TPCI issues open casting call for Pokémon TCG fans in Los Angeles for new unscripted series

The Pokémon Company International today has put out an open casting call for a new unscripted Pokémon series currently in development. The series will focus on fans of the Pokémon Trading Card Game around Los Angeles, California, including players of all skill levels, as well as collectors and enthusiasts.

Barry Sams - Vice president of The Pokémon Trading Card Game at The Pokémon Company International said:

The Pokémon Trading Card Game has been a cornerstone of the Pokémon brand since it was introduced more than 25 years ago and at the center of its success is its fans. From dedicated competitors in the Play! Pokémon program and casual players battling after school with friends and family to collectors or general enthusiasts, we’re looking forward to spotlighting the stories of our diverse TCG fans. Anyone in the Los Angeles area with a Pokémon TCG story to tell is encouraged to apply.

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Fans hoping to star in this new series will need to fill out a 63 question application, which includes questions like "Where did the applicant grow up?", "What qualities does the applicant possess that would make the applicant the best gaming contestant?", and "What Pokémon Type does the applicant identify the most with and why?". In addition to their life stories, applicants will also be required to share photos of them and their family. Applicants are also highly encouraged to also upload a short (up to 3 minute) video showing off their personality and their love of all things Pokémon.

While the casting call does expressly state that the casting call is looking for players and fans of all ages, the questions in the application itself are phrased in a way which seems to indicate an assumption that most applications will be filled out by parents and guardians on behalf of young applicants. In particular, the inclusion of mandatory questions such as "what school grade is the applicant in?" would suggest the focus of this series may be on players high school age and below.

Based on the questions in the application, recording for this series should be taking place between August 20th and October 1st of this year. No information has yet been revealed about when the final series will air, or which platforms it will be available on.

Casting for the new series is being carried out by Front Foot First, a company with extensive experience in casting for reality and documentary series across a wide range of US TV networks and streaming platforms, including partnerships with Food Network, History Channel, Nickelodeon, and Taco Bell.