Universal Cosplay Convention 2015

A Brief History

The Cosplay Ball is the brainchild of veteran cosplayer, costume designer, and owner of Costurera Haberdashery (a custom costume design and event management label), Venus Lim. Initially meant to be a private party among friends to usher in the New Year back in 2010, word soon got out amongst the community about how fun it was, and it grew into an open event for cosplayers and public alike. For a nominal fee, attendees are entitled to door gifts,a buffet dinner, activities, lucky draws, and the much anticipated Glow in the Dark Concert. The Glow in The Dark Concert is the highlight and mainstay of Cosplay Ball, and features popular acts from the cosplay scene where everyone sings and dances into the night to welcome in the New Year. The Cosplay Ball has previously been held at Sri Petaling Hotel and Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Club Resort.

UCC

Universal Cosplay Convention 2015 (UCC 2015) is a natural evolution of Cosplay Ball. To cater to the growing interest of the public, it was decided that the Cosplay Ball will be expanded into a full day event. Rebranded as Universal Cosplay Convention (UCC) with the Cosplay Ball as one of the highlights, UCC 2015 will be held on the 24 January 2015 at The Place, One City USJ.

UCC 2015 is a daylong event and is divided into Day and Night segments. The Day event is open to the public and entrance is FREE. It will be held from 10am to 8pm and will feature doujin and merchandise booths, snack stalls, and figurines exhibition. There will also be a cosplay runway and singing competitions, with cash prizes and more up for grabs.

UCC will also be featuring two cosplay workshops; Cosplay makeup workshop will be conducted by Akihiko from Penang, a veteran cosplayer and makeup artist from the North. The propmaking workshop will be conducted by Lyron Aquino, a veteran cosplay from Philippines. Lyron Aquino is one of the international guests that will be featured in this event. Workshop tickets are priced at RM10 each.

The Cosplay Ball is the Night event and highlight of UCC 2015. A ticket only event (Tickets are available at RM65 or buy two tickets for the special price of RM100), Cosplay Ball starts at 6pm to 11.30pm. This will be the fifth iteration for Cosplay Ball and the biggest one yet. There will be a buffet dinner, Prom King and Queen Award, activities, lucky draws and of course the Glow in The Dark Concert.

For the first time ever, this years Glow in The Dark Concert will feature a combination of local and international performers such as renowned lightsaber choreography group FAST, rock band The Crestfall, all girl acapella trio Harmonia ACG, up and coming singer Johan Yusof, stage veteran Huei Chan and a special performance from Venus Lim herself. On the international front, Serene and Sabrina, a popular girl duo from Singapore and Aokikuri, former member of JKT48 of Indonesia will grace attendees with singing and dancing performances.

In addition to One City as a Presenter, UCC2015 is also supported by Platinum Sponsor VBG, Partners Outpost Productions and Boomstick Studios, Activity Partner Knight Connections which will be bringing WIXOSS and Force of Will to visitors, Official Beverage Oishi Green Tea, and Media Partner Animavericks.

Ball tickets RM65 per pax, or RM100 for 2 pax. Free entry to convention during daytime.

How to get Cosplay Ball tickets:
- purchase directly from Costurera Haberdashery, Cheras.
- purchase online and collect during event from 10am to 1pm ONLY.
Email banking receipt, name and contact number to us at: unicoscon@gmail.com
Banking info: CIMB Costurera Haberdashery 8600411036

Here is run-down on the event itinerary:

Location at One City USJ:

Get the latest updates from the official UCC Facebook Page:

www.facebook.com/unicoscon

Facebook Event listing with doujin & market booth registration details:
https://www.facebook.com/events/758053554252465

UCC YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbplSlak9zi_cZm_4QhKZZw

Costurera Haberdashery (C.Hab) Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/theunseenrealm.costura

Outpost Productions will be present at UCC so come visit us at our booth near the stage.

Outpost will be at booth no. 11 (top right) next to UCC counter.

Also check out the line-up of doujin booths:

See you there!

Chronicling The Hobbit at The Battle of Five Armies #OneLastTime

Unless you've been stuck in a hobbit hole lately, most movie fans by now should have been hit by the mega-marketing campaign for “The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies”. This 2 hour 25 minute fantasy movie concludes the cinematic trilogy by Sir Peter Jackson of J.R.R. Tolkien's “The Hobbit” fantasy novel for children originally published in 1937.

