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Messages - Erik_anderson

#21
QuoteYeah... so I have to ask. What the heck took you moderators or staff so long to notice the discussions we've been having in the forums for quite sometime now? We complain and complain, non-stop but it wasn't until 1 month close to the con you guys start actually communicating with us and actually taking action. And it's not just on the forums are people complaining. It's on almost all of your guy's social media and I'm pretty sure there are people spamming you with complaints with e-mails as well

Worth pointing out Citrus, but I am staff and I was on this thread 7 days after you posted it.  While this thread activity comes in waves, but we do actually pay attention and in my case try to address some of the remarks as best I can.
#22
Hi Angelx624,

Each person, includes helpers who will be back stage.
#23

Hi Enkai


QuoteSo are we ALL going to have to show up at 9AM in order to rehearse? This is never how I've seen it done when I competed before the management change - we had rehearsal at 12 at the earliest, IIRC.  The show did start a bit later, so I can allow adjustment for that, but 9AM is really early.

Oh no, the slots an run order will be put together prior to the conventions. If anyone has any need for extended rehearsal times like our martial arts performance then we can grant additional time.

QuoteMostly, it's kinda cruel to those of us with complex costumes.  I haven't finished the costume, but based on previous costumes of similar complexity, I'm liable to need 2+ hours to get into costume (large wig, jewelry and accessories, makeup, prosthetics, getting into armor, etc).  If I need to show up at 9, I'm going to need to wake up at 5:30 so I can get some breakfast in me (definitely a necessity since I don't see time for a lunch break in there).  This means I'm going to have to bypass all Saturday evening events so I can get enough sleep to be able to handle the inevitable stress that happens EVERY masquerade.

We also have a ballroom that can be used for construction and rehearsal from Friday noon to Sunday Morning.  This can also be used for large prop storiage if hotel space or transport it tight.  We also accept packages.


QuoteI'm certain I can't be the only person in that predicament.

Additionally, I want to be able to duck out at 11 for a gathering, but that is secondary and not something that affects everybody else.  Getting into costume and out to the Civic Center at 9AM is the real difficulty.

From my perspective, it'd be better to block rehearsal times by group numbers so we at least have some idea of when we're going to be able to rehearse?  Sitting around not sure if/when you're going to rehearse is painfully stressful, when we're already stressed from nerves.

If you are blocking the rehearsal schedule so that groups don't have to be there the entire time feel free to ignore this, but the 9AM thing has me worried.

That should not be a problem.  one week prior to the convention schedule times will be worked out for rehearsal, craftsmanship judging, and run order.

identivity

QuoteYeah, I used to work theater too (dresser) so I know the drill. I'm at work, checking stuff on my computer, and it was "Wait, we don't have to be in costume for rehearsal........do we?"

Only for your scheduled final rehearsal. This is likely starting at around 1:30 pm and it will mean the sound/lights and ninja crew know what you look like in the final product.

Hi Enkai


Quotehave decided to drop masquerade. I said two years ago after that fiasco that Fanime masq was going to need to greatly improve communication and operations in general if I was going to put up with it, and I just admitted to myself that I have not reached that level of satisfaction.  Things like cash prizes and cool projection systems (which we haven't had confirmed yet, and is likely too late for any of us to take advantage of it) don't solve the underlying organizational issues, at least for me personally.

I am sorry to not see you this year and I do take the critique as a call to action.  I this to be more then just me here.

Quote*Shrugs* Means I will have more time to focus on karaoke anyway. Maybe I will do well enough in that to still be in masquerade, but that's a longshot, lol.  I do plan on wearing my masquerade costume for the karaoke contest now, because why not (also, it's thematic with my song choices).

My best wishes on your success, if you need rehearsal space for your karaoke, I am more then willing to grant you access to the practice room on Friday and Saturday.
#24
Its taking a little to get off the ground, but I have high hopes.
#25
Big Event Showcase / Anime theme rule
May 03, 2015, 03:24:57 PM
To address a few posts:

I will try to be transparent as possible around the logic I am using and how it plays out.  I would like to move this to a different thread though. 

