So our group (Northeast Ohio Ghostbusters) has a few folks in the 501st Legion as well (Star Wars stormtrooper cos-play).
I really like how its an international organization that still has local franchises but they all work in tandem and are in essence, apart of the same group.
My question is, why haven’t GB franchises coalesced into some kind national/international organization? I think having all of our groups be affiliated helps all those involved.
Thoughts?
We have done this on a small scale with the Midwestern Ghostbusters Coalition. But it’s not a governing body, we just use it to organize large events and parades.
I hope this can be accomplished, and we can all come together to make it happen.
Someone would need to work with Sony to establish a relationship so there would be no C&D orders. And I don’t know if they are really in the mood to mess with us right now…
On the contrary, I think SONY is looking for any positive PR where they can get it. They don’t want the news outlets getting wind of groups that do great things getting told to stop.
SONY has no bounds. They aren’t to be trifled with regardless. I wouldn’t want to be labeled as a “Ghostbusters Terrorist”; maybe a “Ghostbusters Extremist” (sounds way better).
Anyway, “Who You Gonna Call?” at SONY?
Well, I don’t think they’d label us “terrorists” (worst thing they do is send a C&D letter) - but I was thinking of contacting every franchise (at least in the US) and asking if they’re on board. Those that are would send a nicely worded letter to SONY offering our assistance.
It worked with the 501st and LucasFilms/Disney - why wouldn’t it work here?
You’ll never know until you try. It either will or it won’t.
It would be interesting to see what all the franchises would be able to come up with. I would support that.
I recently cut ties with 4 different costuming clubs. It was so stressful to deal with politics and egos and organizing / running events. Responsibilities were often split among 3 of us in a group but it always fell to me to do everything, but that didn’t stop everyone from complaining when it didn’t go their way.
Ugh. Just thinking about it makes me ill.
Good luck on this, though. I hope you can pull it off.
Have you guys looked at the costume requirements for the 501st? They are super strict, which I am fine with, but if something like this was put in place for GB more than half the GB’s I see at conventions wouldn’t make it in. I’m not taking shots, I’m just calling it like I see it. I strive to make the most accurate packs, suits, and other props that I can, some people can’t afford it and that’s fine. This leads to a lot of hurt feelings and ill will in my opinion. If you guys pull it off I will not join.
Not just that but some of us prefer custom or modified suits and gear.
I respect and admire people with highly accurate suits but I don’t WANT to look like everyone else.
Another great point. I have nothing against custom stuff it just wouldn’t be accepted in a “501st” style situation. The only pack I currently own couldn’t fit into those kinds of rules.
see, 'm not big on the requirements of the 501st either. I enjoy the different style packs from screen accurate equipment to stuff from RGB and EGB. My requirements (if i was king haha) would be just to have a jumpsuit and no ghost patch (movie or franchise) on said jumpsuit. I’m just thinking an organization that coordinates groups to do some big/great thing might not be bad.
Founder of the Georgia Ghostbusters (operating almost 15 years now) and member of the Ocmulgee Squad of the Georgia Garrison 501st for 10 here…
This is a discussion that has taken place on these boards in the past and really when you think about it, as far as functionality most franchises work like the 501st anyway. The 501st has Garrisons for each state and squads that are the subsection of those. For groups like the Georgia Ghostbusters, we operate statewide like a Garrison and a Squad…then there are states like Florida with a bunch of separate franchises that occasionally work together…a better example of the squads.
So we operate similar to the 501st, what else are we missing?
Costuming guidelines, a main message board, a large convention like Celebration 5 that brings the groups together, semi-approval from the studio…
Now lets throw the costume guidelines out the window. Some want them, some don’t, lets just agree to have the franchises themselves decide that.
Message Board- You are on it…right now.
Large Convention- PKE Surge at DragonCon brings in over 100 GB fans to Atlanta annually with games, raffles, a dinner, and now panels and con involvement…there are also other GB gatherings popping up like Mass Hysteria in Alabama.
Semi-Approval from the Studio- We pretty much have this as well. Sony sent PKE Surge Blu-Rays to give away this past year. I can’t speak for every Franchise, but the Georgia logo was added to flyers for the Krispy Kreme Doughnut unveil in Atl and KK got Sony to approve the use of our logo for the event…Not to mention participation and encouragement from Dan Aykroyd who owns a share of the rights to the films. Add to that the involvement of the IDW folks in the community, putting fans on the covers of or in the comics, using fan made custom pack designs, etc. Even the videogame had a nod to a fanfilm in it! It is safe to say they know we are here and they are more than ok with it.
So really I don’t know what else you’d want to add.
Maybe if every franchise had the ability to set and enforce their own costume requirements (or lack thereof).
The “worldwide club” side would be simply used to:
help establish franchises
organize events
help settle disputes
act as liaison to Sony
It would be something very similar to what we have now in the forums. Just with more structure and organization.
I don’t think it’s a bad idea and I wish you luck. I’ve had my fill of costuming clubs and wont be participating.
I dunno about all the guidelines for costumes but maybe a stronger link between franchises somehow, I dunno.
I don’t think a little more organization and event collaboration would hurt. Don’t know about everyone else but the leap from building a good pack/uniform and finding folks/places to wear said pack was a bit of a long one for me. You don’t see that many events posted on these forums.
Main question. Why?