‘COSPLAY DREAMS 3D’ red carpet premiere sheds light into the world of cosplayers

By
Albert H.Fulcher
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WEBCosplay1.jpg

Spiderman, Star Wars, Japanese anime, zombies, steampunkers, and even Fred Flintstone filled the Reading Cinemas Gaslamp to watch the San Diego premiere of “COSPLAY DREAMS 3D.” Hosted by Platt College San Diego, this San Diego production finally made its way home on Aug. 21, to where it all began. And that is what this documentary was all about, the origins and growth of cosplay from its fan-based origins to what is now a thriving industry that is setting itself apart from Comic-Con.

Spiderman, Star Wars, Japanese anime, zombies, steampunkers, and even Fred Flintstone filled the Reading Cinemas Gaslamp to watch the San Diego premiere of “COSPLAY DREAMS 3D.” Hosted by Platt College San Diego, this San Diego production finally made its way home on Aug. 21, to where it all began. And that is what this documentary was all about, the origins and growth of cosplay from its fan-based origins to what is now a thriving industry that is setting itself apart from Comic-Con.

Produced by husband and wife team Gulliver and Christine Kasal Parascandolo, owners of San Diego based Passage production, this documentary delves intimately into the world of cosplayers. With very little budget and a new set of 3D cameras, this documentary is a film goes beyond the audience of Comic-Con fans and cosplayers. It is raw entertainment at its best, a little fantasy and a lot of reality that threads together the people that cosplay for the love of characters to those who now make a living as professional cosplayers.

Platt alumna and video editor Vanessa Robbins from Rancho San Diego did a supreme job at going through footage and finding the heart of cosplay. Picking a variety of people from all walks of life, and in the different fantasy realms of cosplay, her selection of people and their personal stories is warmly wonderful. In doing so, the film highlights the life of a diversified community that is growing in numbers every day.

There are a couple of themes through the film that are noteworthy. First, many in the film, which took you into their homes, families and personal lives showed how misunderstood cosplayers are, by their friends, co-workers and families. “They just don’t get it,” was common throughout, but more than that, these people find comfort in the company of other cosplayers, because they do get it. It exposed the appetite these people carry through the real life of cosplaying from the exhibit hall to the home. “Fanboy Brandon” Hillock, a family man and devout cosplayer was fascinating to watch as he showed the many multitude of characters ranging from his favorite, Captain Jack Sparrow to kid’s favorites like Batman. He is one of the ones featured that has taken his love of cosplay and turned it into a business and features his young daughter, who is as much of a cosplay fan as he is. His story was touching, enlightening and whimsical, especially when touring his Captain Jack Sparrow themed bedroom.

Costume designer Chad Edward Lee Evett, was truly the Mad Hatter from “Alice in Wonderland,” both in the film and in entertaining the crowd throughout the event. His story is compelling, but his role is prodigious, down to the last mad giggle.

Platt alum (and steampunker) Joel Morillo, from La Mesa did the lead special effects for the film, bringing the super powers of cosplayers to life. His choices not only fitted the genre, but also produced a magical effect to the audience and for the audience, enhancing the 3D experience, which was a brilliant way to display this film, as the special effects emulated the fantasy worlds that cosplay derives from.

Platt College students displayed their art at the red carpet event, showing digital interpretations of their favorite fantasy characters. It was a stand-alone show in itself. Adding to the excitement of the evening was a Q&A session with the producers, Platt College alumni and director of the film. Ending on a high note, those that chose to come to the event in costume, participated in a contest, with judges favorites (honorable mentions) and first, second and third place winners. World of Warcraft  characters took home first place.

The love of role-playing was a common thread throughout the film. With many taking their talents further by becoming costume designers, making public appearances for artists the film takes the viewer on a journey, to what is now a mainstream phenomenon throughout the world. It is not only for the cosplay hobbyist, this film is an entertaining, educational and veil-lifting documentary, which can easily be mainstreamed and something to look forward to.

You can learn more about “COSPLAY DREAMS 3D” at www.cosplaydreams3D, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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