Media policy
When attending Otakuthon, all media badge holders must follow the convention rules and policies.
Media conduct
Media badges are given to members of the media or content creators to facilitate their ability to disseminate information about the convention. Media representatives are expected to act professionally and courteously towards Otakuthon staff, guests, and attendees at all times.
Our attendees have paid to enjoy their weekend in peace and have the right to refuse to be filmed or interviewed. Interviews and filming must be done with minimal disruption to traffic flow and nearby activities.
Media representatives are allowed into function spaces during panels, workshops, and special events as observers only. Any media representative who is deemed disruptive will be required to leave if asked by the event coordinator.
Access to media-only seating, interview time, and other media privileges is at the discretion of Otakuthon and may be revoked at any time for violations of convention policies or media guidelines. Any media representative who has had their privileges revoked will be required to hand over their media badge and leave the convention space.
Media badges will be available for pickup at the media desk during its open hours. Your photo ID will be required. Badges are unexchangeable and must be worn at all times to ensure access to convention function spaces and media access areas. Lost badges must be promptly reported to the media desk, though a fee may be required for replacement.
By picking up their media badge, media representatives agree to abide by the convention rules and policies as well as the media guidelines. Failure to do so could result in the loss of media privileges and/or expulsion from the convention.
Guests Interviews
Due to their tight schedules, guests’ free time is limited, and their Otakuthon-related guest appearances will be given priority. Media representatives are asked not to approach them while they are moving between events.
Interviews must be arranged before the convention dates by sending an email to media@otakuthon.com before July 15, 2025. On-the-spot interviews with guests are not allowed during the convention. Interview requests will be reviewed by Otakuthon Media Team as well as each guest’s respective management teams.
Interview times will be announced closer to the convention once all appearances and event times are finalized. If you are unavailable for your scheduled interviews, please contact media@otakuthon.com for possible alternate days before the convention. Failure to appear or arrive on time may result in immediate cancellation of your interview appointments.
Refrain from asking for autographs, sketches or personal photos with guests at any time. Photos of guests to accompany coverage may be allowed, but are subject to guest/management approval and time constraints. They must be arranged and requested by email at media@otakuthon.com ahead of time.
Important Notes
- Prepare questions in advance! It is highly recommended that questions are prepared in advance for all guests you are interested in interviewing, even if you do not know yet whether you have been confirmed for an interview or not.
- Some management may request proposed questions as a part of the vetting process for interviews.
- Providing questions in advance will help management or interpreters prepare for the interview, thus helping to decrease the amount of time it will take to interpret.
- Please note that it is mandatory to provide questions in advance for all interviews with a Japanese guest.
- Arrive early! Confirmed interviewers are expected to arrive 15 minutes ahead of their appointment to check in at the media desk.
Photography, Videography, and Audio Recording
Please note that photography, videography and audio recording of our guest of honour need prior authorization. Please ask the guest liaisons accompanying our guest of honour before taking pictures, video or audio recording.
Allowed Actions:
- Photograph, videotape, video record in all common areas of the convention.
- Photograph, videotape, or audio record in the Exhibition Hall if accompanied by an Exhibition Hall Staff.
- Take photos (non-flash only) of Opening & Closing Ceremonies, All-Stars, WCS Canada, and Masquerade.
Prohibited Actions:
- Taking flash photos during any and all events.
- Video recording of screenings.
- Taking photos and video recording of the AMV Contest.
- Taking photos and videos of guests without prior approval.
- Taking photos and videos of 18+ panels.
Please respect our attendees’ and guests’ wishes if they decline to be photographed or filmed.
Summary of permissions for our events:
- Opening/Closing Ceremonies: Non-flash photography and video allowed throughout.
- Masquerade, All-Stars & WCS: Non-flash photography and video allowed throughout.
- Concerts: Subject to performers’ request.
- AMV Contest: Absolutely no photography or video allowed.
- 18+ panels: Absolutely no photography or video allowed.