Supanova Pop Culture Expo

Hi there! Welcome to the rules for the Supanova Cosplay Competition. Now, you’re here because you want to join in the fun right? Awesome! We’re looking forward to it! But you will need to read all of the following rules. Breaking any of these rules may result in you not being in the competition. And we wouldn’t want that right? Read on! If you have any questions after reading the rules, please email me.

Contents

1 What do I need to do before the competition?

1.1 How do I preregister?

1.2 What are these competition level things?
1.2.1 What’s the standard level?
1.2.2 What’s the advanced level?

1.3 What costumes can I wear?
1.3.1 Can I buy my costume?

1.4 Will my weapons or props get confiscated?

1.5 What do I have to do for a skit?
1.5.1 How long can my skit be?
1.5.2 Can I do a skit about anything?

1.6 Can I have music or video with my skit?
1.6.1 How do I give you my skit file?
1.6.2 What are the technical requirements for the files that I hand in?

2 What do I need to do on the day?

2.1 How do I check in on the day?

2.2 I haven’t preregistered. How do I register on the day?

2.3 But my weapons and props are awesome, why can’t I swing them around?

3 What do I do during the competition?

3.1 Where do I go for marshalling?

3.2 How do I make sure I don’t hurt myself? Or others?

3.3 I’m all ready to be super, but why doesn’t my skit work?!

3.4 Can I kill the host?

3.5 What am I being judged on?
3.5.1 I did this awesome Kpop dance in my costume. Why didn’t I win best cosplay?
3.5.2 I make better outfits than Versace. Why didn’t I win best costume?
3.5.3 My group had over 9000 people in it. Why didn’t we win best group?
3.5.4 My skit was awesome and full of epic lols. Why didn’t I win best skit?

1 What do I need to do before the competition?

Now before the day of the competition arrives, there are a few things that you should do in advance. This is to ensure that you have as much of a stress free day as possible, as well as a smooth run in competing. Preregistering will help in securing you a spot in the competition.

1.1 How do I preregister?

You will need to fill out the online form which you can get to by visiting the Supanova website (I would imagine you already know since you’re already here) and head to the cosplay section. Or you can just click here.

Please be aware that if you do not fill out the form correctly, you may not be registered. Also for groups, everyone needs to fill out the registration form individually, just make sure the group name is the same. And remember that you can only enter a costume once during a weekend.

Preregistrations for each city close one week before the event. If you preregister after that date, you will not be preregistered. This is regardless of any confirmation emails you get, that’s just how the system works at the moment.

1.2 What are these competition level things?

You may have noticed that you now have to select to be part of the standard competition or the advanced competition when registering. This is to allow fairer judging across the board and lets everyone have a chance to win something!

1.2.1 What’s the standard level?

If you’re just starting cosplay and still learning, or if you feel that your cosplays are good but not fantastic yet, then this is the place for you. You’ll be judged against others who are around the same skill level as yourself.

1.2.2 What’s the advanced level?

You’re a seasoned veteran, produce better patterns than Vera Wang, or you can make a masterpiece out of masking tape. Doing cosplay is like second nature to you and you look good doing it. Real good. This is your battlefield. You’re a pro and everyone knows it. So you’ll be pitted against other advanced cosplayers like yourself to see who will take out the title of being the best. All in good fun of course.

Although be aware, if you are deemed as being part of the advanced level and enter the standard level, you will not win anything. Don’t worry though, you can ask to make sure that you’re in the right level when you check in.

1.3 What costumes can I wear?

Depends on what your costume is. Remember that this is a family oriented event. If it is too risqué or deemed inappropriate, you will be withdrawn from the competition and told to change. If you refuse to do so, you will be removed from the convention without refund.

It is in your best interests to make sure that you do not, and will not be possible to, have any wardrobe malfunctions. And use some common sense. If you’re wearing a super short skirt and don’t want to flash people, wear some shorts underneath etc. You’re most likely going to be photographed. And you don’t want all your friends on Facebook seeing your underwear right?

If you have worn your costume for any other competition at any convention and have won an award, you will not be able to win in this competition.

If you are unsure if your costume will be ok, please email me.

1.3.1 Can I buy my costume?

You can buy your costume, but the only category that you will be eligible to win is the skit category. We prefer it if you make your costume yourself.

1.4 Will my weapons or props get confiscated?

Any weapons or props that are over 1 metre in length will need to be checked in at the Weapons check in. This is next to the Cosplay registration desk. This is for everyone’s safety as the venue can get very crowded. You wouldn’t want sharp tips or pointed parts stabbing into you right?

Staff may ask to examine your weapons or props at any time and ask you to check them in. Do yourself a favour and make sure they’re not metal, e.g. swords. As they’re most likely illegal (check your state and federal laws) and we will call the appropriate authorities to deal with you. Please also refer to our Weapons policy which can be found here.

Don’t be afraid to check your weapons or props in though, as you can take them out again to take photos or enter the competition.

