Wow - is all I can say.
I just got the decisions back from the judges. First of all, I was expecting this to go a lot more smoothly and quicker - but it took about SEVEN HOURS of deliberation, rewatching, discussion, and sorting.
Results:
- The show has been pared down to 55 min of total AMV time, which works just right for a quick announcement, press 'GO' on some computer, voting, and ballot collection.
- A total of NINETEEN videos have been selected from anomgn the 32 received. There were a lot of very good quality submissions this year, I can tell you - I was impressed. (I will be keeping about 14 for my personal collection, compared to just two last year.) The decisions were rough and harsh in some cases, but at other times, the criteria to eliminate were points like: left fansub subtitles in, series too old for a 'new' category, etc.
- Five categories will show. The judges broadened the 'Comedy' definition into a new category called 'Fun.'
- Last time, I selected the order of the categories and used a randomizer to order AMVs within each category. But this time, the judges have suggested an order of category showings, and they also selected the order in which AMV's will show in each category. (This is a first for me.) I am surprised at the order of showings, and I hope it will work out welll - if not, then I guess we all learn something about audience dynamics. I for one will be watching the effects closely, and it is my first and foremost hope that folks feel entertained and satisfied.
- The judges have determined a "Judge's Choice" entry, and personally it's a 'keeper' for me too! I hope you like it when it shows!
- G