www.animoweb.it: Frequently asked questions

The number of frames per second is the author's choice. In general, the higher the number of frames per second is, the more fluid the flow of images in the movies becomes. The choice of the frame rate also depends on the medium the movie is created for. For cinema animation 24 frames per second are used (generally the actual images are 12, with two shots of the camera, that is two frames for each image). For PAL (Phase Alternation Line, the standard for TV in Europe, Africa and South America) video animation, 25 frames per second are used. AniMOweb DVD is produced with PAL system. The number of frames per second for CDROM production is usually 15 frames per second.
Web animation has even lower frame rates. In Flash the frame rate is optional, the default with Flash MX is 12 frames per second. By using higher frame rates (e.g. 24 or 25 frames per second), the fluidity should be better. One should also keep in mind:
- that the first viewing of the movie is on the Web with Flash Player, in that case everything also depends on the speed of the computer's viewer;
- that, subsequently, the movie is published in a PAL DVD, as in the previous editions, and the recording of movies takes place by performing the swf files full screen in a powerful computer with a digitising card at 25 frames per second (PAL format)
- the movies are finally published in the CDROM enclosed in the magazine Computer Graphics and Publishing in the same swf format of the aniMOweb site.
The are many variables, therefore it is not possible to suggest final indications.

Question

2) APPLICATION FORM
Can the application form sent via e-mail with the movie, or does it have to be sent via ordinary mail?

Answer

The application form can be attached to the e-mail message. It can be saved in Word or PDF files, or it can be filled in and copied inside the e-mail message. Otherwise, it can be sent by ordinary mail, together with the CDROM submission (also as a file of the same CDROM) writing to the address:
Provincia di Modena
Ufficio stampa
Concorso Animoweb
att.ne Andrea Cavazzuti
Viale Martiri della Libertà, 34
41100 Modena
It is advisable to send a registered letter. All the information in the application form is useful both to publish the data of the participants on the site (e.g. a comment on the movie, the author's biography, the e-mail address, etc) and to have a mail address where to send materials about the contest (e.g. the DVD, as soon as it is ready). Finally the phone number can be useful to contact authors in case of difficulties, prize winning, etc.

Question

Answer

To answer this question open the link, about a FAQ of 2004 edition, with a similar question. In order to see what was submitted in the previous editions and see the links about 2004, 2003 and 2002 editions. Among these, you can find useful FAQs, but it is better to refer to the present edition.
The limit of 300KB is due to the first edition of 2002, when ADSL connections were unusual. It is true that with ADSL now it is no longer a problem to download a 2MB film and the limit for intros could well be widened. Notwithstanding wide band, download times can still be a problem for not too patient navigators or for people with little time. However, we prefer to keep such limit, to give a precise reference not only to authors but to the jury as well.
In addition, the limit of 300KB for intros in comparison with 10MB for short films is a specific character of the category of intros, spurring authors to spare the number of KBs, and to create short but intense movies, ads - in this case an ad to "sell peace", or to protest against war, or else, a kind of useful advertising on the proposed theme.
Among the elements distinguishing the category of intros from the short animated films, there are size and the compulsory use of at least one of the images of the guidelines.
The use of the guidelines images is the main element, together with the use of sound, increasing the size of intros. In the past many solved such problem creating even real short films, rather than ads. See for example Hermes Mangialardo, where Modena Province logo was animated. For the present edition the images with the smallest size are the logos of Modena Province and CSV (Service Centre for Volunteers) (Images 1 and 2) and the flag of peace (image 128). These images can be processed in any way, so as to diminish the number of Kbs.
Finally there are authors who were able not to exceed the 300KB and at the same time to use the proposed images of the guidelines of the previous years as in the following examples:
Simona Montini , Francesco Chiariello (pictures on the wall), Fabio Pin, Hermes Mangialardo. In the case of Clemens Conrad the 300KB include both images and a video.
The contest regulation quotes: "a maximum dimension of 300 Kb is proposed", which does not mean "is imposed". At the same time it mentions DIMENSION, among the parameters used by the jury for evaluation. This means that if two works score equal for all the other parameters, the file size is examined. The exceeding size considered is some additional KBs, up to 350-400 KB - beyond this, the works are no longer comparable. Obviously, in 1MB much more elements can be contained than in 300KB.
If the work one has in mind far exceeded the limit, up to 2MB, it is possible to consider the two following options:
1) Send it anyway for section A. It would be received, published on the site, in the DVD, etc. It could also win the audience prize, or one of the additional prizes, but it would not win the official prizes decided by the jury.
2) Take into consideration the participation in section C of short films with the limit of 10MB. A short animated film should be different from an ad. It should tell a story, etc. (see the general indications of the guidelines , in particular for section C ; in this case the author Andrea Molla used a lot of the proposed images, even if for short animated films they are optional.
Another example again in section C of short animated films is the one by Norberto Hernandez: the author used some photographs of the guidelines.
We remind authors that it is possible to take part in all sections of the contest with different works, 1 intro, 1 game or interactive application, up to 3 short animated films.
As for limitations to the work of an artist, it is perhaps unfair in a sense, and can prevent us from getting a variety of rich and beautiful works, but in another it can spur artists to develop their creativity within the imposed limits, in this case by not exceeding a certain size. Being able to do this also means being able to master software with advanced skills.
To create an intro for the contest is the same as working as a web designer and coping with the demands of a customer (aniMOweb) who gives directions as to the theme, the images, the size of the intro…
In the end it is art anyway, but with the features of professional work.