If you are still unsure if your weapons or props will be ok, please email me.

1.5 What do I have to do for a skit?

You don’t actually have to do a skit at all if you don’t want to. A skit is a performance of any type. If you are comfortable with performing, then this is a good opportunity to add to your cosplay. Doing a skit in character will always reinforce your cosplay and make you more believable in your portrayal of your character.

1.5.1 How long can my skit be?

We have a limit of 2 minutes on skits. If your skit goes over 2 minutes, you can’t win anything. We will cut skits off at the 2 minute mark with no warning.

You don’t have to perform for the entire duration of 2 minutes. I suggest that you keep your skit as short as possible. This will keep your skit punchy and highly entertaining. Which makes sense right? When you watch something drag on, you tend to get bored of it. Be aware the judges and audience will be watching you and you will want to impress them.

But you say you really, really need more than 2 minutes to do your skit. You can email me with a detailed description of your skit and everything that is involved and why you need more than 2 minutes. This does not guarantee that you will be exempt from the 2 minute rule, as I generally reject applications. But if you do succeed, you may be allowed to complete your performance rather than being abruptly cut off. Please note that even if you are allowed to perform longer than 2 minutes, you still won’t be able to win anything.

Please also note that regardless of the size of your group, be it 5 people or 20 people, you will still have to follow the 2 minute rule.

1.5.2 Can I do a skit about anything?

You can do skits ranging from a deep reflective monologue to a comedy routine to singing a song and dance. You can do anything really. Within reason. Supanova is a family oriented event so please keep your skit content at a PG rating level. If you think a 10 year old shouldn’t be watching your skit, then change your skit accordingly.

We want you to have entertaining skits that surprise the judges and audience, but don’t surprise us. If you are planning on something that’s different, email me with your plans. I will keep your plans a secret. The KGB still haven’t been able to get anything out of me.

Things such as explicit nudity, sexual activity regardless of gender, violence, drug use, advertising etc are considered as inappropriate. This will not be tolerated. Inappropriate behaviour on or off the stage will result in disqualification from the competition and you can possibly be removed from the convention without refund.

No fire, flash powder, lasers, explosives, smoke, or open flame of any kind will be allowed. If your skit has flashing lights that could cause an epileptic fit, please make sure to let me know prior to the convention.

If you want to know if your skit will be acceptable, please email me with a detailed description on what’s going on.

Do realise though, that people will be watching your skit. What this means is please, please make it have entertainment value. I know that many of you are comedians, but many people watching you will not understand or appreciate your sense of humour. The best way to have a positive impact on the judges and audience is to ensure your performance can reach everyone, whilst being true to your character.

1.6 Can I have music or video with my skit?

Indeed you can. I would advise you to, if you can, pre-record any dialogue for skits. And then lip sync. Like all the popstars do. This usually ensures the judges and audience can actually hear what you’re supposed to be saying, which provides a much more entertaining skit. You will certainly look more pro from the get go. Audacity is a good free program to start with if you’re stuck for one.

1.6.1 How do I give you my skit file?

Don’t email me your skit file. All your files must be on a USB flash drive. We will reject your files if they are on other devices or media, e.g. iPhones, CDs, SD cards, hard drives.

Make sure you bring it on the day that you’re competing in the competition. Once you check in at the Cosplay registration desk, you will need to make sure that your skit file is processed by staff at the same time. We will not take any files that are handed in later than 2 hours before the competition.

1.6.2 What are the technical requirements for the files that I hand in?

For audio:

- MP3 format only

- No more than 2 channel audio (Mono or stereo only)

- Encoded files must be between (and including) 128 kbps and 320 kbps

- Recorded audio sample size must be 16-bit

- Audio files must be normalized

- Audio files submitted must be below 10 MB

For video:

- Same rules apply for audio

- H.264, WMV9 (or higher), DivX or XVid compression

- Accepted containers: .AVI .WMV .MP4

- Video resolution has to be one of the following: 640 x 480 (VGA), 800 x 600 (XVGA), 854 x 480 (480p) or 1280 x 720 (720p)

- Video sample size must be 24-bit

- Frame rate must either be 30 fps or no less than 20 fps.

- Video bitrate should be no more than 2.5 mbps or no less than 1 mbps.

- Video MUST NOT be interlaced.

- Video files submitted must be below 250 MB

If you use Windows Movie Maker; after encoding your video file, you can usually check the specifications of the file by right clicking and selecting ‘Properties’. Select the ‘Summary’ tab and then click the ‘Advanced >>’ option to reveal the specifications. If you can, try test running your finished file in VLC player on OSX.

2 What do I need to do on the day?

So you’ve now completed your awesome costume, trekked from home to the con, finished the line ride, and you’re now ready to rock. Huzzah! If you’re doing a skit, you’ve brought your skit files on your USB flash drive. Now what do you do? You will need to make sure you head to the Cosplay Registration desk as soon as possible to complete your preregistration for the day’s competition by checking in. This will make sure you have a spot in the competition. You will have to check in before 12:00 noon. If you arrive later than this time you will forfeit your spot and not be accepted into the competition.

