SSC Firefly Series/Episode Trailer Contest PART II

POSTED BY: Hera
UPDATED: Saturday, September 16, 2006 19:25
VIEWED: 38784
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HERA

Thursday, August 3, 2006 3:02 PM

As part of the Serenity Summer Campaign, FollowMal and I have been kicking around the idea of having a Browncoat contest to create trailers for the FF episodes. Those shiny with the vid making could tackle all the episodes, or produce a trailer introducing the series.

The purpose would be to tell enough of the story to intrigue someone unfamiliar with FF so they would rent and/or buy the DVDs.

One important caveat: these would NOT be music videos. Text frames and episode video with snippets of dialogue would be used together to introduce the storylines in an intriguing fashion. Think in terms of the episode teasers that FOX aired for the series, only...um...these would be better. Not only better, also without the irritating announcer voiceover.

Here's an example of one of the trailers that FOX did:

Here's the complete archive of teaser trailers:
http://www.have-dog.com/firefly/

Each teaser would open with the FF animated logo, to tie them all together.

A cool approach would be to show intro text (much like the Serenity trailer http://www.apple.com/trailers/universal/serenity/serenity_med.html), that would help to explain the story of the clips chosen to make up the trailer.

Quote:
MORE CLARIFICATION added Aug 5:
If you've read the thread discussion, we need vids that intrigue people about the plot for each episode. You've seen a million of these type trailers, advertising TV show premieres, "next week on", those sorts of things. The main difference being we don't want the trailers to have announcer voice overs. Use supertitles and dialogue from the eps to get the point across. Music can be from the series, or another tune, but lyrics are discouraged, as it removes you from the immediacy of the situation in the episode. There might be a place for a small bit of lyric, but don't make it the focus of the vid. These are not music videos.

Examples:
OoG could say “How would a Captain save his crew AND his ship, stranded in the middle of nowhere?”
Ariel: “Would a doctor be smart enough to sneak his fugitive sister INTO a hospital?”

Then each teaser should end with identifying text:

Joss Whedon’s Firefly
“Ariel”
Episode 9 of 14
NAME OR ALIAS OF THE VIDDER(very important!)
Made for fun, not for profit. All FIREFLY related images are copyright Mutant Enemy, Inc. and 20th Century Fox. This video IS NOT affiliated with Mutant Enemy, Inc. or 20th Century Fox.

What we would like to do with the videos is post them on YouTube as a set of related vids that anyone can watch through a browser. YouTube has an awesome search engine. There are already several FF and Serenity related fanvids and con vids out there, but nothing as targeted as what we could come up with to introduce the series to the uninitiated.

We could also link these trailers to the FF myspace page, when we get that up and running.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: August 31st, 2006

AWARD CATEGORIES
Best Series Trailer
Best Episode Trailer
Best None of the Above [final name TBD]
Best Episode Catalog [final name TBD]- All episodes by one vidder [14 total]

LENGTH: 1 to 3 minutes
FILESIZE: no larger than 50MB
FILE FORMATS:

EDIT!! 08/02/06:
SUBMISSION: LATEST INFO: I apologize abjectly for changing this YET again. In light of tech difficulties with yousendit, the fact that one of our judges is in the UK, and because most of the vids are there already, please POST YOUR SUBMISSION TO YOUTUBE and email the url to me at doeramey3000@yahoo.com
Sorry for yanking everybodies chain about this.
EMAIL FOR SUBMISSIONS: doeramey3000@yahoo.com

EDIT 08/16/06:
JUDGES
Judging will take place from Sept 1-10th, ballots due to doeramey3000.com on Sept 11th, and the winners will be announced Sept 15th. We have our judges, and they are:

LithiumDoll < http://www.alter-idem.com/index.php?now=2>
Hera
MalNourished
11thHour
jtskier1200r

THE B

HERA

Friday, August 4, 2006 1:36 AM

Seems this thread won't start. Priming the engine now. Any new developments?

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

WHITEFALL

Friday, August 4, 2006 5:11 AM

Urgh, hera, i finally figured out that there is no movie maker 2, just movie maker 1 with the 2.1 update, silly me.

Anyways, the place where i'd been downloading the eps turned out to be in the wrong file format for editing, and my dvds are on loan atm, so i look to be screwed on the vidding front.

Too bad too, had some nice ideas, at least i thought so.

"But, these strong women characters?"

"Why aren't you asking 100 other guys why they don't write strong women characters?" -Joss Whedon

HERA

Friday, August 4, 2006 3:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Whitefall:
Too bad too, had some nice ideas, at least i thought so.

Aw man, get your DVDs back! A true friend would return them in your time of need. I hope you can still put something together. You still have 4 weeks!

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

HERA

Friday, August 4, 2006 3:04 PM

Off topic, but there was a film maker's challenge in my home town recently, and they've posted the winners. Frikkin hiliarious. Enjoy!

-Hera

http://www.originalalamo.com/sites/2blanks/films.aspx

About the BLANKS ON A BLANK Filmmaking Challenge

Animals and vehicles: they just don't mix. The biggest film of this summer, obviously, will show us the inherent dangers of putting motherf***ing snakes on a motherf***ing plane. But what will be the biggest film of NEXT summer?

