The San Diego Comic Convention is fast approaching its four day mega-convergence of comic books, film, TV, video games, and pop culture. It begins with a professional/press only preview night on Wednesday, July 17th, and continues through Thursday, July 18th and Sunday, July 21st. SSN is here to prep the industry with the best tips for getting the most out of this annual convention.
About 126,000 attended 2012’s sold-out convention and expect that number to check-in this year as well. The line for Hall H’s mainly film centric panels and Ballroom 20’s television panels can begin as early as 4am for a 10am start time. Instead of waiting for hours on end to sit in a football field sized room and listen to stars promote their projects, why not spend your time more wisely on panels where you can gain insight into various aspects of film, television, and comic books? Leave the Hall H panels to the fans and check-out SSN’s Comic-Con schedule curated specifically for members of the entertainment industry.
Thursday, July 18th
The Anatomy of Superhero Film Music: Bringing a Comic Book to Life
10:30am - 11:30am Room 6A
Leading Hollywood film directors and composers-including composer Marco Beltrami with director James Mangold (The Wolverine), composer Brian Tyler with director Shane Black (Iron Man 3), composer Henry Jackman (X-Men: First Class, Captain America: Winter Soldier) with director Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class), composer Christopher Lennertz (Marvel: Agent Carter), composer John Debney (Iron Man 2, Sin City) and music supervisor Dave Jordan (The Avengers)-discuss the creation of the musical voice behind the hero. Following in tradition with a long-running franchise, the panelists will explore the challenges faced when bringing a comic book character to life and giving that character a voice. Additionally, composers will discuss working with directors and how they work together to convey the story of the character. Composers will discuss creating a theme, transforming the theme throughout the storyline, and following the often uphill battle that our heroes travel. All panelists will show examples of their work. With Q&A moderated by Ray Costa (award-winning journalist/ CEO of Costa Communications, a leading film music public relations firm).
SSN Insight: Packed with composers and two big-name directors, this panel is perfect for those who want to ask Mangold and Black about their films but aren’t willing to wait in the all-day line for Hall H (pictured above).
Video Games to Movies: Is the Golden Age Upon Us?
11:00am - 12:00pm Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Join some of the top industry professionals as they discuss the challenges, opportunities and the future of what many are calling the next dominant supplier of franchise films to the studios: Video Game-based movies! Are we in for the long anticipated "Golden Age" of video game to movie adaptations? Expect surprises and a glimpse into what is on the horizon for some of the biggest video game characters/franchises as they begin their journey towards the silver screen! Panelists include Adrian Askarieh (Hitman, Agent 47), Tim Miller (Blur Studios, attached to direct Deadpool feature), Justin Marks (producer, Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li), Patrick J O’Brien (VP of EA Entertainment, currently developing films based on Need for Speed, Dead Space, Mass Effect and Dante’s Inferno), C. Robert Cargill (Sinister, Dreams and Shadows, Queen of Dark Things, Deus X), and moderator Ben Fritz of The Wall Street Journal.
SSN Insight: Get the inside track on video game’s multi-billion dollar business that’s ripe with characters and franchises with built-in audiences. Panelists all have feature projects in development and have a vast experience in adapting video games for the big screen.
Avatar Press: Vicious Comics and Wicked Creators
11:30am - 12:30pm Room 4
New York Times bestselling author Max Brooks joins Avatar publisher William Christensen to give the scoop on new projects and creators joining the industry's most groundbreaking, risk-taking publisher! Want insight into the hottest titles from such industry luminaries as Garth Ennis, Alan Moore, and Max Brooks? Can't get enough Crossed: Badlands, Uber, or Extinction Parade? Want to hear breaking news on upcoming projects? Find out what new terrors and triumphs this rogue publisher will unleash in the months ahead, and get your questions answered by the publisher!
SSN Insight: Hear about what's next for the hot publisher without wondering the con aimlessly for new material.
Dreamworks Animation Filmmaker Focus
11:45am - 12:45pm Room 6A
Join chief creative officer Bill Damaschke and directors David Soren (Turbo), Rob Minkoff (Peabody & Sherman), and Dean DeBlois (How to Train Your Dragon 2) as they discuss putting a great story through the animation process and onto the screen. Moderated by Anthony Breznican (Entertainment Weekly).