2.1 How do I check in on the day?

You will need to check in on the day that you’re in the competition. Head over to the Cosplay Registration desk and line up. Make sure you check that you’re in the right line. Sometimes there’s a line for on the day registrations and you don’t want to be standing around wasting time right? You’ll go through the line ride and mark off your name and hand in skit files if you have any. Done! Easy right?

2.2 I haven’t preregistered. How do I register on the day?

Depending on which city you’re coming to, the competitions may be completely full from others who have preregistered already. For example, Brisnova usually gets full before the day. Whereas Melbnova usually has space for on the day registrations. I suggest you always preregister if you can. But if you find that you’re in the situation where you want to register on the day, just head over to the Cosplay Registration desk and line up in the on the day registration line. Take note of any signs that say that the competition is full or anything along the lines of that. We don’t want you standing around in the preregistration line and then finding out the competition is full.

If the competition is full you can opt to be part of the reserves lists. If others pull out of the main competition we may be able to fit you in. Come back at 12:00 noon to find out if you were successful. Although once again, it’s better to preregister and avoid all this hassle.

2.3 But my weapons and props are awesome, why can’t I swing them around?

Because you will hit someone. And that’s no fun. As you can imagine, the convention gets rather crowded, and any big or sharp weapons and props can potentially poke someone’s eye out, or do some damage one way or the other. We have a Weapons policy and any large weapons or props will need to be checked in at the Weapons Check in desk. Which is right next to the Cosplay Registration desk. Convenient right?

Don’t worry though, you can check out your weapons at any time for photos or when it’s time for the competition. If you think about it, it’s better for you as you don’t have to carry around something huge and can enjoy the convention.

3 What do I do during the competition?

It’s time for the competition! There are a few things you should know to make your competition experience as enjoyable as possible.

3.1 Where do I go for marshalling?

You will be told where marshalling is when you check in at registration. Marshalling occurs half an hour before the competition starts. Please note that competitions usually do not start at the same time. It is your responsibility to make sure to check your event guide for when your competition starts. When marshalling begins, please listen carefully to and cooperate with the marshal so you can be ordered quickly, and then you can chat with each other.

3.2 How do I make sure I don’t hurt myself? Or others?

Since you will have your weapons and props, please make sure you don’t swing them around or poke anyone while waiting to get on stage.

Supanova accepts no responsibility for any injuries you may sustain. If you do any fight or acrobatic sequences, you do so at your own risk.

Please also make sure if you use any props to take them with you once you’re heading off the stage. Do not use anything that will create a mess on the stage that you can’t clean up.

3.3 I’m all ready to be super, but why doesn’t my skit work?!

Did you follow the technical requirements in section 1.6.2? If so it should work fine. We’ve had plenty of cases where the files handed in did not play audio, or video, or either. You should test your file to see if it works in VLC player on OSX. If you did follow the requirements exactly, then there may be a glitch with the system. But don’t worry, please be patient and we will restart the file if need be.

3.4 Can I kill the host?

No. Unless he lets you. And even then you will need to be gentle. If we find that you inflict any harm on John, you will be held accountable for it, and will report you to the appropriate authorities. John is a very funny guy and he may choose to interact with you in one way or another. If you aren’t comfortable with being interviewed by John, please let us know when you check in so we can make a note of it.

3.5 What am I being judged on?

There are a few categories that you can win: Skit, Group, Costume and Cosplay. Please note that the judges’ decision is final. The judges do not need to disclose how they arrived at their decision. Although there are prizes to be won, please remember that everyone is here to have fun. Please remember to have fun yourself, and to not ruin anyone else’s time. If you do otherwise, you will be removed from the convention without refund.

3.5.1 I did this awesome Kpop dance in my costume. Why didn’t I win best cosplay?

Cosplay is essentially costume play. It will depend on the accuracy of your costume, the accuracy of your portrayal of the character and general attitude. You may have the best Batman costume ever created, but you wouldn’t see him doing a Kpop dance would you? The skit should be relevant to the character’s personality.

3.5.2 I make better outfits than Versace. Why didn’t I win best costume?

There are many ways a costume can be constructed, and although you may be the best tailor in the universe, someone else may have created a more impressive costume that makes them look exactly like the character they are cosplaying. Sometimes it’s not all about craftsmanship. It’s about the impact of the costume.

3.5.3 My group had over 9000 people in it. Why didn’t we win best group?

Yeah heard the saying quality over quantity? Best group is a result of everyone looking good as their characters, portraying their characters and interacting with each other accurately.

3.5.4 My skit was awesome and full of epic lols. Why didn’t I win best skit?

What you find funny may not be what everyone else (judges) finds funny. Someone else may have performed a breathtakingly performance that accurately brings the character to life. I suggest if you plan on doing a skit, make sure you think long and hard about the purpose. If you’re trying to win the competition, then this will serve you well.