Ideas are not worthless! Audiences may react predictably to certain types of videos, but that doesn't mean you should shoot for the same old, same old. Take a great idea and combine it with good execution, and you've probably got con gold. Granted, it's not a formula that's easy to achieve, but if you CAN achieve it...well...you're probably way ahead of the pack.Castor Troy wrote:
Ideas are worthless.
Execution is what matters.
Don't get so hung up on making an original idea. The simple definition of amvs is "anime + music". Your goal is to make that your own.
Once you grasp that concept, now you can start making videos for yourself and make them your own.
pan·der (pndr)
intr.v. pan·dered, pan·der·ing, pan·ders
1. To act as a go-between or liaison in sexual intrigues; function as a procurer.
2. To cater to the lower tastes and desires of others or exploit their weaknesses
I don't really want to think about an AMV that could act as a go-between in sexual intrigues...

As far as "pandering" goes in the second sense...if you're in it to win it, why pull your punches? If you're out to win an audience vote, then paying attention to what that audience likes is a sound strategy. If the audience is a bunch of screaming fangirls into yaoi, that's one kind of AMV, if the audience is into cutting-edge special effects, that's another kind. Good for you, successfully gauging that audience and pushing all the right buttons! Just admit that's what you did, and acknowledge that this doesn't mean your AMV automatically gets high marks in other respects. You may have served up Cheetos to an audience that loves junk food, but that doesn't make your junk food fine cuisine just because the audience preferred it to filet mignon. Filet mignon is still a cut above even if the Cheeto-eaters don't care for it.
'K, now I'm hungry.


Hrm...so other techniques to win an AMV contest. Here's a big one:
Don't Do Anything that Automatically Counts Against You
Seems simple enough not to even need to be said, but...you're going to have a tough time even getting into the finals if you make very bad blunders video/audio quality. Same thing goes for violating strict contest rules (i.e. no non-anime, excessive violence, bad language, etc.). A lot of people seem to ignore these fundamentals, however, which implies they need to be reminded of them. Bottom line: don't make stupid mistakes that will cripple or destroy your chances of being a serious contestant. All the engagement, momentum, pandering, ADD goodness will avail you naught if you've got fansubs scrolling across the bottom of the screen.
This thread reminds me of one of Code's Lip Flapper episodes wherein he talked with contest coordinators about what goes into finalist selection...ah, here it is.