Photo from Airlim
If you have ever interviewed a person before you know it’s nerve racking. You have to be constantly on your toes and respond to what the person you are interviewing says. You don’t want to offend them in anyway. Interviewing Cosplayers can be even more difficult. The interview can go so many ways that questions get left unanswered and it can turn into a mess. So to help those in need, Here are a few tips on interviewing cosplayers for a successful interview and a happy cosplayer.
Before interviewing the Cosplayers always ask a few questions to get to know them. You want to get a feel for what they are going to say so you can be more prepared. This also helps you avoid asking questions on subjects they do not wish to discuss. For example, If the cosplayer did not make their costume you dont want to ask them how they made it and possibly embarrass them. Some Cosplayers get sensitive on the subject. Then again if they have a very intricate cosplay you don’t want them to go on for 10 minutes explaining every detail. So ask about a certain piece or just the materials made.
Always brief the cosplayer what you will be asking them. You don’t want to put someone on the spot and make them uncomfortable. If you will be asking the cosplayer to say a line in character or to do a pose; let them know that ahead of time so they can think over what to do. Always ask what they are comfortable with doing or discussing. Crossing the line can turn an interview down the drain fast.
Convention interviews can get hectic. Everyone is on the go and probably won’t notice you are in the middle of interviewing someone. Try to find a corner where there is little people around to bother you or to disrupt noise. If you can’t find that then have a friend around to guard around the interview. Having someone walk through the shot or a person asking for the cosplayers picture can be disastrous. A guard will make sure your interview goes as smooth as possible.
The point is to make the cosplayer happy and comfortable. If you make sure the cosplayer is happy then they will give you a lot more energy. Here are some example Questions for you to ask for a successful interview. (Sectioned by category)
Costume: With each of these questions add a good comment before asking to show you are interested in and like their costume.
- How did you make/where did you buy your costume?
- How much time was spent making your costume costume?
- What Material did you use for your costume?
- What part of your costume was hardest to make?
- How comfortable are you in your costume?
- What site did you get your costume from?
- Do you recommend that site to others looking to buy cosplays?
Series/Character: It is a lot better to discuss this if you are familiar with the series as well. If not keep to the simple questions and move on with the interview.
- What are you cosplaying and what is it from?
- Why did you pick this cosplay?
- Do you have a special connection to the character?
- Tell us about the series/game/movie your character is from?
- Would you recommend this series/game/movie to other people to enjoy?
- Is there another character from this series/game/movie you would cosplay?
- Can you Make the best impression of your character?
- Will you show us a few moves/poses in character?
Convention: These will be either general questions to start or end the interview.
- Where are you from?
- How long did it take to get to this convention?
- Are you enjoying this convention?
- Is this your First time or have you been to this convention multiple times?
- What panels or events do you plan going to?
- Are you planning on buying anything anything at the exhibitors hall?
- Are you having fun?
Now you should be ready to have an awesome, fun, and successful cosplay interview! Just follow the tips, use a few of the questions, and have fun! If you are having a good time the cosplayer will. That’s the Best thing about cosplay. We are all geeks together who want to have fun and be happy. Your Interview should reflect that happiness.
