You guys blew away with your entries. It was a hard decision. I think I'm going to stop having these contests, because choosing is just too freaking difficult. Remember the bookmark contest? And how I made YOU choose? Yeah.
This time, I did choose (well, I chose two Honorable Mentions too. Can you imagine shoe shopping with me?) Thank GAWD I offered three prizes, so I could narrow it down to the best three instead of just one winner.
But not only am I offering fantabulous prizes to the winners, I'm also giving YOU the chance to win a signed set of OF TRITON and OF POSEIDON! All you have to do is leave a comment below telling me which video you enjoyed and why. Be warned, if you leave a mean remark, you will not win, and I will fantasize about locking you in a classroom with kindergarteners armed with squirt guns full of vinegar.
So without further delay, here they are:
1st Place-Laura Kolar
This one literally gave me goosebumps when I first saw it. I was in my car, pulled it up on my phone, and listened to it through my car stereo, surround sound effect, and all I could think was Holy. Crap. Everyone I showed it to was all "WOW", including my agent. (P.S. If you have motion sickness issues, beware of the water tunnel at the end!)
2nd Place-Emma Smith
Emma's entry was just so swoon worthy. The music, the soothing ocean scenes. I fell in love.
3rd Place-Tiffany Bernardo
I love the color scheme in Tiffany's entry. The whole thing is so chick and stylish. I felt intimidated because I could never be as cool as Tiffany. Obviously.
Honorable Mention-Heidi Liles
I appreciated that Heidi actually chose a cast and directed this video herself. I think she might have a future in the cinematic arts!
Honorable Mention-Merrina O'Malley
Merrina's entry really appealed to me because for one, it's completely adorable. And for two, she explains how I'm the best author in the world, in case you didn't already realize. And for three, did I mention it's completely adorable???
I enjoyed the Tiffany Bernardo video because it had good music, especially with the heartbeat at the start.
ReplyDeleteI think the one by Laura Kolar is the best. Not saying the others weren't good. The others were perfect but I think hers stood out the most? It was so accurate and music was so overpowering and it really went with the video. This video made me really excited for Of Triton. Beautiful. :)
ReplyDeleteLaura Kolar's vid, fo sho. Although the video is basically just words, but the chills, man! I feel the chills. The music is really fitting, very war-like, since we have two kingdoms butting heads in Of Triton and all.
ReplyDeleteSo yep, I love the first vid the most!
I do agree with you. It's hard choosing which trailer I like best. They're all awesome! But the trailer that really appealed to me is the one Emma made. It calms me just by watching the trailer (I guess that's the perk of having a very calming background song). It's really nicely done. But I still want to congratulate all the winners for a job well done! :)
ReplyDeleteAck! I'm torn between the 1st choice and the 2nd choice. I loved the 2nd choice because of the actual sounds of the ocean that you get to hear and the flow of the text that accompanies it. Also, how can you ignore Florence + the Machine's "Never Let Me Go," right?
ReplyDeleteBUT, what I felt was more book-trailer-like was the first primarily because the music is AMAZING and heart-pumping and makes you want to see it all, which is the purpose of a book trailer. The background sceneries added a good touch to the overall video. It was awesome!
I LOVE Emma Smith's entry. I loved the music and font choice, plus the flow of words and scenes were perfect.
ReplyDeleteI just want to say GREAT job to all of the winners and to everyone else who worked hard on this contest! It was A LOT of fun! I love how Anna holds all of these super cool contests for her readers with prizes that win it's winner opportunities rather than just money or a gift card. So thank you Anna for constantly thinking of your readers in more ways than one! Congrats again to the winners!!!!!!! You guys did a wonderful job and I am so happy and excited for each of you!
ReplyDeleteLaura's is amazing (a totally get the goose-bumpy feeling) it makes me soo anxious to get my hand on a copy of Of Triton like right now! But Emma's was soooo good too, its just so gorgeous! I completely understand your dilemma cause they all are great :D
ReplyDeleteLaura Kolar's definitely gave me chills. Tiffany's is the cutest! I think if they were aimed at different age groups there'd definitely be a positive response. But I think the difference is that Laura's makes you REALLY want it and Tiffany's gets you interested. Congratulations to the winners and good job to anyone else who tried!
ReplyDeleteIm torn between 2nd and 3rd choice!
