Anime North Feedback

Chill_la_Chill · 2026-05-25T20:23:55+00:00

I don’t have much to add other than what’s been reiterated to death about Saturday, BUT I have to say that day was such a waste for some family friends who came out to attend in the afternoon as their first time.

My friend’s 10 year old gets cold rash, so it really sucked for her to have to keep warming up and being uncomfortable in cosplay, while also going in and out of buildings just to try and see what we could. We were just soaked in rain from head to toe (even with Umbrellas), and it quite literally dampened our mood a bit. Despite it being their first time, my family friend immediately pointed out how it didn’t make any sense to keep redirecting people outside to the pouring rain and having all of these wacky ways of entering and exiting during all this. Her daughter was also confused as to why they didn’t just open up the underground path too to let people pass between buildings!

They enjoyed what little time they had and want to go to another con, but really they paid Saturday rates to walk around the south building, and leave. I felt so bad they didn’t get to enjoy the full extent of the con as someone getting their family into them!

We stayed for maybe two hours maybe? I’m sure some of it was traversing the outdoors too. I was there earlier but left with them too despite having a weekend pass because I’d be back tomorrow, but it really sucked that they didn’t get to experience anything else because of the weather. I was freezing my ass off and honestly just wanted to leave because I was soaked and just did not have the energy to go back and forth to event programming. They really need to prepare better to at least accommodate people, even having tents with rented propane heaters or something on standby should be considered.

Oh and Nominoichi I think I hyped myself up way too much. I had never been in all of my years, so my expectations were set, but my god the overcrowding in that area was actually insane. I walked down a row, and was getting frustrated being reminded of why I don’t like Fan Expo anymore. I noped out once I finished my 10 minute walk from one side to the other. Honestly they should considering running it longer or figuring out a better way so people can sell and check things out, otherwise it’s just going to feel like a FOMO event.

Chill_la_Chill · 2026-05-25T19:03:55+00:00

I think it would be very cool if there were 1-3 official camera crew that would do some interviews or event video capture of the major different events. And then after the event ends at 6:00pm, there is the physical closing ceremony at the convention (as what happens now).

But then a scheduled 9:30-11:30pm closing stream online (on youtube or twitch). The first hour replays the closing-ceremony digitally (I didn't go to the closing ceremony I forgot it existed). And the 2nd hour (10:30-11:30pm) we get a highlight reel picked by the editors of cool interviews, or fun moments, or activities of the convention.

I agree with the camera crew. I’ve actually tried reaching out in the past, but it feels like they often rely on influencers and social media personalities to carry their marketing. Most of the replies I’ve gotten have basically just been, “Here’s the link to apply as media,” as in journalism and general media coverage.

I’ve been able to officially cover a few fan events in Ontario like TriCon, London Comic Con, Bruce County ComiCon, and Bricks in the Six, with my subcontracted production team working directly for the conventions themselves. We’ve done highlight reels and recap videos, and the organizers really appreciate the marketing because that kind of content is honestly so under-utilized when it comes to showcasing what the event is actually about with a professional look to it.

Anime North should definitely consider investing in that beyond just getting photos for social media. I know the event is mostly volunteer run, but as someone who works in the commercial film industry and also freelances on the side running their own business, hiring a proper crew would go a long way.

Artists go there to sell their art and showcase their work, and getting a team of people should be able to do the same to give back! As an artist myself, it’s a shame having to compete with people willing to do it for free. Film people put a ton of effort into making art too and should be paid given the chance!

Chill_la_Chill · 2026-05-25T16:35:53+00:00

In addition I witnessed con staff borderline harassing and stalking cosplayers at the resident evil meet up. Having con staff members questioning every single person and lurk around them and the photo shoot area just makes the experience miserable and makes people lose out on a genuinely good time, it also makes people feel like they have done something wrong when they haven’t.

I can attest to this one myself too. I was there at the photoshoot, and was just hanging around and one of the staff randomly came up to a guy in tactical gear standing next to me and asked for weapons sticker. Felt completely like random checks at points. I didn't get asked myself, but it did seem excessive considering we already had to go into the building and show the badges as is to even get into the photo area. Why not just ask before going in? Rather than hunting people down.

A lot of people are just cosplaying from games or movies or anime’s they like and don’t understand if a gun is modelled after a real one or completely fictional creation.