Less-spoilery plot summary by ComingSoon.Net:

From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies," the third in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien. "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenseless men, women and children of Lake-town. Obsessed above all else with his reclaimed treasure, Thorin sacrifices friendship and honor to hoard it as Bilbo's frantic attempts to make him see reason drive the Hobbit towards a desperate and dangerous choice. But there are even greater dangers ahead. Unseen by any but the Wizard Gandalf, the great enemy Sauron has sent forth legions of Orcs in a stealth attack upon the Lonely Mountain. As darkness converges on their escalating conflict, the races of Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide – unite or be destroyed. Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life and the lives of his friends in the epic Battle of the Five Armies, as the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.

Preceded by “The Unexpected Journey” in 2012 and then “The Desolation of Smaug” in 2013, “The Battle of Five Armies” jumps right off from the preceding movie's cliffhanger. The main cast returns #OneLastTime with Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins (plus Sir Ian Holms as elder Bilbo), Sir Ian McKellan as Gandalf, Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield, Luke Evans as Bard and special guest stars Orlando Bloom as Legolas, Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Hugo Weaving as Elrond, and the venerable 92-year old Sir Christopher Lee as Saruman the White. Check out the full cast from the official website for The Hobbit.

Speed challenge by naming all 13 dwarves in fastest time!

If memory of the preceding 2 movies is somewhat challenged, here are poke-fun Honest Trailer recaps of “TheUnexpected Journey” and “The Desolation of Smaug”:

Now with the release of “The Battle of Five Armies”, movie fans can relive the adventure as a 6-part saga much like Star Wars Episodes I to VI. Note that the Hobbit prequel trilogy takes place around 77 years prior to primary events in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy; check out timeline of the history of Middle Earth at lotrproject.com.

Find out more at the official website which includes a nifty interactive map of Middle Earth covering the adventures of all 6 movies plus a simple Orc Attack game allowing fans to take the roles of Legolas, Tauriel or Bard to shoot enemies. Plus follow the official Facebook Page and Blog for movie updates.

Read-up this brief review by CinemaOnline or an extended edition by ColourlessOpinions.com. Or check some international opinions by Empire magazine online or video review by Jeremy Jahns.

Those who want to compare differences between the movie and the original book, read this article by Smithsonianmag.com.

The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies kicked off in Malaysia with the movie Premiere at TGV 1 Utama cineplex on 16 December 2014. Invited guests included local celebrities, movie fans, contest winners and costumers representing characters from The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings; photos below credit Potter SamLeong:

Left to right: Arwen, human townsfolk, Legolas, Tauriel, Galadriel, Bilbo, Frodo, Thorin

Thorin Oakenshield reclaims Erebor.

Legolas takes aim.

Group photo credit to Ezli Qamari

Check out more photos by Hobbit fans as well as on the official Warner Bros. Pictures (Malaysia) Facebook Page photo album.

Dedicated costumers gathered again at the Premium-X Cinemas 1st Anniversary Celebration

Find more photos here from the special event at Premium-X Cinemas. Also check out photos of other costuming fans from around the world.

In addition to these special screenings, Malaysian fans had the opportunity to experience The Hobbit movie trilogy marathons by GSC and TGV Cinemas. The cumulative 8-hour screening time was no deterrent for movie goers with brisk ticket sales selling-out cinema halls faster than Radaghast's Rosgobel Rabbit sleigh.

Despite the blockbuster appeal for this final chapter of The Hobbit Trilogy, finding official merchandise is fairly scarce. Nevertheless, the Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) has uncovered the following “precious” artifacts for fan service:

Firstly amongst the movie channels, TGV Cinemas is retailing their “Magic Cold Changing Tumbler” for RM24.90. Watch this video to see the "magic":

Furthermore, TGV is offering movie goers the chance to visit Middle Earth, New Zealand via their Watch & Win campaign. Customers purchasing tickets for The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies via online or mobile app until 31 December may participate to snag this vacation package for 2 worth RM20,000, or hampers of movie premiums.

Find out more details and register at the TGV Cinemas website.

Meanwhile GSC Cinemas is offering similar assortment of movie premiums via their online contest for website customers until 7 January 2015. Polish your slogans for better chances to win the tie-breakers.

MBO Cinemas is has also been making available these premiums to their ALLSTAR card members, offering the chance to win different merchandise each week until year end. Join the last round kicking off today with a long-sleeve V-cut jersey up for grabs.

In addition, MBO has more exclusive premiums up for bidding using ALLSTAR points. Find out how to earn bid points and the bidding process at the MBO website store.

Finally, MBO Cinemas & MP Travel & Tours are offering the chance to visit Middle Earth as well for customers purchasing any Share Packs (movie + popcorn + drink combos) by 31 December 2014. The 7 day / 5 night package to New Zealand includes visits to Hobbiton and Weta for 2 pax worth RM16,000. Find out more at the MBO website promotions.

