Flash "Why the F&#W(* do they do that?" post

[seawasp]

Saw an ad for some event at a local park in which a character from a kid's show, Dora (Dora's friend Diego) is making an appearance.

And it brings up the question: WHY THE HELL THE GARGANTUAN BOBBLEHEAD COSTUMES????

WHy not pick an adult or kid that fits the general appearance of the character in question, then give them a costume that completes the look? Why not let them interact with the kids LIKE A PERSON, so they can feel they MET the character?

I wore a couple of those costumes once, and it blew my mind the RULES involved. You were NOT ALLOWED TO TALK. Here's a character that talks a mile a minute, and when the kids "meet" him or her, they're mute shambling scary monsters. (kids are often afraid of these giant staring clown suits)

So what the hell's the idea? I suppose I can (sort of) understand COMPLETE cartoon characters being done that way (Goofy, Mickey, etc.), although my friend Marcie has done characters like Darkwing Duck with much more LIVING costumes, but anything that's supposed to be reasonably human or humanoid? WHY?

Comments

[mouser.livejournal.com]

Unrelated - I so need to see that HongKongFuey remake in your icon...

As you wish....

[seawasp]

http://www.cartoonnetworkla.com/english/watch/web_shows/hk_phooey/index.html

Re: As you wish....

[mouser.livejournal.com]

That is MADE of awesome!

Re: As you wish....

[seawasp]

It is that. I would have WATCHED that show if it was like that!

[argonel.livejournal.com]

I think they do that to make sure all the kids get a uniform interaction. A very scary reaction, but uniform. They are so terrified that it will be performed differently that they can't acknowledge that it would be better if the character were allowed to interact naturally.

[kengr]

I bet they also don't want the problems of being "stuck" with the person playing the character if they go for more lifelike.

With the big head costume, you can dump most anybody in it.

With a "normal" costume, they need someone who looks the part and can act the part as well. Being a lot rarer they can demand more money and actually have something to pressure the company with in salary negotiations.

[chuk-g.livejournal.com]

What about Ronald McDonald? He's some normal people. Or Santa?

[kengr]

Santa isn't a corporate property. And Ronald McDonald is a hangover from the "distant past". You'll note that the rest of the characters are all of the "big head" sort.

[wouldyoueva.livejournal.com]

Those big headed costumes (we always called them American Kabuki) used to scare the crap out of my kid. I'm with you.

[chuk-g.livejournal.com]

My older kids didn't/don't like them, but my three year old daughter loves the dressed-up mascot types, just about any of them that we've seen so far we practically have to drag her away.