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BlizzCon 2013 contests announced
Need another reason to be excited about BlizzCon? For the creative types out there (or those who just enjoy admiring the work of creative types), Blizzard has released a preview of the contest lineup for BlizzCon this November. And, though full details are to follow (including complete rules, guidelines, eligibility information, and submission details), you can start planning work now. BlizzCon 2013 Contests BlizzCon 2013 Art Contest The Art Contest is coming back! We can't wait to see your always impressive original Blizzard-based artwork. Carpe diem-there's no time like now to dream up your next masterpiece in the hope of having it displayed at BlizzCon (and winning some great prizes). BlizzCon 2013 Original Movie Contest We're looking forward to screening another brilliant selection of original films based on Blizzard games. Whether it's live action, animated, wholly digital, or a combination, we can't wait to see what you come up with. BlizzCon 2013 Costume Contest The Costume Contest makes a triumphant return! Every BlizzCon, you keep upping the ante for amazing costumes, and we're sure this show will be no exception. As you're contemplating what you'd like to create, keep in mind that your safety is of paramount importance-that means that any costume you plan to wear should be something that you can easily see out of and safely maneuver in without assistance. In addition, no real weapons, dangerous materials, or large motorized costumes will be allowed. source And, while the costume contest is definitely something you need to be at the convention for -- remember, there's another round of ticket sales on Saturday and we have some buying tips for hopeful attendees -- the art and movie contests are online contests. %Gallery-137313%
WoW Moviewatch: Happy Place
Happy Place was the entry into the BlizzCon 2010 machinima contest from Cranius and Legs. It tells the story of a rogue herbalist who usually wants nothing more than to chill out in his happy place picking flowers. As an undead rogue, everyone expects him to simply be a vicious, violent jerk. He eschews these traits, preferring the more peaceful life alongside his loved ones. Of course, given enough provocation, even this kind rogue gets a little rowdy. This video just goes to show how stiff the competition was this year in the machinima contest. Cranius and Legs definitely represent some of the top tier of talent in the WoW machinima world. Happy Place is a great song with a brilliant machinima. Of course, that's kind of what you get from these two, but their videos have become a treat for the WoW audience. Here's hoping we get to see more before next year's contest. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at machinima@wow.com.
WoW Moviewatch: Divided Soul
One of the mainstays at BlizzCon is the machinima contest – talented artists submit their movie ahead of the convention in hopes of winning fame and prizes. This year's BlizzCon is no different, and we're sure to see some great videos during the largest gathering of WoW players outside of Azeroth. Over the next few days let's take a look back at some of the winners and runner ups of last year's movie competition.Continuing from yesterday's Rumpus, today we'll look at the winner of last year's drama category - Divided Soul by Martin Falch. The movie definitely lives up to its title, and is a good choice from the winner in this category.The tale is of one of friendship across the life span of two Orcs. Their tale moves from being best friends to bitter enemies. Context of love and lust, and of the role of a child's upbringing also come into play. It's a good and short yarn.The animation is pretty good as well. The characters move in a fluid and lifelike fashion. There are very few jagged movements that look out of context – something that I appreciate. The voice acting done throughout the film is also pretty good. Whereas yesterday I criticized Rumpus for not having enough inflection and variation in some of their voice acting, here in Divided Soul I think they do it just right.Worth a watch!
WoW Moviewatch: Candy Comes Out
Pinkhair submits Candy Comes Out as part of Machinima.com's Candy Corn and Crackheads Contest. It's a pretty short video, with a lot of nice subtle touches. Machinima.com lists it as a comedy, but I thought it was more of a horror theme. It sure as heck is one of the creepiest bits I've seen for a little while. The story is quick. It opens with a gnomish couple watching a horror flick in a movie theatre. After the movie is over, the couple has a little chat that reveals the dangerous premise of the machinima's action -- if you open someone's head, candy comes out! I want to make sure to point out that, when the gnomes are chatting it up after the theatre, the gnome man is wearing an outfit incredibly reminscent to Michael Jackson's trademark red leather jacket. It really helps underline the homage of the opening sequence. Ultimately, I really enjoyed the piece. Its ambiance and theme is strong, and the video is incredibly well made. Good luck to Pinkhair! Click here to see it yourself! [Via Machinima.com] If you have any suggestions for WoW Moviewatch, you can mail them to us at machinima AT wowinsider DOT com.Previously on Moviewatch ...