To us, the success of SNAKES ON A PLANE is a foregone conclusion. And when any film is a success, sequels are inevitable. But how do you follow up the brilliance of S.O.A.P.? Do you put snakes somewhere else? Do you put a different animal on a plane? The options, of course, are endless, and as we were sitting around a table at a pub talking about all the different possible cinematic combinations, we realized that we really, really, really we wanted to see all those movies become a reality. And so we set up the Blanks On A Blank film-making challenge, giving the whole world the chance to show us the future of animal/vehicle disaster films.

When you sign up a team to participate in the challenge, our random generator will provide you with an animal and a vehicle. You've then got until August 3rd to completely finish a 2-5 minute original disaster movie that shows us all about how bad things can get when your BLANKS somehow make their way onto your BLANK. Because sure, rabbits on a boat sound harmless enough, but when those motherf***ing rabbits were placed on that motherf***ing boat by terrorists? Well then you'd better watch your motherf***ing ass.

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

HERA

Sunday, August 6, 2006 12:42 AM

A vidder emailed me with questions recently, and I wanted to include my answer in case it helps to clarify. I'll also add the more pertinent sentences to the top post.

Quote:
email sent to Browncoat Vidder:
Hello!

I'm glad you've come aboard. I look forward to seeing more of your stuff.

To answer some of your questions, here is a vid that was entered recently. It outlines exactly what I meant in the FFF.net Trailer thread about starting with the animated logo and ending with the episode text.

Here are the two threads with the instructions to date. Check the top post in the Part II thread for updates. When I make them, I post them there.

SSC Firefly Series/Episode Trailer Contest
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=21915

SSC Firefly Series/Episode Trailer Contest PART II
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=22792

If you've read the thread discussion, we need vids that intrigue people about the plot for each episode. You've seen a million of these type trailers, advertising TV show premieres, "next week on", those sorts of things. The main difference being we don't want the trailers to have announcer voice overs. Use supertitles and dialogue from the eps to get the point across. Music can be from the series, or another tune, but lyrics are discouraged, as it removes you from the immediacy of the situation in the episode. There might be a place for a small bit of lyric, but don't make it the focus of the vid. These are not music videos.

Your vid can be teaser trailers for each episode, or a teaser introducing the series. Some folks have done vids introducing the characters. People are being pretty creative about it.

I'm glad you're interested in working on some! I think this will be a neat project, and several vidders have said when submitting their entries that they've learned some new things trying to get inside our contest parameters.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you need more info!

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

SUICIDESQUIRREL71

Monday, August 7, 2006 5:15 AM

Well I have now made a second and last trailer for the episode "Objects in Space". I really like how this one came out so hopefully you guys will as well. Thanks for the support. Here is the link from youtube.

HERA

Monday, August 7, 2006 6:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SuicideSquirrel71:
Well I have now made a second and last trailer for the episode "Objects in Space". I really like how this one came out so hopefully you guys will as well. Thanks for the support. Here is the link from youtube.

Whoa. Good vid.

SS, this made the hair on my arms stand up. Whoa. Thank you! Please do more! Please?

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

SUICIDESQUIRREL71

Tuesday, August 8, 2006 4:25 AM

Thanks Hera,(Whoa Wonder Woman ref.)

I appreciate the comment on the video. I like that one better than the first one I did. I tried to make this one seem somewhat like a horror movie. I appreciate the fact you want me to do more. We'll see, I might get a hankerin' to do more :).

FOLLOWMAL

Wednesday, August 9, 2006 12:01 AM

Wow, SS71... just wow!

That's an awesome vid!

I truly do hope you do more.

"You hold. Hold 'til I get back." Mal

http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=19&t=22697

SHINYDS

Wednesday, August 9, 2006 12:45 AM

Yeah, that is a very well put together video. I'd love to do stuff like that, but due to a few complications, I can only stick to doing Firefly music videos. Oh well. Keep up the great work, SS71!

P.S.: I don't know who made this video, but it's also a very good one. Kudos to whomever pieces it together.

=

"I hear the words 'that's final' come out your mouth ever again, they truly will be."

SHINYDS

Wednesday, August 9, 2006 12:46 AM

I like the whole idea behind these videos. I hope they do their job well.

XEYRA

Wednesday, August 9, 2006 1:08 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ShinyDS:
P.S.: I don't know who made this video, but it's also a very good one. Kudos to whomever pieces it together.
=

"I hear the words 'that's final' come out your mouth ever again, they truly will be."

I'd seen this one. I absolutely loved it. I got goosebumps when seeing it. The music, the dialogue, the way the world is presented. Incredible.

"People tell you things all the time, without talking. The way they move, the way they aren't talking." - River Tam

SUICIDESQUIRREL71

Wednesday, August 9, 2006 7:52 AM

Thanks I appreciate the feedback. I might do one more, have to get an idea first. At least this is one of those shows that I really enjoy so I have no problem doing them. Also it helps me keep my editing skills up since I have been a little rusty as of late.

CAPTAINBROWNCOAT

Wednesday, August 9, 2006 9:14 AM

Oh, man! I would soooooo love to get in on this, but I just have not (and will not have) the time right now! (Heck, I haven't even got time right now to read the whole post or replies.)

I will say one thing and hope it influences the entries. I feel the one thing Universal seriously screwed up in promoting Serenity is that they sunk to using what has become the standard method of making a promo for any movie nowadays: They try to cram it all into one ad, hoping that the mish-mash of (seemingly) milliseconds-long sound bites will contain a little something for everybody and grab everyone's attention all in one promo. That may work for the running-on-instincts-only ADD crowd that most mindless movies that become blockbusters attract, but Firefly was NEVER something could fit that mold (and if you really want to know how I feel about that crowd, then read my reply to the latest call for a Fx boycott here: http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=22898#356752 - noooo, I'm not disillusioned - not at all...).