ReplyDeleteEmma Smith's entry is chilling. Everything about is perfection, the words,music and dugun dugun heartbeat while Tiffany Bernado's entry is chic and classy.
Oh GOSH! LOL I just read the section about being able to maybe win signed copies of the books! See, I went straight to the video's, Lordy hehe. The water tunnel in #1 was very unique. I loved that in #2 the music really went with the book/story. The pictures she chose were equally appropriate and cool. I hate that #4 is cut off, the start alone makes me want to see the rest, not to mention knowing it was directed by her! That alone is very very cool and I'm so glad she at least got an honorable mention for her hard work. Can we see the rest perdy please? Well, that being said...the choice would come down to #1 or #2 for me. What a tough decision! When it comes down to it, the water tube was really REALLY cool, but I think I would go for #2-final answer! hahaha:-D Why? From a creator's perspective, #2 is more like a trailer. It gave me pictures that went with the story, along with the blurb, pictures are worth 1,000 words and she just really hit the nail on the head with them and her song choice. Then synching those pictures to flash at certain points of the song.....I LOVE #1, but I think #2 probably took a lot longer to complete and I like that she found a Syrena to put in there! There was more work that had to be done to finish it. (But again, both are awesome!) You are ALL creative as heck and every one of you poured your hearts out into your entries so please know as a viewer I really do like all of them. I just think #2 is more like a trailer than #1 :-) ....oh gosh ,I would be HORRIBLE at having to narrow things like this down too-my hat's off to you Anna Banks!
ReplyDeleteEmma Smith's entry was beautiful. The music felt so perfect for the book. This entry would make anyone want to read the book immediately. It made me shiver!
ReplyDeleteLaure Kolar definately earned the first place.I think her choice of music is what makes her video more capturing.All the videos were great, though-much work was put into them for sure.
ReplyDeleteI think the one by Laura Kolar is the best. Not saying the others weren't good. The others were perfect but I think hers stood out the most? It was so accurate and music was so overpowering and it really went with the video. This video made me really excited for Of Triton. Beautiful. :)
ReplyDelete(sorry! I didn't put my name in before in my first comment)
DEFINITELY THOUGHT LAURA KOLAR'S IS THE BEST!!! THE MUSIC OMGGG :D
ReplyDeleteEmma Smith is my fave because it comes across as much more beautiful and the music compliments it so well. I also like the graphic and it looked professionally done.
ReplyDeleteLaura Kolar's video is amazing. not only the text but the music fits in so well ! Gave me the chills but I gotta say she did an amazing job.
ReplyDeleteOMG! Thank you so much for liking my video. It was lots of fun to make, especially since I LOVE this series.
ReplyDeleteI love Emma Smiths! Through the video I could just feel how desperate and isolated the character Emma must feel! The music, words, and imagery worked great together!
ReplyDeleteI love the format and content of Laura Kolar's video, but I was drawn to Emma Smith's video. The music really sets the right mood and draws in the viewer. Great music choice. It truly made me feel like I was right there with Emma stuck between two choices, two worlds. Great job Emma!
ReplyDeleteI like Emma Smith's entry! The ocean scenes and the words blended perfectly. The music is so relaxing and beautiful which made the video very enthralling. I haven't read the books yet and Emma's video encouraged me to dive into the books and experience this one of a kind ocean adventure. Good job, Emma! :)
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ReplyDeleteEmma Smith's entry was my favorite. It seemed to capture the feel from Of Poseidon with a nice segue into Of Triton. The message was simple yet powerful, it had praise from Marissa Meyer, and it included a Syrena. I mean, seriously. That's pretty awesome. :)
ReplyDeleteThey are all amazing, truly. My favorite would have to be the first one by Laura. Holy crap, it was fantastic. It sticks with you. Incredible job, Laura
ReplyDeleteI loved Emma Smith's video. It gave me goosebumps and the music was amazing! It made me want to read the book even more!!! (I haven't read Of Triton yet) And just made it all more fascinating than it already is and the images with the music: wow.
ReplyDeleteI watched it again and still it gave me goosebumps!
