RCT3 Contest: Christmas Fireworks!

[ryguy222]

I've been watching the So you want to be an Imagineer contests, which is a great concept, but I'm awful at drawing sketches of my own work, but I'm 100% better in RCT3. So I think we ought to hold our own contest.

So me and Superstrikertwo have talked it over and spent a bit of time creating this contest. Don't worry, there are Prizes!

Quick Disclaimer
Visionsfantastic has approved that I post this, but under the terms that this is an independent contest, with no staff involvement. That means, if you have any problems with the judges being fair or not, do not send them a Private Message because they cannot be responsible. But as for fairness you shouldn't need to worry, as Superstrikertwo and myself will be as fair as possible. We aren't even entering it ourselves, so why would we want to be unfair?
Lets Continue

Christmas is coming up in about five months, which is a good amount of time to make a good 4-5 minute show.

Here's how this works!

Step 1: Create the show!
For the first competition we don't have many rules at all. We will have a two tiers of competition, depending on how advanced you our, or how much time you have, but I'll explain that later. The only rules is, it cannot be a ride, and it must use a Christmas song. A good choice would be Trans-Siberian orchestra, Mannheim Steam roller, or even some classic Christmas songs.
The entire show may be no shorter than 3 minutes long, and no longer than 7 minutes. If your using a song longer than seven minutes, please post it, and we may make an exception. If its under 3 minutes do the same, and we may make an exception.

Step 2: Film it!
You must film your show in RCT3, using the in-game recorder. Don't use Frapps or anything like that, just use the in game video recorder.

Now some people have lots of trouble recording their shows in high quality. For this contest everything will be uploaded to Vimeo not youtube. Vimeo allows you to upload 500 mb of video per week, and it supports High Definition video, and its free. Because of all this high quality stuff, some people may not want to participate in the contest. So to fix that problem I will offer to film entry's for this contest. My PC uses a 2.6 ghz dual core processor, and has an nVidia 8800 GTX graphics card. I also have 400 gb of open space, so I think I'm covered.

Here's the scoop on FCR's (flying camera routes)
You can use whatever camera you want, but it must not be the regular in-game camera, with all the buttons (user interface) on the left side. If you wish to use that, make sure you trim that section in your editor.
You can use the FCR, because that makes it look much nicer. You will receive bonus points for using the an FCR in your show. There are more details below in the different competition tiers.

If you do not want to use the FCR that's fine, you won't get docked any points, but using the FCR could improve your score!

If you are going to have me record your show, and you want to use an FCR, please let me know! And make sure I receive the FCR files. I will not make FCR's for you!


Step 3: Edit your video!
You must edit your video yourself! If I am recording your video I will not edit your video! If you absolutely can not edit your own video, then I may make an exception, and just add in the music.
If you are running an XP computer that you purchased before 2005 you have a program called windows movie maker. If you have vista, you have windows movie maker.
You can use any editing program you want I don't care.
If you absolutely have no video editor, you can download a 30 day trial of Vimeo. Just a side note, I don't know the owners, and I'm not endorsing it, or advertising it. I'm just using it because its so far the only free, high quality video hosting website I've seen. Plus we have a channel there, were you can add your videos into the channel site for our channel is: http://www.vimeo.com/channel16357
It currently has one of my videos, just so you can see an example of what kind of show you can make. I can tell you now that, the video there would loose this competition! Please be sure and create an account, and subscribe to the channel. Its very easy to sign up, so the earlier you do the better.

Step 5: Judging!
There will be two judges. Myself, and Superstrikertwo. He's got three years on VF, and I'm a month away from 3.
We've both been working with RCT3 pretty much form its release, as well as creating countless videos, in and out of RCT3. The judges do not compete,but for fun we might make our own videos, but they won't be in the competition at all.

There are going to be two Tiers of judging. The first tier is for advanced players. If you've been playing for more than a year, then you want to join the first one. In this tier, the due date is earlier and the expectations are higher.

The second tier has a later due date and has lower expectations. Do this if you haven't made too many shows, or you don't have as much time to make something good. Do not be intimated by the top tier, and don't feel bad if you want to be in the second tier!