What I feel Universal should have done was a series of ads -- say maybe sixish -- that each focused on a different part of the crew/story for the entire ad. The 'verse is such a different place than what the non-exposed are used to that, even if a large percentage of the targeted audience only caught maybe half of the ads, this more in-depth approach would have given a much better impression of the depth and range of the subject at hand. I think this approach would have garnered much more buzz and interest from the general population and I feel Universal really did themselves (and, of course, by extension the Browncoats) a major disservice by not taking this approach.

Anyway - that's my two cents. Hope someone can make more use of it than I have time for right now in my life.

LEESON

Wednesday, August 9, 2006 9:19 AM

I agree with CaptainBrowncoat, and they did somethin' very similar with Firefly. With Firefly, they didn't pick stuff from the 'tire episode so much as either the 'funny' moments or the 'dramatic' moments and it kind of boggled ya, bounced you 'round 'til you wasn't sure what was goin' on and had little interest.

Sometimes, I laugh. Other times, you make me laugh. The rest a' the time, I'll be in Jayne's bunk.

DESKTOPHIPPIE

Wednesday, August 9, 2006 9:43 AM

Posting a banner I've already posted in the blue sun room as I've been told it would make a good trailer. For all you people with loads more talent than me who can actually make trailers - feel free to use this idea.

Okay, it's also my poorly disguised way of looking for attention, so ignore me

I also highly recommend that people have a look at the trailer for Heroes, a new show airing on NBC... I ~think~, not 100% on where it's airing. But look it up because the trailer is ~amazing~ and really makes me want to see the show.

More signatures available at http://desktophippie.googlepages.com

MICJWELCH

Wednesday, August 9, 2006 1:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DesktopHippie:
...I've been told it would make a good trailer.

There's one here that pretty much follows that line of thought.

=

"We may experience some slight turbulence, and then... explode."

HERA

Wednesday, August 9, 2006 3:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by micjwelch:
Quote:
Originally posted by DesktopHippie:
...I've been told it would make a good trailer.

There's one here that pretty much follows that line of thought.
=

This one is an entry in the trailer contest, BTW.

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

BETHERS0921

Thursday, August 10, 2006 12:20 AM

Well, I wasn't originally going to do this. But it sounds like fun, so I suppose I'll start workin' on some trailers!

HERA

Thursday, August 10, 2006 12:24 AM

You have so made my day, Bethers. Go! Go forth! Can't wait to see what you come up with. Email if you have any questions.

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

SHINYDS

Thursday, August 10, 2006 12:55 AM

Ok, ok. I said I wouldn't be able to participate in this. But all this talk has got me kind of psyched, so I might give it a whack, but no guarentees. I may have missed the memo, but in case anyone else was wondering as I was, when would the deadline for this be?

LEESON

Thursday, August 10, 2006 1:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ShinyDS:
Ok, ok. I said I wouldn't be able to participate in this. But all this talk has got me kind of psyched, so I might give it a whack, but no guarentees. I may have missed the memo, but in case anyone else was wondering as I was, when would the deadline for this be?

August 31

Sometimes, I laugh. Other times, you make me laugh. The rest a' the time, I'll be in Jayne's bunk.

WORKWORKWORK

Thursday, August 10, 2006 6:30 AM

I'm psyched about this and have gotten to work already. One question, though.

The rules state the videos must be 1 to 3 minutes. What if they're less than a minute? I just finished a promo for "The Train Job" and it comes in at just under a minute, including the closing text frames.
It says what I wanted it to say, though, and personally I'd rather go short than long.

SO, to sum up, are videos less than 1 minute okay?

Mal: Did you send word to Patience?
Wash: Ain't heard back yet. Didn't she shoot you one time?
Mal: Everybody's makin' a fuss.

HERA

Thursday, August 10, 2006 3:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by workworkwork:
SO, to sum up, are videos less than 1 minute okay?

Hey, WWW, less than a minute is fine. I came up with that window of time to give folks a jumping off point, so we didn't end up with 5 minute teasers.

I'm glad your in! I look forward to seeing you vid. Sometime early this weekend, I'm going to collate some data and post how many entries we have to date.

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

FOLLOWMAL

Thursday, August 10, 2006 3:51 PM

This whole thing is just getting shinier and shinier!

"You hold. Hold 'til I get back." Mal

http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=19&t=22697

WORKWORKWORK

Thursday, August 10, 2006 11:48 PM

I finished the video last night and let my students critique it today. They made a couple of suggestions, which I implemented, and the finished product is up on my YouTube page. (Still converting as of this moment, though.)

The URL has been mailed. The URL for my YouTube page is:

Mal: Did you send word to Patience?
Wash: Ain't heard back yet. Didn't she shoot you one time?
Mal: Everybody's makin' a fuss.

HERA

Thursday, August 10, 2006 11:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by workworkwork:
The URL has been mailed. The URL for my YouTube page is:

I love students. I love critiques! Speaking of both, you should read some of this. Hi-larious.

http://www.gsd.harvard.edu/people/students/student_forum/blowfish.html

Thank you for sending along, WWW. I'll check email later today and write you back.

-Hear

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

WORKWORKWORK

Friday, August 11, 2006 2:33 AM

Great link!