Laura Kolar's was my favourite. It was exquisite and just breathtaking. I particularly loved the part at the end with "The seas will divide." Such a lovely trailer. It was very well thought out and captured the feel of the Syrena with the water clips and pictures. Plus the music. Oh how I adored the music. It made me want to go swimming. Or run along a beach in the hope of bumping into a Galen of my own. The water tunnel just made me imagine I was a Syrena, swimming for my life maybe through the ocean currents. It made my heart pound. Like I was drowning.
ReplyDeletePictures can mean a thousand words, and Laura's certainly proved that saying true for me.
Well done to everyone though! They were all just so beautiful.
And thank you to you Anna, for being such an amazing author. For capturing my imagination. For just being amazing in general. I cannot wait to read more from you!
I loved Tiffany's trailer! Since I haven't read Of Poseidon yet (I know! I'm working on it...), her video got me excited for Of Triton without being super spoilery. I'm so excited to read these books and don't know how I've survived so long without them.
ReplyDeleteWow...Just wow... I am amazed by all of the winners. I feel that Emma Smith did the greatest! Her trailer was so mystifying and captivating! I would have bought Of Triton that minute after seeing her book trailer if I hadn't already bought the book! She did a wonderful job as did all the others. Her trailer just seemed to give the best idea of what the book is about. Her use of colors and underwater takes were amazing! The trailer looks like a professional made it! Great job Emma! Woohoo! I was sitting in awe when I watched the trailer and was squealing like a little girl when I saw it, had to watch it another five times! I feel Emma definitely deserve a round of applause for your work of art! I feel Emma captured the essence of Of Triton perfectly! If you didn't want to read Of Triton before, I bet you do now! Great job everyone! You are all brilliant and I feel all of the winners' trailers were so much better than mine! You guys blew my mind! Amazing work again! Thanks so much for sharing your amazing trailers with the world!
DeleteI love video #2 from Emma Smith. The soothing sounds and beautiful images are amazing! Thanks for the chance to win! I loved Of Poseidon and can't wait to read it again soon so I can read Of Triton. Such a unique series! Thanks!
ReplyDeletesaltsnmore at yahoo dot com
Ooh, it's tough to pick! I think I like Emma Smith's video most, too. I just loved the music and the way it flowed with the video. As a music video editor in my spare time, that's a must have for me, and I think Emma's video demonstrated that particular quality of video editing the best. The others were all beautiful, but they didn't stand out to me quite as much. (:
ReplyDeleteThank you!
thaliasbooks@yahoo.com
i really like Emma smith's video i love the music what song was that by the way and the video look like the footage was made just for of Triton good work i liked the other's as well they all had something i loved =)
ReplyDeleteI loved everyone's video but Laura's one stood out to me the most. This video kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole trailer. Right from the start with the black background and the quote about Galen and the crescendo of the music transitioning to the first clip of the ocean and the revelation of Emma's mum and how her life will change yet again. The music was very powerful and suspenseful and suited the quotes/synopsis of Of Triton perfectly. The clips used of the ocean and the transitions between each clip were brilliant and not overdone. The water tunnel was definitely my favourite part because it was very captivating and held on to your attention. It was very intense and the quotes were very compelling in demonstrating the conflict Emma will face in Of Triton.
ReplyDeleteAll the videos were amazing, but I LOVED Laura's the most! The music was perfect, and I got goosebumps as I watched. It makes me want to read this. Like NOW! :) Congrats to all!
ReplyDeleteAll the videos were amazing and I'm so impressed by how talented they all are. My favorite was Emma Smith's video. Everything about it was perfect to me, the music, the ocean, the silhouettes, even the font of the quotes was perfect! The video was soothing but at the same time it was intriguing and had you wondering what the book is all about and what would happen next. I really like how some of the quotes are in white and how some of the more dramatic quotes have black fonts, it makes those parts stand out and catch your attention. I just loved the whole thing! Congrats to all the winners, you guys are awesome :)
ReplyDeleteWow,(awestruck) Those were totally creative and awesome. I can't believe you had to choose. I had a really hard time trying 1st and 2nd. everyone who won and got a honorable mention really deserved it. Congrats to all. I can't to read it. Already know it will be awesome
ReplyDeleteI loved Emma Smith's trailer. It was so calming and made me wanted to read it even more. It was like the story behind the book was actually happening in real life. On the other hand, Laura Kolar's one was really mysterious. It made me want to uncover the "secret". Congrats to the winners. I am now dying to read the book. xD
ReplyDeleteLaura's video is amazing! The music kept me watching the whole thing on the tips of my toes haha. I have read OF POSEIDON and am yet to read OF TRITON! I am so excited also because its summer and that means time to read ;)
ReplyDelete- DA
Although I rather liked Tiffany's bubble sound effects and Laura's very cool water tunnel, my favourite is Emma Smith's entry.