Question

3) LAYOUT OF THE MOVIE
What dimensions should the layout of the movie have?

Answer

      The dimensions of the layout of the movie are an entirely free choice of the author. As for the publication on the WEB and on the CDROM by IHT any dimension is accepted.
      The only advice we can give is about the publication of the DVD. With a PAL system DVD the dimensions of the video are 720x576. A dimension of the movie layout just 720x576 (or proportional dimensions like 360x288) is the one that best suits such format full screen.
      On the other hand, even if the format chosen by the author was different, the parts exceeding the dimensions of the film in height or in width would be rendered in black (or white), once the SWF film is viewed full screen with Flash Player.
      Finally, while the playing of the DVD on a computer monitor or a projector should coincide -without problems - with the 720x576 resolution, at the margins the film could be seen with difficulties during vision with a television set. It is advisable not to insert writings or fundamental parts near the margins, leaving some empty space also with the 720x576 resolution.

Question

2a) SKIP INTRO LINK
Is it compulsory to include a SKIP INTRO link in my movie for section A?

Answer

It is not compulsory to include the skip intro link in the movie for section A. If the author chooses to do it, it is necessary that the skip intro link simply points at the last frame of the movie, that is the last shot where the REPLAY link could also possibly be inserted.

Question

1b) GAME RESULTS
Can I include game results?

Answer

      Of course, it is possible to include game results in the interactive application submitted for section B. A good solution is the one proposed by Dmitry Zheltobryukhov with the game The Waitress, third prize winner in 2004 edition of aniMOweb. The scores obtained by players are registered in the The TOP 100 special page on the site of the author. The SWF file of the game points directly at a dynamic page created in this case with the PHP language by the author and inserted in the server hosting his site. The game The Waitress was featured for aniMOweb and subsequently released by the same author to sites publishing Flash videogames. The score obtained playing the game from any site, aniMOweb included, updates the game results on the site of the author.
      We recommend solutions like this to authors interested in including game results. The idea of releasing the game also to other sites after the aniMOweb contest allows a larger distribution of the game itself and has a positive effect also for aniMOweb. We remind authors that the games remain their property and that they are free to present it at other contests and sites.
      What is important for aniMOweb organisers is that the game is consistent with the assigned theme and consequently promotes the aims of the contest.

Question

4) FLASH VERSION
What Macromedia Flash version do we have to refer to for the contest?

Answer

      What is relevant to produce movies for the contest is the SWF format suitable for Macromedia Flash Player. The last version of Flash Player at the moment is n. 8, so the output of the movies is accepted in any Flash version which is equal or previous to n. 8.
      It is up to viewers of the site, the CDROM or the DVDROM to install or allow installation of the last version of Macromedia Flash Player, so as to be able to see all the movies.
      We remind authors that if the final output has to be in SWF format, it is not compulsory that the movie is created with Flash: the final movie can be the result of the combined or separate use of may instruments, from 3D animation software to specific short film animation tools like TheTab or ToonBoom, up to the exportation into Flash of movies created with traditional animation techniques in the postproduction stage (particularly for section C).

Question

5) LANGUAGE
Do I have to use Italian or English? Is it possible to use a different language from these?