My favorite:

'Slap your head violently and mutter "Stupid, stupid, stupid, I should have thought of that."'

For the record, I teach computer programming. I reward my students with episodes of 'Firefly' as needed. (Or when I feel like it. It's good to be the king.)

Mal: Did you send word to Patience?
Wash: Ain't heard back yet. Didn't she shoot you one time?
Mal: Everybody's makin' a fuss.

HOUDINI

Friday, August 11, 2006 3:14 AM

Well, for fun I made a trailer of Serenity. I know it doesn't fit the criteria for this contest, but I figured this would be a good place to post a link.

This is my first attempt at a movie trailer, so be kind.

- Houdini

SUICIDESQUIRREL71

Friday, August 11, 2006 4:57 AM

That was a really good trailer there Houdini. I really liked the music. Who was it by or more to the point what classical piece was it? Also the logo at the end was cool, did you do that yourself?

HOUDINI

Friday, August 11, 2006 5:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SuicideSquirrel71:
That was a really good trailer there Houdini. I really liked the music. Who was it by or more to the point what classical piece was it? Also the logo at the end was cool, did you do that yourself?

Thanks SS71. The music is by Immediate Music. They're a company that solely specializes in making music for trailers.

As for the logo, it's actually the clip shown in Serenity right after the operative says "Where are you hiding, little girl?".

- Houdini

SUICIDESQUIRREL71

Friday, August 11, 2006 1:42 PM

I thought so about the logo but wasn't sure if it was or not. Cool, you should make more though, if that was your first one you did a good job on it.

DOPEYNAME101

Monday, August 14, 2006 12:52 PM

*Bump*

Going to pick up my computer today, hopefully the display ain't completely FUBAR. The plan is to bang out one trailer a day 'til the end of August, get the series overview and each episode done.

Shiny. Keep cutting.

CITIZEN

Monday, August 14, 2006 9:33 PM

Just out of curiosity is it acceptable to use my own animated logo at the start? I've got a logo made that I'd prefer to use, just wondering if such a thing is acceptable?

More insane ramblings by the people who brought you beeeer milkshakes!
No one can see their reflection in running water. It is only in still water that we can see.

HERA

Monday, August 14, 2006 9:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by citizen:
Just out of curiosity is it acceptable to use my own animated logo at the start? I've got a logo made that I'd prefer to use, just wondering if such a thing is acceptable?

In keeping with the fun of the contest, and in light of the fact that several entries have no animaged logo at all, I don't see why not.

However, we are "advertising" the series with these trailers, and the best approach would be to use canon materials for recognition sake.

But sometimes creativity is best, considering how un-fond of advertising some of us may be.

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

CITIZEN

Monday, August 14, 2006 10:06 PM

Well what I've got is something half way between the series and the film's logo, so hopefully it should be recognisable.

Thanks.

More insane ramblings by the people who brought you beeeer milkshakes!
No one can see their reflection in running water. It is only in still water that we can see.

HERA

Monday, August 14, 2006 10:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dopeyname101:
*Bump*

Going to pick up my computer today, hopefully the display ain't completely FUBAR. The plan is to bang out one trailer a day 'til the end of August, get the series overview and each episode done.

Shiny. Keep cutting.

Go, DN101, GO! Good luck. I'm glad you're still in.

Check out what folks have done so far let me know if you have any questions.

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

HERA

Monday, August 14, 2006 11:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Houdini:
Well, for fun I made a trailer of Serenity. I know it doesn't fit the criteria for this contest, but I figured this would be a good place to post a link.

This is my first attempt at a movie trailer, so be kind.

- Houdini

Hey Houdini, is it OK to enter your movie trailer into the "None of the Above" category?

So, there's absolutely no way we can convince you to do other FF entries for the contest? Hmmmmm? I love what you did with the BDM. Bet you could do awesome things with the episodes!

Here's a list of the eps that haven't been done yet, just so's folks know.

Shindig
Safe
Our Mrs. Reynolds
Ariel
Trash
The Message

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

HOUDINI

Monday, August 14, 2006 11:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hera:

Hey Houdini, is it OK to enter your movie trailer into the "None of the Above" category?

So, there's absolutely no way we can convince you to do other FF entries for the contest? Hmmmmm? I love what you did with the BDM. Bet you could do awesome things with the episodes!

Here's a list of the eps that haven't been done yet, just so's folks know.

Shindig
Safe
Our Mrs. Reynolds
Ariel
War Stories
Trash
The Message

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

Hera, by all means, enter it into the "None of the above" category.

BTW, I've actually been toying with the idea of doing an episode trailer, but I'm just not sure if I'll have the time (I travel a lot). I'll certainly try to get one done though, if I have the time.

- Houdini

HERA

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 12:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Houdini:
BTW, I've actually been toying with the idea of doing an episode trailer, but I'm just not sure if I'll have the time (I travel a lot). I'll certainly try to get one done though, if I have the time.

- Houdini

It's no fun if it's stressful, so no worries! Stay safe with the traveling and hope to hear from you. Your Serenity trailer is on the ballot!

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

FOLLOWMAL

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 12:00 AM

Houdini,

I was linked to your vid by Whedonesque... and I absolutely loved it! It made me get goosebumps.. and I wanted to see that awesome movie that I got flashes of on my screen!

'Course, I have seen the movie... but I wish the trailers had done this to me!

I hope you will have the time to make an episode trailer, I know I would certainly look forward to that!