ReplyDeleteIt could be because she used that gorgeous font, slipped in some very edgy crashing wave sound effects, or even her amazing use of Florence and The Machine - love the song choice. But I think what tips it for me is the highly professional look.
The silhouette of a swimming mermaid was perfect, then it was smoothly overtaken with a green ocean background and the end of a quote, that's genius! Even the trembling shot of the city shore was polished and really befitting, totally praiseworthy.
Emma's was definitely my favourite (sorry Tiffany and Laura!)
I'm torn between the second and the third. I think ultimately Ill go with the second. The ocean sounds just totally set the mood and tie in with the book so well. It made me want to take a nap, but in a good way. Not a boring way.
ReplyDeleteOhmysweetgoodness!!! I LOVE Emma's trailer. All the others were really good, but with Emma's I just felt like this is the one. The ocean sound was very relaxing and the song I absolutely love! "Never Let Me Go" is my favorite Florence + the Machine song and it just fits so well with the book. Plus the images were really good, and it was just amazing. For once I actually don't know what to say except everything was amazing! I think they all did a really good job.
ReplyDeleteEmma Graham
emmacat(AT)embarqmail(DOT)com
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ReplyDeleteWow... I am stunned by how well done and amazing, all of the trailers were. Great talent out there ladies! At first I was leaning towards Laura Kolar's trailer as my favorite, but then, after watching them all a second time, the one that left me speechless and filled with emotion, was Emma Smith's. She portrayed such a beautiful picture for "OF TRITON", and made me want to run out and read it even more then I did before. (Hard to believe, because I am already dying to read it!) The music the filming and the summery are all so beautifully orchestrated... Well Done! =D
ReplyDeletepersonally, I absolutely ADORDED Emma Smith's entry! The music, the water scenes.... it was amazing. The quality of the photographs were beautiful, and I loved the song! I'm going to go look it up right now, that's how impressed I am.
ReplyDeleteK, I'm back.
its "Never Let Me Go". I'm officially stealing this song, thank you very much.
Anyways, Goosebumps. Fo realz.
And can I just say, how in the world did she get that silhouette?
I liked Laura Kolar's water tunnel-chunnel-thingy as well, and Tiffany's project was very well put together. :)
Overall, great job guys! I'm very very impressed.
Now I just need to wait something crazy like 11 months for Of Neptune :)
I really liked them all, but the one by Tiffany was my favorite. The words were clear and when they appeared onscreen there was enough time for me to actually read the full sentences. However, each one of these entries was magnificent (so much talent!) And I can see why this was a difficult decision for you!!
ReplyDeleteI think my favorite would be the second place, Emma Smith. First of all, I think the music fits perfectly with the video. I really love Florence and The Machine, and this song is one of my favorite. I also adore the pictures, and the sound effect of the sea in the background that matches with the music. The font that Emma chooses is simple yet it suits perfectly with the video, which was, for me, better than the first one. I highly enjoyed Emma's video, not only because I think it looks beautiful, but I also loved the haunting effect that the music made.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the first one as well! They were all fabulous and I only wish I had some sort of talent in this way to enter these kinds of contests!
ReplyDeleteI liked Emma's video best. The underwater mermaid shots are great, and I love the font she used. The other videos are great as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm going with the first place winner. She really brought out the anticipation for the book. All of them are good though!
ReplyDeleteI loved Tiffany Bernardo's video, third place the most...
ReplyDeleteI really liked the fonts, and the way she transitioned the words/ phrases...
The colors were really eye-catching, and the whole thing was just awesome and super professional~
It was just AMAZING! She's so talented. I'm so jealous...
