As every year at Comic-Con, the event hosts a bevy of big animation and visual effects feature related panels. Below is a list of this years highlights.
Thursday, July 14:12:00-1:00 pm: CFQ Summer Movie Preview The editors of CINEFANTASTIQUE/CFQ magazine present a preview of the summer's biggest films with insider anecdotes and trailers from the hottest upcoming genre films, along with coming attractions from CFQ Filmss new movies; ROOM 6 with Jerry O'Connell and Christine Taylor and THE DARKROOM with Lucy Lawless and Greg Grunberg (ALIAS). No publicists here, just the straight skinny from fans for fans. Room 6B 2005.
12:30-1:30 pm: THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI: 2005 Sneak Peek Get an exclusive first look of this new indie remake and be reminded of why the original gothic masterpiece has inspired legions of filmmakers from Tim Burton to Francis Ford Coppola. Join visionary writer/director David Fisher as he gives us a glimpse into this new, re-imagined version of DR. CALIGARI and his fortunetelling sleepwalker played by Doug Jones (HELLBOY, DOOM). This special hour includes details on the green-screen production process and of how modern-day actors were digitally placed within the twisted sets from the original 1919 film. Be the first to see footage with sound and dialogue. David is joined by Highlander Films ceo/producer Leonard McLeod, plus several of the films stars. Room 3.
1:30-2:30 pm: Philip K. Dicks A SCANNER DARKLY: The Movie Like a graphic novel come to life, A SCANNER DARKLY, based on the science fiction novel by author Philip K. Dick, will use live-action photography overlaid with an advanced animation process (interpolated rotoscoping) to create a haunting, highly stylized vision of the future. The technology, first used in Richard Linklaters 2001 film WAKING LIFE, has evolved to produce even more emotional impact and detail. Appearing in person to present a look and discuss the creative process of this groundbreaking film will be producer Tommy Pallotta and lead animators Sterling Allen, Evan Cagle, Nick Derington, and Christopher Jennings. Also on the panel, in order to answer the question: Do Androids Dream of Being Phil Dick? will be Philip K. Dick in android form! Come and see for yourselfhe'll even answer your questions! Written for the screen and directed by Richard Linklater, the film stars Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson, Winona Ryder, and Rory Cochrane and will be released by Warner Independent pictures in 2006. Room 6CDEF.
4:30-5:30 pm: A Conversation with David Cronenberg Director David Cronenberg will appear to discuss his upcoming thriller A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE, along with writer Josh Olson. Plus, a special sneak peak at A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE footage. An autograph session with Cronenberg will follow in the Autograph Area in the Sails Pavilion. Room 6CDEF.
5:30-7:00 pm: CONSTANTINE: From Comic to FilmWarner Home Video hosts key Constantine film and comics luminaries for a special presentation and discussion. The panel features actress Rachel Weisz (MUMMY series), film director Francis Lawrence, VERTIGO editor Karen Berger, comics writer Brian Azzarello (100 BULLETS), and artist Tim Bradstreet (PUNISHER). Moderator Jeff Conner interrogates the participants and raffles off signed movie memorabilia and prerelease DVDs. Room 6B.
9:00-11:00 pm: Special Film Screening: THE PERFECT CRIME (EL CRIMEN PERFECTO), with a special introduction by Comic-Con Special Guest Bruce CampbellThe most seductive salesperson of a big department store accidentally kills his boss. The sole witness of the crime is a co-worker, who seizes the opportunity to blackmail him. Directed by Álex de la Iglesia. From Spain, with English subtitles. (Also known as FERPECT CRIME, in an homage to Asterix and Obelix: in ASTERIX AND THE LAUREL WREATH, when Obelix gets drunk and continuously says "ferpect.") Adult situations. Room 6B.
10:00-12:30 pm: FREE ENTERPRISE: The Special EditionBe one of the first to see the new Free Enterprise: The Special Edition featuring over ten minutes of new scenes and special effects. FREE ENTERPRISE is the critically acclaimed genre fave starring Eric McCormack and Rafer Weigel as two die-hard sci-fi fans who meet their idol, William Shatner, and discover he's more screwed up than they are. The new deluxe two DVD Five Year Mission Special Extended Edition will be out this fall from Anchor Bay Ent., but you can be among the first to see the new version and participate in a Q&A session following the movie with director/co-writer Robert Meyer Burnett, co-writer/producer Mark A. Altman, and producer Mark Gottwald. Room 6CDEF.
