AMV Showcase!!
Hi all,
Before we get into it, quick reminder: Dealer’s Hall and Panelist applications open next Thursday, on the 15th! Don’t forget to apply! (Hyperlinks lead to more info, listed on our website.)
Our Discord server has been abuzz with ideas since we announced our AMV Showcase, and we’re very pleased to give you more details.
The AMV Showcase is divided into two parts: the AMV Contest, which will happen in-person at the convention, and the Virtual Showcase, which will take place at VirtualDash on its Discord server.
Contest entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges. In general, judges are looking for creativity, editing quality, and a recognizable narrative/core theme(s).
Videos submitted for competition will also be screened at the Virtual Showcase. AMVs submitted exclusively to the Virtual Showcase will not be evaluated by judges, so entering is a relaxed, fun way to show off your creative work to other people.
To compete in the AMV Contest, any AMV entered will need to be assigned an appropriate category. Videos compete for the top spot within their specific category. Category themes are broad, typically referring to genre, with the exception of the Challenge category, which is specific and changes every year for the sake of freshness. For our debut year, this category is Tumblr Fandoms! (What else could it possibly be?)
Conversely, Virtual Showcase AMVs do not have to conform to any one category, as long as they adhere to all our rules and regulations (see below).
To keep it all straight, here are some handy-dandy infographics!
All three of these are available in screen-reader-friendly plain text on our website’s AMV Showcase page. The information hosted below will also be hosted on the website.
FAQ
Do I need a ticket to compete?
No. You do not need to attend the IRL competition to enter the Contest, nor VirtualDash to submit to the Showcase. However, due to limited screening space and time, we will be prioritizing attendee entries to the Contest. Non-attendees may still submit their work to the Contest, but if there isn't enough space, their submissions may only be played during the Virtual Showcase.
Why can I only submit one video per category, and yet a maximum of three videos? Aren’t there five categories?
Entrants can submit a maximum of three videos to the Contest and the Virtual Showcase respectively (therefore six videos total for the entirety of the AMV Showcase).
This means that entrants can’t compete in every category, and will have to choose their top three if they want to compete in multiple. Only one video may be submitted per category, meaning that the allotted three videos will need to go into separate categories. (For example, an entrant could not submit two videos to the 2026 Challenge. They would need to rescind one video, or find a different category for the second video to compete under.)
How many videos can win per category/superlative?
Categories (e.g. 2026 Challenge) and suplerlatives (e.g. Period Piece) will have only one winner each.
Is there a reward for winning?
Yes! We haven’t decided exactly what yet, but the winners of each category will receive a small prize.
What’s the difference between a category and a superlative?
Every video sent to the AMV Contest will have been assigned an appropriate category to compete under. Conversely, superlatives cannot be submitted to directly, and will be awarded from among the entire body of videos submitted to the Contest. Trying to win a superlative can guide stylistic choice, but the AMV will need to be assigned some competitive category regardless. (When in doubt, selected ‘Experimental’.)
Can a category winner also win a superlative?
No.
What does the judging panel look like?
Ruby, our accessibility coordinator, will be leading the Contest. She has competed in multiple AMV contests and has been an active member in the AMV community for years. Beyond her, the judging panel will comprise an uneven number of judges (either three or five) who will all have equal voting power.
Can I apply to be a judge on the panel?
If you feel you could make a meaningful contribution, feel free to email activities@dashcontwo.com. However, please be aware that as a judge, you are prohibited from competing.
How will applications be accepted?
We will manage applications through Google Forms. Due to storage limitations, applicants will need to submit a shareable link through which the DashCon 2 team can watch the video. (For example, videos may be sent through Dropbox, OneDrive, or a YouTube link, either public or unlisted.) It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the link is accessible without the DashCon 2 team needing to manually request access.
Happy editing!