONTEST
c/o Michael Zubrzycki
PO BOX 342
Port Republic, NJ
08241-0342
United States


- Preferred form of mailing is USPS. If you need to use UPS or
FEDEX, please contact us to provide you with an alternate
mailing address.
- NOTE: We are not responsible for lost or misdirected mail. If you have mailed your entry out and have not received a reply from the KMVA staff after two weeks, please contact us so we can assist you in any way possible.

10.) Questions or Concerns
- Should you have any questions, please contact the KMVA 14 staff at:
kmva14@yahoo.com.

11.) The staff for the Katsucon 14 Music Video Awards reserves the right to disqualify any video for any reason. Upon entering your submission to the Katsucon 14 Music Video Awards, you are also granting full permission to the Katsucon 14 staff to utilize your video for any exhibition or promotional purposes from now, the future, and into perpetuity throughout the known universe. Furthermore, the judging decisions and awards for the contest are determined by proper voting results handled by the music video staff. The decisions made by the staff are final and are not left open to debate, discussion, or future investigation.

Thank you for your interest and participation in the Katsucon 14 Music Video Awards Contest! We appreciate EVERY contribution from EVERY entrant for the contest! Remember, the Katsucon 14 Music Video Awards is nothing without your inspiration, creativity, and hard work!

Remember, should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the staff at kmva14@yahoo.com.

Don’t forget: all entries must be in our hands by the deadline of DECEMBER 29, 2007.

Thank you again, and best of luck in the contest!

Michael Zubrzycki and Bryan M.S. Minnix
KMVA 14 Contest Co-Coordinators

[Editinghermit]

One more thing:

The entry form is not available for download as of yet from Katsucon's web page. . . actually, the rules are not up on the main site yet, either!

SO, for anyone who is craving an entry form in the near future, please send an e-mail to kmva14@yahoo.com and we'll send you one in a jiffy!

[Scintilla]

- We will accept videos in a frame aspect ratio of 4:3 or 16:9 (widescreen); however, PLEASE make a note on your entry form, should you decide to use a widescreen format.

Does this mean that you can properly display MPEG-2s encoded with the 16:9 DAR flag? Or should we still be letterboxing and using the normal 4:3 flag?

[Koopiskeva]

This deadline will help me work on my video.

[Gene Starwind 21122]

Koop entering Katsucon ????

Well I hope to get motivated again to work on my two projects I have started. One for AUSA and one for Katsucon.

[Adv1sor]

Koop entering Katsucon ????

Well I hope to get motivated again to work on my two projects I have started. One for AUSA and one for Katsucon.

Me too. And one for Nekocon as well!

I'd really like one of those golden Katsus!

[Editinghermit]

- We will accept videos in a frame aspect ratio of 4:3 or 16:9 (widescreen); however, PLEASE make a note on your entry form, should you decide to use a widescreen format.

Does this mean that you can properly display MPEG-2s encoded with the 16:9 DAR flag? Or should we still be letterboxing and using the normal 4:3 flag?

We did have some entries last year with a 16:9 DAR. And we also had some 4:3 files with letterboxing, too. We did not have any issues last year, and hence, is why we stated we could accept both aspect ratios. Then again, new year, new issues, I'm sure!

[Bauzi]

*submitted CD*

I would like to enter the contest in my video profile. Could you create an entry in the AMV Contest List calender on this site please?

[Editinghermit]

*submitted CD*

I would like to enter the contest in my video profile. Could you create an entry in the AMV Contest List calender on this site please?

No prob! Man, I'm glad someone reminded me about this!

[CorpseGoddess]

*submitted CD*

I would like to enter the contest in my video profile. Could you create an entry in the AMV Contest List calender on this site please?

No prob! Man, I'm glad someone reminded me about this!

Just a quick question---

In general, can we add participation for a particular con if we just *submit* videos to it, or do we actually have to be accepted into the finals to add that to the video description?