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Offline SailorNaboo

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Cosplay Contest Rules
« on: August 18, 2004, 07:43:35 pm »
Kumoricon Cosplay Competition

Our Cosplay Competition a Hybrid Presentation/Construction contest that is loosely based on Sakura Con’s competition in 2001-2002.

Judging
We maintain two judging panels. One panel has great expertise in costuming and will only be judging hand made costumes created by the wearer, someone in attendance that made the costume for the wearer, or in the case of a group, the group member that made the costumes for the group. Though sometimes purchased costume parts are unavoidable (shoes as an example), the vast majority of the costume must be hand made. Purchased costume pieces that have been significantly altered may be allowed into the costume portion of the judging on a case-by-case basis, but the standard for this will be high. Reference material must be provided! Not all of the judges know whom you are portraying. A picture of your character in the outfit you are wearing is fine.

If you just wish to enter Costume Judging and not do a skit, you may do a walk on performance. Model your costume for the audience and then you will be escorted to the costume judging area. Music is highly suggested for this.

The second judging panel will be looking at the presentations for entertainment value. Skits must be anime/Japanese video game/Japanese Culture Based. We don’t care where your costume came from, as long as your entry form accurately discloses if your costume is handmade, purchased, borrowed, rented, found or any combination there of. (We draw the line at stolen!). In the case of a tie or close competition, Costume Construction will be used as a tiebreaker. Also, as long as your skit follows the Anime Based rule, if you have a good reason to have a “non-anime” character be a part of your skit, this is allowed. Please keep in mind, if you make the decision to use “non-anime” characters in your skit, please pay EXTRA attention to the skit being anime/Japanese video game/Japanese Culture Based. We think when used creatively, this can make the contest even more entertaining, but (as an example) if “Sponge Bob, Square Pants” shows up in a skit, he needs to be doing something very Japanese. This rule will continue to be evaluated each year. (Non-Anime or Japanese based costumes are not eligible for costume awards).

Registration:
Cosplay Registration forms will be available at the Information Desk. A sign with the exact time the forms will be available will be posted during registration. There will be two pre-meetings with rehearsal time. Your pre-meeting time will be listed on the top of your form and you will have your choice of time as long as spots for that time are available. There will only be as many forms as there are performance spots, so once you have your form, you have a spot! Since your spot is guaranteed, please take the time to write neatly so the information can be easily entered into a computer with correct spelling! But, PLEASE return the form to information desk as soon as you are done so the volunteers have as much time as possible to enter the data.

Pre-Show, Performance, and After Performance
There will be an announced set time and meeting place for all of us to get together before the contest. At this time the presentation order will be announced and any last minute questions can be answered. It is our goal for all of the contestants to have seating to watch the performances. A volunteer will bring the group that is next to perform to the waiting area next to the stage, and after you perform another volunteer will bring you to the next phase of the competition. Note: You will be exiting from the opposite side of the stage! For some people, this will mean going back to a seat. For Best Costume competitors, this will mean being escorted to the Costume Judging Area. After your costume is judged, please return and sit with your group.

Intermission
We have special entertainment for intermission. Baka Zoku, the Award Winning Cosplay entertainment group from the Seattle Area will be performing. After this, there will be an opportunity for some lucky competitors and staff to take place in additional entertainment for the crowd.

Results
As sometimes it seems to take a long time for the judges to come back with the many decisions that need to be made, Certificates for the winning Cosplayers will not be printed until after the awards are announced. This will avoid spelling errors and should cut down on some of the wait time.


Details

30 entrants/groups only. If there are a lot of walk on entries, we might be able to add additional participants, but there are no guarantees. Group limit, up to 10 people.

We ask that you aim for a two to three minute time limit. This seems to be the optimal time for judge and audience attention, and you don’t want the judges getting bored, do you? At 3:30 minutes, you will be given a signal warning you to wrap up the performance within 30 seconds; the performance will be ended for you at the 4-minute mark. We feel this gives the group a chance to not just get cut off and to logically end the skit.