Background :

The rules currently stand at:
Quote
6.   All entries must be based on the following requirements:
       •   Asian film, such as characters from 13 Assassins (Japan) or The Flying Swords Of Dragon Gate (China),  47 Ronin
       •   Asian animation, such as the Japanese animation Naruto, the Korean animation Wonderful Days, Asian inspired anime like Big Hero 6.
       •   Asian comics, such as the Japanese Fairy Tail, Korean Breaker, or Chinese Story of the Tao, or
       •   Asian-origin video game, such as Final Fantasy or Ragnarok Online, or Street fighter
       •   Asian music stars (such as Girls' Generation). 
       •   Asian-inspired sources; including your own inspiration, such as an 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 [email protected]



KuriQueenofFeels

QuoteI'm also concerned about the "grey area" of the masquerade. I have a few video game characters, 2/3 are of Asian descent, the other is american. But since they're altogether in one skit, I think It'll be fine. Any Thoughts?

The race of the characters is less of a concern as the origin or feel of the work.  Aforementioned Full Metal Alchemist as an example. in recent years most anime comming out of Japan and Korea seems to have predominantly american looking characters, but are clearly works created from or to these markets. 

A good grey area is Big hero 6, it is a american franchise, based off (in very small part) a Marvel property, but its a clearly Asia themed source.  My view is I would include it, its not a avengers / Star Trek or Matrix with an undertone of a western prospective and style, its a, often comically, styled anime motion picture. 

Ok, so I wasn't going to bring this issue up, considering it actually would make me and my friend disqualified, but. When the heck has the Asian only media rule ever actually been put into place? I know for a fact over the years there has been non asian inspired cosplays entered in the masquerade, and they have won major awards at that. I could understand it as a 'preference' to have asian only, but having it restricted to only that does seem a little crazy with how the actual convention seems to go with cosplays/ media and such.

I think the clear understanding is that if a cosplay is an exception to a rule it needs to be discussed and approved. Perhaps I should be more clear on this, but in general folks ask.  I am limited to what I can talk about this year, because I just ethically can't talk about someones cosplay before they have a chance to show it, however one of them is from a clear US game property that had a very much Asia themed elements and even a clear desire to embrace it.  Ensuring this is clear in the presentation is enough for me to quality the performance. Examples of other rules which exceptions are made for: Time limits, music requirements, and number of people on the stage.

A ten plus years ago there was no question if you brought a cosplay to an anime convention it was 99% likely related to an anime theme.  However as the rise in popularity of cosplay and conventions in general has grown the blending and in some cases the over saturation of general or popular media has caused people to want to push back and preserve more of the anime feel.

On the flip side I understand where you are coming from, the vast majority of my cosplays are not anime focused because frankly there are very few stocky white guy characters in the current crop of titles. I also complete at ComicCons, Dr who conventions and the like, so I see first hand some of the amazing cosplays out there that don't qualify.


Enkai


QuoteIt doesn't have to be planned before Fanime, though it could be, but I dunno, something like how it was before.  When we checked in on Friday or Saturday, we said what our preference was as to when we wanted to perform (my group at the time usually liked to be between groups 5-12 or so), and preference was given to whoever checked in first.  While that order might get shifted in rehearsal when discoveries were made about how costumes/routines interacted in the schedule (I remember a Black Lady cosplay moving her skit when she discovered she was preceded by another Black Lady cosplay at rehearsal), those were the exceptions not the rule.

I don't see any issue with your preference and how we are planning on scheduling the run book.  There are tweaks I do make to balance out long running skits, to many back to back tends to make them forgettable and also the audience impatient.  You already brought up the duplicate franchise issue, but there is also how much room to stage a large group.  Its much more efficient to not have 4 8 person groups back to back.  So some discretion is used, but it in no way means that compromises can not be made.

Lets continue
#26
To address a few posts:

I will try to be transparent as possible around the logic I am using and how it plays out.  I would like to move this to a different thread though. 

