files/pictures/picture-35.jpgEach year the Hollywood studios increase their presence at Comic-Con in San Diego. Below are some of the vfx and animation feature and shorts highlights.
Thursday, July 26
1:30-2:30 pm
Blade Runner and More -- Syd Mead will be on hand in person to recall his experiences while working on the motion picture BLADE RUNNER and to introduce his newest DVD release: VISUAL FUTURIST: THE ART & LIFE OF SYD MEAD. The DVD takes the viewer behind the scenes and beyond the images he created for this film as well as Tron, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, private 747s, games, yachts, cars, and a seemingly endless list of major design projects around the world. Syd looks forward to entertaining questions and providing his unique perspective on topics of design for the film industry. Joining him will be Paul M. Sammon, author of Future Noir: The making of BLADE RUNNER, the definitive book on its subject. Paul will add his own anecdotes about BR's creation while divulging new details about his brand-new Second Edition Future Noir, due for publication in late 2007. Room 6B
1:30-3:30 pm
Paramount Pictures -- Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, and Nickelodeon Movies present a bold new vision for the future of adventure. Be here for a one-of-a-kind presentation put together just for the fans at Comic-Con as you get a look at such highly anticipated films as BEOWULF, THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES, STARDUST, HOT ROD, IRON MAN, and the next installments of INDIANA JONES and STAR TREK, plus a few surprises. Appearing in person: JJ Abrams, Neil Gaiman, Roger Avary, and SNL's Andy Samberg. Hall H
3:45-5:15 pm
Lionsgate Special Preview Panel -- An exclusive behind the scenes look at Lionsgate's biggest upcoming releases: Peter Fonda (GHOST RIDER) AND Ben Foster (X-MEN: THE LAST STAND) discuss a modern take on the classic western with a special preview of 3:10 TO YUMA; Jessica Alba (FANTASTIC FOUR), Dane Cook (EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH), and director Mark Helfrich take you behind the comedy of GOOD LUCK CHUCK; horror master Clive Barker and the cast of MIDNIGHT MEAT TRAIN take you on a terror trip through hell; and director Darren Lynn Bousman (SAW II, SAW III), Tobin Bell (SAW I, II and III) and the filmmakers of SAW IV invite you to play a game in the cruel and deadly world of Jigsaw. Hall H
4:45-5:45 pm
Spotlight on George A. Romero -- George A. Romero (NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD) is the undisputed master of zombie genre films, and Max Brooks (WORLD WAR Z, ZOMBIE SURVIVAL GUIDE) has written the best-selling zombie novels. Join these two titans of the undead as Max sits down for a personal interview with George, talking about everything zombies. Room 6CDEF
6:00-7:00 pm
FANBOYS -- FANBOYS is an uproarious comedy that follows a group of young friends on a cross-country quest to break into Skywalker Ranch and see STAR WARS: EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE before it is released. FANBOYS is a Weinstein Company presentation being released in theaters by MGM on Jan. 18, 2008. Stars Dan Fogler (BALLS OF FURY), Chris Marquette (JOAN OF ARCADIA), and Kristen Bell (VERONICA MARS) join writer/director Kyle Newman and producers Matt Perniciaro and Dana Brunetti for a Q&A session. Room 6CDEF
Friday, July 27
10:30-11:30 am
Pixar Animation Studios' Short Films Collection: Volume 1 -- Join three of Disney-Pixar's most talented filmmakers, Ralph Eggelston, Oscar-winning director of FOR THE BIRDS, Andrew Jimenez, Oscar- nominated co-director of ONE MAN BAND, and Katherine Sarafian, producer of Pixar's newest animated Oscar-nominated short LIFTED, for a discussion about the Studio's acclaimed short films. Q&A session to follow. Room 6CDEF
10:30 am -12:30 pm Warner Bros. -- Warner Bros. presents a sneak peek at some of its upcoming major film releases.
* In the supernatural thriller ONE MISSED CALL, people receive terrifying cell phone messages of their own final fatal moments. Stars Edward Burns and Shannyn Sossamon will be on stage to introduce film footage and answer questions.
* In WHITEOUT, Kate Beckinsale stars as Carrie Stetko, the lone U.S. Marshal assigned to Antarctica, whose investigation of the continent's first murder draws her into a shocking mystery. Now, with only three days until winter, Carrie must solve the crime before Antarctica is plunged into darkness and she is stranded with the killer. Star Kate Beckinsale appears in-person.
* In the all-new action comedy GET SMART, Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) is on a mission to thwart the latest plot for world domination by the evil crime syndicate known as KAOS.
