Cosplay Interview - Matthew Fielder (a.k.a. Uber-Nerd)

Cosplay interviews! A weekly feature on Animetion where we talk to UK cosplayers on what motivates them, plus a cool gallery showcasing their cosplays. Here we talk to cosplayer:

Name: Matthew Fielder
(a.k.a. Uber-Nerd*)

Q: When did you start cosplaying and how long for?

I started cosplaying when my partner Tab suggested the idea of me being Alexander Anderson from Hellsing. It feels like we’ve been doing this forever but apparently its only been a few months, to be frank I was shocked when I heard that we haven’t even been doing this for a year yet.

Q: What attracts you cosplay?

At first I just wanted to be silly things like my first made-up costume “Random Naruto Ninja #42” but after being an actual character, and being praised for doing a good job, I really got drawn into making/being mainstream characters that everyone knows/loves. Plus it's really fun when you’re a big armoured knight that a lot of people were actually afraid to ask photos for.

Q: What has been your favourite cosplay?

Thus far my favorite has been Nightmare from Soul Calibur 3 because that was my first big costume. I pretty work as our team’s “suit” cosplayer, pretty much because I’m very tall and wearing armoured suits and such looks all the more impressive when you have to look down at people. So Nightmare was my first cosplay in which I actually did have to fulfil my role and it was really fun, especially when I made my entrance and everyone gasped and cheered…although I did have to take it off after not even and hour of wearing it because it was so hot.

Q: Most memorable moment whilst cosplaying?

That’s a hard question to answer, mainly because every costume I’ve worn as had memorable moments. I guess the two most memorable moments would have to be when we acted out our first skit as the Hellsing group and the cheers I got when walking onto the scene as Nightmare *pride*

Q: Have you had any cosplays go wrong/encountered problems whilst making cosplays?

YES! HORRIBLY SO! But we manage to save the costume in some way thanks to Tab and her genius although every time she goes on stage as Ivy Valentine (from Soul Calibur 3 - ed.) she always managed to break her damn sword, that’s not even a joke!

Q: Have you ever regretted cosplaying?

I’ve regretted getting to conventions (our latest trip being a 5 hour coach trip) and the amount of money spent on costumes and such, but other wise no I think it’s worth it because it’s damn good fun.

Q: Have you ever done group cosplay? If so how did you find that experience?

Oh we only ever do group cosplay nowadays. It is an amazing experience when it works out, but most of the time before the convention there are lots of arguments and what not making things a little tense, but at the end of the day its worth it.

Q: What cosplays are you planning?

TOO MANY! I don’t really want to say anything to give any of our more *awesome* plans away but I will say that I’ve wanted to be Optimus Prime (from Transformers - ed.) for a long time now but not on stilts or anything because I think I’m tall enough as is.

Q: Do you have a dream cosplay?

Optimus Prime FTW with lights, sounds and hugging action!

Q: Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay virgins?

Hm my advice would be to not be intimidated by experienced cosplayers and also to NOT buy costumes from the internet. Most of them are either poor quality or not true to the character.

Q: Do you have an account with the website Cosplay island/other social networking sites?

Our local film genius Christian has set up an account on Cosplay Island for myself, himself & Tab under the name 'Uber-Nerd'.

(click any picture for a larger image)

* Uber-Nerd is a team of cosplayers consisting of Matthew Fielder, Tab Kimpton and Christian Allan

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