Cosplay: example of a Working system

[Tyra]

We've already been going to a German con for a few years. And there they have a system that FACTS could maybe use too.
You don't get your cosplay discount unless you bring a picture of the character you're cosplaying.
And you also need a picture for the cosplay contest, so if you need a picture to get your discount then everyone will remember it.
They split up the contest in a "cosplay act" and a " Japanese cosplay". The first obviously being about how well your act is and the second being about how accurate your costume is and Japanese cosplay is not for groups, one person at a time. You only need a picture for the Japanese contest.
Another thing is they have a time limit. 5 minutes for a group and 2 for someone alone.

Besides how about an honorary system I think if you buy your costume you should be fair enough not to enter the Japanese cosplay contest. The act is fair game, because it's about the act, now don't think I'm saying someone in a T-shirt and a Naruto head-band can enter the contest 'cause that's just lame.
It works in Germany, why shouldn't it work in Belgium.

Edit Boomvavavoom: made the topictitle more to the point

[Myka]

Yes, it's actually a rather good idea.

When organised well, this would make things go smoother and wouldn't stress any of the people involved (jury or contestants).

[KillingRaptor]

Would be a good system indeed, I'm standing behind this.
This year I'm buying parts of my cosplay and I won't enter de contest just to give the people who made their costume themselves a fair chance in the contest.

[sayashinigami]

This system is actually very common, though the "Japanese cosplay" you're talking about is also known as "Fashion show". In order to enter the fashion show, you need to provide pictures of your costume in progress, so it's impossible to buy it. In a fashion show cosplayers come on stage (alone, or a max of 2 cosplayers, this to make cosplayers with stage fever more comfortable) and just walk a bit (30min usually) and then the jury will ask question (also, people watching can also ask question)
It's really fun to watch, though I'd never take part in a fashion show, too much stage fever her ^^; (But I make ALL my costumes myself *proud* :3)

[Tyra]

Well, where we went no one asked questions, but yeah, it's just like a fashion show. Although I think Japanese cosplay sounds cooler

[Myka]

I think it's the right name though. Since many other cons use it.

Anyways, the con(s) i've been to, we saw over 40 people in less then 45 min in the japanese cosplay contests. (questions were asked too, just not from the audience). So that actually means that things can be done, fast and smoothly if you got clear and good rules.

Also a split up system like that, makes the "acting contest" much more fun. It inspires people to come up with cool acts.

Although splitting up an acting contest per movie/sci-fi/fantasy/etc is a good idea, i don't think they should be split wether you're a group and single performer.
(that's just my 2 cents)

[Stoney3K]

May 25, 2008 14:04:02 GMT 1 sayashinigami said:

This system is actually very common, though the "Japanese cosplay" you're talking about is also known as "Fashion show". In order to enter the fashion show, you need to provide pictures of your costume in progress, so it's impossible to buy it. In a fashion show cosplayers come on stage (alone, or a max of 2 cosplayers, this to make cosplayers with stage fever more comfortable) and just walk a bit (30min usually) and then the jury will ask question (also, people watching can also ask question)
It's really fun to watch, though I'd never take part in a fashion show, too much stage fever her ^^; (But I make ALL my costumes myself *proud* :3)

Personally, I don't think it would be very useful to have the rules set down that strict. You rule out people who decide to buy specific components of their costumes from different addresses (as opposed to buying a ready-made suit off eBay) and modify clothing, and focus the rest of their costume on the fine details and props. Such people are not capable of producing in-progress photographs of their costumes.

IMO, it's about the effort put into a costume (whether that means making props, modifying clothing or making it from scratch) instead of only the craftsmanship involved. The World Science Fiction conventions has different categories for these: Best Craftsmanship (original costumes), Best Recreation (existing character) and Best Dramatic Presentation (acts), and they even distinguish in different skill levels.

To me, the thing that bothered me most last time were the facilities, and those are things that are not difficult to improve on. A better catwalk (WITH A RAMP!), better lighting and sound, and a set of judges that knows the characters the contestants are presenting helps a lot... there's nothing more annoying than being announced and your character name being pronounced wrong!

[sayashinigami]

Well, I was only explaining how fashion shows go. I personally think modifying clothes is also cosplay and for me, cosplay is mostly about fun, and not that much about the costume.

Last year there were indeed some problems with the names... if I remember correctly one of the anouncers asked us some names backstage... (though I kind of understand them... ask me a name of a science-fiction movie and I probably won't be able to pronounce them... nor do I know all the anime/manga names....)
I think, something that could help the judges is maybe give them pictures of the actual character? dunno...

[hadesgod1]

And a phonetical pronounciation of the name would help too

[Myka]

@ stoney3k:
Well i think you see it too strict.
There is nothing wrong with buying something and then altering it to the purpose of being part of your cosplay. It's when you buy something that was already originally created to be what you're going to use it for. (It doesn't matter if it's a full made suit or just a part of it.)
People will understand that there are things that you can't make (like wigs). But if you buy ... for example: Cloud's sword and make the rest of the costume yourself. Then you should only be evaluated on the costume without the sword.

Like you said: it's about the effort people put into it (and not the money they were willing to spend). Because in the end it's always you buying something and modifying it. If you start from scratch - it's buying the fabrics and sewing your way to the end result. If it's not, then you end up buying a piece of clothing (for example a normal black pants) and then modify it by adding things or changing it's shape).
Do notice the difference between the above 2 cases where you alter something and buy a complete part.


As for the rest:
Yes, annoucers (as for jury members) that know what's being presented, is a necessity.

[idromy]

i do not have much to say, but i agree on it.
It seems like fun to awser the questions, and it also provides the cosplayers who make the costumes a change to explain alot.
There is so much more to a costume then just show it for one minute in a dance ( reminds her "act" of last year)

[Rogue]

Actually, organising and peresenting a GOOD cosplay contest is a very difficult thing, I think.
Like, there is always the possibility things will go wrong (jurymember with food poisoning due to sushi? ) and then you have to handle them within a time limit, since people expect to see everything happen on the time anounced...

And like, categories.You know, categories are always difficult to come up with.. For example, the "child" category.. if there are only two participants, who will win the third prize?
Some clothes are also difficult to put in a category. In my opinion, they should be like: kids, manga/anime, SF/movies, group. Or divide the previous categories up into group and solo, but I think categories should be clear, so people don't get confused with where to participate in, ...

I totally agree with the facts that a jury member should be someone who kows about the characters persented on stage, and how to pronounce names. A famous person as a judge is fun for the audience, but not always fair for the cosplayer to be judging over the costume/act.

For improvements, I'd suggest myself a good presentator, a room with seats where the waiting cosplayers can prepare for stage, a stage in a room with LOTS of space - last years room was WAY too small *pouts lip* the audience stuck together in that little room almost made some people fade out during the contest <_<
Bigger rooms are also handy for public interaction (the aerobic pokémon act previous year, anyone? ) and for the photographers to get that one picture they want.
I also agree with the fact a picture should be sent beforehand, so the jury can see you made everything yourself and did not buy it, AND a picture for character reference, so there can be judged RIGHT over details in a costume...

Those were my two cents ^^;