AMVGuide: distribution

Showing posts with label distribution. Show all posts

Introduction to AMV Distribution

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SECTION V: AMV DISTRIBUTION

WELCOME TO SECTION V: AMV DISTRIBUTION

TIPS:

Decide Who you want to share your AMV with.
Decide How you want your work to be presented to the world.
Be aware that Presentation can have large influence on viewers Expectations before they even watch your AMV.

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(DONE: Intro to AMV Distribution)

NEXT: File Compression »

File Compression

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File Compression

"...big things come in small packages..."

File Compression

Before you share your AMV, you'll want to package it nicely such that it has good audio/video quality while keeping the file size reasonably small. The process is often referred to as Video Encoding, which is a form of File Compression. This balance between quality and size used to be hard to achieve, but as technology keeps getting better and better, it has also become easier and easier. Lucky for us, we can use a program called Zarx264gui, created by Zarxrax.

If you didn't get a copy from the AMVapp, you can download it here (you'll have to unzip it first.)
Also note: As of version 2.0, it helps if you have QuickTime installed.
(Audio quality is better, and synch is more accurate too.)

The program is pretty straight forward. Just drag-and-drop your AMV Master Copy into the input video box and hit encode. The default settings are usually fine for most AMVs, but you can experiment with them too; just hover your cursor over a part of the program, and a tooltip will pop up to explain what certain settings do.

TIPS:

File Compression is all about the balances between quality, file size, ease of playback, and encoding time.
Compression methods are always improving

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(DONE: File Compression)

NEXT: Betas »

Betas

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Betas

"...I DIDN'T SEE THAT!!! XD..."

What's a Beta?

Just like the diagram implies, a Beta is a non-final version of your AMV or any piece of work (such as this website). In terms of AMVs, a Beta is typically shared with people who test the AMV before it is released to a wider audience. Beta testers typically share their initial reactions, look for bugs, errors, and any areas to improve; sometimes offering advice if it seems appropriate.

Often, a fresh set of eyes (or a more experienced set of eyes) can see things that you otherwise would miss. In this way, you can revise your AMV to improve the final result. Sometimes, beta's can go through many cycles until something is finally agreed upon, but other times minor changes are all that need to be made; or none at all. Also, beta testing can be pretty frustrating sometimes, so it is optional, however, the benefits of other perspectives on your AMV seem pretty obvious if you ask me.

TIPS:

Behind every good AMV is usually a relentless Beta Tester where nothing ever seems good enough...
Try to pick beta testers from different demographics
Don't send your beta to everyone, or it will spoil the fun :P

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(DONE: Betas)

NEXT: Share your Work »

Sharing your Work

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Share your Work

"...try some. I made it just for you ^__^..."

Share your Work

At this point you are basically done your AMV, and you'll want to share it!
(...unless you spot something last minute you want to change)

This section is for things like:

Hosting
AMV Promo
Anime Conventions (Cons)

AMV Contests

[Playlist] AMV Contest Forum | Calendar | Results | Got a promotional video to share? Leave a Link »

Finally.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
You are done :O

Please use the information you have learned wisely.

Remember:

"With Great Power comes Great Responsibility."

{Back to Homepage/Blog}

TIPS:

Getting your AMV "out there" can be a challenge
If someone ever leaves a negative comment on your AMV, try not to get overly defensive; it doesn't accomplish anything. Rather, use it as an opportunity to find out what you could do to improve for future videos.
Seeing a Live Audience watch your AMV will give you goosebumps. You should try it ^___^

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(DONE: Sharing your Work)

NEXT: PARTY »