KuriQueenofFeels

QuoteI'm also concerned about the "grey area" of the masquerade. I have a few video game characters, 2/3 are of Asian descent, the other is american. But since they're altogether in one skit, I think It'll be fine. Any Thoughts?

The race of the characters is less of a concern as the origin or feel of the work.  Aforementioned Full Metal Alchemist as an example. in recent years most anime comming out of Japan and Korea seems to have predominantly american looking characters, but are clearly works created from or to these markets. 

A good grey area is Big hero 6, it is a american franchise, based off (in very small part) a Marvel property, but its a clearly Asia themed source.  My view is I would include it, its not a avengers / Star Trek or Matrix with an undertone of a western prospective and style, its a, often comically, styled anime motion picture. 

Ok, so I wasn't going to bring this issue up, considering it actually would make me and my friend disqualified, but. When the heck has the Asian only media rule ever actually been put into place? I know for a fact over the years there has been non asian inspired cosplays entered in the masquerade, and they have won major awards at that. I could understand it as a 'preference' to have asian only, but having it restricted to only that does seem a little crazy with how the actual convention seems to go with cosplays/ media and such.

I think the clear understanding is that if a cosplay is an exception to a rule it needs to be discussed and approved. Perhaps I should be more clear on this, but in general folks ask.  I am limited to what I can talk about this year, because I just ethically can't talk about someones cosplay before they have a chance to show it, however one of them is from a clear US game property that had a very much Asia themed elements and even a clear desire to embrace it.  Ensuring this is clear in the presentation is enough for me to quality the performance. Examples of other rules which exceptions are made for: Time limits, music requirements, and number of people on the stage.

A ten plus years ago there was no question if you brought a cosplay to an anime convention it was 99% likely related to an anime theme.  However as the rise in popularity of cosplay and conventions in general has grown the blending and in some cases the over saturation of general or popular media has caused people to want to push back and preserve more of the anime feel.

On the flip side I understand where you are coming from, the vast majority of my cosplays are not anime focused because frankly there are very few stocky white guy characters in the current crop of titles. I also complete at ComicCons, Dr who conventions and the like, so I see first hand some of the amazing cosplays out there that don't qualify.


Enkai


QuoteIt doesn't have to be planned before Fanime, though it could be, but I dunno, something like how it was before.  When we checked in on Friday or Saturday, we said what our preference was as to when we wanted to perform (my group at the time usually liked to be between groups 5-12 or so), and preference was given to whoever checked in first.  While that order might get shifted in rehearsal when discoveries were made about how costumes/routines interacted in the schedule (I remember a Black Lady cosplay moving her skit when she discovered she was preceded by another Black Lady cosplay at rehearsal), those were the exceptions not the rule.

I don't see any issue with your preference and how we are planning on scheduling the run book.  There are tweaks I do make to balance out long running skits, to many back to back tends to make them forgettable and also the audience impatient.  You already brought up the duplicate franchise issue, but there is also how much room to stage a large group.  Its much more efficient to not have 4 8 person groups back to back.  So some discretion is used, but it in no way means that compromises can not be made.

I'm going to move this over to a thread on "Anime theme rule" thread.
#27
Hi all,

I just ran the whole conformation system through my email account.  You should have receive both your conformation and a dropbox invite.

I am working with a few groups on their theme questions.  On the Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag cosplay in-particular, while there are characters like Shao Jun in the game and the source is a bit universal 17th century which included the opening of the East to the West it does put us into an interesting pickle.  Then again, we have many western styled Japanese Manga like full metal alchemist.  If you were not aware of the origin of the series you may be tempted to think it was a US or German production.  I've already sent you my queries.

Also to clarify, yes last year a number of act did make it into the show that did not fit the rule and when I asked for feedback the majority of it expressed an interest in keeping to the convention and the masquerade in particular more Asia themed given the number of venues for general media and american comics out there.  This as I understand it is a line that at times gets crossed.  Two years ago there was a Gi Joe entries and so on.   

#28
Hi all,

I know that we have been having some gaps in communication so I wanted to address then here and in emails to each contestant.

