Cosplay/er is a horror film inspired by the creativity, passion, and community found throughout cosplay culture and fan conventions. The project brings together filmmakers, cosplayers, performers, creators, and fans to help build a horror experience deeply connected to the community that inspired it. Below is an overview of the story, the unique approach behind the film, opportunities to participate, and the growing team helping bring Cosplay/er to life. Filming is scheduled for April 2027, with portions of the movie being shot live during St. Pete Comic Con 2027 on April 17–18. 

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 — In-person casting calls are planned for Sunshine City Scare 2026 (Aug. 15-16) and Holiday St. Pete 2026 (Nov. 21-22). Each event will feature a casting call for a minor role in the film while also providing the Cosplay/er team an opportunity to meet performers interested in supporting, featured, and larger character roles. Learn more.
  • Acting Auditions — Individuals interested in featured and supporting speaking roles can submit audition applications online. Learn more.
  • Cosplayer Extras — Cosplayers may have opportunities to appear as background convention attendees during scenes filmed at St. Pete Comic Con 2027, helping create the authentic convention atmosphere featured throughout the film. 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.

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 as new collaborators come aboard.

  • Director Garo Setian: The award-winning filmmaker brings more than 25 years of film industry experience to Cosplay/er. In addition to directing the sci-fi thrillers Space Wars: Quest for the Deepstar and Automation, he has earned multiple Golden Trailer and Clio Awards for his work on major studio and independent film campaigns. He brings the creative vision and filmmaking experience needed to help turn Cosplay/er’s ambitious concept into a compelling feature film.
  • Head of Props & Production Design Evil Ted: His Hollywood credits are long, among them 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 who works 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.

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. Participants can purchase an official Signature Model Kit, recreate the look, and share their photos across social media while helping spread the project to new audiences. Selected creators may also be featured across Cosplay/er’s website, social media channels, and promotional campaigns. Learn more.
  • The Screams is a live community participation experience that gives fans an opportunity to record horror screams for possible use in trailers, promotional content, Behind the Film episodes, and potentially the film itself. Scream recording booths will appear at select conventions, allowing participants to contribute their voices to the growing world of Cosplay/er while becoming part of the project’s unique horror atmosphere. 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. 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.