WoW Moviewatch: A very Northrend Christmas contest
Today, Moviewatch would like to give a shout out to its old keeper Moo Money. Moo is working over at Machinima.com now, and posted up a video last week about a new contest they're running called the Christmas in Northrend.Submit a holiday video featuring Northrend by December 20th to Machinima.com and you could be a winner! The video that Moo posted is, of course, well put together and has a simplistic version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" playing in the background. Gnomes are represented too, so all you gnome lovers out there should be happy.The content itself has a pretty nice grand prize: a Frostmourne Sword replica. I want one of those. And if you do too, head over to machinima.com for the full rules and enter. Good luck!
WoW Moviewatch: The Orchard
We lead off this week with an offering from Lafawnduh, otherwise known as Dan Ross. The video is The Orchard, and it won first prize in the Warcraft Movies Shrieking Shorties Contest. Lafawnduh was previously featured on Moviewatch for the Ultimate Snowdown back in December 2007. This time, Lafawnduh's looking at the strange story of Old Margaret, whose mysterious apple pies have won the Brewfest's Southshore Apple Pie contest for years. A frustrated farmer is at his wit's end and tired of losing to Old Margaret. He chooses to sneak into her barn one night to discover the secret. The Orchard is categorized as "Horror," but you don't need to be told that. Within a few second of the video, the mood, music, and first-person perspective tells you what kind of story you're about to witness. The perspective carries the horror theme very well, with a disjointed sense of what the character's witnessing. The story itself has a great ending. The morality of Margaret isn't called into question, except by what you might draw on from horror tropes. In fact, the cruel coincidence of what the narrator happens across probably makes for the most horrific part of the story. If he hadn't chosen this night, if he hadn't happened to be around, things might have turned out differently for him. I particularly enjoyed this graying of events, since it makes everything plausible without particularly maligning anyone, or relying on tired cliches of motivation. [Via Myndflame]If you have any suggestions for WoW Moviewatch, you can mail them to us at machinima AT wowinsider DOT com.Previously on Moviewatch ...
WoW Moviewatch: Forestkeeper McBride and contest deadline reminder
In Marshal McBride's simple world, he's a quest giver from Northshire Valley that loves nothing more than helping noobs. However, his world is turned upside down when he is given orders to vacate his job and take up as the forestkeeper of Elwynn Forest. What follows is the bizarre tale, machinimated by Hamfist Productions, of adjusting to his new position, with strangely voice acted characters and even weirder dialogue. It's not too shabby, though!In other news, the Dell machinima contest comes to a close on September 23rd. The top two prizes are a Horde or Alliance Dell XPS 1730 laptop and an Alienware desktop. For complete rules, check out the contest website. Also, I'll be at the Austin Game Developer Conference this week, so if you see me out and about, say hi![Via Warcraftmovies.com]If you have any suggestions for WoW Moviewatch, you can mail them to us at machinima AT wowinsider DOT com.Previously on Moviewatch ...
WoW Moviewatch: WeGame contest winners announced
The winners of the WeGame machinima contest were finally announced last night. Of course, I blogged about all three top World of Warcraft entries already. Pinkhair's The Robber Baron of Warsong Gulch took first place, Martin Falch's Divided Soul took third, and Firebolt Production's The Way of Life took fourth. Congratulations to everyone!Since the winners were already discussed, I'd like to show off some of the Honorable Mentions. Today's video comes from Mike "Spiff" Booth, otherwise known as the guy that makes Jonathan Coulton music video machinimas. It may surprise you to know that the soundtrack to Live is by Paul and Storm, though!If you have any suggestions for WoW Moviewatch, you can mail them to us at machinima AT wowinsider DOT com.Previously on Moviewatch ...
WoW Moviewatch: Le Terroriste
(Warning: This is a double whammy. It's an Olibith film, which means it may offend you, and it also has English subtitles, so you'll have to watch carefully.)The WeGame machinima contest closed days ago, but on Friday, September 4th 5th, we'll finally know the results of the contest. In the meantime, the highlighting of some of the best videos will continue! Interestingly enough, with Olibith receiving the help of machinimator Phil Rice, this is the first combination World of Warcraft and Mass Effect machinima that I've seen.Le Terroriste is exactly what you'd expect from Olibith, which is to say that there's some off-color humor that some may not like. The year is 2139 and the crew of the Normandy spaceship is on a mission that will soon be struck by tragedy. If you're a gnome, well ... I'm sorry! When you're done watching, be sure to download the high resolution version.If you have any suggestions for WoW Moviewatch, you can mail them to us at machinima AT wowinsider DOT com.Previously on Moviewatch ...