Below are the Due Dates

First tier (advanced) Tuesday, December 23, 2008 by 11:59 PM
Second Tier (not as advanced) Friday, January 9th by 11:59 PM
(For exact due dates, please look under the Tier of your choice below)


Today I uploaded my Christmas at the Parks video, the high quality version. Its a total of 180 mb and it took about an hour to upload. Then another 20 minutes to convert into flash. So a total time of an hour and twenty minutes before it shows up. And depending on how many other people are uploading stuff could make it slower. Also, if you are using a wireless connection, you upload could freeze. In this case you need to start over. I use wireless and it took two tries, but it got there. You may be a bit amazed at the 180mb file size. I mean how can you upload something that big? This site gives you 500mb limit per week, and resets your limit on Saturday at midnight. So within a couple of months you could have 2 terabytes of videos on this site amazing isn't it? Anyways back to deadlines.

Your video needs to show up in the channel at that time. So if you upload your video at 11 its cutting it close.
Late entries get 10 points every day that its late, and if its late only a few hours, than 2 points for the first hour, and one point for each additional hour. If its longer than seven hours it will count as one day late.

If you think we are unfair then you may mention it, and we may have others go back and find the issue you complain about. If they agree with you, then additional points may be awarded. We will also go back and look.

Below is the Judging Rubric

First Tier (advanced)

Show
Synchronization- This means how well the fireworks match up with the beats of the song. We do know that not everything is to be matched up, but that some is. 10 Points
For full points, you need to have at least 60 fireworks or lasers go off right on beat.

Types of fireworks- Its good to have a large mix of different fireworks, because we know that if you use 10 fireworks for a five minute show its gets boring, a good mix is important. 5 Points To get full points you need to have at least 45 different types of shells, or pryro effects.

Flow- In loud, or faster sections of the song, the fireworks reflect that. So if the music gets louder, than more fireworks go off in that section, or fireworks that have bigger explosions g off. Or flame throwers go off in these sections. In slow sections, fireworks are slow, sparkly, and the rate in which they are fired is slowed down. At the end of the show, there is a large finale, with 25 or more fireworks launched within a 30 second or shorter period. If the flow is good throughout the entire show, and you have a finale, you will get the 20 points. If you miss a few fast sections, or slow sections, 2-3 points are deducted based on how long the section is. If you do not have a finale at all, you will loose 10 points. The finale is important don't forget it!

Lasers- Using just Pyro is fun, but its good to have some lasers mixed in. 5 Points To get full points you must have at least 10 different lasers go off, and they must be visible.

Stage- the stage is the area where the fireworks are shot off. Its good to have buildings, and mountains in the area, if its just a flat green landscape, its boring. If you have many terrain features, you will get full points. If you have a two or three small buildings, or 1 large building you will get full points. If you have just a flat landscape you get 0 points, add hills to that landscape and you will three points. This totals 10 Points

Bonus Points- these points below won't count against you, but can help you if you get marked down in another area.

WaterJets - Water is sometimes difficult to get into a show, so we're offering an extra 5 points if you have at least a 10 second water jet. (You can split up water jets, so two five second jets, etc.)

Lakes/bodies of water- if you have a body of water, that is visible during the show, we will add 5 bonus points.

EXTRA BONUS
Best Stage- Whoever creates the most extravagant, beautiful stage, will be given an extra 5 Points. This can only be awarded to one person per tier!

Video

Transitions/effects- your video will switch from the title, to the show, then to credits, or outro 10 points So just have at least three transitions, to get the full points. Or three video effects.

Volume- you need to make sure the audio levels stay about the same. If it gets way to quiet for a long time, that's bad. Having loud explosion effects is fine. We won't be too picky on this. 5 points

Theme- the music must be a christmas like song. Like Trans-Siberian orchestra, or a classic Christmas song. Be sure to post the artist, and if possible the album. 10 points Just have a christmas song, and you get the full points.

Credits- You need to have credits, if you use someone else's fireworks, say one of the RCT Pyro packs, you need to list it. You also need to list the Song(s) and the artist(s). If you forget an artist name we will only give you 5 points instead of 10. If your missing say a custom scenery set, we will be a bit more leniant. If you miss three or four things, you will only get 5 points.