SSN Insight: Get inside the process of making an animated movie and learn some valuable lessons on story development that you can apply to your own projects.
The 14th Annual Animation Show of Shows
11:50am - 12:50pm Hall H
Ron Diamond (program curator, president of Acme Filmworks and AWN.com) presents the best and newest in international animation. Included is Disney's Oscar winning Paperman along with 10 animated shorts culled from the most notable festivals from around the world. Shows annually at Pixar, Dreamworks, Disney, ILM, Blue Sky, Sony, EA, UCLA, SVA, USC, SCAD, NYU, RISD, Harvard and CalArts.
SSN Insight: Ron Diamond is known for discovering breakout animation talent. His collection of animated shorts makes the rounds at all the big studios so it may be worth the wait. Be prepared to wait 6-8 hours in line for Hall H.
Comics Arts Conference Session #2: Geek Therapy: How Superheroes Empower All of Us
12:00pm - 1:00pm Room 26AB
Psychologist Patrick O'Connor (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; Comicspedia) and licensed psychotherapist Josué Cardona (Geek Therapy podcast) discuss geek culture, the psychology of superheroes, and the therapeutic value of comics. Laura Vecchiolla and Elizabeth Smith (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology) and licensed psychologists Frank Gaskill and Dave Verhaagen (Southeast Psych) join them to provide the ultimate expertise on the healing power of superheroes. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight) moderates.
SSN Insight: Superheroes work in all mediums. Learn why caped crusaders resonate with audiences and how you can instill some of that super power into your next project.
The Pitching Hour
12:00pm - 1:00pm Room 5AB
Jermaine Turner (director, current series, Disney TV Animation), Ted Biaselli (VP programming, The Hub Network), Jill Sanford (VP, Nickelodeon Animation Development), Derek Hoffman (VP, Donner Co.), Ivan Brandon (writer/publisher, Offset Comics), Charlie Chu (editor, Oni Press), Lindsay Rostal (game producer, The Odd Gentlemen), Jennie Kong (PR strategist), and moderator Dan Evans III (freelance writer, Stoopid Monkey), will take an idea from conception through production for various media. This process will include creating a pitch document, obtaining agents, and getting a pitch meeting. The panelists will explain, through hypothetical example and humorous stories, the process that new creators should adapt to make their way through the creative battleground of the entertainment industry. Knowing that each project is unique, there will be a Q&A to allow the audience to really hone in on the solutions to obstacles they may encounter. Also on hand will be Brendan McFeely (IP lawyer, Kane Kessler) to give creators insight on protecting their ideas as they navigate Hollywood!
Nick Re-Mix: It's Time to Go Behind the Slime!
2:00pm - 3:00pm Room 7AB
Nickelodeon brings together Craig Bartlett (creator, Hey Arnold!), Chris Viscardi and Will McRobb (creators, The Adventures of Pete and Pete), Jay Howell and Jim Dirschberger (creators, Sanjay and Craig), and Steve Borst and Gary Doodles (creators, Breadwinners) to offer an insider's look at the creative process behind some of our funniest, most endearing, and fan-favorite cartoons. These creators will discuss what inspired them and reveal what it's really like to bring a show to life at Nickelodeon. Plus get a sneak peek at Nickelodeon's new animates series Breadwinners. Moderated by Chris Hardwick.
SSN Insight: An in-depth look at the Nick development process can give insiders an idea on how to create successful animated show within the studio structure while keeping the creatives happy as well.
The Writer's Journey: Breaking into Hollywood and Comic Scriptwriting
2:00pm - 3:00pm Room 9
As we move from the Insight to Indies panel, we'll address the question every aspiring writer wants answered: "How do I break into the business?" If you are an unpublished writer with dreams of making it in the transmedia marketplace and you don't know how or where to begin, this is the panel for you. Hollywood screenwriters and graphic novel producers Brandon M. Easton (ThunderCats (2011), Transformers: Rescue Bots), Geoffrey Thorne (TNT's Leverage, Ben 10), Jonathan Callan (Ben 10, Generator Rex), veteran screenwriter Tony Puryear (the Schwarzenegger film Eraser), and actress/writer Erika Alexander (Maxine Shaw from Living Single and Concrete Park graphic novel from Dark Horse) share insider information, publishing secrets, and the professional realities on how to develop your ideas into a viable comics proposal. Topics include how to hire artists and build a strong contract, how to seek out a publisher, and how to navigate the tough new world of intellectual property management in the digital frontier.