Volunteers may compete. Staff members may get together and do a non-competitive staff skit. Staff will also find that there will be some opportunity for participation during intermission.

We don’t have a place to plug your costume in! If you need power, think self-contained battery packs.

Got a bunch of props? Make sure your group can set them up on their own in a reasonable amount of time and that they fit through average sized doors. We cannot provide storage for props unless advance arrangements have been made.

Weapons. No Live Steal, no projectiles. And don’t point that thing at me! Or anyone else not in your skit for that matter. Weapons must be peace bonded in advance and shown to the Cosplay Director at the pre meeting.

Music. Music and sound effects are cool. They can really add to your performance. Please do us a favor and if you are going to be giving us a CD, please place it in an inexpensive CD case that we can write on (or put a sticker on). That way we can put your group number on it and there is a much better chance we won’t mess up and you’ll get your stuff back. Also, if it’s in a case, we won’t scratch it up. Please make sure we know which track to use. We can only start a CD at the beginning of a track and we can’t pause it once it is started. If you need to start in the middle of a song, I suggest the free program, Audacity. It’s not that hard edit out the beginning of a song and insert silence. Write to me IN ADVANCE of the convention for help.

There will be microphones available. It’s best to do your dialogue right into them. Maybe you feel it would be more natural if you turned your back to the audience to talk to the guy behind you, but really, the audience wants to hear you.

Very, very minimal lighting effects will be allowed. (Nothing more complicated then dimming or raising the lights at times.)

Oh, I hate to do this, but for insurance and safety, no jumping. The stage just isn’t made for that and though Backflipping Lupin III was one of the highlights of last year, it’s just too much of a liability. (Gomen!) This includes on the floor near the stage as well.

No yucky stuff that could get stuck on the stage or make it slippery. Water, confetti, peanut butter… none of that.

If it’s covered by a non-thong bathing suit, make sure it’s covered on stage. And by covered, that does not include see through netting. Covered means covered by something that one can’t see through. All entrants must be in costume. An exception can be made if someone’s character is an “Uber Anime Fan,” but let’s not have too many of those.

One Skit or Walk on per person. NO EXCEPTIONS. Each person may only be part of one act.


Beth
aka Sailor Naboo
2001 Sakura Con Best Costume ('Knights in White Satin'' - all 9 costumes!)
2002 Sakura Con Cosplay Judge
2003 Baka Zoku 2003 (Judges Choice Award)
2003 Kumori Con Cosplay Director
2004 Sakura Con Anime Improv 404s with the Voice Actors
2004 Kumori Con Cosplay Director

Still have questions?  Post them right here. :)
Sakura Cosplay  2005, Kumori 2004, 2003
This is where I got my import Para-Para game:
<a href="http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-v8l-71-8g-84-j-70-2hp.html"><img src="http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-1e-74-1p.html" alt="Play-Asia.com"></a&

Offline Bunny_Mae

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Cosplay Contest Rules
« Reply #1 on: August 19, 2004, 07:40:17 am »
I was wondering, for the walk-on/modeling of a costume, instead of a skit, do we sign in at the registration desk also? And do we attend a re=hersal and meeting and everything? And can these be 'performed' by more than one person? What I am thinking is me and my two siblings would walk down, do a little syncronized thing modeling our outfits and then walk off stage, is that pretty much what you guys are looking for? Or can only one person go at a time. See we all have matching costumes from the same show. Or does it not work this way? Thanks.
Bunny_Mae
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Offline SailorNaboo

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« Reply #2 on: August 19, 2004, 11:59:59 am »
That's a great question.  Yes, the two of you can do a little modeling act together that would still be a walk on.  Find some music that you like, and maybe come up with a 45 second routine where you each showcase your costume, then together. (Or however you think best).

Just throwing an idea out there for others, not just you, doing a skit doesn't have to include dialoge.  As an example (just making something up) let's say you and the other girl were rivals.  You could come up with a funny little fashion show skit where you are both on stage but trying to outdo and upstage eachother and compete for attention.  Something like that could be really funny, and 45 seconds to a minute of it would be perfect (using the music, "I'm too sexy" would make it hysterical!)