Bonuses
Graphics- If you make a cool looking graphic, with your name on it for an intro we'll give you 2 extra Points. AKA make something in photoshop, or paint.

Intro video- if you make a cool intro with some animation, and some cool music (any music, does not have to be Christmas) 5 points

Outro video- if you make a cool outro video at the end, that isn't the same exact as the intro you will get 2 points extra

Firework sounds- if you include atleast 10 explosion sounds, for the fireworks, you can get up to 5 extra points

All firework sounds- if every exploision has some type of explosion noise, that sounds like a firework, you can get up to 10 extra points.

Flying Camera Route- If the camera moves around for a total of one minute, you earn 10 extra points. If it is not moving for a total of a minute, partial credit can be awarded.


The deadline is Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 11:59 PM The time zone for that is GMT-7, so if you live in California, its due in at 10:59 PM. For best results use this website http://corp.americanexpress.com/gcs/...alculator.aspx enter Phoenix, into "your current city" and then enter your city, where you live into the menu that says "destination city"



2nd Tier (less experience)


Show

Synchronization- There must be at least 40 fireworks that explode right on the beat. Or a combination of Lasers and Fireworks going off on beat. 10 points

Types of fireworks- there need to be at least 30 different types of shells used. You get the full points, if thirty different shells go off in the show. 10 Points

Finale- Firework shows have a Finale. This closes up the show, and amazes the audience. If you 20 fireworks go off within a 30 second period you get all 10 points.

Lasers- You need a minimum of 5 lasers, one point for the first five lasers. So you can get a possible 5 points on this

Stage- You need to have a stage area. A small building or a few small hills will be good enough. If you have just flat ground you will only get 5 out of 10 points in this area.

Bonus Points- this will not count against you, but if you are marked down in some areas, these will help you out.

Full synchronization. If a shells, or lasers explode 70 times on beat you will be awarded 5 points. If you are above 40, and below 70, you can earn 3 points extra.

Water Jets- If you incorperate a minimum of five water jets, of any length, you will recieve 5 bonus points. No partial credit here, its all five jets, or nothing. You can use more if you like.

EXTRA BONUS!!!!
Best Stage- Whoever creates the most extravagant, beautiful stage, will be given an extra 5 Points. This can only be awarded to one person per tier!


Video-

Transitions/effects- if you have two digital transitions (fades, cuts, etc.) you will get the full 10 points. If you miss one transition you loose 3 points.

Theme- the song needs to be a christmas song. Anything with a christmas theme is fine, if you are un-sure you may post the song, and we can confirm, or deny your choice. If the song fits the theme you get 10 points.

Credits- You need to have credits. This will give credit to the people who made the Scenery, or the fireworks (unless you made them yourself) You also need to list the song name and the artist. If you don't use Custom Scenery, or any fireworks that aren't yours, then don't worry, just post the song name and artist. But if you do have CS, and you don't list any you are deducted two points. If you don't list the song you are deducted 2 points, and if you do not credit yourself as the creator, or maker, you loose 1 point. Total 5 points.

Bonus- These don't count against you, but can help you.

Graphics- If you make a cool looking graphic, with your name on it for an intro we'll give you 2 extra Points. AKA make something in photoshop, or paint.

Intro video- if you make a cool intro with some animation, and some cool music (any music, does not have to be Christmas) 5 points

Outro video- if you make a cool outro video at the end, that isn't the same exact as the intro you will get 2 points extra

Firework sounds- if you include atleast 10 explosion sounds, for the fireworks, you can get up to 5 extra points

All firework sounds- if every explosion has some type of explosion noise, that sounds like a firework, you can get up to 10 extra points.

Flying Camera Route- If the camera moves around for a total of one minute, you earn 10 extra points. If it is not moving for a total of a minute, partial credit can be awarded

Total Points Possible
Show: 45 Points
Video: 25 Points
Total: 70 Points

Due Date for 2nd Tier
Friday, January 9th. 2008, by 11:59 PM The time zone for that is GMT-7, so if you live in California, its due in at 10:59 PM. For best results use this website http://corp.americanexpress.com/gcs/...alculator.aspx enter Phoenix, into "your current city" and then enter your city, where you live into the menu that says "destination city"


If at any point you believe that the Judges are un-fair we will take a look at the problem area, and decide weather or not you got a bounus. Partial credit can also be requested.