We have 41 confirmed contestants and Three more I am working with to clear some hurdles around the Asia content rules. 

Your groups primary contact should now have a DropBox invitation in their inbox for uploading the files.   You can make changes to your entry all the way up to Saturday night.  please email me the changes when you have them finalized. 

Registration will continue till the Saturday at the convention and we will maintain a waiting list of 15 entries over the 55 slots we have.  If you end up on the waiting list the form will tell you when you sign up.  If we receive more then 70 entries we will close registration entirely.  Once we have our final run list you will get a performance number, this starts with a Letter A or B and indicates which block you will be in, it also shows the order in which you will go on stage and on Sunday its the only number that should matter.  You will get a badge with your number on it and be introduced to your den mom/dad that will be taking care of you for the show.

If you are having trouble with music, lights and tech or other parts of your performance we can help.  Please email us any queries questions and we will help or advise you as best we can.||

Reminders:
a member of your team must appear in person at the masquerade table(located on the main level of the convention center next to gatherings)  prior to Sunday and sign in.

One last note:
Please do not file more then one request.  a few nervous folks filed many and it just takes considerably  longer for me to sort through.
#29
Hi Gorma,

QuoteThe  pre-Masquerade meeting is listed as being on May 25th @ 12noon. Is that correct? It seems to be on Monday, which is after the masquerade?

This was a typo.  Its Sunday and it should be 9am to start rehearsals.  correcting.
#30
Hi identivity,

Out of curiosity, will we be getting some sort of confirmation that you guys got the form we submitted and that we're registered?

Hi Groma,

Sorry, I'm kind of confused. Are we supposed to wait for a confirmation and then send the music file or do we have to send the music file before we receive a confirmation?

Yes, I am working through them, this will include your participant ID and a link to a drop box location to place your music.
#31
Angelx624

Ok, so, in my skit group, there's one person that's under 18, and her parent/legal guardian cannot be present at the con. How do we go about getting her waiver filled out?

The form must be filled out by the parent/legal guardian, signed and brought with them(the member of your crew) to the masquerade table at the convention.
#32
Animegeek86

Will there be list of all the contestants before the masquerade like last time?

Yes, this is the plan


Enkai

I'm a little curious at some of the things missing from the form though.  I didn't see anywhere to enter exactly what our costume is (character, series, and variant), nor a place to describe our skit beyond tech requirements.  That seems like fairly basic info.  I know those of us with a tendency to cosplay from obscure series (or in my case, obscure variants on relatively well-known characters) would certainly appreciate the MC announcing what the heck we're cosplaying.  Also, I'm not sure how else staff is supposed to know in advance if the Asian-origin rule is being followed.

Our MC will get the intro information prior to the show, but let me see about adding it to make it faster during rehearsals

The skit description I don't think is strictly necessary, but is helpful for arranging order and knowing if there are repeat skits.  IIRC, I started seeing that on the form after the 2008 fiasco of like 3 skits with the Hare Hare Yukai and 2 with the Lucky Star cheer

No worries, your entry order and your run order are separate and we set them during the rehearsal time.
#33
Everyone,

Thank you for the patience I will make sure there are spots for you if the list fills.

Enkai,

On the projector, we are going to bid, but the tech team need to confirm it for us.  I should know in a few days.


HaiseSasakiArima

Generally the rule is we do not provide an open mic on stage for a number of reasons.  The prior thread spells them out. If its critical to you performance and you can not prerecord, then lets discuss offline.

identivity

Some GoH were announced and WindOfTheStars is one of them. It's mentioned that she's a judge for masquerade so hopefully we hear something soon?

Yes, Our judge line up includes WindOfTheStars and returning judges from last year.  We will also have industry prize judges again.