Answer

      In the general indications of the guidelines for each section of the contest, there are suggestions as to the language. Since the contest is international, the main recommendation is that contestants should try to make their works comprehensible for the largest possible audience. We remind participants that their movies can be either in the English or in the Italian language, but preferably in the first, due to the above recommendation.
      For section C of short films any language different from English or Italian can be used, but a version with captions in English or a text with an English translation of the dialogues/texts has to be provided. With the author's consent all the versions of the same film submitted for the contest will be published (for instance in Italian and English or with and without captions). The text files containing the translation of the dialogues/texts in Italian, English or other languages will also be published.
      Free translation from English, French, German into Italian can be requested to our translation service, e-mail address: info.animoweb@provincia.modena.it

Question

Answer

      A notification e-mail message is sent for all the submissions sent via CD - Rom and via e-mail. If a confirmation message is not received within a reasonable time, it is advisable to write a message without attached files to the address concorso.animoweb@provincia.modena.it, asking for explanations. Otherwise it is possible to call 0039 059 209362 or to send a fax to the nr. 0039 059 209214.
      Unfortunately, our mail server rejects messages with attached files exceeding 3,5 Mb.
      If the submitted file size is beyond that limit, it is necessary to send a masterised CD - Rom for PC Windows to the following address:
Provincia di Modena
Ufficio stampa
Concorso Animoweb - att. Andrea Cavazzuti
Viale Martiri della Libertà, 34
41100 Modena
Italia
      We advise participants to send the CD- Rom via registered mail.

Question

Answer

      There are no restrictions as to the use of an author's logo, for instance in a corner of the screen. A certain carefulness, however, is recommended. Credits, logo and e-mail address of the author could be inserted in the preloading, or in an introductory or conclusive slide, together, for example, with the replay link.
      The preloading is not compulsory but is highly recommended to make the onlookers' vision easier in the internet.
      Finally the animation has not to end with the link to our site. The possible link to the site www.animoweb.it will not bring about any advantage in the jury evaluation, neither will its absence bring about any disadvantage.

Question

Answer

      According to the contest regulation, the number of submitted works by the same author in the different sections of the contest can be the following:
- 1 work for section A
- 1 work for section B
- up to 3 works for section C
      A single author can take part in all the sections of the contest by submitting up to 5 works.
      The number rule limitation can actually be considered a useless limitation, both for authors and for organisers. If an author wanted to take part with many movies and games - all coherent with the proposed theme - it would not make sense on our part to stifle such generosity and interest in aniMOweb.
      Such limit was established in the first edition of the contest to prevent authors from submitting more intros (or games) with slight differences, that is different versions of the same work. This rule remained also in the subsequent editions with a variation: maximum number of 3 works for section C. Section C was introduced in 2003. The submission of serial works with the same characters (see for example: Not My Type II and Not My Type III by Lycette Brothers) was allowed for this section.
      The above mentioned limits must be considered for each single author. As a consequence of that, two people working for the same company can both take part individually in any section of the contest by using their names in the application form. The reference to the company can then be inserted in the same form, in the biographical notes about the author and in the information about his/her site.
      Starting from this edition, the same work will not be accepted for two different sections, even with slight variations, if they are considered insufficient by the jury. For example, a movie submitted both for section A and for section C, both suitable for such a solution, will not be accepted.
      However, it is allowed to submit combined works on different sections: an interesting example is Konstantin Blinov, who in 2004 edition proposed a game and a short film with the same patterns and the same plot of Adam and Eve in Heaven.

Question

Answer

      At AniMOweb only SWF files can be submitted for the contest.
We decided to accept only SWF files - the most popular format for Internet movies - so that the visitors of our site need only to have Flash Player - and no other plug-in - installed.
      However, it is possible to render movies in SWF format for the final output even if they were created with software different from Flash (by using applications like The-Tab, ToonBoom, Swift 3D one can directly export into SWF format), or in other formats like Quicktime, MOV or AVI (by using, for example, other software like 3D not directly exporting into SWF, or traditional animation techniques).
      First, it is possible to export, if not directly into SWF, in FLV format - i.e. Flash Video format - by using post production software (Adobe After Effects or Apple Final Cut Pro). Then, the FLV file can be imported into Flash (last versions) and subsequently exported into SWF by choosing the dimension of layout and the best possible ratio quality/compression. It must be remembered that the proposed size limit for section C of the contest is 10MB.
      A further solution can be a software suitable for encoding from MOV (or AVI) to FLV format - then importing from FLASH and exporting into SWF - or also from MOV (or AVI) directly to SWF format.
      See the following examples:
Flash Video Learning Guide
Creating Flash Video (FLV) Files with Flash Video Exporter
      Among the others, software suitable for encoding can be (Internet search):
Canopus ProCoder 2.0
Turbine Video Encoder
      Last, from MX version onwards, Flash can directly import MOV (and AVI) files that can be subsequently rendered in SWF format.
      As we underlined above, it is necessary to choose the best possibile layout dimension and quality/compression ratio, keeping the requisite of the 10MB for section C in mind.
      Here some examples of movies submitted for aniMOweb not created with Flash but rendered in SWF format as final output:
The Pulcini Gialli
Andrea Lucchesi and Simonetta Rossi
Yulia Malinskaya