Entertainment Weekly's The Visionaries
2:30pm - 3:30pm Hall H
From art house cinema to studio blockbuster, these uncompromising directors have electrified audiences with their virtuoso storytelling and breathtaking imagery. Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man 2, 500 Days of Summer), Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban), and Edgar Wright (The World's End, Shaun of the Dead) lead this master class on the art of filmmaking and a wide-ranging discussion about the future of film.
SSN Insight: Goes without saying this panel is always amazing, but be prepared to stand in line for 6-8 hours prior.
The Goon Kickstarter and Beyond with Eric Powell and Blur Studios
6:00pm - 7:00pm Room 9
Back in November, legions of fans rallied together to raise over $400,000 to put together a story reel for the David Fincher-produced feature film based on Eric Powell's hit comic book series The Goon! Now, Kickstarter supporters and Comic-Con attendees alike will have a chance to catch an exclusive glimpse of this work in progress! Creator Eric Powell, Blur Studios owner Tim Miller, and veteran visual effects guru Jeff Fowler present an update on this crowdfunded full-length motion picture.
SSN Insight: Learn how to launch and market a successful Kickstarter campaign and get a sneak peak at this long gestating but fan favorite project.
The Scoop at Simon and Schuster
7:00pm - 8:00pm Room 9
Get the inside word on Simon and Schuster’s upcoming books and the chance to win exclusive prizes! Lucille Rettino (vice president, director of marketing), Carolyn Swerdloff (marketing manager), Chrissy Noh (associate marketing director), Mara Anastas (vice president, deputy publisher), and Anna McKean (publicity manager) will give you the scoop on upcoming books from exciting authors, including Scott Westerfeld, Cassandra Clare, Orson Scott Card, Tony DiTerlizzi, and Brandon Mull. Hear what is going on with S&S’s hot properties and get a chance to win exclusive giveaways. All attendees will receive a limited edition T-shirt for the upcoming The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones movie.
Friday, July 19th
Drawing Stories: What's New in YA Graphic Novels
12:00pm - 1:00pm Room 25ABC
Vera Brosgol (Anya's Ghost), Gris Grimly (Frankenstein), Faith Erin Hicks (Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong), Hope Larson (Who is AC?), and Paul Pope (Battling Boy) - five of the hottest YA graphic novel creators in the industry-discuss their current books, what's involved in creating graphic novels for young adults, and why words and pictures go so well together in books for teens.
SSN Insight: As more and more YA graphic novels are ending up in development, this a useful panel to get a head start on the next Coraline.
Showrunners Documentary Film Panel: Showrunning: The Hardest Job in Entertainment?
2:00pm - 3:00pm Lyceum in Horton Plaza
Showrunners, a new documentary film that takes the audience behind the scenes, into the writers’ room and on set with candid interviews with 20 of today's top showrunners, presents an intimate discussion with the creators of your favorite TV shows! Tara DiLullo Bennett (Lost Encyclopedia, Fringe: Septembers Notebook) moderates a panel on the craft of running a television series with contributors featured in the documentary: Hart Hanson (Bones), Bill Prady (The Big Bang Theory), and Jane Espenson (Husbands, Once Upon A Time) plus others. The panel will also feature exclusive new footage from the film, which also includes Joss Whedon, J. J. Abrams, Ronald D. Moore, Damon Lindelof, and many more!
SSN Insight: Hear from the brains behind some of TV's biggest shows on what it takes to helm a successful show. Note this panel is off-site at Comic-Con’s newest satellite location, so take the trolley and add time to your schedule for travel.
Marvel: Cup O' Joe
3:15pm - 4:15pm Room 6BCF
Here is your chance to Q&A with Marvel's chief creative officer Joe Quesada, for this no-holds-barred exposé on everything Marvel. Got a question about a favorite hero? Want to hear groundbreaking news straight from the source? Need a rundown on breaking developments in Marvel comics, film, and TV? This panel is for you! Plus, don't miss out on the exciting developments in the biggest new series of the year, Guardians of the Galaxy! Featuring panelists editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, talent scout C. B. Cebulski, David Gabriel (SVP, print and digital publishing), writers Rick Remender (Uncanny Avengers) and Brian Michael Bendis (Guardians of the Galaxy), and some other Mighty Marvel guests!
