MTV and Metacafe are teaming up to give virtual world fans the tools to showcase their creativity and directorial savvy with the first-ever “MTV’s Virtual Worlds Virtual Music Video Contest.” Music fans and aspiring directors will get their creative juices flowing as they use audio tracks from some of the hottest up-and-coming bands, video clips and online editing tools – supplied by MTV and Metacafe – to direct and film their own virtual music video in one of MTV Networks’ seven virtual worlds and submit it for the chance to win a Sony Vegas Pro 8 professional video/audio editing and DVD creation software package. In addition to submitting music videos, fans can go to the MTV’s Virtual Worlds channel on Metacafe to check out and vote for their favorites.

Featured artists and songs include: Saves the Day – “Can’t Stay the Same,” A Cursive Memory – “Everything,” Dannel Vonn Dillon – “Worn and of Plastic,” Dr. Manhattan – “Big Chomper,” Grayskul – “Us.”

Contest submissions can be uploaded to Metacafe from now until December 4, 2007. Entries will initially be evaluated using Metacafe’s VideoRank system, which gauges each viewer’s reaction to every video and automatically exposes audience favorites. The top 10 finalists will be evaluated by a panel of MTV judges on creativity and originality, technical execution and overall impression. In addition to the grand-prize winner, two first-place winners will receive $2,000 virtual MTV bucks.

Additional information, sample virtual music videos and complete contest details are available at http://www.metacafe.com/virtualworlds and http://www.vmtv.com.

Music fans in MTV Networks’ Virtual Kaya can also put their powers of persuasion to the test this month as they become promoters for six up and coming bands competing in MTV Networks’ Virtual Worlds’ “Virtual Kaya Battle of the Bands” contest. Fans will ultimately determine which band and promoter will come out on top by campaigning for their favorite competing band and duke it out with other promoters in promo missions to see who can get the most fans out to their favorite band’s party, and vie for a slew of prizes including MTV virtual bucks and bragging rights.

The competing bands include: “The Hot Toddies” vs. “Sick of Sarah” (Oct. 24th – Nov. 7th), “Carmen and Camille” vs. “Lovers Electric” (Nov. 8th – Nov. 21st), “Valora” vs. “Waiting 4 Wyatt” (Nov. 22nd – Dec. 5th).