* Written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, WATCHMEN was originally published by DC comics as a 12-issue comic book series between 1986 and 1987, before subsequently being collected into a trade paperback. It is the only graphic novel to win the prestigious Hugo Award or to be named among Time magazine's "100 Best English Language Novels from 1923 to the Present." Director Zack Snyder will appear in-person to discuss the upcoming film and answer questions. Hall H
12:15-1:15 pm
STARGATE SG-1: THE MOVIE -- It's been barely a month since television's longest-running sci-fi series aired its final episode, yet the SG-1 team is already embarking on a perilous new mission--to recover the Ark of Truth with the hopes that the power locked inside the ancient artifact will loosen the grip of the Ori army on our galaxy. Never- before-seen footage from the new direct-to-video movie (from Fox Home Ent.) will be followed by a Q&A session. Participants include SG-1 stars Ben Browder (as Cameron Mitchell), Amanda Tapping (as Samantha Carter), Michael Shanks (as Daniel Jackson), Christopher Judge (as Teal'c) and exec producer/director Robert Cooper. Ballroom 20
1:00-2:00 pm
Joel Silver: RETURN TO HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL and MOONLIGHT -- Acclaimed producer Joel Silver and Spanish director Victor Garcia (EL CICLO, 30 DAYS OF NIGHT Internet prequel series) take you back to the infamous Hill House with Return to House on Haunted Hill, out on DVD Oct. 16. MOONLIGHT is a new series from Joel Silver and the producers of ANGEL and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. It stars Alex O'Loughlin (THE SHIELD) as Mick St. John, a Los Angeles private eye with a dark secret: he's a vampire. Room 6A
2:15-3:00 pm
New Line Cinema: SHOOT 'EM UP -- A gritty, fast-paced action thriller, SHOOT 'EM UP kicks into high gear with a memorable opening scene and never relents. New Line Cinema will show exclusive footage from SHOOT 'EM UP, and star Clive Owen, along with director Michael Davis, will be there to discuss the film! Also included in the presentation will be a special preview of New Line Cinema's upcoming films, including THE GOLDEN COMPASS. Hall H
2:30-4:00 pm
Dimension Films: HALLOWEEN and THE MIST -- Join acclaimed musician and filmmaker Rob Zombie (THE DEVIL'S REJECTS, HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES) and several cast members in a special preview of Zombie's entirely new take on the highly successful and terrifying Halloween legacy that began in 1978. While revealing a new chapter in the established Michael Myers saga, the film will surprise both classic and modern horror fans with a departure from prior films in the Halloween franchise. Brace yourself for unprecedented fear as Zombie turns back time to uncover the making of a pathologically disturbed, even cursed child named Michael Myers. Halloween comes early this year--opening everywhere on August 31, 2007.
Writer/director and three-time Oscar nominee Frank Darabont, along with actor Thomas Jane (THE PUNISHER) and special guests, presents a sneak preview of THE MIST. Based on the Stephen King novella, this highly anticipated film will hit theatres on November 21, 2007. After a violent storm attacks a town in Maine, an approaching cloud of mist appears the next morning. As the mist quickly envelops the area, a group of people get trapped in a local grocery store. The people soon discover that within the mist lives numerous species of horrific, unworldly creatures that entered through an interdimensional rift, which may or may not have been caused by a nearby military base. Ballroom 20
3:15-4:45 pm
Warner Bros. Home Video: 300 and BLADE RUNNER Final Cut -- First up, 300 creator Frank Miller, director Zack Snyder, stars including Lena Headey and David Wenham, producers Mark Canton and Gianni Nunnari, and other special guests are on hand to discuss the groundbreaking film and its highly anticipated July 31 DVD release. Be the first to see a clip not included in the theatrical release! Then it's the 25th Anniversary BLADE RUNNER "Final Cut." Director Ridley Scott (Alien, Gladiator, Hannibal) has created a new, definitive version of this landmark film, with scenes and special effects that have never been shown before. Catch this first preview of the new version by the legendary director of the final, authoritative. and best presentation of one of the most acclaimed science fiction films of the 20th century. This presentation will feature unseen clips from the new cut as well as a look behind the scenes that will be featured on the upcoming DVD box set. The panel includes Ridley Scott, Sean Young, Joanna Cassidy, Joe Turkel, James Hong, Syd Mead (designer/futurist), Mark Stetson (FX) and DVD producer Charles de Lauzirika. Hall H
5:00-6:00 pm
STAR WARS at 30 Years with Steve Sansweet -- This summer marks the 30th anniversary of the STAR WARS saga, and its indelible influence on popular culture. We've got 30 years of great memories thanks to the galaxy far, far away, but there are also great things to come, too. Join Lucasfilm's Steve Sansweet for a little STAR WARS nostalgia, a review of the 30th anniversary year so far, and a look at what's new and what's coming for STAR WARS. Hall H
Saturday, July 28
10:45 am - 12:00 pm
THE SIMPSONS -- Having just aired its 400th episode, THE SIMPSONS has now released its first feature film. Join members of the team responsible for both and find out how they did it, including Matt Groening (creator/exec producer), Al Jean (executive producer/head writer), David Mirkin (former exec producer), Matt Selman (exec producer), Michael Price (co-exec producer), David Silverman (director of THE SIMPSONS MOVIE), Don Payne (consulting producer), and Yeardley Smith (voice of Lisa Simpson). Moderated by Bill Morrison. Hall H
12:15-2:00 pm
Rogue/Focus Studios -- Rogue Pictures invites you to preview a few of their upcoming releases, including BALLS OF FURY (with appearances by Robert Ben Garant, Tom Lennon and Dan Fogler), THE STRANGERS (with appearances by Liv Tyler, Scott Speedman and writer/director Bryan Bertino), and DOOMSDAY (with appearances by Rhona Mitra and Neil Marshall), plus other surprise appearances and announcements! Hall H
2:15-4:00 pm
Disney -- Disney and Disney-Pixar showcase two upcoming films with this exclusive Comic- Con presentation!
* THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN -- Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media present never-before-seen footage and a Q&A panel with the filmmakers of the second installment of the epic fantasy adventure series! Be sure to collect the exclusive PRINCE CASPIAN Comic-Con poster, designed by fans on Narnia.com, and selected by director Andrew Adamson!
* WALL*E -- From Academy Award-winning director Andrew Stanton (FINDING NEMO), WALL*E is the story of one robot's comic adventures as he chases his dream across the galaxy. Meet director Andrew Stanton and sound designer Ben Burtt (STAR WARS) as they present a first look at Disney*Pixar's next animated adventure. Hall H
4:15-5:00 pm
Marvel Studios -- Marvel Studios proudly presents its Summer 2008 blockbuster lineup. First up, in association with Universal Pictures, comes Marvel's exciting new take on superhero icon THE INCREDIBLE HULK. Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt, director Louis Leterrier and producers Avi Arad, Gale Anne Hurd and Kevin Feige will be on hand to discuss. Next up, in association with Paramount Pictures, Marvel is proud to present the big screen debut of legendary Marvel hero IRON MAN. Director Jon Favreau, producers Avi Arad, Kevin Feige, and Tony Stark himself, Robert Downey Jr., are proud to unveil exclusive, never before seen footage from the film. Don't miss this sneak peak at two of comics' biggest superheroes that is sure to be full of surprises. Hall H
5:30-7:00 pm
Columbia/Screen Gems -- This panel showcases three great new films from Screen Gems and Columbia!
First up, it's zombie action at it's finest with RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION. See the world premiere of the new trailer and meet the stars of this third and final installment of the RESIDENT EVIL saga, based on the wildly popular video game series. Alice (Milla Jovovich), now in hiding in the Nevada desert, once again joins forces with Carlos Olivera (Oded Fehr) and L. J. (Mike Epps), along with new survivors, including Claire Redfield (Ali Larter). On stage in person to take your questions will be Milla Jovovich, in her first ever Comic-con appearance, along with co-star Ali Larter, and creature FX legend Patrick Tatopoulos. Resident Evil: Extinction is in theaters everywhere Sept. 21.
30 DAYS OF NIGHT -- Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith's vampire noir epic horror/thriller reaches the big screen under the banner of Sam Raimi's Ghost House Pictures. On hand to show clips and answer questions will be director David Slade, producer Sam Raimi, creators Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith, and stars Josh Hartnett (SIN CITY) and Danny Huston (CHILDREN OF MEN).
SUPERBAD -- Producer Judd Apatow follows his hit comedy Knocked Up with this highly anticipated look at the lives of several misfit guys on the eternal quest to find the right girl and prove that they're not just bad, they're Superbad. Apatow discusses the outrageous comedy audiences have come to expect from him. Joining Apatow will be his Superbad entourage, including Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, director Greg Mottola, screenwriter and star Seth Rogen, screenwriter Evan Goldberg, producer Shauna Robertson, and possibly even Bill Hader, if he will only listen to reason. Hall H
Sunday, July 29
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
RIGHT AT YOUR DOOR and DRAGON WARS --Two great new films are showcased in this panel, coming soon to a theatre near you.
In RIGHT AT YOUR DOOR, multiple dirty bombs are detonated, spreading deadly toxic ash across Los Angeles. Brad (Rory Cochrane) and his wife, Lexi (Mary McCormack) struggle to survive. When "help" finally does arrive, it appears to be anything but. Appearing in person: writer/director Chris Gorak, producers Jonah Smith and Palmer West (A SCANNER DARKLY, WAKING LIFE, REQUIEM FOR A DREAM), and stars Rory Cochrane (DAZED & CONFUSED, CSI: MIAMI) and Mary McCormack (THE WEST WING, HOWARD STERN'S PRIVATE PARTS). In theaters Aug. 24, from Roadside Attractions.
Next up it's DRAGON WARS (aka D-WAR)! Dragon-like creatures from an ancient legend appear in Los Angeles and terrorize the city in search of a mysterious girl. A TV reporter investigating the incidents uncovers a piece of debris that directly links him to his destiny as an ancient warrior who was reborn to protect this unknown girl from the evil dragons and save the city from total destruction. Based on a Korean legend and directed by Korean superstar Hyung-rae Shim. Appearing in person: Jason Behr (ROSWELL, THE GRUDGE), Amanda Brooks, Robert Forster (JACKIE BROWN, MULHOLLAND DRIVE) and Craig Robinson (THE OFFICE). In theaters Sept. 21 from Freestyle Releasing. Ballroom 20
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www.comic-con.org .