SSN Insight: This panel is always a wild card as Quesada sometimes makes special announcements. Get a more up close first-hand look at what Marvel has in store and get info on their development projects.
Ask an Agent!
3:30pm - 4:30pm Room 8
Join film agent Brandy Rivers (Gersh Agency) and literary agents Michael Bourret (Dystel & Goderich Literary Management), Barry Goldblatt (Barry Goldblatt Literary), Sara Megibow (Nelson Literary Agency), Jane Putch (Eyebait Licensing & Literary Management), Kate Schafer Testerman (kt literary) and Pam van Hylckama Vlieg (Foreword Literary) for a Q&A session about the wild world of manuscript querying, the role of agents in the publication and film rights process, and more. No pitches, please.
SSN Insight: Usually behind the scenes, here the agents are front and center and open to answer any questions.
Dark Horse: Joss Whedon
6:15pm - 7:15pm Ballroom 20
Joss Whedon has rewarded fans the world over with some of the most compelling characters and plotlines in the history of comics, television, and movies. Here's your chance to find out what he has in store next, and get exclusive insight into Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Serenity, and much more!
SSN Insight: The epitome of Comic-Con panels. Be prepared to wait in line 5-6 hours prior to asking Whedon about his upcoming projects.
What's Up with Penguin!
7:00pm - 8:00pm Room 9
Anne Sowards (executive editor, Ace/Roc), Richard Johnson (InkLit), and Mia Garcia (young readers marketing) give you the dish on forthcoming books from our exciting authors and licensed properties, such as Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, S. M. Stirling, Rachel Caine, Richelle Mead, Melissa de la Cruz, D. J. MacHale, Marie Lu, Adventure Time, and many more. You can expect lots of giveaways you won't see anywhere else at the convention, including free advance reading copies!
SSN Insight: Get a sneak peak of what's next for the publisher.
Spike & Mike's Sick & Twisted Gauntlet of Animation
9:30pm - 11:30pm Room 6BCF
You, the lunatic fringe of society, vote on the new Sick & Twisted films, love or hate! See the craziest, most grossed-out, gut wrenching, bloodthirsty, sexy, and hilarious animated short films the world has to offer. Highlights include films from around the world: My Bloody Lad, Pool Cat, and more. Please note: adult content.
SSN Insight: Great for scouting out new animation talent.
Saturday, July 20th
Inside the Writer's Room: Earth's Mightiest TV Writers Assemble
11:30am - 12:30pm Room 24ABC
Meet the writers, producers, and executives who make genre entertainment what it is today, and get an incredible insider look from the scribes behind some of today's hottest genre shows as they share their candid thoughts on how to make the series we love (and sometimes loathe). Find out the highly classified secrets to getting TV shows made and how to break in and break out in today's highly competitive broadcast environment; the deep dark secrets (and low-calorie snacks) of the writer's room; and why network executives actually care about what you say on message boards. No canned speeches and press releases here; get the straight scoop from television's most talented and outspoken writers and producers, including Javier Grillo-Marxuach (The Middleman, Lost, Helix), Ashley E. Miller (Fringe, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Amy Berg (Eureka, TNT Geena Davis pilot), Steve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers: Prime), Gabrielle Stanton (Haven, The Vampire Chronicles, Arrow), Jose Molina (Firefly, Sleepy Hollow), Sarah Watson (Parenthood, The Middleman), Mark A. Altman (Femme Fatales, Castle), and surprise guests. Moderator Chris Parnell (senior VP, drama development, Sony Pictures Television) moderates.
Getting Your Audience into Your Main Character's Shoes with Chris Huntley
3:05pm - 4:05pm Marriott Hall 2, Marriott Marquis & Marina
Whether your main character is a hero, a villain, a sidekick, or a one-of-a-kind original, empathizing with a main character is essential if you want your audience to experience your story at a personal level. Even the meanest main character is sympathetic when you get inside his head. This workshop gives you several surefire, practical techniques to get your audience squarely involved in your main character's personal issues.
SSN Insight: Perfect place to get development ideas for any medium!