"You hold. Hold 'til I get back." Mal

http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=19&t=22697

DOPEYNAME101

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 12:23 AM

Hera, any chance there's a site with links to all the entries? I'm doing searches on YouTube, and I'm not sure I'm finding everything.

DOPEYNAME101

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 12:33 AM

(responding directly so Hera knows I asked a question)

HERA

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 12:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by dopeyname101:
Hera, any chance there's a site with links to all the entries? I'm doing searches on YouTube, and I'm not sure I'm finding everything.

Hey DN101, just so's you know, I will post the official entries with names and links closer to the deadline, to make sure nothing has fallen through the cracks.

I just compiled this list this evening, so you're in luck. Here's what I have to date, no particular order whatsoever:

=

23, by my count, awaiting 6 more (one placeholder of which is yours, DN101, pending how many you do).

Hope this helps!

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

DOPEYNAME101

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 1:52 AM

Okay. Just got done watching all those.

This will sound arrogant as all hell. (Sorry if I offend anyone.)

I can outdo all those. And I will. Using only music from the series and BDM. (Okay, I like a challenge.)

The point of this contest is to create videos that pique the curiosity of a non-browncoat, correct? So something that's exciting, interesting, and doesn't just tell the story of the ep in a nutshell, correct?

This is gonna be fun.

(And if you are offended, top me. Challenge induces creativity.)

JTSKIER1200R

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 3:49 AM

That sounds like a challenge! I hope others will take it on!

HERA

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 4:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by dopeyname101:
Okay. Just got done watching all those.

This will sound arrogant as all hell. (Sorry if I offend anyone.)

I can outdo all those. And I will. Using only music from the series and BDM. (Okay, I like a challenge.)

Ahh, I'm hearing a lot a talk here, genius, come on! Show us what you got!

Quote:
Originally posted by dopeyname101:
The point of this contest is to create videos that pique the curiosity of a non-browncoat, correct? So something that's exciting, interesting, and doesn't just tell the story of the ep in a nutshell, correct?

Yes. Yes. And yes. Also, for the record, don't do a book report by outlining the book. Don't do a movie review by describing what happens in the movie. Don't tell the whole story in the teaser trailer.

Quote:
Originally posted by dopeyname101:
This is gonna be fun.

That's the plan!

Quote:
Originally posted by dopeyname101:
(And if you are offended, top me. Challenge induces creativity.)

And creativity induces more creativity. It's like a happy plague. Er. Well, you get my meaning.

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

SUICIDESQUIRREL71

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 6:03 AM

Originally posted by dopeyname101:
Okay. Just got done watching all those.

This will sound arrogant as all hell. (Sorry if I offend anyone.)

I can outdo all those. And I will. Using only music from the series and BDM. (Okay, I like a challenge.)

I'm not offended at all, thing is though you discredit the work that someone has done. Alot of the people that have entered the contest are doing it for the love of the show. They have put thier time and effort into it. Wether I think someone's work is not as good as mine doesn't mean that I am going to say it. Yeah the whole point of the contest is to get people who have never seen the show to be interested. Of course thing is, when you do seperate episodes to do that, it's hard to be unbiased when you know the universe. My meaning is, is that when you know how things have turned out, it's hard to get everything of the mythology, because that's what turns people on to the show. For me, Fox made the worst promos for the show, the only reason I watched two of the episodes when it ran was because of Whedon. When I got the dvd and found out the show wasn't ran in order or the depth to the characters, that's when I really began to enjoy it, even enough to buy the comic series.

You are right though, challenge does bring out creativity but everyone is a critic, so just don't discredit what people are trying to do for the show.

Just my two cents.

HERA

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 6:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SuicideSquirrel71:
I'm not offended at all, thing is though you discredit the work that someone has done. Alot of the people that have entered the contest are doing it for the love of the show. They have put thier time and effort into it. Wether I think someone's work is not as good as mine doesn't mean that I am going to say it.

(snip)

You are right though, challenge does bring out creativity but everyone is a critic, so just don't discredit what people are trying to do for the show.

Just my two cents.

I agree with the point you're making, SS71. Aside from creating trailers we could use to promote the show, we wanted this contest to get folks into vidding who'd never done it before. So, these new vidder's work may not be as polished as a professional's, but they're learning a new skill, and having fun at the same time. And they're doing it for love of the show.

I would hate to run off beginners. That ain't the spirit of the thing at all, to my way of thinking. Just something to keep in mind.

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

DOPEYNAME101

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 12:19 PM

Sorry, all. Didn't mean to be taken seriously.

Just a bit of Cassius Clay-esque running off at the mouth.

HERA

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 4:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dopeyname101:
Sorry, all. Didn't mean to be taken seriously.

Just a bit of Cassius Clay-esque running off at the mouth.

Your enthusiasm is kinda forceful. Like Jayne's. I kinda like it.

Go forth and do magic, DN101. I'm looking forward to seeing your work! Hope your monitor holds together for the duration.

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

SUICIDESQUIRREL71

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 4:35 PM

That's cool DN101. I'm sure that's what you meant, and it's definately hard to express what you mean through typing. I know some things i have "typed" have been taken in a different manner. It's all good, although I can't wait to see what you do, time to show me up :)

CITIZEN

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 8:51 PM

Hey, I've got something ready to upload but Youtubes offline, I've got my own server space though so I could put it there if that's okay?

More insane ramblings by the people who brought you beeeer milkshakes!
No one can see their reflection in running water. It is only in still water that we can see.