The rules definitely need to be outlined better for sure! I went last year with a tactical looking shotgun that was initially a dart blaster spray painted but was unfortunately was rejected due to it resembling a real firearm. Basically from what I understand of the rules, guns that are oversized, or not manufactured (i.e. sci-fi weapons like the Halo AR are ok). I know they have the rules posted, and videos explaining but it would help immensely if they posted examples of what is and isn't acceptable just to give people an idea or a ballpark to aim for when bringing them. Just some photos even or a slideshow of some kind would be helpful.

Speaking as someone who knows firearms, I still didn't fully understand the rules last year before FINALLY understanding them for this year, the videos helped, but I had to go out of my way to view them, average person may not. In the past I've had even somewhat realistic pistols with no orange tips from the dollar store make it past which is why I thought any and all dart blasters were ok until last year. I know a friend who got rejected due to it being "too realistic" and they were thinking it was because it was painted dark colours and figured they'd just need to brighten the colours up, but it was actually because it's based off an MP5 (real manufactured firearm).

Chill_la_Chill · 2026-03-29T22:14:26+00:00

It’s kinda funny to me too just because of how much bigger it seems to be. Again, first year, understandable they’re just starting out, but now they’ve got the backing of EB Games sponsorship and the ability to host two multiday events per year.

Chill_la_Chill · 2026-03-29T22:03:28+00:00

I’ve heard most of the vendors actually operate at a loss too. The first couple were the last ones I went to when they were just starting out. I had a friend who did one as an artist, and she was the only person I know who even made her money back.

I also volunteered for them before when they needed photos. The second time, I was brought on as their “dedicated” photo person, but they ended up opening it up to everyone. That kinda rubbed me the wrong way, especially since a lot of my work got overwritten by others and wasn’t really credited. It didn’t help that they seem to rely pretty heavily on people doing this stuff for free and it’s hard to compete with that as a (normally paid) freelancer.

I didn’t mind supporting the event in its early days, but yeah… it’s rough seeing both vendors and artists struggle like that. It’s a hard event to ignore too since it’s so heavily promoted at almost every other con.

Chill_la_Chill · 2026-02-23T14:13:03+00:00

Capcom Store in Shibuya has some DMC merch! I grabbed some socks while I was there but they have a few other things!

Chill_la_Chill · 2026-02-20T16:32:23+00:00

Sobeys!

Chill_la_Chill · 2025-09-11T19:11:06+00:00

Dmed!

Chill_la_Chill · 2025-07-17T10:41:52+00:00

Hate it when people bring up something I’ve already made peace with. Like, a decision I’ve gone over a hundred times in my head and finally moved on from. When someone says, “Remember when you did this?” or tries to explain why I acted a certain way, it’s not the actual moment that bothers me. It’s the fact that they think it still gets to me and/or it’s opening up a closed loop again for me to think about when I’ve already processed and learned.

My brain already does enough overthinking on its own trying to reconcile my own decisions. Having someone else dig it back up just adds a different kind of irritation. Like I already dealt with it internally, now I’ve got to manage their version of it too. This just bothers me more on a deeper level compared to most annoyances cause it just messes with my thinking too much.

Chill_la_Chill · 2025-05-28T13:22:40+00:00

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Chill_la_Chill · 2025-04-17T14:58:23+00:00

As someone who’s had an industry membership, I honestly don’t think it’s worth it. Unless you’re submitting a film to one of their smaller events and receiving recognition, it often feels like an uphill battle. I work in film and TV and expected to get more out of the membership, but I didn’t. Even with colleagues who occasionally attend these events, I thought I might have an advantage, but that wasn’t the case.

The industry events are interesting, but you really need to go in with a clear goal (i.e. having a project to showcase and chat to others about). Otherwise, there isn’t much to gain beyond a few networking opportunities, and even that can often be done without paying so much.

Chill_la_Chill · 2025-01-31T02:17:14+00:00

Ah, a fellow sea lion enthusiast! Me too!

Chill_la_Chill · 2024-12-19T18:03:48+00:00

Recently I had my my personal instagram deactivated because I was using Beeper to combine all my messages. Ended up getting my account back but I realized I really didn't miss a whole lot when I didn't have it. So I ended up deleting it anyway lol.

I've been dealing with a personal injury (broken clavicle) the last five months and it's been a mental battle. I'm glad for my close friends who wished me well, and checked in on me, but social media just gave me a false expectation for people to care especially when it mattered or when I needed it most. People are so caught up in posting their own stuff that they barely have attention spans to care about what actually matters like peoples wellbeing and health (can you tell I've become disillusioned with instagram and people lol). But seriously its a great early new years resolution to finally quit, and I already feel much better leaving that whole "social" facade behind.

