Cosplay Masquerade 2014 Competition Rules

Started by Erik_anderson, March 17, 2014, 04:16:48 PM

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Erik_anderson

Schedule
•   ONLINE REGISTRATION: March 29th, 2014 - May 23rd, 2014.
•   IN-PERSON REGISTRATION: May 23rd at 4:00pm - May 25th 2014 @ noon
•   REHEARSAL TIMES:
o   In the Masquerade room: May 23rd @ 12:00pm - May 25th @ 12:00pm
o   Stage rehearsals in the Convention center hall across the street: May 25th @ 1:00pm

•   PROPS:
o   Drop offs: Noon May 25th
o   All props must be picked up before 10pm or they will be moved to the Masquerade room in the Marriott.

•   CURTAIN OPENING: 4:00 pm sharp Sunday May 25th
•   HALF TIME SHOW: 15-30 minutes, depending on judging time.
•   AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT: ~6:30

Registration
Masquerade space is limited to 55 and are granted on a first come first serve bases until all 55 spots are filled.
•   ONLINE REGISTRATION: November 25, 2014 - May 23rd, 2014 midnight
•   IN-PERSON REGISTRATION: May 23rd at 4:00pm - May 25th 2014 @ noon

All contestants must do the following:
1.   Be an attending member of Fanime.
2.   Check-in to the Masquerade Registration Desk located in the Blossom Hill Ballroom (3rd floor) of the Marriott hotel before midnight Saturday May 24th 2014.
3.   Fill out the following before checkin:
o   Masquerade entry form (LINK)
o   Release & Waiver form
4.   Be 18 years or older or have the permission form signed by a Parent or legal guardian.
5.   Read and understand the competition rules
Once registered, you will be given your entry number.  If we receive more then 55 entries you will be placed on the waiting list and will advance up if other contestants drop out.  If you advance, the primary contact and all listed contacts in the registration form will be notified.
The Masquerade will e-maiil the primary contact for your group on a regular basis with important updates.   If you need to change your registration information or drop out from the competition please email [email protected] with your changes and modifications.
If you have any question do not hesitate to ask [email protected]
Introduction
FanimeCon has made a few changes to our system of judging to provide a more diverse and competitive field for our contestants

Awards
There are two categories of awards that are judged separately --- Craftsmanship and Performance. You or your group can possibly win awards from both categories. We divide our competition into three divisions: Open, Journeyman, and Novice.
1.   Open Division: Any competitor may enter in the Open Division.
2.   Journeyman Division:
•   Professional costumers cannot enter the Journeyman Division.
•   If you have won a Best-in-Show major regional competition, you cannot enter in the Journeyman Division.
•   If you have won any award in the Open or Master Division at any other major convention, you cannot enter in the Journeyman Division.
3.   Novice
•   Professional costumers cannot enter the Novice Division.
•   If you have won any award at a major regional competition, you cannot enter in the Novice Division.
•   If you have won more than 3 awards at prior FanimeCon Masquerade or other regional conventions you cannot enter in the Novice Division.

Cash awards:
•   Best in Show $600
•   Best Craftsmanship $200
•   Best Novice category $100
•   Best Journeymen category $100
•   Best Open category $100
•   Best Original Design $100


Craftsmanship Awards
Individual Craftsmanship Awards can be won by a single person (not a member of a group) or by a group member being judged as an individual. Being judged as an individual does not preclude you from being judged as part of a group (we actually encourage you to be judged as both; but you must be judged for both at the same time).
For specific information on Craftsmanship Judging, see the rules below.
Competition rules
1.   Check-in at the Convention Masquerade Desk in the Marriott hotel's Blossom Hill on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday to get your official Backstage Pass and turn in your music. Otherwise, you will be dropped from the Masquerade.
2.   MAXIMUM stage time:
a.   Maximum performances time is 2 minutes 30 seconds
b.   Display Entries (walk-ons) time is 90 seconds.
3.   Number of Contestants.
a.   Up to 12 contestants are allowed to appear on stage. You must get permission from the Masquerade Director by May 23rd if you need to have more.
b.   ALL members of a performance must be present at the pre-Masquerade meeting on May 25th @ 2pm.
4.   Each person can only participate in one performance. You cannot appear in multiple performances.
5.   AUDIO/VIDEO REQUIREMENTS: All entries must provide an audio clip or a movie clip (with embedded music / dialog) or we will provide it for you.  There will be a sound technician on call in the masquerade Ballroom located in the Marriott hotel.  See the sections on Music and Video below for more details.
6.   WEAPONS: Make sure you read and understand our Weapons Policy for the Masquerade (see below).
7.   PROPS: Make sure to read and understand the Props Policy (see below).
8.   JUDGING:
a.   All Display Entries (walk-ons) must be judged for Craftsmanship
b.   Performance groups can choose to be judged (optional).
c.   Anyone submitting for judging needs to submit a Craftsmanship Judging Form.
d.   Make sure you read and understand the judging rules (see below).
9.   PERFORMANCE RULES: All contestants must adhere to the Performance Rules as detailed below.
10.   COSTUME REQUIREMENTS:
a.   Any costume purchased or rented from a costume shop, designer direct, eBay, Yahoo Auction, Yahoo Japan Auctions, Cospa, or any other costuming store, online resource, or any costume made for you by a designer or seamstress is prohibited from entering the Masquerade.
b.   Costumes from previous FanimeCon conventions will be consider non-competition
c.   All costumes must be based on the following requirements:
•   Asian film, such as characters from 13 Assassins (Japan) or The Flying Swords Of Dragon Gate (China),
•   Asian animation, such as the Japanese animation Naruto or the Korean animation Wonderful Days.
•   Asian comics, such as the Japanese Fairy Tail, Korean Breaker, or Chinese Story of the Tao,
•   Asian-origin video game, such as Final Fantasy or Ragnarok Online, or Asian music stars (such as Girls' Generation). 
•   Asian-inspired sources; such as your own inspiration, such as Avatar.
•   The rule of thumb is: if the series and/or character originated anywhere else than the Pacific, it doesn't qualify. If you aren't sure, ask.


