AMV CONTEST

Show Off Your Creative Video Making Talents

Whether you're a novice making an AMV for the first time or a seasoned veteran, we would love for you to submit an Anime Music Video to our Contest. Awards will be given out to the top AMVs.
AMV Registration for Setsucon 2025 Open Summer 2024
Form Available at Bottom of the Page

Thank you for your interest in entering our AMV Contest. Check out our rules and policies below and take the time to read them carefully before submitting your application. If you have any questions, please contact our AMV Coordinator via the Contact Form.

 

AMV applications will be open from September 24th, 2024 until December 18th, 2024. AMV entrants do not need to register for the convention in order to submit an AMV (although attendance is always encouraged). AMV finalists will be showcased during the convention weekend at our AMV Contest.

General Rules

Setsucon cannot wait to see your amazing AMV creation. However please be aware that there are a few guidelines you must follow when submitting your creation:

  • By submitting your AMV entry, you grant Setsucon the rights to show your video at Setsucon 2025 and all future Setsucon events.
  • A video may be accepted into the contest in a single year. You may not resubmit the same video in later years unless it was not accepted and any reasons for rejection have been addressed.
  • Setsucon Planning Staff may not enter an AMV into the Contest.
  • Exception to these rules and other rules will be made on a video-by-video evaluation.
  • Organization of the AMV Contest, its categories, and its judging will be based on the number of entrants and is at the discretion of the Setsucon staff.
  • Should Setsucon receive a large number of submissions, AMVs will be pre-screened to ensure as many videos can be shown within the contest’s scheduled time. Any videos not in the main contest may be shown in an Overflow.

Applicant Rules

To submit an AMV, please ensure that you meet the following requirements:

  • Anyone, both veterans and amateur video editors are encouraged to enter.
  • Applicants must be 13 years of age or older.
  • Multi-editor collaboration is allowed, but only 1 video submission per person or team. Any extra videos will be added to the Overflow showing.
  • Attendance at Setsucon is not required, although it is encouraged. Attendance has no effect on your chances of winning the AMV Contest.

Technical Rules

When creating your AMV, please keep in mind the following technical rules in order for your AMV to be eligible for our contest:

  • Submissions should be an MP4 using x264/h264code at 1080p resolution and 29.97 FPS format if possible. All videos will be scaled to this.
  • DO NOT include a title screen or credits anywhere in your video. We will format one for the contest using the information provided on the entry form.
  • Please preview the finalized version of your video to check for any issues (sound quality, timing, disk errors, etc).
  • Bad pixel quality, subtitles, watermarks, logos, etc., will result in immediate disqualification.
  • The minimum time limit is 30 seconds and the maximum time limit is 5 minutes.
  • The contest will use VLC Media Player for the show. Please ensure that your video plays smoothly in this player.

Content Rules

When creating your AMV, please keep in mind the following content rules in order for your AMV to be eligible for our contest:

  • Setsucon is a family friendly convention, please make sure the content is suitable for a general audience.
  • All videos must use anime footage, or video game footage, granted that the game originated in Japan.
  • Audio from any English dubbed anime must be limited to no more than 30 seconds.
  • No subtitles will be permitted unless you added them yourself. If it looks like a fansub it will be disqualified.
  • Setsucon reserves the right to disqualify any submission for any of the following reasons: objectionable content in the song or video (language, hentai, etc.), bad audio or video quality, subtitles, lack of signed entry form, failure to adhere to the rules, unplayable on Setsucon equipment, or for other reason not mentioned as the staff deems necessary.

Submission Rules

When submitting your AMV, please keep in mind the following rules in order for your AMV to be eligible for our contest:

  • Links to a directly downloadable file for your AMV. Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox are preferred. Streaming sites (YouTube, Vimeo, etc) are NOT allowed.
  • Please verify share permissions on your video before submitting (attempt to use your link when not logged into your Google/Microsoft/etc account).
  • If you are unsure if the content of the AMV is permissible, please email the staff and then we can review the video and make a decision. Remember, Setsucon is a family friendly convention, so the content must be tasteful.
  • If more than two animes or songs for your video are used, “Various” may be used in the appropriate space on the entry form.

