*I will update this page as often as I can….. (last updated Jan 23, 2012)

Q: How do I get in your videos?

A: I generally approach people first. Your best bet is to wear something eye-catching and unique and colourful. I have a tendency to favour well done mecha cosplays, cosplays involving wings and sometimes crossplay but it all really depends on the tone of the video that I am trying to put together at that time.

Q: Can you film me?

A: I don’t take requests, sorry! It’s pretty difficult to try to set up filming with people in advance, especially at a busy convention, so most of my filming is spur of the moment. Occasionally I will poke around cosplay.com for costumes that I think will fit with the video and try to arrange something for the video.

Q: Can I pay you to film me?

A: I don’t accept money for my video work, sorry.

Q: What camera/stabilizer/etc. do you use?

A: My basic setup is a Canon 7D (birthday gift from some really nice friends) and a video camera stabilizer. I don’t disclose my exact equipment because it may become a security issue for me. There are many possible equipment combinations you can try that can give you equal or better results. It’s just a matter of doing your research. For more information on DSLRs I recommend cinema5d.com; they have many great resources.

Q: How do I take videos like you?

A: Anyone with a video camera can do videos like mine; it just takes time, some equipment and of course some practice and creativity. As stated in the question above, I recommend going online and doing some research on the type of equipment required.

Q: What’s your next con/are you going to _____con/do you have a convention schedule?

A: I usually don’t tell people to expect me at specific conventions; if you see me there, it will probably be a pleasant surprise.

Q: You filmed me, but I didn’t see the footage being used; why is that?

A: When footage from a convention doesn’t make it into the fanvideos or the compilation videos, there can be several reasons for this. It may not work with the music, it may not flow right, or it may not have turned out in the first place; however, I do thank you for taking the time to help me with my video project. Currently only about 20% of everything I shoot makes it into the final video.

Q: Can I have the original footage you took of me?

A: Sorry, the files are far too large to send through convenient methods.

Q: Why do some of your videos have so few cosplayers in them?

A: Sometimes I prefer to shoot quality over quantity; it is also a great way for me to experiment and try out new shots, resulting in only a few cosplayers being used. In other videos I will “burn” through footage and try to pack as many clips into a video as possible, so I can include as many cosplayers as I can.

Q: Why do you shoot the same people over and over?

A: I won’t always seek out new cosplayers to shoot at conventions; when I use the same people, they are usually reliable backups in case other footage doesn’t work out. Cosplayers who have worked with me in the past know how I work, so it makes it a lot easier for me to achieve the film results I am looking for.

Q: Why is it mostly girls in your videos?

A: There’s a very simple reason for this: the majority of cosplayers are female.

Q: Can I hire you to film for my company?

A: Due to my busy day job, I don’t really have the time to take on contract work.

Q: Do you get paid to go to conventions/do you work in the video or film industry?

A: No, it’s just a hobby.

Q: How can you afford to go to so many conventions?

A: My friends drive me to conventions or I sometimes take Megabus which usually runs promotions starting at $1.

Q: What do you do for a living?

A: I currently work at McDonalds full time. I manage my money carefully so I can afford many east coast US conventions.

Q: Can you come to Mexico, France, Germany, etc.?

A: Currently my convention schedule is concentrated on hitting up US and Canadian cons. However I don’t have much money so I need to select my conventions carefully.

Q: Do you post your videos on any sites other than Youtube or under any different names?

A: No, just Youtube.

Q: Can I buy a copy of an uncompressed fanvideo?

A: Sorry, my videos are not for sale.

Q: How do you get away with using music you don’t own on youtube?

A: That’s a really good question and this is a really sensitive subject matter. To start, I don’t own the music and I must respect the rights of the artist and record label. To my knowledge, ads run on the videos which generates advertisement income. That money is then split between youtube and the record label/artist. A few of my videos have been muted or deleted by the record label on Youtube. Unfortunately I have no control over it and since the audio rights does belong to them, it is at their discretion and they are free to do as they please (audio mute). I try to credit the artist as much as possible with a dedicated credit at the end of the video as well as in the description. I also include a link to the artist’s website where they can support the artist if they like them!

Q: I spoke you at ______ and we had a quick chat but during ______ you walked right by me not even acknowledging me. Ouch! Did I say something to offend you the previous time?

A: Im terribly sorry, I have a really poor memory. There is so much going on all the time and because of the numerous of conventions I am attending and people I meet, it is really hard for me to remember everyone.

Q: What is your favourite fanvideo?

A: Its really a tossup between the three listen below. They’re all very nostalgic.

• www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT-N8nY7VoU
• www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKdYg3LQgeo
• www.youtube.com/watch?v=slEBrukC3KQ
  
• www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPLh-vP-404

Q: How long does it take for you to edit a video? Are your videos really same day edits?

A: I spend somewhere between 6-9 hours editing each video, depending on the duration and complexity (not including rendering time + upload). I consider it a same day edit if I can finish the video on the sunday night of the convention but I am usually unable to upload it until I get back home (usually monday night/tuesday morning).

Q: What program do you use to edit your videos with?

A: Apple Final Cut.

Q: Why can’t I comment on your videos anymore?

A: Chances are you’ve said something, which I deem really offensive about a cosplayer in the video which lead to me blocking your account. I don’t mind negative comments regarding me or the videos but I don’t tolerate people attacking the cosplayers that I’ve filmed. Im greatful that they are willing to set time aside for me.

Q: Why so many singing and dancing videos?

A: I’ve been getting tired with rotating 360 cosplayer videos so I’m shaking things up by adding more interaction. Hence the increased amount of singing and dancing. Singing and dancing videos are equally as hard to produce, since not everyone is able to lip sing/ dance. I usually give cosplayers I’ve worked with before hand, 2 weeks notice so they can practice singing, however many cosplayers still show up not having memorized the lyrics. It’s good to have secondaries or multiple cosplayers who’ve practiced the lyrics so that way you have someone to fall back on… it also takes along time to film and most of your frustration will be in front of the computer trying to line up the lips to the lyrics.

Q:How come you can’t do a video incorporating a storyline or something more complicated than just moving a camera around cosplayers?

A:It’s REALLY difficult to plan and product good quality videos at a con. In my experience, there are many variables that are out of your control that prevents things from falling into place like weather, lighting, noise, punctuality, costume malfunctions, etc. Also, shooting planned/scripted video consumes alot of time. I have tried in several occasions to do so and have failed miserably. You may also need a team to help shoot a script/storyline. Here is an example of 1 failed attempt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8N9T2oKr2E I’m still hating myself for producing such a mess. Since then I’ve steered away from ambitious projects.