PrincessSquib

Other then the site, everything else has been running monthly and addressing issues pointed out from last year.  A few key points, to ensure folks get maximum time to enjoy the convention all masquerade activities other then registration or use of the practice and build rooms has been move to the day of the event.  We will have early rehearsals on the full stage and a full sound checkout.  The automated registration forms include tech and light requests.  We will also work with contestants to have the best possible presentation results.
#34



I am sitting with the web team on this, but to get things started here is a direct link to the form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DapZN_5DFoeTPdeYUb2a6owrrdo5pXMc7-HnRwR0V_g/viewform?usp=send_form

Please review the rules that have already been posted and I will field question on the forum or you can contact me via email at [email protected], Skype erikpassmark or Facebook
.
#35
Hello all,

I will be addressing everyone questions in order, but I wanted to apologize for not being attentive to this forum while pushing through some major changes at my work place.

I am sitting with the web team on this, but to get things started here is a direct link to the form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DapZN_5DFoeTPdeYUb2a6owrrdo5pXMc7-HnRwR0V_g/viewform?usp=send_form

Working thought the list but I wanted to get this posted.
#36
Ok, looks like it will be Tuesday night.
#37
Hi KuriQueenofFeels,

The concept is that we will likely receive hundreds of designs and will need to narrow the field of cosplays coming out of it to those that won awards.  Here is a description


  • Designer X submits 10 designs to judging
  • Judges vote and 2 of Designer X's designs win Best Alien and Most Original.
  • The winning designs, including Designer X Best Alien and Most Original are published on the web site.
  • Cosplayer Artist A fills out a bid; which is a proposal to make the design from Designer X Most Original.  this details the materials, construction and vision for how it will be made.  it also include details on Cosplayer Artist A past builds.
  • Designer X receives all the bids and reviews them, picking what they feel is the best one.
  • Designer X updates the website, linking them with Cosplayer Artist A and giving her the bid to make the outfit.
  • Cosplayer Artist A starts making the design and communicates progress to both the folio and the artist on progress and any issues that would prevent them from appearing in the show.

Show time:

  • The winning design for Most Original is displayed on the projection screen.
  • Cosplayer Artist A comes on to the stage and presents the outfit, in character and showing off the look and operation (props)
  • The artist or their appointee comes up and accepts the award.
  • Once the designs are all awarded and the Cosplays run then the cosplay judges will call up and award the cosplayers with craftsmanship and presentation awards.

This is the idea, thoughts?
#38
Fanime Cosplay Fashion Folio 2016

This is a contest where both design artists and cosplay artists complete to design, build and present original, reimagined or reinterpretations designs.  The contest is done in two parts; the design artist will produce garment design of garments and characters.  These designs will then be judged by a panel of professional artists and the winner's announced on December 1st.

The winning designs will be posted to the Fanime web site and then opened for cosplay artists or the artists themselves to bid to produce the designs in garment form and complete for craftsmanship, vision and presentation awards at the Fashion Folio show during FanimeCon.  These cosplays will be judged at the Fashion Folio show, where the artist, their design will be presented and the cosplayer will walk off the page, onto the stage, and present the design come to life.

Competition categories
These categories are intended to inspire but not limit the designs we receive. It is optional to choose a category.
       -   Open – Only limited by your imagination
       -   This year's theme – designs, which best embody the theme of Fanime this year.
       -   Aliens and creatures
       -   Heroines and heroes
       -   Prop (this can be any item that a person would carry in the universe the design artist invents)
       -   Group– this is a two-outfit, or more, design in which compliment or contrast each other.
       -   Armor or mech – this can be any scaled design depicting either armor or mechanical (armor if defined as a hard exterior covering intended for defensive use and is not limited to any material or metal)

Contest rules
      1.   Famine requires all contestants to agree to mediation of any disputes
      2.   All cosplays must follow the same rules << link>> a
      3.   You must be 18 or have a signed authorization of your guardian
      4.   All identities must be kept confidential until released by Fanime.  Artist should not post names of their winning cosplay artists

Classifications
We divide artists of both groups by 4 categories:
       -   Novice - this is your first design competition an you have not won major recognition in design, graphical or cosplay competition.

       -   Journeyman – You have worked in the design or graphical artist field, but do not currently employed to produce character designs, or won awards for your designs or cosplays, but have not won a top awards

       -   Open – If you have won several or top awards in design or cosplay at national or international competitions, but you do not do so as your primary profession.