Prizes!!!

Yes! There are indeed prizes for the two winners. One winner from the Upper Tier, and the Lower Tier.

There are currently two prizes for each winner. (more prizes are in the works, and there is a 99.99 percent chance there will be at least one or two more so a total of four prizes)
Now for the First Prize:
Superstrikertwo is the owner of planetdisney.net and has a large collection of pictures he uses on his site. Most are compressed or smaller images, and you will get them in a premium quality format, good enough for desktop backgrounds. There are 17 Images, hand picked by Superstrikertwo. Some of his favorites.

The winner will also receive an attractions page on Ice Crystal Studios! Complete with their winning video, and any other future attractions they may wish to create! They also get a Flash based photo gallery.

And even better they don't have to worry about adding things at all! We will add new videos and new photos for you, so you don't have to!
Currently I know how to change settings, and files around on my website, and thats about it. This current design was a template, that I modified, however I'm taking a new media class, so in a couple of months I will be able to create a page that looks like its your own website, a totally different theme from Ice Crystal Studios, but in the meantime, you will use the original theme.

Right now we're making a special page, as an example to what your page will look like. So we will post that within a few days.
However I do have an example of the Flash based Photo Gallery. Moby, created a ride called Armageddon, and I asked if I could show case it on this ride. Its really quite extraordinary, but old as well. This photo gallery comes in many different skins, or styles, so if you don't like the style, don't worry, it can be changed. The gallery can be found Here

Again we are thinking of more prizes, so it may not sound like much, but do not worry.

If your interested in this contest please post the following info below!

1. Years of Experience in RCT3
2. Which tier you want to be in

Now as much as we'd like to expect lots of people, we really don't expect more than 7-8 people, so we're not putting a limit on how many people there are. If we don't get enough people signed up, then we'll have to eliminate both tiers, and make a medium tier. Anyway, if your to this point in the competition description, your probably intreseted, and we thank you for taking the time for reading this, and/ or possibly joining the contest!

-Ryguy222, and Superstrikertwo

[superstrikertwo]

Good look everyone!

[turlaach]

My, my! This looks rather exciting. I'd enter if I could... buttt... :) Good luck anyone who does though. :D

[crazycoasterider]

I would so enter this if i could but.....rct3 was having problems so I tried uninstalling it and reinstalling it and it wouldn't reinstall....

[ryguy222]

Well it's good that you know me then! What problem are you having? I've dealt with a lot of RCT3 issues before, is there an error message?

[crazycoasterider]

Well, whenever i was using mixmaster i would get an error message that said something like "This song does not support 'scrubbing'. It could not be synchronized." I started a thread on atari forums here but no one could tell me what to do. So anyway i uninstalled the game but the disk was too scratched up to reinstall. It would just freeze halfway thru the installation process.

[ryguy222]

Well I definitely haven't heard of that before...
Now I'm not saying you do this, but lots of people use different MP3 encoders, because RCT3 does Not play WMA, or WAV files. Maybe WAV files, but your best bet is MP3.

As for "it could not be synchronized" the game does not do any synchronizing at all. Thats your job.

It is possible it means sync up so that when the timeline starts, the song starts, or perhaps to show the bars and waves (beats) of the song, in the small graph that you can have shown is having a problem.

Now one of my friends' had a similar problem with the Mix Master and music, and the game would crash whenever he chose a song. He tried atari support, but we all know there support sucks. So he just went out and bought RCT3 platinum.
And I used to have some problems with the game in general and bought platinum as well, and a lot of things worked much better. Plus you don't have to worry about installing lots of stuff, just one disk has it all. I believe its only 30 bucks, or maybe 20 I'm not sure...

Now the scrubbing issue, was it with a custom song? Or an in-game song?

[crazycoasterider]

It was with both. In game and custom songs weren't working. After that message came up you could still use mix master, the only thing was that no music would play at all.

[ryguy222]

Hmm... My guess would have to be corrupted game data. The game play never really loaded in on the game in the first place.
Have you at all tried talking with atari? The fastest way is phone, because you talk to them and get the problem solved within a half hour, instead of a couple of days with email. That is very strange!