music video party

It wasn't much of a "party". More of a "gathering" as Shaun Hendricks put it. But I was really anxious to meet some of the creators, and there were snacks, so I was satisfied. Especially since I hadn't eaten all day long.

The most noteworthy thing said was that Shaun is leaving AX. He will be leaving for personal reasons, he said. He added that it wasn't leaving solely because of staff infighting, although he admitted that may have been something of a factor. He said that he was not in favor of AX-NY, but declined to give further details. It was a shock to everyone, especially since he has been a part of AX's staff for six years. He told us that he doesn't know if AX will continue with the tradition of the music video contest. Just my luck. I was making one for next year's contest. Oh well. There's always Fanime or even Ani-Magic. ^_^

He also said that the prize is changed from the traditional director's chair to a dvd-player. Yet another blow to chair-worship from Anime Expo. Most of the people there agreed that the chairs were much nicer, even asking about getting the dvd players signed by the guests of honor.

As I was socializing with the creators. I came across this one guy that still used the good 'ole two-vcr method of making the music videos. His name was Jerry Gonzalez. He's the CEO of "Jerry's Can of Whoop Ass." He was first influenced by a friend whom he happened to see making music videos. He said to himself, "That's cool! I'm going to try that!" So he did. His first music video was to the song "Master of Puppets" by Metallica, to footage from Ninja Scroll, Fist of the Northstar, and Detonator Orgun. He gave three of the i360 staff free tapes, which made us happy. Free crap is good crap as I'd like to put it, so bluntly.

Ben Ralston, AX attendee since 1999, is a bit more technologically advanced than our friend Jerry. He makes his videos the way the majority do it now, with his computer. He used Adobe Premiere as his editing tool. Not the best, but it works. I still say Final Cut Pro is the best for editing. Alpha Omega is the group he works for. It was his first music video, and like most beginners, he didn't get to the finals. "It was my first year making a music video, and now, after hearing there might not be any more music video contest, it's probably my last," said Ben. He's really looking forward to entering more music video contests, so chances are he'll continue to make videos even if AX ends its contest.

Overall, it gave the creators a chance to meet, in simple terms, their rivals. It was a time to socialize and share (or steal) ideas. I hope there will be a music video contest next year. . . ^___^;; I still have my vision of using X footage with the Fancy LaLa opening theme, and I got a lot of good advice.

One more final, Shaun. . . you will be missed. Good luck with whatever you plan to do next!

—loy