Yes, you would be picking up a form at the desk and registering for a spot.  As of right now, I'd say that I'd like you two to attend one of the meetings (you wouldn't have to stay the whole time).  

Possibility:
If enough people post in advance that they would like to do walkons, I'll arrange a third meeting for just walkons (we'll find a corner somewhere so the scheduler doesn't have to come up with another room....) and just the walkons can meet.  If this decision is made, all the forms will have directions on where and when to meet if you are a walkon act.
Sakura Cosplay  2005, Kumori 2004, 2003
This is where I got my import Para-Para game:
<a href="http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-v8l-71-8g-84-j-70-2hp.html"><img src="http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-1e-74-1p.html" alt="Play-Asia.com"></a&

Offline trinket

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« Reply #3 on: August 19, 2004, 09:51:47 pm »
I would like to do a walk on also....



but i will only be attending sunday so when do you sign up....Im afraid it will already be full by time i get there :cry:

Offline SailorNaboo

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« Reply #4 on: August 19, 2004, 10:38:34 pm »
Another great question.

I just happened to think about that at our staff meeting tonight.  I will be holding back a few forms for Sunday morning.  

Also, it's almost always possible to squeeze in one more walk on.
Sakura Cosplay  2005, Kumori 2004, 2003
This is where I got my import Para-Para game:
<a href="http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-v8l-71-8g-84-j-70-2hp.html"><img src="http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-1e-74-1p.html" alt="Play-Asia.com"></a&

Offline TomtheFanboy

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« Reply #5 on: August 21, 2004, 01:34:05 am »
Egads, I don't know what we're going to do without our lovable Neko the Merchant! Pezcat has become registration Staff!
Can he be exempt from winning awards if we just use him as a plot device??

Or maybe we can borrow the costume......
This is why I'm still a volunteer!
Tom the Fanboy
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Offline SailorNaboo

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« Reply #6 on: August 21, 2004, 06:33:27 am »
Tom,
Let me think that one over.  If any attendees want to jump in and let me know their feelings about it, I'll listen.

My thinking here is that there is staff that has a huge role in the convention (the con chair, someone running a major event) and has decision making power.  And then there are people like you.  You are more like an elevated volunteer that is putting in a lot of hours, and really aren't in a major policy making situation.

My gut feeling is to allow it on a case by case basis (especialy if the rest of the cast is not staff).  I'm leaning towards yes in this case because it seems that it would be penalizing a group of attendees as much or more than you.  You and I are staffing an event together (the Sailor Moon Screenings) but I'm not on the cosplay judging panel.  Also, you are one of many in a group, and as I mentioned before, you aren't in a policy making position.  

I'd like to see if there is any feedback here and also run it past everyone at the meeting this Sunday in Portland before I give you an absolute answer.
Sakura Cosplay  2005, Kumori 2004, 2003
This is where I got my import Para-Para game:
<a href="http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-v8l-71-8g-84-j-70-2hp.html"><img src="http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-1e-74-1p.html" alt="Play-Asia.com"></a&

Offline SailorNaboo

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« Reply #7 on: August 21, 2004, 01:00:39 pm »
Note to the people that will be competing in the costume judging portion of the show:

In a few days, we will have a form you can download in advance to fill out information about your costume.  You will still need an official entry form for your group, but each person costume person will need to fill out the extra Costume form.