Past Winners

Judges’ Choice:
Dance The Night
by E_01

Best In Show:
POLKANIMANIA
by hemlocksoames

Action:
Hero
by Chiterra

Comedy/Parody:
POLKANIMANIA
by hemlocksoames

Dance/Upbeat:
Dance The Night
by E_01

Drama/Serious:
Jelly Fish
by Safi

Romantic/Sentimental:
Courage is Not the Absence of Fear
by Violet Skies

Judges’ Choice:
Run Makota Run
by Qwaqa

Best In Show:
Run Makota Run
by Qwaqa

Action:
Love, Death, Chainsaw Man!
by Yo CD

Comedy/Parody:
Run Makota Run
by Qwaqa

Dance/Upbeat:
Make The Moves Up As I Go
by Sons of Korhal9

Drama/Serious:
PARASOCIAL GOD
by Iris Edit

Romantic/Sentimental:
Found x Family
by Violet Skies

Judges’ Choice:
Dancing With Blades
by Speedy180

Best In Show:
Dancing With Blades
by Speedy180

Action/Drama:
Vehemence
by Mihanbao

Comedy/Parody:
A Fistful of Woolongs
by ZeonicFreak

Dance/Upbeat:
One Step at a Time
by SonsofKorhal9

Romantic/Sentimental:
Waving Through
by Opner

Judges’ Choice:
HELLSLAYERS
by Silent Hero Studios

Best In Show:
A Jedi’s Survival
by SilkAMV

Action/Drama:
HELLSLAYERS
by Silent Hero Studios

Dance/Comedy:
Run Baby Run
by Phlashbak

Romantic/Sentimental:
I Take This on the Weekend
by PotsAndPants

Judges’ Choice:
Dragon Dreamer
by Silent Hero Studios

Best In Show:
Flyers
by Zeeruy

Action/Drama:
This is How We Burn
by Opner

Comedy/Upbeat:
Ghostbusters
by Nuke

Romantic/Sentimental:
Breakdown
by TwigglyFiggly

Judges’ Choice:
S is for Sadistic
by Kyci

Best In Show:
Happy Little Clouds
by Glitzer

Action/Drama:
Tokyo Ghoul Survivor
by Erik Heckert

Comedy/Upbeat:
Hero Creation
by PaNTSU oF d00m

Romantic/Sentimental:
Never Enough
by Anime Twins

Judges’ Choice:
Your Light
by ProjectTwinsAMV

Best In Show:
Your Light
by ProjectTwinsAMV

Action/Drama:
Everyone Wants to Rule the World
by Imaginationcubed

Comedy/Upbeat:
What Would Anime Jesus Do?
by Studio Hawk

Romantic/Sentimental:
Your Light
by ProjectTwinsAMV

Judges’ Choice:
Twintails and Music Clubs
by Kyci

Best In Show:
Don’t Go
by Mysunsai

Judges’ Choice:
Cooking by the Book
by Kyci

Best In Show:
Cooking by the Book
by Kyci

Action/Drama:
Let’s Watch It Burn
by Cloudsofsand

Comedy/Upbeat:
Battlefield Set – Ready – FIGHT!
by Gene Starwind 21122

Romantic/Sentimental:
Let It All Burn Down
by Stormbird108

Best In Show:
An Anime Christmas Album
by libraof4swords

Action/Drama:
We’ll Be Counting Stars
by Krista Dotterer

Comedy/Upbeat:
Fuko Really Loves You
by Ighigoyoubi

Romantic/Sentimental:
Into the Flames
by K.H.

AMV Contest Application

Please complete the below application to the best of your ability and as complete as possible. This application, and the contents held within, shall be used by our AMV Coordinator to review AMVs submitted to our AMV Contest. Please ensure that you read all policies and information ahead of applying, as submitting an application binds you to these policies.


On behalf of the Setsucon staff, thank you for your interest in this contest and best of luck to all who enter.