Friday, July 15: 11:00 am -1:00 pm: Warner Bros. Presents This giant-size presentation includes four great new films coming soon from Warner Bros.:
V FOR VENDETTABased on the ground breaking graphic novel, V for Vendetta stars Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman, is directed by John McTeigue, and produced by Joel Silver with Larry and Andy Wachowski from their screenplay. Appearing in person at this event will be Natalie Portman, Joel Silver and original graphic novel co-creator David Lloyd.
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE In the fourth film adaptation of J. K. Rowlings popular HARRY POTTER novel series, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) must contend with being mysteriously selected to compete in the prestigious Triwizard Tournament, a thrilling international competition that pits him against older and more experienced students from Hogwarts and two rival European wizarding schools. Get an exclusive look at this pivotal adventure in Harry Potter's life.
TIM BURTONS CORPSE BRIDECarrying on in the dark, romantic tradition of Tim Burtons classic films EDWARD SCISSORHANDS and THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, TIM BURTONS CORPSE BRIDE is set in a 19th-century European village. This stop-motion animated feature follows the story of Victor (voiced by Johnny Depp), a young man who is whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious Corpse Bride (voiced by Helena Bonham-Carter) while his real bride, Victoria (voiced by Emily Watson), waits bereft in the land of the living. Its a tale of optimism, romance, and a very lively afterlife, told in classic Tim Burton style. Appearing in person to show a never-before-seen look at this remarkable film will be producer Allison Abbate and co-director Mike Johnson.
THE FOUNTAIN Info TBA. Hall H.
12:00-1:00 pm: HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 Get the inside scoop on Lions Gate Films bloody zombie thriller, HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 based on the hit videogame from Sega. With a completely new creative team and cast, this eagerly anticipated installment in the HOUSE OF THE DEAD saga stars Sid Haig as Professor Curien and lots of bloodthirsty zombies. Be on hand for the unveiling of the film's new trailer as well as exclusive clips, along with director Mike Hurst, writer/producer Mark A. Altman, and stars Ed Quinn (STARSHIP TROOPERS 2), Emanuelle Vaugier (SMALLVILLE, SAW 2), Ellie Cornell ç Mircea Mornoe (ALL SOULS DAY), Cam Powell, and director of photography Raymond Stella (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER). Room 6CDEF.
12:00-1:30 pm: Ringers: Lord of the Fans Reclaim the Ring and meet the creators of Ringers: Lord of the Fans atthis exclusive event. A sensation at film festivals around the world, RINGERS is an award-winning, soon-to-be released feature documentary exploring how THE LORD OF THE RINGS has influenced Western pop culture for over 50 years. See the new RINGERS trailer and special clips shown exclusively at Comic-Con. The release date will be announced, along with revealing stories in the filmmakers' own words of how Dominic Monaghan (LORD OF THE RINGS, LOST) came on board as narrator, while they traveled the world documenting all things LOTR. Enjoy extended audience discussion with executive producer Tom DeSanto (X-MEN and TRANSFORMERS), writer/producer/director Carlene Cordova (Sony Pictures Digital Ent.), and writer/producer Cliff Broadway (TheOneRing.net author). Room 20.
2:30-4:00 pm: Spotlight on Ray Harryhausen (and all things King Kong) Legendary visual effects artist Ray Harryhausen discusses his career with Mark Cotta Vaz, author of the upcoming Merian C. Cooper biography, LIVING DANGEROUSLY: THE ADVENTURES OF MERIAN C. COOPER; Joe DeVito, creator/illustrator of KONG: KING OF SKULL ISLAND and co-author with Brad Strickland of MERIAN C. COOPERS KING KONG; and Brad Strickland, SF/fantasy. Moderated by writer-producer-director Arnold Kunert, whose DVD, RAY HARRYHAUSEN: THE EARLY YEARS COLLECTION, is now availabl efrom Sparkhill Prods. Room 6CDEF.