The form is not finished yet, but be prepared to answer questions like:

[list=1]
  • Have you won any costume awards in this costume and if so, what were they?
  • Have you won any costume awards before
  • Tell us a little bit about your sewing experience.
  • What parts of the costume are not hand made?
  • [/list:o]

    Also, you must have a picture of your character in the outfit you are wearing.  If you don't have a way to print one out, feel free to PM me the URL to the picture and I'll print it for you.
Sakura Cosplay  2005, Kumori 2004, 2003
This is where I got my import Para-Para game:
<a href="http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-v8l-71-8g-84-j-70-2hp.html"><img src="http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-1e-74-1p.html" alt="Play-Asia.com"></a&

Offline ClaireR

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« Reply #8 on: August 21, 2004, 05:22:54 pm »
Alrighty, here's a (likely) stupid question... (This will be my first year at kumori con, but definitely NOT my first cosplay.... it'll explain why I'm asking).... What day of the con is the Cosplay? I've looked, and looked, and looked, and, oh yeah, I looked, but I can't seem to find what day it's on. I'm trying to figure out which day I'll be extending my hotel stay to (Friday check-in instead of Saturday, or Monday check-out instead of Sunday... I'm coming with a friend from the Tacoma area, so hotel stay is a necessity)...  I'd assume it'll be on the forms, but I'd like to get the hotel thing taken care of before then. And I'd assume Saturday, but the fewer long-distance calls to the hotel, the better (but, then again, since the con starts on Saturday, it may be Sunday.... gah! so confused! XP  )
--Alicia
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aka:
Usa-ko, SCMB
ClaireR, Cosplay.com

Offline SailorNaboo

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« Reply #9 on: August 21, 2004, 06:02:15 pm »
Sorry about a lack of schedule on the web.  We really should get the Major events up there since those are set, and then post the panels and such when that part is done.  I'll pass that suggestion along.

The cosplay is on Sunday since most people will have Monday off.  The main entry forms will be available at a certain time on Saturday.  (That time will be posted on a sign at the info desk by the time the doors open on Saturday morning.  (The forms will be at the infodesk at the time marked on the sign).  There will be a few forms held back and they will be made available on Sunday so people that are only coming that one day also have a chance at a place.
Sakura Cosplay  2005, Kumori 2004, 2003
This is where I got my import Para-Para game:
<a href="http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-v8l-71-8g-84-j-70-2hp.html"><img src="http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-1e-74-1p.html" alt="Play-Asia.com"></a&

Offline sassy_lassy

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« Reply #10 on: August 27, 2004, 05:26:28 pm »
May we lip-synch?  Such as... put a scene together with the actual characters (dubbed) voices and act it out live?  For example... We put voices on a CD then play it and we lipsynch it and act it out... would that be ok or do we have to mimic the voices xD
Sweet Times

Offline SailorNaboo

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« Reply #11 on: August 27, 2004, 08:22:52 pm »
Quote from: "sassy_lassy"
May we lip-synch?  Such as... put a scene together with the actual characters (dubbed) voices and act it out live?  For example... We put voices on a CD then play it and we lipsynch it and act it out... would that be ok or do we have to mimic the voices xD


Absolutely!  In fact, many conventions do not provide mics and demand that any dialoge be prerecorded, so this is good practice for other conventions.  

Personally, I'm a fan of improv which is why I don't do any kind of push for pre-recording, but it's a very good way to make sure people can hear you.
Sakura Cosplay  2005, Kumori 2004, 2003
This is where I got my import Para-Para game:
<a href="http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-v8l-71-8g-84-j-70-2hp.html"><img src="http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-1e-74-1p.html" alt="Play-Asia.com"></a&

Offline SailorNaboo

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« Reply #12 on: August 27, 2004, 08:35:01 pm »
Timing Clarification:

Once the cosplay competition begins, I'm not going to be judging this year.  I'm going to be taking on the role of Referee and under that includes timing.

As I mentioned in the long post with the rules, we are asking for skits of 2-3 minutes.  I will start timing you once the action in your skit starts.  At 3 minutes and 30 seconds, I'm going to be giving you some sort of warning.  (I haven't decided whether to make it visual or a sound...we'll talk about what contestants prefer at the pre-meetings).  This warning lets you know you have 30 seconds to go before we turn the lights off and end your skit for you.

I plan on keeping a careful eye on the audience and to be very liberal with the pause button on my timer.  If you are having to pause your act a few times for 5-15 seconds because of audience laughter, this could even make a well rehersed act that planned on 2 and a half minutes go over, and I refuse to cut a group off because whose act should be within the guidelines just because the audience thinks the act is very funny.

