RULES

Participation rules

Article 1: General points & Definitions

The present rules are for the World Cinematic Cosplay Summit, below named WCCS.
Participation in the WCCS depends on the approval and respect of the present rules.
The two main cosplayers for each entry will be referred to as Participants.
The WCCS is a video cosplay contest where participants are entering and being on various aspects of their video application.
Even in such cases in which a performance includes a high number of original elements and reformulation from a subjective perspective, the performances shall demonstrate respect for the original work, without departing from its original setting or disdaining it by means of an inconsiderate interpretation.
The project shall be based on creative inspiration, and the judgement of the characters and the video entries should reflect high production skills.
The main organisers of this competition will be referred to as WCS Office.
Any local organisation involved in this competition will be referred to as Organisers.

Article 2: Themes, categories & Participants

Participants may perform in costumes representing characters from anime, manga, video games and tokusatsu published by a Japanese company or IP.
Participants must enter as a duo. Their costumes must be from the same source (no crossover)
The Participants must ensure their video entry is open to any public of any age and sensibility.
In case of litigation about the legitimacy of the material, the Organizers and the WCS Office have the final decision.

Article 3: Participation conditions

The Participants are a pair of cosplayers.

Shop-purchased and commissioned costumes/accessories are allowed.

Participants are allowed to receive help in the crafting of their costumes and accessories.

Participants are allowed to receive help from third parties in the production of their video performance. This help can happen in the form of technical support behind the camera or even as extras. If third parties are involved as extras their roles must be kept to a minimum.

The Participants must either be Polish citizens, or foreigners who own a residency permit (if required), and have lived in Poland for at least three years. However, in the latter case they are not allowed to take part in the selections of their nationality country for the same season. Participants have to be at least 18 years old by 25th July 2024.

Article 4: Performance & Compulsory elements

Participants must fill a form with all information requested by the Organizers and the WCS Office. Failing to comply will result in the entry labelled as invalid.
The maximum duration of the video performance produced by the Participants is 2 minutes 30 seconds.
Participants must provide a script including the synopsis, spoken lines and time stamps. Participants must also subtitle the submitted video files in English. Any video file application mustn't present any 'hard-coded' subtitles but present with soft-coded subtitles. The recommended location for subtitles is at the bottom of the screen.
Participants must provide reference images for the costumes, and pictures of them in the costumes including wig, make-up & accessories (standing front & back).
In addition to the completed entry video, all the information regarding resources related to the video production, such as effects, animations, and pictures.
All the files used for music and sound effects used in the edition of the video shall be provided along with the copyrights/licence information if applicable.
Whenever third persons other than the representatives have been involved in the production of the video, either their cosplayer name or nickname or their real name shall be provided as well.
Following the selection of representatives, the Organizers must provide all the information and documents in English or Japanese to the WCS office. These information and documents must be sent within 14 days following the selection or before the ‘hard’ deadline established by the WCS Office, whichever is the shortest at the time.
Should any of the representatives’ information or documents sent to the WCS Office prove to be wrong or missing, the Organizers and/or the representatives will have 48 hours to correct the information or documents requested.
Any incomplete application will be considered invalid.

Article 5: Judging Criteria

Costume Quality & Appearance (20 pts)
1. The overall quality and look of the costumes. How well and accurate they are compared to the original reference and how good they look on film. The quality and look of the materials, fabric, accessories, wigs, make-up, and other details will influence the grade.
2. Embodiment of characters (20 pts)
3. How well the cosplayer is embodying the character they are cosplaying. This is not related to the costume or the physical features, but the overall attitude of the cosplayer and the interpretation of the character in their personality, habits, and gimmicks.
Acting (50 pts)
1. The criterion covers how well the cosplayers are acting during their video performance. How convincing and expressive they are, and how well they convey emotions through their acting. The more they drag us into their storytelling the higher the grade.
2. Video direction (20 pts)
3. This criterion evaluates the overall storytelling and visual creativity of your cosplay video. Judges will assess how effectively you convey the narrative of your cosplay performance through camera work, composition, and creative direction. Consider the framing of shots, the dynamic use of angles, or visual elements that contribute to the overall impact. A strong video direction should seamlessly guide viewers through your story, emphasising the characters personalities and the essence of your performance.
Video editing (20 pts)
1. This criterion assesses the technical proficiency and creativity in the editing process. Judges will consider how well you synchronise footage, apply transitions, and use effects to enhance the overall visual appeal of your cosplay video. Effective editing should contribute to a seamless and engaging viewing experience, emphasising the strengths of your story and performance.
Lighting/Photography (20 pts)
1. This criterion evaluates the use of light and photographic techniques to showcase your cosplay. Judges will consider the quality and creativity of lighting setups, as well as the composition of shots. A well-lit and expertly photographed video enhances the visibility of costume details and brings out the best in your performance and all the emotions intended.
Sound & Music (20 pts)
1. This criterion focuses on the audio elements of your video performance. Judges will evaluate how well you utilise sound effects, music, and overall audio quality to complement and elevate your cosplay presentation. The integration of audio should enhance the mood, atmosphere, and storytelling, creating a well-rounded and immersive viewing experience.
Script/Screenplay (20 pts)
1. This criterion assesses the narrative structure and storytelling aspects of your cosplay video. Judges will consider the effectiveness of your script (including possible dialogs), and how well your video follows a coherent storyline or theme. A compelling script and screenplay contribute to a more engaging and memorable cosplay presentation, allowing viewers to connect with the character you are portraying.
X Factor (10 pts)
1. An additional evaluation from the individual viewpoint of each member of the jury regarding elements that cannot be measured within the criteria of points, such as how much the video features imaginative and original ideas that provide appeal and entertainment value, or how much it achieves in immersing the viewer in the story.