3:00-4:30 Disney Coming Attractions: CHICKEN LITTLE, SKY HIGH, and Pixars TOY STORY 10th Anniversary and CARS Moderated by animation expert and author Jerry Beck, Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios celebrate the 10th anniversary of the groundbreaking release of TOY STORY with a special panel featuring Pixar veterans Pete Docter, Joe Ranft and Academy Awardwinner Gary Rydstrom. The presentation showcases discussion of the film along with a preview of clips from the upcoming specialedition DVD release. Added bonus: a Comic-Con exclusive peek at the Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film, CARS, directed by Academy Awardwinner John Lasseter (TOY STORY, A BUG'S LIFE), releasing June 9, 2006. Disney Feature Animation presents an exclusive look at its first in-house computer-animated feature, CHICKEN LITTLE, with director Mark Dindal (THE EMPERORS NEW GROOVE) and producer Randy Fullmer on hand to discuss it. Also, from Disneys live-action adventure comedy SKY HIGH, meet star Bruce Campell, director Mike Mitchell, and screenwriter Paul Hernandez. Hall H.
4:30-5:30 pm: Lions Gate Films: The Past, Present, and Future of Horror Lions Gate Films has solidified itself in the pantheon of horror with recent classics such as THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, OPEN WATER and SAW. Join Lions Gate and the producers of SAW for a special look at upcoming classics, including exclusive footage from the first WWE horror movie starring Kane and an exclusive premiere of the theatrical teaser trailer for SAW 2. Room 6A.
4:45-6:15 pm: Lucasfilm Presents: STAR WARS Spectacular It just wouldnt be Comic-Con International without hearing the latest on Lucasfilm and STAR WARS from Steve Sansweet, the companys head of Fan Relations. Sansweet will cap STAR WARS Day with peeks and previews into whats on the horizon. Theres a lot more STAR WARS on the way, and the record-breaking release of REVENGE OF THE SITH is just the start of a new chapter for the worlds favorite space saga. Sansweet will show that Lucasfilm means it when it says, STAR WARS is Forever. Hall H.
5:30-6:30 pm: Fox Presents: THE INSIDE THE INSIDE explores the dark intricacies of FBI investigative work, as well as the personal sacrifices required of Rebecca Locke (Rachel Nichols, THE AMITYVILLE HORROR, DUMB AND DUMBERER) and her Violent Crimes Unit teammates as they move from one gruesome serial crime to the next. Rounding out the team are Danny Love (Adam Baldwin, SERENITY, FIREFLY), Paul Ryan (Jay Harrington, SUMMERLAND), Melody Sim (Katie Finneran, WONDERFALLS), Carter Howard (Nelsan Ellis), and Virgil Web Webster (Peter Coyote, THE 4400, E.T.) as head of this rogue FBI division. The cast is joined by creator/writer/director Tim Minear (WONDERFALLS, FIREFLY, X-FILES), Howard Gordon (24), Jane Espenson (TRUCALLING, BUFFY), David Fury (LOST, ANGEL, BUFFY), and Craig Silverstein (THE DEAD ZONE) for a Q&A session. Room 6A.
6:00-7:00 pm: DISASTER! Coming soon to a theatre near you: DISASTER!, a stop-motion animated spoof of Hollywood blockbuster movies. Director Roy T. Wood (CELEBRITY DEATHMATCH), writing team Paul Benson (X-MEN UNLIMITED) and Matt Sullivan (THE GOD AND DEVIL SHOW), character fabricator Morgan Hay, and producer Yitzhak Ginsberg (100 GIRLS, MONSTER MAN) of Dream Ent. Inc will give you an insiders look into how an independent, self-financed stop-motion movie has been made against all odds and why the famed Motley Crüe are taking part in it. Moderated by Ryan Ball, ANIMATION MAGAZINE. Room 3.
7:00-11:00 pm: The Jim Henson Companys 50th Anniversary: LABYRINTH and THE DARK CRYSTAL The Jim Henson Company continues its 50th anniversary celebration with screenings of Jim Hensons classic fantasy features, LABYRINTH and THE DARK CRYSTAL, with a special introduction by co-ceo and performer Brian Henson. Room 6B.
Saturday, July 16:10:30-11:30 am: Warner Bros. Presents: SUPERMAN RETURNS Following a mysterious absence of several years, the Man of Steel comes back to Earth in the epic action-adventure SUPERMAN RETURNS, a soaring new chapter in the saga of one of the worlds most beloved superheroes. While an old enemy plots to render him powerless once and for all, Superman faces the heartbreaking realization that the woman he loves, Lois Lane, has moved on with her life. Or has she? Directed by Bryan Singer (X2: X-MEN UNITED, X-MEN, THE USUAL SUSPECTS), SUPERMAN RETURNS stars newcomer Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth (Beyond the Sea, Blue Crush), James Marsden (X2: X-MEN UNITED, THE NOTEBOOK), and Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey (BEYOND THE SEA, AMERICAN BEAUTY, THE USUAL SUSPECTS). Longtime comics fan and Comic-Con favorite Bryan Singer will becoming directly from the Superman Returns set in Australia to show something prepared especially for Comic-Con and answer your questions. Hall H.