Weapons Policy
The Masquerade allows some Display Weapons, which are not allowed to be carried in the halls at FanimeCon. You must follow these steps for these items to be acceptable for participation:
1.   You must check the box on the registration form for "Requires Weapon Master review."
2.   You must pass inspection from the Masquerade weapons master, including chorography, and make any changes required by them.
3.   For safety reasons, all edges must be blunted or protected.
4.   Weapon must be transported to the Masquerade Event either boxed or covered.

Props
All large props (including scenery, backgrounds, etc.) must be:
1.   Easy to assemble and disassemble. You have 30 seconds (each) to get the props on and off the stage.
2.   Brought to rehearsal and stored on-site for the competition.
3.   Described in detail on your registration forms
4.   Immediately torn down after your performance, so it does not take up space backstage.
5.   Picked up after the competition or it will be moved to Masquerade room in the Marriott Blossom Hill Ballroom
If you are concerned about being able to meet these rules please contact [email protected] for special arrangements to be made.

Music
1.   All music must be provided in advance (online or during in-person registration) and confirmed by close of registration, or you will not be allowed to participate.
2.   DIALOGUE / MUSIC LENGTH:  You can MAXIMUM 2 minutes and 30 seconds for your dialogue or music.
3.   ACCEPTABLE FORMATS:
4.   NUMBER OF COPIES: Provide two separate copies of your audio in case of damage.

Video
1.   If you choose to show a video during your skit, it will serve as a replacement for your music track. Your video must play for the entire skit, or fade to black or a logo for the rest of your skit. There must be music for the entire skit.
2.   VIDEO DUE DATE: Two copies of your video must be provided in advance. If we do not receive the video submission by Saturday, May 24, 2014 @ noon, we will not allow you to use video in your skit.
3.   REQUIRED REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE: You must attend the Masquerade Rehearsal if you choose to use video for your skit. If you do not show up for the rehearsal, we will not play your video and will default to the audio-only version.
4.   Video featuring real people is only allowed if they are participating members of your performance or they have signed the waver and release.
5.   VIDEO LENGTH: Videos must be no longer 2 minutes and 30 seconds
6.   VIDEO FORMAT:
o   The screens in the Civic are 16:9 HD format.
o   We will accept entries recorded on CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW.

Craftsmanship Judging
1.   All Craftsmanship judging participants must also be approved entries for Masquerade and must participate (with a presentation or a walk-on) in Masquerade
2.   All Costumes are eligible for Craftsmanship Judging but mandatory for Display Entries. 
3.   REQUIRED FORMS:  You must fill out a Craftsmanship Judging Form
4.   JUDGING TIMES:  If you registered for Craftsmanship judging, you need to:
a.   Present your costume(s) for judging prior to the start of the Masquerade at the designated time assigned to you.
i.   There will only be limited craftsmanship judging at the event.
b.   Every contestant needs to be prepared to answer the judges' questions about his/her role in the construction of their costume
5.   GROUP CONSTRUCTION:
a.   If the entire group designed and constructed the costumes together and if you wish to win a group craftsmanship award, you must be judged as a group and all members of the group must be judged at the same time.
b.   If only one person in your group made all of the costumes, only that person is eligible for an award. He or she must be a participating costumed member of your group.
6.   INDIVIDUAL CONSTRUCTION:
a.   An individual (or a member of a group being judged as an individual) must have designed or constructed his/her own costume by himself/herself to win an Individual Craftsmanship Award.
b.   An individual that designed and created all of the costumes for a group is eligible for an individual Craftsmanship award. He or she must be a participating costumed member of the group.
7.   DOCUMENTATION:  The Craftsmanship Judges recommend that each competitor bring the following:
a.   At least one color picture, preferably two, of each character the costume entry represents.
b.   Source Documentation on the character
c.   The judges also appreciate craftsmanship documentation (also known as costume construction diaries).
8.   For additional information, see the Craftsmanship Judging Form.

