Cosplay on telly

By Careyanne. 10/07/11, 02:43 pm

Hi everyone,

I'm the researcher for a new, prime-time documentary about the search for happiness. It's going to be presented by the psychologist Nigel Latta.

I'm posting on this forum because we want to film a small group of Cosplayers in action, and then interview some of them.

We are looking for some players who are:
1. Happy and content in life
2. Lively and clear talkers
3. Willing to be interviewed on camera about cosplay, and happiness in general.
4. It would be good if they have a pretty normal sort of day job

Any takers? Please post a response explaining why you'd be good interview material.

I look forward to hearing from you, Careyanne.

By Lowkey. 10/07/11, 02:55 pm

Just my $0.02, but I question the addition of "4. It would be good if they have a pretty normal sort of day job". Nigel Latta's amusing enough to watch, but looking at his work on the Politically Incorrect Guide to Teenagers and the titles of some of his parenting books, how likely is it that cosplayers - especially teenaged ones - are going to be portrayed negatively? Trying to find a non-offensive way to say that basically people can be quick to assume cosplayers, as I guess 'nerds' or 'geeks', are socially inept &c and that's not representative at all? If that makes sense. Just cautious because this looks like it's going to lead in with 'normal job by day, playing grown up dress ups by night/convention'.

That aside, it'd be an awesome opportunity.

By Selphiroth. 10/07/11, 02:59 pm

I agree with Lowkey here. I think affection-parodies are wonderful, but it' is a murky territory when the element that are getting parodied are still relatively niche, and the general public can't tell a joke from the actual serious elements.

I mean, it could've been the best thing ever. Based on his previous work though, I just don't think Nigel Latta's take is quite the time now, with the little "normal cosplayer" mind primed into the audience and all.
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By Kitten Slave. 10/07/11, 03:16 pm

Never assume that just because they are youngish or pursue an unconventional hobby, that they will easily accept being portrayed badly.
Lets face it, TV is kinda known for portraying this kind of thing with a generally unfavorable light.

Me thinks that people are going to want a lot more rather in depth details as to what this being on TV thing entails...

Also, like it has been mentioned 4 - a lot of the folk on here are studenty and the like... Though we are probably a few generations in at this point Wink

Dont get me wrong, this is a very interesting turn of events, and I think could be nice exposure, but better to err on the side of caution...

stare

By Careyanne. 10/07/11, 03:36 pm

Hi again,

Kittenslave mentioned there are a lot of student cosplayers: my #4 is the least important of my criteria, so if you are a student and you are happy to be interviewed, I would definitely like to hear from you.

Talk soon, Careyanne.

By Lowkey. 10/07/11, 03:39 pm

By Kitten Slave. 10/07/11, 03:43 pm

Not being a TV watcher myself, I know nothing of Nigel Latta (though I am googling him now).

Can we see some previous work done by Nigel?
What is the premise of the Documentary? What is its purpose, or pursuit?
What sort of questions are we looking being asked?

These guys will give a lot, if they think that you are worth it, but you of course must realize that there are currently a lot of unknowns surrounding your question, and it is going to be difficult to get much attention unless you are able to assure people that you are legit and well, not going to cause the community trouble...

stare

By Selphiroth. 10/07/11, 03:55 pm

Careyanne, can you show us some examples of your old work?
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By Kitten Slave. 10/07/11, 04:06 pm

Shows he has done seem to include

"the politically incorrect guide to parenting"
"Revenge of the teens"
- which as we might have guessed seems to involve parenting gifted and troubled children.

and "Into the darkness" / "beyond the darkness"
- which seems to be more abuse based.

Im at work, so cant really hit up youtube, but based on the above, and Nigels site, it seems that he is involved heavily with "troubled" individuals. And as a psychologist, his focus does seem to be teenagers / early adults.

His theme for the current show seems to be "happiness" or at least the pursuit thereof.
His approach seems to be light hearted, but Im reserving judgement till I know more.

Happiness tends to lend itself to a perception of not having much potential for negative portrayal, but on spending a few mins thinking about it, I can see how it might be tweaked unfavorably (that said, Im a misanthrope)...

Some of us *cough* can be slightly socially awkward, and with this comes a certain level of paranoia. This does however not mean that we are not happy, just cautious.

lol, he joined a Steam Injected Band?!

stare

By Careyanne. 10/07/11, 04:16 pm

Guys, relax!

It's a documentary about happiness and the pursuit of meaning in life. We're going to be interviewing a really broad range of people who are happy: young, old, bus drivers, nuns, cosplayers, altruists, superyacht owners...to see if we can pinpoint some common themes.

We're also interviewing some of the top scientists in the country (and replicating some famous experiments) about the biological markers for happiness.

If anyone shows an interest in being filmed cosplaying, and subsequently interviewed, I'll fill them in on my past work and that of Razor Films.

Frankly I just thought cosplaying sounded like awesome escapism and should be included.

Happy day, Careyanne.

By TinTango. 10/07/11, 04:22 pm

Sounds interesting.
And my boss loves Nigel Latta!... though I haven't read any of his books.
Urgh- gotta run away and do some errands...
but what kind of timetable are you running on?
I'm kind of moving round the country at the moment, will you guys be shooting in
any particular location?

Oh wait... what am I gonna wear?
Anyway, will be back later to discuss! Very Happy

By Kitten Slave. 10/07/11, 04:25 pm

Ok, I am placated for now. You dont sound too dodgy...
Wait and see what sort of reply you get once people have more time to read.
Dont be too formal, it will open far more doors - people on here are rather relaxed.

+1 endorsement from Tim!

nodnod

By **Tamoo**. 10/07/11, 04:32 pm

I apologise if we sound hostile; It is only because whenever cosplayers are portrayed on screen it is usually to mock or make fun. i.e, 3 News' 'Freaks and Geeks'
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By TinTango. 10/07/11, 04:34 pm

^ 3 News! Oh that was bad. I wonder if the show going to be on 3?

By Careyanne. 10/07/11, 04:36 pm

I normally like to keep my technology use to a minimum so thanks for the pointers Kitten Slave.

Tin Tango and others...we're shooting in August and September with a variety of dates to choose from, but I'm hoping to book it in (at least loosely) this week.

If there's a cosplay event in any of the main or semi-main centres, we'd try to get a crew out, but Auckland will be easiest.

If anyone is super keen to be involved, you can contact me on lounge at pl dot net.

Talk soon, Careyanne.