Hi
ReplyDeleteFirst of I would like to congratulate all the top place getters, your entries were amazing. They all show the use of various camera angle shots and the use of non-diegetic sound was very accurate to the feeling all the trailers were giving off, and I think that all the competitors have futures as directors. All though they all had both winning and losing factors and they were all unique in their own way, I would have to agree with Anna Banks on this one as Laura Kolar's video captured me from the very start.The amount of different techniques and skills shown by Laura shone above all others.I loved the way she changed the angle and scene with each new bit of information and how it suited the words on the screen,a special heads up on the travelling long shot through the water tunnel. Also the non-diegetic sound used was astounding. It was as if as soon as Laura had the video settled she went out of her way and personally composed an orchestral piece and then conducted it and recorded it before adding it to the video, as it perfectly suited the scenes it overlapped and worked in perfect harmony with the shots taken to give the exact feel Laura was going for. Not only was Laura's video well-constructed but it was also visually appealing and entrancing and will send anyone who watches it, sprinting to book stores. It was capturing from the very beginning to the end and it is worthy of first place. Oh...one more thing, I totally adored the ending. The mid-section shot of the water in slow motion very nicely concluded the video and the feel Laura was trying to give in her video. All in all well done to you Laura and good job to everyone else, your videos were all up there.
Anna Banks I would just like to say I absolutely love your writing and you are very lucky to get some really awesome and exceptional book trailers to go with 'of triton'. I can't wait to read your other works
gautirya muralietharan
I liked the first placed winner because she gave me the feeling that she had the "right words" with the "right music". Her words left me hanging and wanting to read the book much more than I wanted to before. I LOVED the quotes Laura chose because they really have a meaning and is a cliff-hanger. The transition fitted and were cool. The water at the ending left a i-want-to-read-so-badly feeling because it left a cool effect and it was just amazing. Congratulations Laura Kolar and other winner!
ReplyDeleteAnna Banks, I love your Syerna series. I can't wait for the third book. This would be a dream come true if I got signed books for these two books. (i know this sounds like i'm you're #1 fan and everything, but I would seriously love this)
please let me know at hsiatiffany@yahoo.com
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteO.M.G.
ReplyDeleteThe first video was so epic!! The music, the timing, the words....it all combined to form a trailer that simply deserves to be seen. Laura made me want to read of triton even more then i already do, having just read the first; something I didn't think possible!!
Emma's video gave me goosebumps. There are no two ways about it; I sat in my seat, tingleing all over, with my mouth agape the whole way during her ad. I reckon this one may have flowed better than the first one, with the music acting as a nice transition between scenes.
Tiffany has made an amazing video, centered more on tantalising snippets of information than on the mesmerising colours adn scenes in the other two. For this alone i could kiss her...or kill her for making my curiosity spike to near unbearable levels!! ;)
My stupid computer wouldn't met me watch the other two, which nearly reduced me to slapping the qwerty-board in frustration, but i trust they were both similarly packed with awesomeness!! Looking at all these, I don't really know how anyone could choose between them all! Congratulations Laura on placing first, it was well deserved, to say the least! All the videos looked like a lot of work went into them, and i reckon thats something you can all be proud off, without even mentioning the uncontestable quality of them!! Well done all, hope you enjoyed making them as much as I enjoyed watching!!!! ;)
Just the perfect book for summer reading! I love authors that wrap action and sci fi around fairy tales. Since you say it is really good, I am dying to read it! Thanks for the opportunity Anna!
ReplyDeleteI reckon this one may have flowed better than the first one, with the music acting as a nice transition between scenes.
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ReplyDeleteI had to stop myself from checking for updates on a daily basis, and downgraded to a weekly. So yay for new news! I'm so happy there will be a third I was starting to think that OF NEPTUNE was a made up fan fiction in my head. I can't wait for the official ending!پارتیشن
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درب ضد سرقت -
مبلمان اداری
Oh wow! It's been years since I've read that book series! I can't believe how cringe my trailer was hahaha. That seems like a hundred years ago! I just want to say that I LOVE everyone's entries! The music and the images are so oogle-able. I'm so happy you put me in he honorable mentions! I so miss the days enjoying these books! By far, Anna, you have been my favorite author (forever and always). I was like your super fan at some point lol. I'd just like to mention how much I love your writing and think you should continue. It was really cool, as a younger me, to be emailing you and your assistant back and forth (you were a celebrity to me).
ReplyDeleteTruly your reader (and fellow chocolate lover),
Merrina.
I found this one pretty fascinating.
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