Performance Rules
You must adhere to the following performance rules:

1.   Don't wear or use any messy substances that might ruin the costume of another contestant. If you are wearing body paint or make-up, make sure it will not come off in casual contact with others.
2.   Do not leave anything on the stage that cannot be picked up by the stage ninjas in a few seconds.
3.   Costumes must be self-contained. Connections to electrical sockets will not be available.
4.   Nothing is allowed that would be banned in a "PG-13"-rated film. Actions, dress, or mannerisms that would not be allowed on a public street or thoroughfare must be avoided. Specifically, the following must be avoided: explicit sexual gestures, nudity, and explicit swearing. Violating these rules will disqualify you and possibly result in your being escorted off the premises.
5.   No fire, flash powder, high power lasers, explosives or open flame of any kind will be allowed.
a.   Electronic flashes will be permitted provided that you notify the Masquerade Director in advance, and it must be announced in your MC introduction to protect those who might be affected by the flashing lights.
6.   No stage interaction with the MC, judges or audience is allowed. 
7.   The MC will read the name of the entry, the names of the contestants, and an short introduction.
a.   Any narration to be read by the MC will be limited to 35 words or less and read prior to the start of the performance
8.   There are only two acceptable exits – Stage Left and Stage Right.
a.   Jumping off the stage is not permitted,
b.   You cannot enter or exit the stage from any area that has not been approved by the head of Masquerade or the backstage director.

+ added cash awards section 4/20
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PrincessSquib

Thank you kindly. Could you clarify if we can sign up now? I've been told that March 29th is a date to look for, but what does that date mean? Do sign ups go up on that date?

Princess Squib Cosplay
-A.K.A. Sailor Venus from Sailor Moon Burlesque Group
Princess Squib Cosplay
Cosplays That I'll Be Making For Fanime 2018:
-Neo Queen Serenity
-Shaina from Saint Seiya
-Pink Diamond & Jasper
-Rainbow Quartz

CeruleanRogue

Quote from: PrincessSquib on March 17, 2014, 06:23:39 PM
Thank you kindly. Could you clarify if we can sign up now? I've been told that March 29th is a date to look for, but what does that date mean? Do sign ups go up on that date?

Princess Squib Cosplay
-A.K.A. Sailor Venus from Sailor Moon Burlesque Group

This is one of my questions as well.  So far, nothing up on the main site, will we get prior warning when signups officially go live?

Motoko

I'm more curious about the dates.
The 24th is a Saturday.
Isn't the norm for Masquerade suppose to be Sunday?
Was this shifted?
Also this would clash with several gatherings people may wish to attend and still do Masquerade since Saturday has a lot of gatherings as well.
So I'm curious as to why the change.

PrincessSquib

^^^ I'd like to know this as well.
Its been on Sunday the past few years.
So is the show on the 24th?
If not, does it mean there's no practice on the 25th?

Princess Squib Cosplay
-A.K.A. Sailor Venus from Sailor Moon Burlesque Group
Princess Squib Cosplay
Cosplays That I'll Be Making For Fanime 2018:
-Neo Queen Serenity
-Shaina from Saint Seiya
-Pink Diamond & Jasper
-Rainbow Quartz

Erik_anderson

Et al,

A small typo on the date its Sunday May 25th 4:00pm.  I have corrected the mistake.

To clarify a new link will be on the main web page for FanimeCon on March 29th which will have the forms to register for the Cosplay Masquerade. You will be sent back your entry number, this number is how we track you through the process and will not change. 

In addition we will have information on the facilities, judges, schedule, twitter feed and emergency contacts.  For now I am more then happy to answer any questions you may have.
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PrincessSquib

Awesome.
Is there time for practice on Sunday?

Princess Squib Cosplay
-A.K.A. Sailor Venus from Sailor Moon Burlesque Group
Princess Squib Cosplay
Cosplays That I'll Be Making For Fanime 2018:
-Neo Queen Serenity
-Shaina from Saint Seiya
-Pink Diamond & Jasper
-Rainbow Quartz

Erik_anderson

Hi PrincessSquib,

QuoteIs there time for practice on Sunday?