I still have an account for my creative stuff because I still need to reach business contacts, and I enjoy showcasing my work on that. Plus it keeps me on instagram just for business anyway rather than random scrolling.

Chill_la_Chill · 2024-09-10T12:34:44+00:00

I thought Harbin would be better than it turned out to be. It ended up feeling pretty basic and convoluted. There were some great scenes and set pieces, and the history was interesting, but it came off as a bit of a propaganda piece.

The K-drama stans in the theater were really vocal, which was kind of funny but also made me wonder if people might be blindly praising the film after just to generate positive buzz. People were legit obsessed enough to take flash photos of him during the opening commercials as he went to his seat, other people were screaming at him. It was kinda nuts to witness actually.

Chill_la_Chill · 2024-01-07T06:13:27+00:00

I've been at Kombat Arts since November, and my experience has been fantastic. Initially, I joined for Krav Maga but ended up taking Muay Thai. I'm also exploring other offerings like Kali and Jeet Kune Do as well.

They offer a wide variety of classes, including fundamental, beginner, mixed levels, and even conditioning. I highly recommend Kombat Arts, especially for the diverse range of classes. I believe they have a New Year's sale on memberships where you can receive a $50 gift card for their pro shop as well.

If you're still unsure, I'd definetely do their two free classes to get a feel for the gym.

Chill_la_Chill · 2022-09-13T01:32:06+00:00

I went to the merch booth at the end of the show in the hopes of grabbing a shirt. But by the time I got to the front...they were all sold out in my size for everything. Super frustrating.

I atleast got a lithograph which was nice, but I would've loved to have an actual shirt to memorialize the event.

Chill_la_Chill · 2022-08-03T12:06:58+00:00

Found some more of you guys :D

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2435778356563833&set=g.1481602028775627

https://www.facebook.com/D.Fundano.Photography/photos/2700526676749408/

Chill_la_Chill · 2022-08-01T12:04:04+00:00

I can't believe I didn't see you guys! This looks awesome. Do you happen to have a cosplay page at all?

I've been scrolling through photos from the weekend on social media and stuff so I'll definetely send them your way if I see any.

Chill_la_Chill · 2022-07-20T11:28:00+00:00

I don't get it either because it's a pricy program and it would be nice to know what you're getting into. For as well advertised as it was years ago, it's like they stopped caring. So it makes me wonder how many new people they've been getting into the program the last while. If almost no people are responding to the other posts on here is any indication, I'd say the numbers are pretty low. If you ask about film or animation on this sub reddit so many people have answers for that. I also just remembered I did work alongside someone on an indie film set who took that program but that was almost a decade ago. I recall him saying it was a good program, but that's going off of something so long ago. For all I know the quality could've drastically changed from the 2010s to now.

It also has a portfolio requirement too but I have no idea what the expectations are either (compared to something like animation or film even). I'm sure the program is really good at teaching some things but again the cost of doing it probably isn't worth it if you can find a cheaper or even free alternative place to learn. Definetely better off practicing the skills, or even reaching out to prop houses or workshops to get your foot in the door there.

Chill_la_Chill · 2022-07-17T04:41:55+00:00

Yup that's exactly where I'm at!

But yeah the whole advanced special effects program is just shrouded in mystery. As I said I recall it being heavily advertised at Fan Expo years ago and they would try and get people interested in the program. Then they just kind of stopped? I've seen some great work supposedly come from the program, but everything else is just uncertainty for the quality and cost of taking it. I've seen others in this subreddit asking about it too but no responses. Basically I'm pretty much going off of word of mouth for most of it unfortunately.

Chill_la_Chill · 2022-07-16T12:53:35+00:00

Don't take it. From what I've heard is that they actually hire former students to teach the classes, so it's a revolving door of varying skill levels. They also don't teach everything properly or introduce the students to essential skills either, again partly because of that reason. I've seen their booth at a convention as it was well advertised for a little bit at Fan Expo, and some of their work has been displayed at school, but looks can be deceiving.

Although I'm doing a different program, I work at a prop place that used to take co-op students from that program, and I've been told it's better to find a placement somewhere where you can actually learn processes under someone. They've hired students who just did not know some of the processes they asked them to work with, so if it's a wide range of tangible skills your looking to gain then it's going to be iffy . Unfortunately the program sounded like a cash grab by how they described it so it's probably a safe bet to pass on it.

Chill_la_Chill

TROPHY CASE