For some anime fans, AMVs are part of the whole anime-fandom. It’s something to add to their adoration of an anime whether they are creating one, or simply watching it. It’s also a way to express one’s feelings both about the anime, and about life. An AMV is an anime music video. This format of music video is just like the variety you view daily on MTV, except that AMVs are made using scenes from one to many anime series. These scenes are combined with the editors song of choice and thus an anime music video is formed.
Some find these cheesy and useless, others pieces of artwork, a personal contribution to the world of anime. Believe it or not, there are several types of AMVs available. The first type of AMV employs the use of a variety of anime sequences in conjunction with a song that sets a theme for the piece. For example, the editor/author of the work will decide on their favorite anime sequences from their favorite animes. From there they will combine these sequences in a logical manner that conveys their idea or concept. If the concept is romance, the sequences used will illustrate this subject matter. Furthermore, the song chosen to accompany this romantically themed sequence will embody the editor/author’s idea of romance and the romance that the anime sequences embody. The trick is choosing the right song to accompany the chosen anime sequences.
In any AMV it is important that the editor/author of the AMV syncs up the material with the music so that dramatic events, explosions, even talking happens at the correct moment so it doesn’t seem as though the anime sequences and the music are two separate entities. It is recommended by top AMV creators that if dialogue sequences are included in the AMV, it is synced directly with the music so it seems as though the character is actually speaking the lyrics of the song. Such precision creates a more realistic and dramatic effect to the AMV and will win much higher accreditation from fan organizations, AMV viewers, and other editor/authors alike. Additionally, it is recommended that when creating an AMV you don’t use sequences with subtitles. Many animes are subtitled for English speaking viewers; however, the use of these sequences can actually distract from the AMV and its impact, as well as make it look unprofessional and shabby.
Those are things you should keep in mind when creating or thinking about creating an AMV, it’s actually a lot more work than it looks like. But for now, we’ll continue on with the other three forms of AMVs.
The one anime theme is one of the most popular forms of AMV out there. This form employs the use of one specific anime of choice, finding a theme to go on, and then matching it up with music. For example, say I really like the anime Blood + and want to make an AMV from it. Typically I’d then choose a recurring theme from the series, such as the interaction and enigmatic romance between Saya and Haji. I’d then select scenes from the anime that support this sort of theme. Next, I’d choose a song that embodies my feelings or ideas on this subject matter, or seems to relate to the subject matter through the characters actions, emotions, or conflicts. Then, I’d sync the music with a carefully selected sequence from the scenes I’d previously selected. Here is where it is important to sync the motions and events with the music for maximum effect and impact. You can check out some AMVs on the popular website YouTube.com for examples of this, you’ll easily be able to decipher good work from shoddy work after watching a few.
The next form of AMV is a rather entertaining and imaginative form dealing with fan authored storyline additions or changes in dialogue to create a seemingly new scene from previously animated material. This is a highly popular comedic form of AMVs. In some cases where music isn’t added, it can’t rightfully be called an AMV, but is usually filed under the same field irregardless of this. However, many at least employ the use of background music as any film would, and this gives it a more music video feel.
If you’ve ever read fan comics or seen fan artwork of a series, you’re familiar with the fan-story AMV theme. What goes on in this sort of piece is that sequences from one or more animes are put together to create a new movie. Dialogue in the form of subtitles created by the editor/author or voice-overs done by the editor/author (and perhaps others) will voice over the anime sequences chosen to create a new storyline from the chosen and pieced together sequence. Music is then added in the background or as a driving force to the story, and thus is born the fan driven story themed AMV.
Last, is probably the least popular of AMVs. While some are created to great effect and ultimately win over the hearts of viewers, it is more difficult to gain commendation with this sort of work. On another note though, it is a good place to start if you’re planning on trying to create an AMV of your own. It’ll actually sent you up with the basics you’ll need to move on to action-based AMVs. This form of AMV is the slideshow themed AMV, and is based wholly on a set of pictures chosen from either one anime or a variety of animes and well…plays like a slideshow with accompanying music.
As previously mentioned, this is one of the easiest forms of AMV to make. However, to be effective you’ll probably want to be unique and focused with it. Choose a theme for the slideshow. Since I mentioned romance earlier, we’ll stick with that. From there, gather images from your favorite anime shows or artwork that embody your vision of romance. Choose the very best of them and put them into the sequence that you think will create the biggest impact on viewers. Once you’ve done that, choose a piece of music to go along with your slideshow. Since there is no character motion in this AMV it doesn’t matter whether or not the music syncs with actions. However, it would be nice if the music synced with either slide movement as much as possible, or created a higher level of dramatic effect for certain pictures.
Since you can organize your slide show to equal an actual story, say something like Romeo and Juliet, you can make the music dramatic (and romantic) enough to embody the story, and sync up the most dramatic and touching part to where the image of Romeo and Juliet dying together takes place. Just because you don’t have animation in the AMV doesn’t mean you have to loose all dramatic, comedic, or other effects. You just have to think it out thoroughly and experiment before finishing the piece.
If you’re interested in viewing AMVs they are available on a wide variety of fan-based websites online. A simply Google or Yahoo search can turn up some good results. Also, as previously mentioned, YouTube.com provides a nearly limitless supply of AMVs with new ones added regularly. Search for a particular anime or merely “AMV” and you’ll find them easily.
If you’re interested in making your own, here are some links that will help you get started. You’ll need the right materials and some computer know-how, but tutorials are on the web. Additionally, there are forums available to chat about AMVs and even get help on creating or troubleshooting on your own.
Tutorials and Useful Links:
Ramos, D. Making an AMV with iMovie. Website: http://www.animemusicvideos.org/guides/imovieguide/tutorial.html
Note: A good tutorial for those with iMovie features on their computer or interested in using iMovie to create their AMV.
WikiHow. How to Make an Anime Music Video. Website: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Anime-Music-Video-(AMV)
Note: This is a good site for understanding the legal issues behind AMVs as well as getting clips and editing scenes and music.
Luther, K. How to Make Your Own Anime Music Video. Website: http://anime.about.com/od/howtos/ht/aa070204.htm
Note: A good walk through site with recommended extra reading for extra help.
Note that downloading illegal animes (i.e. licensed animes) is discouraged by the sites listed here, as well as the author of this article. If you are interesting in creating, or create, your own AMVs purchase the official DVDs and adhere to copyright laws concerning the matter.