Yes, there will be same day rehearsal times on the actual stage in the San Jose Auditorium starting at 1:00pm up until we let people in at 3:00PM. If you need earlier or private practice times the Willow Glen ballroom will be available upon request.
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Alex Of Hyrule

Online registration will be put up with the full website launch correct? Also, how/when can I register online? Thank you so much, and sorry for all the questions I've been asking.   :D   

Erik_anderson

Hi Alex Of Hyrule,

QuoteOnline registration will be put up with the full website launch correct?

We are taking an interim step to ensure that registrations can happen on March 29th.  So hell or high water, we will be taking registrations for the masquerade.
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PrincessSquib

Princess Squib Cosplay
Cosplays That I'll Be Making For Fanime 2018:
-Neo Queen Serenity
-Shaina from Saint Seiya
-Pink Diamond & Jasper
-Rainbow Quartz

CielloRegalo

Do the rehearsals have to be IN cosplay? I will probably want to wear other cosplays on rehearsal days. Also when (if we do) need to have our cosplays for the masquerade approved? I really apologize if it is stated above. I read it all through but I have some issues remembering, especially if it isn't super specific. I appreciate your help.

Jazqui

If our group has won an award at Fanime before (which hasn't based awards on skill level in the past), does that qualify as us winning an award in the "open" category at a convention before? By most standards I'd consider us journeyman.

Hardogay

would rule #4:  Nothing is allowed that would be banned in a "PG-13"-rated film. Actions, dress, or mannerisms that would not be allowed on a public street or thoroughfare must be avoided. Specifically, the following must be avoided: explicit sexual gestures, nudity, and explicit swearing. Violating these rules will disqualify you and possibly result in your being escorted off the premises.

Include Hardogay? because I know there there is a fine for me as that character but I would very much love to participate.

Erik_anderson

Hi CielloRegalo

QuoteDo the rehearsals have to be IN cosplay? I will probably want to wear other cosplays on rehearsal days.

No, you can rehears in what you feel works for you.  Last stage will have your sound and video played to work out any kinks in the stage system and the MC's pronunciation of your entry.

QuoteAlso when (if we do) need to have our cosplays for the masquerade approved?

Approval is only required for weapons acts and anyone needing special considerations from the contest rules.  You are however required to drop by and check in with the masquerade before the event (see rules for exact times) or your entry will be dropped.  This is so we can check paperwork, ensure you have the latest information and do your official photography.

As soon as you enter you get a contestant number for your group.  When we hit 55 entries then people go on the waiting list. 

QuoteI really apologize if it is stated above. I read it all through but I have some issues remembering, especially if it isn't super specific. I appreciate your help.

No worries,

Hi bisouspapillon,

QuoteIf our group has won an award at Fanime before (which hasn't based awards on skill level in the past), does that qualify as us winning an award in the "open" category at a convention before? By most standards I'd consider us journeyman.

If it was best in show I would lean more toward making it an open category, everything else is fine.  To explain the logic behind the system its designed to promote people to keep evolving their skills and moving up as they become more experienced.  Another consideration is that if you have 3 novice people and 2 journeyman crafters, if they work on their own outfits, do the bulk of their own work then work then they, ethically, entering as a novice entry is fine. However if the 3 novices are just actors and the outfits are being made by one journeyman costumer then the entry should be a journeyman entry.

If I feel anyone is sandbagging I will just have a chat directly and clear things up as needed. Generally this solves most issues.
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Erik_anderson

Hi Hardogay,

QuoteInclude Hardogay? because I know there there is a fine for me as that character but I would very much love to participate.

The outfit itself I do not think it too much of an issue, its basic fair for those who have walked through the castro on a Friday night.  The real question is the actions and moves.   If you were to go on stage pelvic thrusting the air, other cosplayers, ext then thats a bit too sexually explicit.  If you were to come up with a skit in which the viewer would have to know the character or that was filled with in-house jokes then I can see it passing the bar. 

I have received requests to have a separate, 18+, masquerade event that would allow for more explicit acts and costumes, including burlesque. I am still mulling over how to manage this and build a request for resourced for the 2015 convention. 

I would recommend sending me an email with a description of what you are planning on doing and we can see where we can meet a happy middle ground.  [email protected]
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Jazqui

Thanks for your reply! I just wanted to make sure.

CeruleanRogue

As I saw asked someplace, what time will registration go live tomorrow?  My boyfriend is visiting me this weekend, and I want to make sure I can get on and registered for Masquerade.

KuriQueenofFeels

I'm a little confused, is Reg going live tonight at midnight? (making it midnight the 29th) or tomorrow at midnight? I am a little confused.
Cosplay Lineup 2017
Lunafreya Nox Fleuret
Friday: Death Scene Dress
Saturday: Kingsglaive
Monday: Casual Short Dress

Sunday: Vaporeon, with group

wolfdaemon

#19
I assume that the website for registration will be announced at midnight and not beforehand?