Question

Answer

      In general we advise authors to do everything they can to identify the author and ask permission.
      Alternatively, we advise to use pictures available to everybody (paying careful attention to clauses, type of authorisation for non profit purposes, etc. ). If the author is not found in the Internet - writing for example e-mail messages to the site publishing the pictures - to use the photographs without permission is the contestant's responsibility. If ever the author subsequently got to know abut this unauthorised exploitation, he could well take legal action against the contestant.
      He would have chances to win, even if the latter can prove s/he has used any means to try trace the first.
      There is no doubt that, if an image is protected by copyright, whoever uses it without permission can be prosecuted. The problem is for images not subject to copyright. If a photograph had not been registered at the association of authors and publishers (SIAE in Italy), it could have been subjected to copyright otherwise (e.g. through the site where it is published).
      It is like the case of an unguarded bicycle: if another person's bicycle was abandoned, would I have the legal right to "steal" it? The theoretical answer is no.
      So, if an author has not authorised the use of a photograph in any way (in general the use is consented to everybody, for single purposes, etc.) - provided that s/he is the real author - the user can be prosecuted with success, even if the publication in the Internet could be interpreted by someone as a manifestation of will to render the image public. It is not taken for granted that s/he will win, since it is necessary to take into consideration all aspects, extenuating circumstances, etc…In short, to process an image without authorisation could cost more than expected (non authorised use + non authorised processing).
      As for photographs portraying people, if with some retouching these cannot be recognised (by blackening their faces or erasing their features, for example), there are no risks of legal actions.
      If the portrayed people were recognisable and unwilling to see their image published, they would have the right to prevent publication or to ask for compensation - unless they were famous people, or in other few cases established by the law. They would have the right to protect their privacy and to take legal action.

Question

9) COPYRIGHT PROBLEMS ON MUSIC
The soundtrack for my movie is a famous tune. What should I do to be in order with copyright?

Answer

      In general, for materials subject to copyright, we advise to ask for the author's permission.
      If one wanted to use the song (even only the original sound) of a famous modern musician or group, it would be necessary to ask them directly. It isn't unusual that the author or band accepts, gives permission or even makes some use of the videoclip if they like it.
      Italian law establishes that a song becomes common property 70 years after the death of its author/authors (e.g. in the case of a melodrama, not only the author of the music, but also the writer of the libretto). This means that everybody - like an author taking part in our contest - can play such music, record it and insert it as the soundtrack of his/her movie.
      If a song or a piece played by others were chosen - even if all the authors died more than 70 years ago - it would be necessary to check if there are other kinds of rights associated with it. For example, a particular version of a passage by Beethoven (who died in 1827) could have been recorded by Deutsche Grammophon. It would be necessary to pay for such use.
      In short, it is necessary to ask permission for music of contemporary authors. As for famous music of the past, it is necessary to choose copyright free versions.
      Last, we remind authors that the application form - compulsory for participation - will be considered the contestant's declaration that s/he is respecting copyright laws, especially with respect to music.

Questions listed: 14

FILE DOWNLOAD

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Informations about the contest:

Theme of the 4th edition:
Conflicts: the cult of war and the culture of peace

Budget of prizes:
8.800 €

Submissions
section A:
26 animated intros
(7 from abroad and 19 from Italy)
section B:
8 games and interactivity
(3 from abroad and 5 from Italy)
section C:
56 short animated films
(26 from abroad and 30 from Italy)

vote the audience prize.

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Previous editions:

Year 2004 (equal opportunities):
-> the winners
-> the classifications
-> all the participants
-> the audience vote
-> the prize awarding ceremony

Year 2003 (environment):
-> the winners
-> the classifications
-> all the participants
-> the audience vote
-> prize awarding ceremony

Year 2002 (tourism):
-> the winners
-> the classifications
-> all the participants
-> the audience vote
-> the prize awarding ceremony

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