11:45 am -12:45 pm: Paramount Pictures Presents: AEON FLUX and WAR OF THE WORLDS Charlize Theron, who breathes life into the title character of MTVs cutting edge animated series AEON FLUX in Paramount Pictures live-action sci-fi thriller, comes to Comic-Con for the first time to greet fans and participate in a Q&A, along with co-stars and filmmakers. The panel will also feature Peter Chung, creator of the original animated series. Also during the hour, Pablo Helman, visual effects supervisor of WAR OF THE WORLDS, will discuss working with Dennis Muren and Steven Spielberg to make H. G.Wellss Tripods come to life. And take some AEON FLUX home at the Paramount booth #4329 on the Exhibit Hall floor. Hall H.
1:00-2:00 pm: Kevin SmithHes baaaaaack! After a year off from Comic-Con, Kevin Smith makes his triumphant return, for the first time ever in the massive 6,500 seat Hall H arena! Plus, Richard Kelly (writer/director of DONNIE DARKO) will appear and will speak with Kevin. Richard will give a special presentation that will include his forthcoming movie and multi-media project. Hall H.
2:15-3:15 pm: Universal Presents SERENITY and SLITHER Fan favorite creator Joss Whedon and cast members of Serenity return to Comic-Con a year later to show us how it all worked out! Join Joss, along with actors Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin, Summer Glau, Gina Torres, Sean Maher, Ron Glass, and Jewel Staite and exec producer Chris Buchanan. Ask questions, see scenes from the upcoming movie (to be released Sept. 30), and enjoy the company! Plus, get a sneak peek at SLITHER! A small town is taken over by an alien plague, turning residents into zombies and all forms of mutant monsters. Featuring, in person writer/director James Gunn and cast members Elizabeth Banks, Michael Rooker, Gregg Henry, and Nathan Fillion. Hall H.
2:30-3:30 pm: Rob Zombie: THE DEVILS REJECTS Lions Gate Films presents a special look at one of most highly anticipated genre films of the year. Stars Rob Zombie, Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, Sheri Moon Zombie, Ken Foree, Matthew McGrory, Leslie Easterbrook and William Forsythe will be on hand to debut an exclusive clip from the film and recount what it was like to film the continuing misadventures of the Firefly Family from HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES. Room 6CDEF.
3:00-4:30 pm: Ray Bradbury, Ray Harryhausen, and Forrest J. Ackerman If you see only one program today, make it this reunion of world famous author Ray Bradbury, legendary visual effects artist Ray Harryhausen, and editor/film historian/archivist Forrest J. Ackerman. Also on hand will be Sam Weller, author of the Ray Bradbury biography, THE BRADBURY CHRONICLES. You can expect a lively discussion of fantasy, science fiction, and horror and most important, friendship, in all of their various forms. Room 20.
3:30-5:00 pm: Sony PresentsAn incredible event featuring 3 upcoming new films.
UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman reprise their roles as Selene, the beautiful vampire heroine, and Michael, the lycan (werewolf) hybrid, in this fast-paced, modern day tale of deadly action, ruthless intrigue, and forbidden love. The film traces the beginnings of the ancient feud between the aristocratic Death Dealers and the barbaric Lycans and takes them into the battle to end all wars as the immortals must finally face their retribution. Join Kate and Scott, director Len Wiseman, and production designer and acclaimed special effects artist Patrick Tatopoulos for a special sneak peek at this eagerly awaited second chapter in the UNDERWORLD saga. UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION opens January 20, 2006.
GHOST RIDER In GHOST RIDER, Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle stunt rider, makes a deal with the devil in order to save his father's life, only to become possessed by his demonic alter ego, Ghost Rider. As he struggles against his new persona, he must save his girlfriend and engage in a mortal battle with Mephistopheles. GHOST RIDER stars Nicolas Cage, Wes Bentley, Eva Mendes, Sam Elliott, and Peter Fonda. Join us for a first look at GHOST RIDER with director Mark Steven Johnson, star Eva Mendes and Marvel's own Avi Arad in person.