SETSU ODORI (DANCE)

Get on your dance outfits, find your glowsticks, and be ready to party all night long at our Setsu Odori Late Night Dance! Featuring our slate of DJs, this three hour dance caps off a full Saturday of excitement. So go hit the dance floor, vibe to the groove, and finish out the night with us!

IDOL'S REVENGE SHOWCASE

Experience this one-of-a-kind idol showcase event where we celebrate idols taking back power! This wild, unhinged, and memey event gives idols the chance to perform to whatever genre of music they want… and they won’t be the songs you are used to seeing idols perform to!

 

Looking to perform in the Idol’s Revenge Showcase? Click the button below to learn more about applications.

DRAG SHOW

Step into the world of The Divas! This incredible group of drag performers – Ashlynn Manhattan, Amethyst, & Hexxa, led by their host Enigman – hit the Setsucon stage on Friday Night! With dazzling lip-syncs & jaw dropping performances, you will not want to miss the kickoff event of the con! [18+ Only Event]

CONCERTS

The Setsucon Main Events stage has been graced by many performers throughout its history! Listen to awesome music from the featured performance group each year during our Saturday Night Concert – stay tuned to find out who will be performing this coming year.

VIDEO GAMING

No matter the style of game that you are looking for, hop on to one of the many consoles, both modern and retro, that our room has and give a try in our console gaming section of the Video Gaming Room, presented by Origin of Play. The catalog of games is endless – consisting of all the fan favorites, including numerous fighting games, rhythm style games, and party games.

 

And think you have what it takes to be the ultimate champion of the winter battle season? Enter our free-to-play tournaments all weekend long!

TABLETOP GAMING

Stop by the Tabletop Gaming Room throughout the convention weekend to experience a multitude of games to enjoy! You’ll find a wide selection of board games and miniature activities, presented by Snake Eyes Gaming, for both the casual and expert player, and opportunities to dive into a tabletop role playing game, presented by The Quelmar Realm. Whether you’ve mastered every board game out there, or just want to learn a new one, we have something for you. Have your own tabletop games that you want to play? We have space for that too – just find an open table, set down to play your own game!

CARD GAMING

Are you ready to throwdown and duel? Get your decks out and be ready to play in our Card Gaming events, presented by Jake’s Cards & Games! From Magic the Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh to Pokemon trade and play events, we have a variety of card gaming tournaments and activities to keep you busy throughout the weekend. Or just pop into the Tabletop Gaming room and set up a game yourself!

ARCADES

Take yourself away on a trip to a Japanese arcade and play some of the best arcade cabinets around – provided by Snow Phoenix! Check out the different arcade cabinets, with popular types of cabs such as dance and rhythm games. Or give yourself a test with some of the Japanese crane machines – provided by Kawaii Catchers. Test your skill and precision to try and win fun prizes from these machines!

WORKSHOPS

Share in your favorite hobby, learn a new craft, or watch as creativity comes to life with our workshop programming track.

 

If you are looking to present a workshop, click the link to learn more about workshop applications.

PANELS

If you are looking to learn something new, laugh about your favorite characters, share in some anime history and fandom, or take home a new experience that you haven’t gotten elsewhere – then dive into some amazing panels – presented by you, our attendees! Stay tuned for the full schedule as we get close to con.

 

If you are looking to present a panel, click the link to learn more about panel applications.

JACKBOX PARTY

Kick of the convention with a throwback to our Twitch days with a Friday Night Party Night! Get out your comfy PJs and join us for some Jackbox Games – come prepared with creativity and be ready to laugh the night away!

AMV CONTEST

Join us as we showcase the many AMVs from around the world that are submitted into our contest each year! With a contest that grows each year – now containing over 60 AMVs across five different categories, there is something for everyone – from laugh out loud comedies to tearjerking videos, our AMV entries cover the full spectrum of emotions sliced together for a major joyride.

 

Learn more about the history of our AMV Contest – and if you are an AMV Creator, click the button below to enter your creation into our contest!

WIG STYLING COMPETITION

Check out wig styling skills in action! Participants have just 60 minutes to cut and style a pre-selected wig, and model it in front of our judges! Stylists can maximize their score by ensuring cleanliness, complexity, wearability, & creativity – all on their way to winning the grand prize!  Sign-ups are held a few months before convention.