The Power of Geek: Superfandom and Why Brands, Media, and the World at Large Want In
4:00pm - 5:00pm Room 28DE
Not too long ago, the only attention paid to geeks seemed to come from bullies lying in wait after school. Today, we're living in the age of the nerd-do-well, and it's the geeks (guys and girls) who are driving significant trends across all forms of entertainment, steering pop culture and being courted by corporate America. How did this happen, why is it important, and what does it mean for the future? And will it last? Join Bonfire Agency, the first marketing firm created to help brands establish and deepen connections with the superfan community in relevant, meaningful ways, as they lead an A-list of pop culture pundits to explore, discuss, and inevitably argue about our collective moment in the sun. Panelists include publisher Ted Adams (IDW Publishing), writer/producer/comic creator Grace Randolph (host of Beyond the Trailer), entertainment marketer Francis Mao (senior director creative services, Capcom), author Rob Salkowitz (Comic Con and the Business of Pop Culture), and Bonfire founding partner Ed Catto. Moderated by Steve Rotterdam, former senior vice president of sales and marketing at DC Comics and founding partner of Bonfire Agency. Please note: a donation to the Hero Initiative will be made for every conventioneer who attends and stays for the duration of the panel.
SSN Insight: Useful panel for members in marketing and sales divisions to learn from other industry professionals.
Storytellers: Disney/ABC Knows Talent!
5:00pm - 6:00pm Room 30CDE
Along with Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm, Disney/ABC Television is home to some of the most creative storytellers in entertainment. Talent development executives and other panelists will share experiences and insight about the creative process and the necessary steps needed to break into television and land the job of your dreams. Discussion points include pitching and writing a compelling script, directing a solid episode of television, and the essentials of networking. Moderated by Ken Choy (Hyphen Magazine).
Sunday, July 21th
What's Behind the Door? Fiction That Thrills
1:00pm - 2:00pm Room 7AB
Whether the entity lurking behind the door is an evil spirit, a serial killer, an alien, an assassin, or the government, a great thriller will work you into a heightened state of apprehension, excitement, and breathlessness. Peek behind the doors with moderator Mary Elizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy and authors James Dashner (The Eye of Minds), Allen Zadoff (Boy Nobody), Ann Aguirre (Outpost), Kami Garcia (Unbreakable), Eve Silver (Rush), and Brandon Mull (The Beyonders), as they discuss the art of creating suspenseful, exciting, anxiety-inducing stories that keep readers up well into the night.
SSN Insight: Educational for thriller/horror/action writers as well as producers looking for a writer on their next project.
Today's Kids' Heroes...and Why They Don't Wear Capes
2:00pm - 3:00pm Room 32AB
An all-star panel of kids comics authors, game designers, illustrators, and educators discuss why today's heroes are often nerdy, quirky, flawed figures battling everyday challenges of social pressure and belonging, and have dropped the capes. Implications for developing the next superhero for aspiring writers, students, and educators will also be discussed. Panelists include Jennifer Holm (Babymouse, Squish), Jonathan Hamel (Tomb Raider), Scott Peterson (Batman: Gotham Adventures), Raina Telgemeier (Smile), Tim Travaglini (Open Road Media), Joe Kelly (I Kill Giants, Four Eyes, Man of Action Studios), Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!), and Talia Hurwich (Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth). Moderated by Meryl Jaffe (Using Content-Area Graphic Novels for Learning, Johns Hopkins University).
SSN Insight: Beneficial panel for screenwriters to find out how to craft superhero scripts for the family audience.
How to Create Your Own Novel: From the First Idea to Publishing, and What You Need to Sell Your Work to TV and Film
4:00pm - 5:00pm Room 32AB
America's youngest multiple-award-winning authors The Winner Twins will teach you how to create your own novel step by step, from building your universe to overcoming writer's block to the different paths to publishing. The teenage twins are national bestselling authors who have written four science fiction novels who have taught their unique creative writing method to hundreds of thousands of teachers and students across the country. Guest panelists Rob Prior (director, artist, and creator of the new series Red Brick Road [Warner Brothers] and director of No Turning Back) and Mitchell Gutman (professor at the New York Film Academy and producer at Certain Plays) will teach you how to create a film or TV treatment from your novel and how to pitch it.