HERA

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 9:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by citizen:
Hey, I've got something ready to upload but Youtubes offline, I've got my own server space though so I could put it there if that's okay?

Your choice; ok by me. It will need to be on youtube eventually for judging, just so you know.

Looking forward to seeing it!

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

CITIZEN

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 9:49 PM

Okay for the time being it's up on my server here:
http://www.twisted-imaginings.com/Share/OiSTrailer.wmv
It weighs in about 13mb.

As soon as YouTubes back I'll get it up there too.

Trailer for Objects in Space.

More insane ramblings by the people who brought you beeeer milkshakes!
No one can see their reflection in running water. It is only in still water that we can see.

FOLLOWMAL

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 10:31 PM

Citizen, that was FINE!

Made me want to watch the episode and that's exactly what's it's supposed to do!

Thank you!

ETA: I forgot to say that I loved the effects you did with the letters!

Also are you gonna do anymore of them, Citizen?

"You hold. Hold 'til I get back." Mal

http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=19&t=22697

SUICIDESQUIRREL71

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 11:21 PM

That was really good Citizen. I like how you did the letters as well. The order of how you put things with the music towards the end was very nice.

HERA

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 11:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by citizen:
Trailer for Objects in Space.

Woot! Way cool. I enjoyed your pacing and editing. And the descriptive words were well done, thoughtful, not too much, not too little.

Please sir, may I have another? (insert cheeky grin emoticon here)

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

CITIZEN

Wednesday, August 16, 2006 12:40 AM

Thanks guys.

Yeah I'm quite proud of the text effects, as time consuming they maybe (the opening logo took 3 hours setup and render time for 5 seconds of footage, about 4 seconds on the trailer).

Up on YouTube now:

Hmm, another, maybe if I get time, setting up the musical cues alone on this one took the better part of an evening, but I may endevour to do a slightly longer season trailer.

More insane ramblings by the people who brought you beeeer milkshakes!
No one can see their reflection in running water. It is only in still water that we can see.

HERA

Wednesday, August 16, 2006 8:16 PM

Hey everybody, I added this latest info to the top of this thread, but also here for some bumpage.

Deadline for entries is August 31st. Judging will take place from Sept 1-13th, and the winners will be announced Sept 15th. We have our judges, and they are:

LithiumDoll < http://www.alter-idem.com/index.php?now=2>
Hera
MalNourished
11thHour
jtskier1200r

THE BALLOT
The judges will be asked to rate each entry on a point scale from 1 to 5. The entry in each category that gets the most points will win in that category. Each judge will also be asked to answer two questions about each entry:

1. What worked?
2. What didn't?

I'll collect those comments from the ballots and forward them to any contest entrant who wishes to see them. The comments will be anonymous.

Any questions, lemme know!

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

DOPEYNAME101

Wednesday, August 16, 2006 10:34 PM

Just curious - with the rating scale, is it just the full integers, or are decimals allowed (like the olympics)?

(P.S. Ripping the eps to the external now w/audio, feeling good, maybe even get two done tonight.)

Float like a butterfly, sting like when I pee.

HERA

Thursday, August 17, 2006 3:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dopeyname101:
Just curious - with the rating scale, is it just the full integers, or are decimals allowed (like the olympics)?

Ah, a vidders Olympics. Now there's a thought.

I'm thinking integers, myself, on the rating scale.

Good to hear you're making progress!

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

DOPEYNAME101

Friday, August 18, 2006 1:12 PM

First one, Train Job. Sound sync just a hair off. Irritates me, but it's close enough Hope y'all like it.

DOPEYNAME101

Friday, August 18, 2006 4:03 PM

Bushwacked. Not one of my favorite episodes, so it was a wee bit more difficult. Also clocks in just shy of a minute, I hope that's not a problemo.

DOPEYNAME101

Friday, August 18, 2006 10:33 PM

Our Mrs. Reynolds.

My favorite one I've done so far, and my favorite episode. Funny how that works out.

ETA: Now i'm off to see SOAP, but I'm more looking forward to any comments/criticisms/suggestions anyone has regarding these first three trailers.

HERA

Saturday, August 19, 2006 12:56 AM

Whoa. Good myth.

Heya DN101, you got yourself some mighty fine trailers. I laughed out loud. A lot. I especially liked the OMR one, because you lead the viewer down the garden path, much like Saffron does. And you don't give anything away. Very smart. I'd like to see you tackle the pilot and not give away River!

One tiny flaw: it's Bushwhacked with that extra pesky "h".

More! Otra vez! Encore!

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

DOPEYNAME101

Saturday, August 19, 2006 3:05 AM

Gah, I'm a moron, I can't believe I left out that H. Hope that isn't a killer in the judging.

Next up'll be Shindig, I think, then Safe and Jaynestown..

Anybody else have any comments?

DOPEYNAME101

Saturday, August 19, 2006 9:20 PM

Bumping this up, working on Shindig now, hope to see more from others soon!

DREAMSOFTHESPIDER

Saturday, August 19, 2006 9:36 PM

Here's my contribution to the contest:

"Come see how it all began"

Serenity, ep 1 of 14

~Tzegha

DOPEYNAME101

Saturday, August 19, 2006 9:44 PM

Very good. I see where you're going with it, my only concern would be that it could be tightened up immensely. But I really did enjoy it (as someone who's seen the series and really appreciates how you managed to keep the River card close to your vest.)