Article 6: Judging Method

Each judge is to evaluate the representative cosplayers' video performance following the criteria detailed in the ‘Judging criteria’ section. The video must last a maximum duration of 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Once each judge has scored the video performance, all their scores will be added and averaged to define the final ranking.
Judging is to be carried out evaluating all the presented elements of the character that the representatives request to be included as a part of the evaluation. Costumes (one or more per representative, if there is a costume change during the performance), make-up, wigs, and hand props are all to be judged, but the average score is to be determined only with the points of the elements subject to evaluation. All the elements deemed indispensable to portray the character are to be considered a part of the costume and can be subject to judging. Elements that are not worn by the cosplayers but placed in the scene of action (objects to be used as assistance for the performance) cannot be subject to costume judging.
Since the degree of accomplishment of the video is the most important element for judging, judges will carry out their judging in advance so they can check details as necessary, and they will be allowed to watch the entries several times if required to decide the score.
The final placement result by the total score is decided on a scale of 200 points (total of criterion from A. to I. from the Judging criteria paragraph). It is recommended to use this same system as a reference in the preliminary/qualifying rounds of each country and region as well.
An average score is to be calculated from the scores of the members of the jury.
Should the final score result in a tie; the ranking will be determined at the discretion of the judges of the Video Judging.

Article 7: Prizes of the contest

All prizes are intended for the two main Participants. No third party involved in the video production is eligible for the prizes set for the event.
Selections
The Organizers will select one pair of representatives for their country.
The representation of their country and community is ensured this way.
The selected Participants’ entry will be used for the Championship phase of the WCCS.
The selected Participants will be granted the status of WCS Alumni
Championship phase
All selected Participants from the different countries will then compete for the Grand Champion title.
The Participants winning the title will be invited to WCS in Japan, taking place early August, in the ongoing year.
WCS Office will take care of and cover their flights and the accommodation of the Grand Champion for the duration of the activities of WCS 2024 (Schedule and dates will be confirmed later).
The WCS Office may add additional prizes without prior notice.

Article 8: Jury

Judging is to be carried out by a panel of jury members selected by the Organizers.
The jury members can be from different backgrounds from cosplay to video production.
The Organizers and the WCS Office will provide information about the jury members.
The jury members will give a score to each completed and validated video entry according to the criteria and method detailed in articles 5 & 6.

Article 9: Limitations & safety

Performance information & conditions
To ensure the safety of competitors, the use of dangerous weapons such as shop-purchased imitation swords, katana, or similar items with processed metal edges, blunt instruments, and firearms is prohibited.
Additionally, performances in which actual fire is lit, or in which dangerous substances requiring special care in handling, are also prohibited.
Contents that violate the guidelines of the streaming platforms, like those detailed in points a) to f) will be prohibited.
The following points are just a partial extract of platform guidelines, and participants shall refer to their full text for the details. (Ex)YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/intl/en_us/howyoutubeworks/policies/community-guidelines/
1. The use of official illustrations or logos from the WCS or official logos, images edited into the video, animation, copyrighted special effects, copyrighted sound effects, and copyrighted music from other original works or violating someone's copyright.
2. Excessive sexual expression or narration.
3. Detestable violent expressions such as an immoderate depiction of blood or vomit, assault, and torture.
4. Contents instigating hate speech, suicide, and bullying.
5. Political messages or propaganda.
6. Video challenges that can cause serious injury or encourage the possibility of it.
Rules for the use of background music and videos are as follows:
1. Music used in the video must be played or created by representatives if it is music that would otherwise be subject to rights management by JASRAC, or it must be copyright-free music and sound clips. Organisers should confirm that no sound sources used in the representative’s video incur copyright infringement.
2. It is allowed to use the mother tongue of the participants, whereas dubbing in unrecognisable Japanese will be rejected. The WCS office will not attach subtitles to the video. If the dialogue is in your native language, please submit it with English subtitles.
3. The use of copyrighted background music or the voices of voice actors from original works and the copying or tracing of scenes or images appearing in original works for use in the videos, and sources, where the copyright holder is someone other than the representative team, is not permitted. In addition, the basic video editing must be done by the representatives, however adding CG or visual effects done by someone other than the representatives are allowed with credit to them.
Basic video editing means the editing of the video and to ensure the finished length of the video is no longer than 2:30 minutes.
Shooting without permission in public places or private places which are not the property of the team, as well as ‘guerrilla-style’ unpermitted shooting is prohibited.
It is allowed to feature persons other than the members of the team participating as extras, as well as creating characters by means of techniques such as animation or CG, but the two representatives shall be clearly denoted as performing as the main characters. Also, in the case of creating characters, these shall not be produced copying or tracing original designs, as specified in C)
Extras used as support characters can’t be featured for more than 20 seconds for the video performance. The same extra can participate with additional characters following the same restrictions.
Sound: Full Stereo at least 192 kbps Image: 1920×1080 pixels, Screen resolution 1080p, Aspect ratio 16:9 If using a background video, submit it as a video file mixed with the sound clip in one of the following file formats: MOV, MP4, AVI, or WMV.
The Organisers of each country and region shall check and make sure that the contents of the video submissions do not violate any of the regulations. The WCS Office may ask for an edition of the video submission if it considers that the contents of the video submission are dangerous or pose ethical problems. In such a case, a period between 48 and 72 hours will be given for the editing of the video.