THE FOG In Revolution Studio's horror/thriller THE FOG there really is something out there in the dark. 100 years ago, in a thick, eerie fog off the rocky coast of Northern California, a horrible shipwreck occurred under mysterious circumstances. Now, shrouded in darkness, the ghosts of the long dead sailors have returned from their watery graves to exact their bloody, merciless revenge. Based on John Carpenter's classic 1980 film, director Rupert Wainwright (STIGMATA, WOLF LAKE) has been handed the reins by the master himself. THE FOG stars Tom Welling (SMALLVILLE), Maggie Grace (LOST) and Selma Blair. Appearing in person will be Rupert Wainwright and Maggie Grace. Hall H.
5:15-6:15 pm: Universal Presents: KING KONG in Hall H, info TBA.
6:30-7:00 pm: New Line Cinema Presents: Tenacious D Its true! Theyre really here! An absolutely LIVE set by Tenacious D, comedians/musicians Jack Black and Kyle Gass. Its the Greatest Band on Earth, soon to drop the Greatest Rock Movie on Earth, TENACIOUS D IN THE PICK OF DESTINY. Hall H
7:00-10:00 pm: COMIC BOOK: THE MOVIE See the movie that every comicbook fan is talking about: COMIC BOOK: THE MOVIE. Mark Hamill made his directorial debut and stars in this award-winning film (DVD Exclusive Award for Best Live-Action DVD Premier Movie). This madcap adventure to save the beloved Captain Courage comic from the evil clutches of Timely Studios also stars legendary comic voice actors Billy West, Daran Norris, Roger Rose, Jess Harnell and Donna D'Errico. Cameo appearances by Mr. PLAYBOY Hugh Hefner, sci-fi siren Chase Masterson, director extraordinaire Kevin Smith, and legendary comic Sid Caesar round out this all-star cast. Creative Light Entertainments own Scott Zakarin (exec producer of CBTM) will host the free screening and will be able to answer all your questions about this hilarious pop cult movie. (Who knows? Maybe there will be some unexpected surprises!) And even though CBTM was filmed at Comic-Con, this is the first time the entire film has been screened there. Room 6CDEF.
Sunday, July 17:10:30-11:00 am: Trailer Park Its a Comic-Con tradition! The newest and best of all the trailers for movies coming soon to a theatre near you. Its the perfect way to start off the big movie events in Hall H on Sunday. Dont miss it! Hall H.
11:00-11:30 pm: Rogue Pictures Presents CRY WOLF Nobody believes a liar, even when they're telling the truth. Meet the stars and filmmakers of the new thriller CRY WOLF: Julian Morris, Lindy Booth, Sandra McCoy, Kristy Wu, Jeff Wadlow and Beau Bauman. Catch exciting footage from the new film and look for the tell-tale signs of The Wolf all convention long. Log on to www.thewolfiswatching.com for clues. In theatres everywhere September 23. Hall H.
11:30 am - 12:30 pm: Universal: DOOM Based on the top-selling legendary Id Software videogame that changed everything, this eagerly awaited film has it all: hardcore science fiction, intense action, amazing weaponry, and lots of terrifying creatures. Featuring in person actors The Rock and Karl Urban (LORD OF THE RINGS), producers Lorenzo DiBoneventura and JohnWells, special effects supervisor Jon Farhat, and Id Software's Todd Hollenshead. Hall H.
12:30-1:30 pm: Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media present THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE Journey through the wardrobe and into the extraordinary world of Narnia for a revealing look at Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Medias spectacular new film based on the C. S. Lewis classic. Enter the magical land inhabited by talking beasts, dwarfs, fauns, centaurs and giants that has been cursed to eternal winter by the evil White Witch, Jadis. And meet the noble and mystical ruler, the lion Aslan, who holds the key to helping four siblings free Narnia from Jadis icy spell forever. Perry Moore moderates. Director Andrew Adamson (SHREK, SHREK 2) will be joined by some of the key filmmaking talents for a behind-the-scenes excursion into one of the most highly anticipated fantasy-adventures of all-time, including Oscar winning producer Mark Johnson, 4-time Academy Award-winning effects wizard Richard Taylor, special make-up effects man Howard Berger, and CGI animation visual effects supervisor Dean Wright (THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy). Hall H.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