HERA

Saturday, August 19, 2006 10:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dreamsofthespider:
Here's my contribution to the contest:

"Come see how it all began"

Serenity, ep 1 of 14

~Tzegha

Thank you, Tzegha. Entered on the ballot. Very good, and the music use was perfect to my way of thinking.

I'll look for it when it's back up on youtube. Darn technical problems!

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

DREAMSOFTHESPIDER

Saturday, August 19, 2006 10:17 PM

I know that I'm a slave to music, and have a hard time making myself chop out pieces I really like in order to make it more streamlined. I really like to let it all play out. And then my other problem is that when I *do* make myself slash the music, I find that I'm a bit of a clutz with it.

But please, feel free to email me at iamthefly at dreamsofthespider.com and point out any specifics that you can (not that I plan on making any changes for this contest entry, but just for my own learning process).

One thing that I knew I could cut was the whole beginning. I'm sure that new viewers don't feel how powerful the turning point is of this particular episode, and really wouldn't find it a catchy hook, and wouldn't possibly appreciate it until much later. But, personally, it was a profound and powerful entry point into this vid.

I've already been informed that the introduction of the passengers drags a bit, but that was me being a slave to the music (again!) and just not having the skill to nip and tuck the music, so I left it long.

Thanks for the honesty, I really appreciate it!

~Tzegha

DOPEYNAME101

Saturday, August 19, 2006 11:00 PM

Shindig is up/scratch that, it's still processing, but it should be up soon. Peace, y'all. Keep cutting.

DREAMSOFTHESPIDER

Saturday, August 19, 2006 11:48 PM

I reposted it, but I can't get anything to play over there. Is it just my computer, or the site?

And, Glad you liked it!

~Tzegha

DOPEYNAME101

Sunday, August 20, 2006 4:27 AM

There's Shindig.

DREAMSOFTHESPIDER

Sunday, August 20, 2006 3:28 PM

Hera,

dunno if this question has been asked, but should all entries be edited with the same tag so that all the entries come up with a single click, like "Firefly_trailer_contest" or "FireflyTrailers"???

~Tzegha

HERA

Sunday, August 20, 2006 4:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dreamsofthespider:
Hera,

dunno if this question has been asked, but should all entries be edited with the same tag so that all the entries come up with a single click, like "Firefly_trailer_contest" or "FireflyTrailers"???

~Tzegha

Hey there Tzegha, very good question! Hadn't got that far in our thinking. Based on your knowledge of search engines, we could come up with a list of tags (please expand with your ideas)

firefly
teaser
trailer
promotion
fireflyfans
contest
serenity
episode
(name of episode)

How's that sit? Additions?

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

DOPEYNAME101

Sunday, August 20, 2006 4:41 PM

I think, with the way YouTube works, the easiest way to look up all the entries in a single search would be to do the "Firefly_trailer_contest" tag. Other tags will bring up a slew of non-entries as well.

But really, YouTube ain't a perfect search engine, and as long as everyone posts the links on here, we can compile them somewhere along the way.

DREAMSOFTHESPIDER

Sunday, August 20, 2006 4:47 PM

well, there'd be two purposes for the tags:

1) to make the judging easier, so a conjoined key-phrase like "FireflyTrailer" or "FireflyContest" (no spaces)

and

2) to gain the attention of viewers outside of our community

firefly
teaser
trailer
promotion
fireflyfans
contest
serenity
episode
[name of episode]
science_fiction
Joss_Whedon/JossWhedon

My knowledge of search engines is slim, but perhaps keywords like "sexy" "naked" and "rim" might get a flurry of viewers ::veg::

~Tzegha

HERA

Sunday, August 20, 2006 4:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dopeyname101:
I think, with the way YouTube works, the easiest way to look up all the entries in a single search would be to do the "Firefly_trailer_contest" tag. Other tags will bring up a slew of non-entries as well.

Good point, DN101. We could incorporate the tag firefly_trailer_contest along with the others, since we hope to rope in casual browsers whose searches call up one or two of the entries under other guises. Then the trailers they stumble upon will link to the others through firefly_trailer_contest. Make sense?

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

DREAMSOFTHESPIDER

Sunday, August 20, 2006 4:49 PM

Quote:
the easiest way to look up all the entries in a single search would be to do the "Firefly_trailer_contest" tag

I agree.

As for compiling, a playlist can be created of all the entries at YouTube as well.

~Tzegha

DOPEYNAME101

Sunday, August 20, 2006 5:04 PM

So... you wanna decide on an "official" tag we should start slapping on?

fireflytrailercontest

or

firefly_trailer_contest

or something else?

DOPEYNAME101

Sunday, August 20, 2006 5:11 PM

Safe. Should be working in a few minutes.

Hour and a half.

DREAMSOFTHESPIDER

Sunday, August 20, 2006 5:19 PM

I find that having the spacers allows for broader searching. It posts it as one keyphrase, but seems to also pick out vids with words within the keyphrase, if that makes sense.

So spacers means more people might stumble across the trailers, while making it less helpful for compiling *just* the trailers.

Seems like a lot of the entries have "contest" in their tags, and "Firefly_trailer_contest" picks that up. The tag with no spaces gets nothing as of yet (we'd have to get all contestants to add this one in order for it to work).

~Tzegha

MIRAXTERRIK

Sunday, August 20, 2006 5:57 PM

Well I did an overview of a sort. Its nothing fancy.

