Cosplay/er, the upcoming horror movie born in cosplay culture, is coming to three Florida fan conventions: Sunshine City Scare on Aug. 15-16, Holiday St. Pete on Nov. 21-22, and St. Pete Comic Con on April 17-18.
This is a film by the community, for the community – which will be filmed in St. Petersburg, Florida. We hope to cast cosplayers with acting, performance, and theater backgrounds. And we are looking for film crew, volunteers and other behind-the-camera positions from the fan convention community.
Below is an overview of the story and our unique approach behind the film, which specifies the many ways you can participate in making the movie. Filming is scheduled for April 2027, with portions of the movie being shot live during St. Pete Comic Con.
the story
Cosplay/er follows four groups of passionate Florida cosplayers as they travel to St. Pete Comic Con for a weekend filled with contests, panels, shopping, and community. But as the convention weekend unfolds, something far more sinister begins to emerge. Set against the colorful backdrop of cosplay and fan convention culture, Cosplay/er transforms one of fandom’s most beloved experiences into the setting for a suspense-filled horror story where appearances can be deceiving and danger may be closer than anyone realizes.
a different approach
Cosplay/er takes a different approach to horror filmmaking by combining cinematic slasher storytelling with the authentic energy of real fan convention culture. Portions of the film will be shot during St. Pete Comic Con 2027, capturing real crowds, cosplay, vendors, and convention atmosphere that simply cannot be recreated on a soundstage.
In addition, the film also embraces a unique casting approach by seeking talented cosplayers with backgrounds in performing, acting, theater, live entertainment, horror attractions, stunt work, and character performance for featured and supporting roles throughout the film. A horror film deeply connected to cosplay culture itself is best brought to life by the very community that inspired it.
Casting Calls, Acting Auditions & Cosplayer Extras
Cosplay/er will feature opportunities for actors, performers, cosplayers, and creators to participate in the film through casting calls, auditions, and convention-based recruitment events.
- Casting Calls are for minor roles with limited speaking, featured non-speaking, and background. In-person casting calls for are planned for Sunshine City Scare 2026 (Aug. 15-16) and Holiday St. Pete 2026 (Nov. 21-22). Registration required. Learn more + apply.
- Acting Auditions are for lead, supporting, and featured speaking roles. You can submit online. In addition, there will be Actor Info Sessions at Sunshine City Scare and Holiday St. Pete – while not required to be considered, the events provide an opportunity to meet the team, introduce yourself, and ask questions. Learn more + apply.
- Cosplayer Extras — Cosplayers will be the background during many scenes filmed at St. Pete Comic Con 2027, helping create the authentic convention atmosphere. To avoid licensing issues, Cosplayer Extras may only use original characters (we love OCs!) and eligible public domain characters, such as Winnie-the-Pooh and Popeye. Learn more + apply.
community participation
Cosplay/er is more than a film—it is a community-driven project designed to give fans, creators, and cosplayers opportunities to actively participate in its growth and promotion.
- Signature Models gives fans, cosplayers, photographers, makeup artists, and creators an opportunity to participate in the growing world of Cosplay/er through horror-inspired looks connected to the film. Just re-create the Cosplay/er Signature Model look (models on this site), and share on social media — tag us, so we can share. If needed, supplies available for purchase. And checkout the Creative Reference Guide for the models. Learn more.
- The Screams gives fans an opportunity to record horror screams for that will be used in trailers, promotional content, and potentially the film itself. At Sunshine City Scare (August 15-16), visit the Kawaii Butterflies booth — walk-ups are welcome. Learn more.
join the crew or support the film
Beyond acting opportunities, Cosplay/er is also seeking crew members, volunteers, sponsors, and investors interested in helping bring the project to life. In addition, we are searching for the right director who will share in our vision.
The story and characters for Cosplay/er have already been developed, and the screenwriter has been selected to adapt the story into a feature screenplay. The screenwriter will be announced soon.
Whether your talents are behind the camera, behind the scenes, or focused on supporting independent filmmaking, there are multiple ways to become part of the growing Cosplay/er team.
the team
Cosplay/er brings together filmmakers, cosplayers, artists, and convention professionals united by a shared vision: Creating a horror film deeply connected to cosplay and fan convention culture. This initial team will grow quickly as new collaborators, actors, and crew come aboard.
- Head of Props & Production Design Evil Ted: His Hollywood credits are long, among them Avatar, The Last Airbender, Fallout, The Fifth Element, Titanic, and The Hunger Games. He is a familiar face within the cosplay community, known for teaching foamsmithing through his popular YouTube channel and convention appearances. He brings a unique combination of Hollywood prop and costume design experience and deep roots within the cosplay community.
- Head of Makeup / SFX The Star Cos: The 21-year-old cosplay sensation with 1 million followers on TikTok also is a high-end makeup / SFX artist at Universal Epic Universe. In her personal cosplay, she is influenced by the world of drag and is known for her hyper-feminized glamour and unforgettable character transformations. At Universal, she brings characters such as Frankenstein, the Bride of Frankenstein, Ygor, and Gobber to life.
- Creator / Executive Producer Dewey Caruthers: Dewey is the creator, writer, and executive producer of Cosplay/er. He wrote the story, created the characters, and will guide the film project from concept to screen. As the owner/operator of four annual fan conventions in St. Petersburg, Florida, he has spent years working closely with cosplayers, creators, vendors, guests, and fandom communities — experience that serves as the foundation for Cosplay/er’s unique blend of horror filmmaking and convention culture.