a) In the case of planning to use special expression methods not listed in the rules, consult with the Organizers of your country or region in advance, sending some document with information about the planned expression method, and include the details in the script.

b) There must be a consideration for safety and environment at filming locations, and filming shall be done in accordance with national and local regulations.

Article 10: Disqualification & Penalties

For entries exceeding the limit of 2:30 minutes, a 10% deduction of the score in Video Judging will be applied for overtime of every 5 seconds, and the score will be 0 for videos over 2:46 minutes.
In case documents are received after the submission deadline, a 10% deduction of the score will be applied for every 24 hours of delay in submission, and a score of 0 points will be awarded without judgement in case the delay exceeds 120 hours. (delay exceeding 24 hours: 10%, delay exceeding 48 hours: 20%, and so on).
Additionally, in case the Organisers request the correction of documents determined to be defective, it is required to resend a corrected version of the documents addressing the defects indicated from the Organizers within 24 hours from the communication of the request. In this case, as well, a 10% deduction of the score in Video Judging will be applied for every 24 hours of delay, and a score of 0 points will be awarded without judgement in case the delay exceeds 72 hours.
In case there is a delay in both the submission deadline and resubmission, the penalties are to be applied cumulatively (delay exceeding 24 hours from the submission deadline: 10% + delay exceeding 24 hours in resubmission: 10%, for a total deduction of 20% of the score in Video Judging).
The point reduction caused by overdue will be applied by the Organizers.
It is allowed for the representatives to perform as multiple characters, but in the case of characters such as those performed by extras, these are excluded from scoring when it comes to Judging criteria A, B and C. The use of commercially available costumes for the extras is also allowed. It is not allowed for both representatives cosplayers to be out of the frame for a period of more than 15 seconds consecutively.
When this time limit is exceeded, Video Judging points will be deducted as follows:
1. 15.1 ~ 16 seconds: 5 points deduction
2. 16.1 ~ 17 seconds: 5 points deduction
3. Hereafter, 5 points deduction for every second in excess
4. For an excess time of 20 seconds or more, an unconditional score of 0 will apply to Video Judging.
Any extra featured with a support character for more than 20 seconds, will result in a penalty applied as follows:
1. 0.1 ~ 1 seconds: 5 points deduction
2. 1.1 ~ 2 seconds: 5 points deduction
3. Hereafter, 5 points deduction for every second in excess
4. For an excess time of 5 seconds or more, an unconditional score of 0 will apply to Video Judging
If details of the original costume are changed (i.e., parts added for augmented purposes or effects.) they still must be respectful of the original work. Customization is tolerated, but fan created works as the likes of gender-bent, ginjika or mash-up versions of the characters in the performance are not allowed. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the entry deemed as invalid and thus won’t be judged.
If an issue arises upon which it is difficult to decide regarding a representative’s costume, it will be discussed and judged by the WCS Office.

Article 11: Image property

By agreeing with the rules, the Participants allow every picture or video provided for or taken during the event to be used for means of communications or promotion of this contest without any financial compensation.
After the WCCS Championship, videos and photos from the Participants will remain the WCS Office’s property and could be used in various uses as promotional material. In addition, in the event of a DVD, website, photobook or other material production, there won’t be any financial compensation.
As for the Organizers and the WCS Office, they promise that the pictures comply with the ethics and the law. Every picture degrading an individual, pornography and violence are strictly forbidden.
This authorization lasts for three years. The WCS Office may ask to prolong that period with the agreement of the Participants.

The Participants authorise the Organisers to collect, use and process their personal data for administrative and statistical purposes. This data will be handled by MiOhi Marta Oleksy, registered in CEIDG database under VAT ID number 6372027174.

RULES

Participation rules

Polityka Prywatności

Regulamin