WoW Moviewatch: Wish upon a Gnome, Episode 1
Creating a great machinima involves a delicate balancing act. You must use equal parts voice acting or visual expression of emotion, plot devices such as humor or fight scenes, engaging story lines, and proper editing and sound design, wrapped together in a neat little package. Too much of one single element can destroy an entire production. Today's featured movie makes a valiant effort at being complete.Wish upon a Gnome, Episode 1, is the first of three episodes centering around a wee gnome that stumbles upon a Genie that grants him three wishes. His first wish finds him craving the power he feels is long overdue. However, as he soon discovers, not everything goes as planned. Given how disastrous his newfound fame and glory turns out, I can't wait to see what he asks for in the next two episodes! Mushanga may just be the dark horse of the WeGame machinima contest. With only two unremarkable contest submissions prior to this entry, this is the first time he's involved voice actors, including Caruu and Jesse Cox, in his work. I found myself drawn into the story and rooting for the little guy, despite his flaws. If you get the chance, check out the higher quality versions of WuaG and give him some constructive feedback!If you have any suggestions for WoW Moviewatch, you can mail them to us at machinima AT wowinsider DOT com.Previously on Moviewatch ...
WoW Moviewatch: The Way of Life
Nathan Allen Pinard is known mainly as the composer for projects by Oxhorn, but you may not know that he agreed to let entrants for the WeGame machinima contest use some of his work for their submissions. However, Firebolt Productions, the award winning creators of Acolyte 1.5 and Ugly Goblin's Christmas, went above and beyond that by getting a custom soundtrack by Nathan. The composer was so proud of his score that he sent in the link if you want to listen to it by itself!The Way of Life is another top contender for the contest. The story revolves around a man, Thord, sent to Northrend at a young age at the same time as Arthas Menethil. Instead of emerging a hero, he is resigned to a life of misery at a post in Menethil Harbour. However, one day he'll meet a young man, Caldor, that will change his outlook on life. Clearly in this contest to win, Firebolt pulled out all the stops with sound design by Caruu and a voiceover by Drewbie! He also used CrazyTalk, by Reallusion, for lip-synching. As a longtime fan of the program, it's about time that the World of Warcraft machinimators embraced it![Thanks, Nathan!]If you have any suggestions for WoW Moviewatch, you can mail them to us at machinima AT wowinsider DOT com.Previously on Moviewatch ...
WoW Moviewatch: The Robber Baron of Warsong Gulch
Now that the submission deadline for the WeGame machinima contest has passed, things can really start heating up. Ending with a total of 120 entries, word on the street is that there are at least six serious contenders for the top prize. Yesterday, I featured Martin Falch's split personality drama, Divided Soul. Today we're going to revisit the nastiest guy in Warsong Gulch.It's been eight months since we were first introduced to B.Z. Caddington, the profiteer and PvP twink, in A Warsong Carol. Pinkhair has brought him back in silent movie-style as he tries to stop the alliance sneaking around his base. This is a machinima that you'll have to pay special attention to. All of the dialogue is on text cards on the screen in order to give it that authentic feel. You can also expect custom models, little inside jokes here and there, excellent editing, and all-around evil. Now that's what I call a good time!If you have any suggestions for WoW Moviewatch, you can mail them to us at machinima AT wowinsider DOT com.Previously on Moviewatch ...
WeGame announces machinima contest to win an Alienware desktop
WeGame.com recently announced a machinima contest with $5000 USD in prizes. To participate, you must make a movie from any game during the month of August, upload it, and submit it to the contest group. Oxhorn, as well as other WeGame staff, will be judging the submissions based on a number of factors including creativity, story, humor, and execution.Some of the prizes include: Grand Prize: Area-51 Alienware desktop Second, Third, and Fourth place winners choose from a varying amount of the following: Sennheiser HD-280 headphones, a 500GB external hard drive, a professional microphone, a GeForce 8600GT 512mb video card, speakers, an AMD processor, a gaming mouse, and some other really cool items Eight Honorable Mentions get WeGame schwag and a $25 USD gift certificate to ThinkGeek [Via WeGame.com]Read on for a list of the basic rules ...
Breakfast Topic: Who is going to Paris?
Blizzard's 2008 Worldwide Invitational is coming up in a couple of weeks. It looks like they've got a series of interesting events planned including, signings, and even a sneak peek at Wrath of the Lich King. I'm exciting to see how the best of the best fare in the arena tournaments. Blizzard is also touting competitive events for causal players. Some of the contests are already underway. Blizzard is accepting submissions for the WWI Machinima and TV advertisement contests are currently open. They will be accepting 4-minute movie and 40-second ad submissions until June 16th. The time frame is the same for the Fan Art Contest, which can feature any of the Blizzard game universes. I think it would be pretty awesome to go. Sadly, a trip to Paris is a wee bit out of my budget this much. I'll be anxiously awaiting news and information from the attendees. So now it's time to rub it in. Who's going to WWI?