       -   Professional – You are an established name or brand and you receive an income from your work.  If you produce commissions or are played to cosplay characters by companies. This class limits the award to those for the professional series.


Submitting a bid for a winning design process:
You must register with Fanime which will include information about your prior creations, awards, and any helpful details.<<form>>  Once registered you will then be able to bid on winning designs.  Your bid will include an introduction, proposal of the materials and techniques you plan to use. Question you have about the design that would help both construction and show passion about the design. 

The Fashion Folio staff will manager communication until the bid has been awarded; after that time communication will become direct between the three parties.

Any design bid not awarded by March 1st will be considered open and Fanime Folio staff will award the bid.

Design Artists Rules:
      1.   Your design must be an original, reimagined or reinterpretation
      2.   All designs must cover enough of the body to pass the convention cosplay rules.
      3.   It must be reasonably human scaled and constructible.  If your design requires a person be 11 feet tall and can not be scaled down then it will not qualify
      4.   You must include both black and white and color designs showing both front and back details as well as face and hand details.  Standard doll farms will be provided, you may opt to use your own, but it must show all views.
      5.   Couple and group designs are welcome, each design will be individually judged and judged as a group together.  Winning group designs can be awarding to multiple bidders as long as a good faith effort is made to work together.
      6.   Artists must make a good faith effort to review all bids and award them fairly, however awarding the bid is at the discretion of the artist unless the artist does not respond to the Folio manager.
      7.   Cosplay artists are required to give proper attribution of both themselves and the artist for their work
      8.   Artists are allowed to produce cosplay outfit for one of their own designs or up to three if they are using models.

Cosplay Artist Rules:
      1.   Cosplay artist are allowed to bid on a maximum of three winning designs and can only hold the winning bid of one.
      2.   Cosplay artists are allowed to use models to wear and present the garments at their discretion.
      3.   Cosplay artist are required to post progress reports to the artists in a timely and regular manor. Failure to do so may result in the design being awarded to another cosplay artist
      4.   Cosplay artist are required to be a member of Fanime
      5.   Cosplay artists are allowed to use models to present the garments; presentation awards will be split between the cosplay artist and the model.
      6.   Cosplay artists are required to give proper attribution of both themselves and the artist for their work.
      7.   Cosplayers are not allowed to resell elements, reproduction or patterns of the design without written agreement of the Design artist and proper attribution.
   
Model Rules
      1.   All models must be members of the Fanime convention
      2.   Use of a model must be clearly identified with the bid
      3.   Models are required to sign a release form
      4.   Models are bound by the same confidentiality agreements are design or cosplay artists.
      5.   Models are not allowed to resell elements, reproduction or patterns of the design without written agreement of the design artist and proper attribution.
6.   Models and the Cosplay artist are required to attend the Fashion Folio show

Judging:
Top artists selected by Fanime staff will do all design judging.  The judge's identities will be reveled after the winners are announced.

Cosplay judging will be done at the Fashion Folio show and awarded at the end. Top cosplay artists will judge craftsmanship, vision and presentation and award winners in their field.

Copyright:
Copyright artists will retain their rights to their work; Fanime only requires the right of use.  <<link to legal >>
#39
Hi Jazqui,

Very very soon. beating web house elves.

#40
Hi Enkai

QuoteThat back projection sounds pretty awesome, and may well be something I would use, assuming the time to render a backdrop and finish my costume.  Would that replace the side projectors with the feed of the show, or add to it? I've got enough detail in my costume, when it comes down to it, featuring the costume will always take priority.

The backdrop would be on a separate system then the side projections. so those would likely be used for the detailed views.  We will likely work with entries to provide video backdrops for them in the same way that those without music we help.  If you saw last year the Harley entry did not have music and we created the score for her to come out on.

QuoteAny idea on when you'll know for certain if that will be available or not?

Its out to bid, so next week I will know for sure they can meet our needs.  Its a big stage and the projector would need to go to 10 or 12 feet tall.