Ani - Maziment

[Voices_Of_Ryan]

I can't say to be honest (of course I havnt been to many conventions) that I've heard alot of Ani-maziment.

Does anyone know if it's a bigger convention or if it's something small?

http://www.animazement.com/

[Senta]

I've been to Animazement for the past four years. It's definitely not a big con, but it is a little bigger than a small con. It is a relaxing and fun con that doesn't feel overcrowded.
However, there is little AMV action there other than the amv contest. Sometimes there's an amv panel, but not this year. Few creators that I know of go. I think it's worth going to if you're within driving distance (5 hour drive for me).

[Voices_Of_Ryan]

I've been to Animazement for the past four years. It's definitely not a big con, but it is a little bigger than a small con. It is a relaxing and fun con that doesn't feel overcrowded.
However, there is little AMV action there other than the amv contest. Sometimes there's an amv panel, but not this year. Few creators that I know of go. I think it's worth going to if you're within driving distance (5 hour drive for me).

I've been pondering anything close or around North/South carolina since a few members of my studio live right around that area =o.

[greenjinjo]

Yeah, I live in Charlotte and Raleigh (depends on the year) so of course our closest con isn't a huge one

I've never been to it however, and may this year to see what it's all about.

[Voices_Of_Ryan]

Yeah, I live in Charlotte and Raleigh (depends on the year) so of course our closest con isn't a huge one

I've never been to it however, and may this year to see what it's all about.

Well 0o I really dont mind something small, but it should be interesting none the less.

[greenjinjo]

I agree, I did not mean to knock small cons.

I'll see if I can make it next year, we'll see.

[Farmboybob]

Meh, I've been going to it for the last 3 years, and I've always had a good time. It's got a little bit of everything. And most of the people there are nice.

And yeah, not the biggest con. I think this year had about 2800-3000 people attend.

[Kurai Seraphim]

I've been to the last six Animazement's and I'd have to say its a good example of the "a con is what you make of it" philosophy. The thing is run by about two dozen people and a lot of volunteers and as such the bulk of the panels are run by fans and guests.

The cosplay is the big event and the AMV contest is probably the second biggest event (as it draws in a very large crowd on Friday nights). The big event on Sundays is the art auction and as someone who worked in the artroom throughout most of 2k4 Animazement, I'd have to say the quality of the art on auction is pretty hard to top.

I won't lie; I'm personally very tired of the con. I've been to it six times and it doesn't change that much from year to year. Yuu Watase is almost always there. There are always a few jerkoffs playing with their ren fair quality swords until we kick them out. The line for cosplay sucks if you don't get there a few hours in advance. The vast majority of the AMVs there are generic and the winners are usually familiar names featured elsewhere in the con circuit. Senta, you've won something every year for the last four years, right?

On the other hand, the fans tend to come up with something zany. This year we had a bunch of pirates do battle with a bunch of ninja through polls and hallway jumpings. If you come to the con with the mindset that its going to be fun, it'll be fun.

As for its size, yeah, we pulled in about 2800 this year. Its no Otakon or Anime Expo, though its by no means micro. Its a con large enough to draw a crowd yet not large to the point where the fans lose input. Almost anyone can have a panel if they sign up on time and volunteers are always wanted. I find that I have more fun on staff than I have for the past few years as a guest, so give volunteering a shot if you do show up and find yourself bored. It only takes a few hours to volunteer and you get stuff for it. Great way to experience the full con.

[Senta]

Senta, you've won something every year for the last four years, right?

Yeah, that's right. I think I deserve a lollipop if I win something five years in a row.

The vast majority of the AMVs there are generic ...

Unfortunately, I'd have to agree with that. In the past, one entry from each person who submitted was in the contest, so some less than decent AMVs have been shown and the contest has run a bit long. When I spoke with Nightowl, who ran the contest this year, he said he would feel bad about cutting people. He's too nice.

Hopefully, he'll be a little meaner next year.

[Kurai Seraphim]

Heh, first we have to hunt down the Full Metal Gamers and stab them with blunt objects... They're the ones responsible for the Naruto videos. Anyone who was there this year knows exactly what I'm talking about.