Confused - where would u draw the line

[Gepetto]

A MAD (most often) uses still images, tons of effects, and 3d camera motion. Most MADs lack a story - they're entirly eye candy. They're more often than not put together by more than one individual, in some cases an entire production team. The audio is usually fast-paced and sometimes created or remixed spicifically for the video.

Thank you for the explanation.

[Willen]

A MAD (most often) uses still images, tons of effects, and 3d camera motion. Most MADs lack a story - they're entirly eye candy. They're more often than not put together by more than one individual, in some cases an entire production team. The audio is usually fast-paced and sometimes created or remixed spicifically for the video.

A somewhat incomplete definition, but usable. If you haven't read Zarxrax's interview of Pianos, I suggest doing so (and reading the other interviews). It gives a little insight from a Japanese viewpoint on the difference between MADs and AMVs. Pianos also explains the difference between Seisiga MADs and Douga MADs, although many Douga MADs are actually hybrids.

You are correct about the eye candy part. Many of the better known ones are what most AMVers consider upbeat, effects videos. Story (and depth) is often missing in MADs (and similarly, missing in many effects/action/upbeat/dance AMVs). The emphasis is typically on the visual aspects, although I'd like to point out a video made by a Japanese individual which you may expect to be a Douga MAD (and by some definitions, it is) but is actually an AMV: Gyakuten MAHOROSAN by Chack'n.