Keeping that in mind, we'd still prefer for you to aim for 2-3 minutes, but we want a way to cut back on overly long skits that gives the cosplayers a chance to finish up their acts.

Beth

PS.  I forgot to list this in the main post.  No stuff that 'Asplodes.'   (See Homestarrunner.com if you need a definition of 'asplodes').  No flash powder, no fire...[/i]
Sakura Cosplay  2005, Kumori 2004, 2003
This is where I got my import Para-Para game:
<a href="http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-v8l-71-8g-84-j-70-2hp.html"><img src="http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-1e-74-1p.html" alt="Play-Asia.com"></a&

Offline BlackjackGabbiani

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« Reply #13 on: August 27, 2004, 09:24:23 pm »
You head aspolde.

Also, "Baleeted!"

Offline TomtheFanboy

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« Reply #14 on: August 29, 2004, 10:20:07 am »
2-3 minutes.

I'll hafta see how long Who's on First runs.........

Not really, but I can imagine some really funny anime versions of that.


I'm sad about now explosions, I already shelled out the money for Rammstein's pyrotechnics crew and everything! Now what am I gonna do with 20 German technicians!?
Tom the Fanboy
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Offline SailorNaboo

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« Reply #15 on: August 29, 2004, 11:10:17 am »
Quote from: "TomtheFanboy"
I'm sad about now explosions, I already shelled out the money for Rammstein's pyrotechnics crew and everything! Now what am I gonna do with 20 German technicians!?


I heard at least 5 of them used to be known as Kraftwerk.  Maybe we could get them to perform....   <joking>
Sakura Cosplay  2005, Kumori 2004, 2003
This is where I got my import Para-Para game:
<a href="http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-v8l-71-8g-84-j-70-2hp.html"><img src="http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-1e-74-1p.html" alt="Play-Asia.com"></a&

Offline Daystar

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« Reply #16 on: September 01, 2004, 01:20:01 pm »
oki so for walkons... your music should be about 45 second? what about one minute would that work too?
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Offline SailorNaboo

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« Reply #17 on: September 02, 2004, 12:31:00 am »
Quote from: "Daystar"
oki so for walkons... your music should be about 45 second? what about one minute would that work too?


Yes.
Sakura Cosplay  2005, Kumori 2004, 2003
This is where I got my import Para-Para game:
<a href="http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-v8l-71-8g-84-j-70-2hp.html"><img src="http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-1e-74-1p.html" alt="Play-Asia.com"></a&

Offline Daystar

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« Reply #18 on: September 02, 2004, 01:27:51 am »
thanks a ton... that was all i needed... lol... see you at the con... ( :wink: i can tell my first timer questions are bothering you... i suppose my hissy fit the other day didnt help either :twisted: ) i do hope you have fun with everything... :D
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'05 Assistant to the Operations Director
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Offline SailorNaboo

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« Reply #19 on: September 02, 2004, 09:16:30 am »
They don't bother me at all!  I think you are darling!  I love my hobby and I want more and more people involved.  The more questions I get, the more I know what needs to be documented in terms of rules for other years and other cons.

Your question just had a very easy answer!   :lol:
Sakura Cosplay  2005, Kumori 2004, 2003
This is where I got my import Para-Para game:
<a href="http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-v8l-71-8g-84-j-70-2hp.html"><img src="http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-1e-74-1p.html" alt="Play-Asia.com"></a&

Offline Daystar

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« Reply #20 on: September 02, 2004, 01:16:02 pm »
lol... cool... it was that and the locking of my other post that did it... lol :D
i hope you have a relaxing two days before the chaos ensues... :lol:

 8O <=== Me at the con
'04 Volunteer
'05 Assistant to the Operations Director
'06 Info Booth
'07 Panels Staff
'08 Panels Coordinator
'09 Panels Coordinator
'10 Assistant Programming Director
'11 Assistant Programming Director
'12 Assistant Programming Director