MASQUERADE SHOWCASE

Our premier cosplay event on the Main Stage – the Cosplay Masquerade Showcase! Come be entertained with some of the top skits and talents for a showcase of cosplay prowess, fashion, singing, dancing, variety, fun, and much more!

IRON COSPLAY

This event puts your ultimate cosplay skills to the test to be as creative as possible given a box of who knows what to work with! Watch as contestants face off against one another in a clash of cosplay creativity, cooperation, and skill to make a unique cosplay.

HALL COSPLAY CONTEST

Show off your cosplay creation to our panel of judges! All entrants will have a chance to present their handmade cosplays to our judges and compete for a chance to win prizes! All experience levels are welcome – showcase your handcrafted cosplays and your hard work in our premier craftsmanship event.

COSPLAY PHOTO SUITE

Stop by the Cosplay Photo Suite in the Exhibitors Hall during the weekend for free professional cosplay photos, presented by our friends at The Variant. With unique backdrops and pro photographers at the ready, this is a great opportunity to have your cosplay captured in memorable photos that will be available after the convention on their website.

COSPLAY DATING GAME

Are you ready to see what characters can find the match of their dreams? The Cosplay Dating Game allows your favorite characters to find their happily ever after… or at least someone for the night. Join us for this hilarious event and be ready to laugh as our characters give love a try! [18+]

VIEWINGS

Take a break, watch a new show, and dive into some anime in our Viewings room! Whether it is a new show, old favorite, or hidden gem – take a seat and watch a show!

SWAP MEET

If you have merch, toys, games, collectables, or items that are looking for a new home, stop by the Swap Meet on Friday Night to see what items you can grab in exchange! Walk away from the event with your new favorite treasure!

SILENT AUCTION

The Setsucon Silent Auction is dedicated in memory of the late voice actor, Setsucon guest, and Pennsylvania native Billy Kametz. Visit the Silent Auction booth in the Exhibitors Hall to place bids during the con. All proceeds are donated directly to the Colon Cancer Coalition, which raises the awareness about the importance of colorectal screenings and colonoscopies to decrease deaths from colon cancer.

MANGA LIBRARY

Do you love reading? Take a break and enjoy our extensive Manga Library, featuring the Penn State Anime Organization collection! We have over 500 volumes to choose from – with both popular titles & hidden gems to explore! Unleash your inner bookworm & dig into a good read!

 

The PSAO Laura Rayman Memorial Manga Library, which was renamed in 2016 in memory of long-time Setsucon attendee, manga lover, and Central PA native Laura Rayman, is a fast growing collection of titles both new and old. Their collection is mostly donation based, having grown over the years as members have helped stock the shelves. A true symbol of the organization, the manga library is one of the first sights a new member sees as they walk into the organization’s office.

MAKERSPACE

Experience fun and creative crafts and activities throughout the weekend in the Makerspace, presented by the MAGFest Makerspace Team! Come join in for crafts and fun. There are machines and supplies that you can pick up and play with or ask the team staffed by teachers and volunteers for a tutorial. Come in and make your own projects that you can take home with you!

MAID CAFE

With a blend of cosplay, games, music, performances, and hospitality, the Setsucon Maid Cafe, presented by Pixel Pop, is an event that is sure to be something special – and is a highlight for many each year! Sign-up at con at the Maid Cafe to book your time; each first-come, first-serve spot includes a 1-hour seating time, dessert, refreshments, games, performances, and more.

ITASHA CAR SHOW

Check out a showcase of itasha and anime-inspired cars in the Itasha Car Show, presented by Isekai’d Dreams. See cars decked out in anime gear, replicas of famous anime vehicles, or just awesome modded up rides.

EXHIBITORS HALL

Take home some new art for your wall, a new figures, a manga, and more in our Exhibitors Hall – the main shopping hub of the convention! With over 80 vendors and artists, there is something for everyone to find amongst our many exhibitors. Come ready to shop!