WWI tickets sold out (again)
They'd first sold out back in March. Then, like sweet, sweet relief, Blizzard announced that more tickets were available yesterday. Now, less than 24 hours after the additional tickets were made available, the Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational is sold out again. Of course, the news blurb on the official site encourages you to keep checking back, so it's possible they'll announce more ticket availability yet again. There had been some payment problems, so maybe this round of new tickets were a concession to that issue. For those just tuning in, the WWI looks like it's going to be quite the hopping place. There's an Arena tournament scheduled, and L70ETC is going to be rocking out. You'll probably be able to spot a mailbox performance by a few Night Elves in their dance tournament. Don't forget to hit the fan art contest and machinima contest. Keep an eye on WoW Insider -- we'll let you know if tickets somehow become available again.
Direct your own L70ETC music video, win great prizes!
Yesterday, the official World of Warcraft website announced a new Blizzard-sponsored contest to accompany Level 70 Elite Tauren Chieftain's new song Rogues Do It From Behind.The machinima community will eat this one right up. What do you need to do? Create a music video for L70ETC's new song, which can be downloaded right on the contest page. The video can be no larger than 50 MB and must be recorded in .WMV, .MOV, or .AVI formats. The rewards are pretty swanky, too. Three Grand Prize winners will receive an 8GB iPod Touch, and the five First Place winners will get a G15 Logitech keyboard and a signed copy of the World of Warcraft Battlechest.Personally, I'm wondering how long they've been sitting on this song. It's a fun song, don't get me wrong, but it's a little outdated. Perdition's Blade? Really? I suppose Netherblade came with The Burning Crusade, but the rest is pretty old school!
Help a WoW machinimator win an HP Blackbird!
Ian Beckman, a popular WoW machinimator otherwise known as UncleTom, is very close to winning himself a brand new computer. GameRiot issued a call for filmmakers to insert the industrial-strength gaming PC, the HP Blackbird, into their favorite game. The winning entry will receive a machine that's supposedly worth $8,000 USD! His entry, Serious Business, was highlighted on WoW Moviewatch last week.Ian is known for the European Machinima Fest nominated, Azerothian Super Villains - Episode 3, among other things. He is currently in the lead position, but to ensure our love, he has provided us with an Ask a Ninja spoof, Ask an Assassin. Voting ends on December 27th, at 10pm EST, so vote for Serious Business while you can!
The Fabled Few machinima contest
Do you love creating machinima but lack the motivation to publish your own films? You're in luck. Warcraftmovies.com has just announced the opening of The Fabled Few contest. With $2000.00 in cash and prizes to be won, there is plenty of incentive to get your movies made.The contest submissions begin today and go through November 12th, so if you haven't gotten your magnum opus finished you still have a bit of time. There are three categories you can compete in: Drama, Comedy, and Music. The first prize is $1000 in cash. That's a lot of tacos, my friend. Should you win the grand prize your film will also be featured for an entire weekend on WarcraftMovies.com. Most importantly, make sure you send us info on your submission here at WoW Insider so we can Moviewatch that triumph I'm sure your work will be.
BlizzCon Machinima Contest
You may recall that there were a few contests going on at BlizzCon, one of them being a machinima contest (and the machinima that comes out of major contests like this is always incredible!). Well, in last night's contests session, we found out who won and saw the premieres of the three winning videos, and now they're available online for all to enjoy! Drama winner: Interlude by Slashdance Comedy winner: The Grind: Halloween Special by Oblivious Films Action/Adventure winner and Best in Show: Snacky's Journal, Episode 3: Freaked Out Over Fishing by Stone Falcon Productions And if that's not enough entertainment for you, there's also a few runners up you can check out at the AT&T Blue Room.
Azeroth Ad Contest
WarcraftCinema.com is holding a contest calling for Warcraft video-makers to create 30 second video advertisements related to the game. If that leaves you confused, they provide some examples of what they're looking for: Horde Enlistment Bonuses, Join Today!. "An Army of One." Take a taste of "Auntie" Bernice Stonefield's mouth-watering Pork Belly Pie. "Now with zero calories!" Enjoy delicious, soothing Noggenfogger. "Because you only live once." So if you have any talent with this sort of thing, get to it - because the rest of us are waiting to be entertained by the results.