Jessy

HERA

Sunday, August 20, 2006 6:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dreamsofthespider:
well, there'd be two purposes for the tags:

1) to make the judging easier, so a conjoined key-phrase like "FireflyTrailer" or "FireflyContest" (no spaces)

The search feature on youtube will not be used for judging purposes. The judges will receive an email ballot from myself with links to each entry on youtube. They then reply to the email ballot with their comments and votes.

Hope this clarifies!

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

HERA

Sunday, August 20, 2006 6:23 PM

Sounds like a plan. So all entrants should tag their vids on youtube with the following:

firefly
teaser
trailer
promotion
fireflyfans
contest
serenity
episode
[name of episode]
science_fiction
Sci-fi
Joss_Whedon
fireflyfans.net

and our aforementioned and decided upon:

firefly_trailer_contest

With the spacers. Agreed?

I'll put this in the top post when it's completely ironed out.

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

DREAMSOFTHESPIDER

Sunday, August 20, 2006 7:00 PM

oops, sorry, I had kinda meant (but didn't say!) for the judging part that it would make it easier for judges AND participants and casual viewers in this community to quickly access all the entries, rather than referring back to an email or this thread where you can't tell one link from the other.

But the intention's moot if we're including "firefly_trailer_contest" anyhoo!

Sounds good, I'll update my entry now.

~Tzegha

DOPEYNAME101

Sunday, August 20, 2006 7:54 PM

You can't fit all that in the tags. Just tried it when I uploaded Jaynestown.

DOPEYNAME101

Sunday, August 20, 2006 7:55 PM

Jaynestown. I may go back and change the ending to give it a bit stronger hook, I was planning on it and then just forgot about it until it was uploading.

DREAMSOFTHESPIDER

Sunday, August 20, 2006 7:59 PM

I just removed the double that is fireflyfans/fireflyfans.net

~Tzegha

DREAMSOFTHESPIDER

Monday, August 21, 2006 3:49 AM

Citizen,

Quote:
Just out of curiosity is it acceptable to use my own animated logo at the start? I've got a logo made that I'd prefer to use, just wondering if such a thing is acceptable?

and what an awesome logo it is!

~Tzegha

HERA

Monday, August 21, 2006 4:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by dopeyname101:
You can't fit all that in the tags. Just tried it when I uploaded Jaynestown.

DN101, please advise as to how many spaces they have for tags, and I will edit the list to fit

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

DOPEYNAME101

Monday, August 21, 2006 6:47 AM

I've got problems.

I'm at school already, we're doing this show for the incoming freshmen, and it's a blast. We were hanging out until 2:30 tonight, just going nuts and laughing hysterically working on the music for the show.

I leave their apartment, and wham. This sick feeling in my gut. Like my whole world's just about to cave in.

Because I couldn't stop thinking about how bad my "Safe" and "Jaynestown" trailers are. And it just dragged me down further. I am such a loser.

I know, it's stupid, but this can't possibly be healthy. I might have to not finish the rest of the episodes, as I planned to do...

I want to finish them, but I'm not sure if it's in my best interests. Sorry.

DREAMSOFTHESPIDER

Monday, August 21, 2006 10:36 AM

Maybe you're burning yourself out. Stepping back may be a good idea... for now. Then you can come back to finishing a very well executed endeavor with a clear head, cuz you gotta!

Maybe you were doing too much too fast? I've been amazed at the quality and concept behind so many vids made over so short a span of time.

Fughedabout the contest deadline, but if it's in you, one of these days/months please finish. What a shiny collection it will be to have, for you and for all of us and those myriads of untouched viewers!

Take care, rest your mind and body, and come back to us refreshed and well.

~Tzegha

DREAMSOFTHESPIDER

Monday, August 21, 2006 10:41 AM

Hera,

I counted 62 spaces for characters for tags (don't forget the spaces in between the separate tags!)

~Tzegha

MIMA

Monday, August 21, 2006 4:06 PM

dopey

i think u need to take a deep breath sweety.

i liked it very much. my only offering: it's a great surprise to see *jayne* pushing his own statue over. put that bit in and it helps move the mood from hi-larious to reflective. of course u could've left it out on purpose, for suspense as to how it falls... but imho it'd be better to put it in.

edit: i just found your train job effort. very good. even better than jaynestown. only thing i didn't like was the cutback to the barfight where he says "so she can get behind you". that didn't need to be in.

live in the now and let your effort stand.

HERA

Monday, August 21, 2006 6:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dopeyname101:
I know, it's stupid, but this can't possibly be healthy. I might have to not finish the rest of the episodes, as I planned to do...

I want to finish them, but I'm not sure if it's in my best interests. Sorry.

Hey DN101, no rush, no hurry, no judgements. We do this for fun. Your work is top-notch. No one says you have to do all the eps! So relax, take care of your real-life business, take a breath, a step back, and remember why we like this stuff so much. Promise?

hugs,
-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

HERA

Tuesday, August 22, 2006 7:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dreamsofthespider:
Hera,

I counted 62 spaces for characters for tags (don't forget the spaces in between the separate tags!)

~Tzegha

Thank you Tzegha! Very helpful. So, our list can pare down to:

fireflyfans.net
Sci-fi
Joss Whedon
firefly_trailer_contest

This last tag will bring up all three words if either is searched for separately (i.e. firefly, trailer, contest).

How's that sit?

-Hera

"Wanna?" – Mal to Kaylee, Out of Gas

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