So for those lucky winners-to-be off on their adventure to New Zealand, hope they will be flying Air New Zealand for additional Middle Earth fan engagement:

This guide may also be of value for all travelers to Middle Earth (sighted at Borders bookstores for RM89.90):

Apart from the cinemas, GenYes.MY has online contest with movie passes and premiums up for grabs. Join quickly as the contest closes 24 December 2014.

Official movie books for The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies comprise the Visual Companion, Movie Guide and Chronicles: Art & Design. Fans of “behind-the-scenes” will find more value with the latter 2 books offering peaks into the production of the movie.

Grab the original novel by Tolkien and compare against the movie version.

  

These books should be available at major local bookstores plus some available via MPH online.

Although the mass market action figure license for The Hobbit seems to have lapsed after the first two movies, buidling toys are still running strong with LEGO releasing sets from The Battle of Five Armies. Some of these were in face somewhat spoilery for the movie being released to mass market some time in advance of the movie release.

Recreate the Battle at Dol Guldur when Gandalf is captured...

... ending with an epic battle between the White Council and Ringwraiths.

Various LEGO sets available of the major locations from the movies like Erebor, Laketown, Dol Guldur, etc.

Make your own Hobbit hole with the Bag End set.

The Fellowship of the Ring gathers in Rivendell.

Check-out the various sets available at the official LEGO website to recreate the epic battles, or alternate takes like "The Aggravation of Smaug". Even non-LEGO collectors could be entertained by these cute mini-fig videos.

Collectors of novelty items may be enticed by these equally cutesy vinyl figures from Funko POP! So far Bilbo (invisible), Gandalf, Legolas, Azog and Thorin has been released under the preceding movie, The Desolation of Smaug, with an oversized Smaug being released for this final chapter.

Gandalf the Grey POP! Movies vinyl figure from Funko (Ringwraith not included).

Head over to the official Funko website to check out the rest of these figures and look out for them at specialty retailers in Malaysia stocking POP! Vinyl figures such as Borders bookstores.

For our valued readers and Outpost fans, the last #OutpostGiveaway for 2014 will be an LEGO minifig of Gandalf the Grey from The Hobbit.

The last #OutpostGiveaway for 2014

Just follow the instructions in the form below and submit for chance to win!

We trust this M.R.T. report has been of help to Hobbit fans near and far. Let's end with a fitting tune from the official movie music video "The Last Goodbye" by Billy Boyd (actor for Pippin in the Lord of the Rings trilogy).

And to our fans, followers and clients,

Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Disclaimer: The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings and other trademarks are copyright to JRR Tolkien, Warner Bros. Pictures, and their respective owners, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.

Learn to Cosplay at S.O.X. 2014 Fantasy Fest

Celcom School of Xpax (S.O.X.) will be bringing Malaysian youths the Ultimate Fantasy Fest with featuring activities of Anime, Cosplay and Gaming. The regional roadshow kicks off this weekend of 25 & 26 October 2014 in Danga City Mall, Johor Bahru, then heads north to First Avenue Mall, Penang on 1 & 2 November. Tropicana City Mall, Selangor rounds off the regional tour on 8 & 9 November leading up to the Grand Finale at Kenanga Wholesale City, Kuala Lumpur on 22 & 23 November 2014.

Cosplayers at the launch.

At the launch of the S.O.X. Fantasy Fest early this month, Celcom Chief Marketing Officer Zalman Aefendy Zainal Abidin shared that the Malaysian youth segment is the fastest growing and largest group although not big in spending.

“This is why the company has to continuously come up with various activities to attract youths and engage with them,” Zalman said. SOX has 1.2 million subscribers currently and the company was targeting to have about two million subscribers by next year.

Click to enlarge for details

Find out more about the awesome activities lined up from the official Celcom S.O.X. website.

Cosplayers take note of the Cosplay Competition taking place at all regional locations with cash $$$ prizes to be won. Furthermore the top cosplayers from each region will be sent to the Grand Finale to compete for cash prizes of RM1,500 plus an iPhone 5S. Check out details of the competition format then register online.

Cosplay props by Outpost Productions.

For youths new to cosplay, Outpost Productions will be conducting talks and workshops on cosplay at all regional locations. On day 1, stay tuned at the main stage for our “Introduction to Cosplay Talk” at 2pm and then craft our own cosplay prop to take home from our “Armour Prop Workshop” at 6pm; schedule may be subject to change without notice. Check on our event listing on Facebook for the latest updates on our talks and workshops.

Make your own cosplay prop to take home from the Cosplay Workshop.

SEE YOU THERE!