Ever wonder how the really good books suck readers in and hold their attention page after page? It's not the characters, nor the plot of the book. It is the way in which the author writes that separates his or her story from the pack. Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake will use current examples to help you gain insight into how to put your story together in a compelling way that will keep your readers turning the pages to see what happens next.
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 2
"I just don't know what to do!" say many librarians and other educators who don't have graphic novel/comic book-themed programs. Greg Evans (Luann), Joe Field (Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff), and Hillary W. Chang (McCully-Moiliili Public Library) discuss the process to accomplish such programs as an artist speaking tour, Free Comic Book Day, and even a Library Con.
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 23ABC
Have a passion for the inner workings of the comics industry? Curious about breaking into the field as a writer or artist? Marvel professionals from every corner of the business give insider tips, advice, and first-hand accounts of what it takes to start a career in comics today. Panelists include editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, talent scout C. B. Cebulski, and a slew of Marvel talent!
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 7AB
Jeff VanderMeer (award-winning author of Wonderbook) and Lev Grossman (novelist and journalist for TIME magazine, as well as contributor to Wonderbook), Charles Yu (novelist and contributor to Wonderbook), and Anina Bennett and Paul Guinan (authors of the science fiction comic Heartbreakers, as well as the books Boilerplate: History's Mechanical Marvel) partake in a discussion led by Ann VanderMeer about the creative process and "sense of wonder" that is key to the writing process, in the context of the participants' current works as well as the innovative visuals in the Hugo Award-nominated Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction.
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 25ABC
Career at a dead-end? Not sure how to make your talents known? Our panelists are veteran Web series producers, directors, and stars who’ve figured out how to successfully launch their own online series and parlay them into moneymaking ventures. They’re doling out tips on producing, content creation, crowdsourcing funds and luring advertisers, marketing and branding and—when TV comes calling—negotiating the transition so you retain ownership. Panelists include producer/director/actor Satu Runa (Queen Gorya), producer/actor/crowdfunding queen Leah Cevoli (FanBacked), producer/director/writer/actor Freddie Wong (Video Game High School), master weaponsmaker Tony Swatton (Man At Arms), and YouTube programming strategist Nathan Kitada. Moderated by Fast Company'sSusan Karlin.
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 24ABC
Ideas, characters, plots, designs, stories, paintings, photos, titles, names, logos, brands-it's enough to drive one crazy if you don't know your copyright from your trademark from your trade secret. But never fear-help is only a 90-minute program away. Noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, offers the first of three fun and informative programs, which taken together are designed to provide you with a basic foundation in intellectual property law and related areas, including securing and enforcing your rights, contracts and licensing, fair use, parody, social media and much more. This first installment focuses on "The Basics" in an effort to provide a foundation for understanding the different intellectual property rights available to creators and business owners and teach ways to protect those rights, focusing on how best to safeguard ideas, inventions, works of authorship, characters, brands and names, from conception through publication and beyond. Attendees are invited to participate in an interactive discussion about basic rights provided under U.S. copyright and trademark laws, including their intersection with new media, as well as new decisions and changes in the law and how they could affect those rights (and if time permits, he'll touch on issues of joint authorship, fair use, parody and/or piracy). Along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections available, as well as the numerous potential pitfalls, under the U.S. trademark and copyright systems. Please note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Have you heard of the CCC? The Comic Creator Connection is the original "speed-dating" event that introduces writers and artists who are struggling to find their creative counterparts and is featured exclusively at the Comic-Con International family of conventions. This All-Star panel spotlights newly published teams who first met at a Comic Creator Connection event. CCC Hosts Douglas Neff and Corey Rothermel (authors of Epic Win! The Geek's Guide to the Journey from Fan to Creator) will draw from our veterans the lessons they learned starting and maintaining a successful creative partnership, covering everything from the first handshake to the first draft to the first sale. If you are an aspiring comic book creator, you do not want to miss this panel!
Thursday July 24, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
With so many terms and styles, diving into the mechanics of the craft of writing can be scary. And Point of View (POV) can be one of the toughest to tackle. Yet, if used correctly, POV is a wonderful and powerful tool that is the backbone of your story. Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake helps break this piece of the writing puzzle down into something you can use to enhance your writing style.
Thursday July 24, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 2
Fan fiction can lead to jobs in several fields as a professional, including writing books, acting, screenwriting, and many others. Panelists include Katherine Fugate (Valentine's Day), a selected member of the board of directors of the WGAW, who created/executive produced/wrote Army Wives; Melissa Good (Tropical Storm), a fan fiction writer and novelist who has written episodes for Xena, Warrior Princess; Nancy Holder (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, The Watcher's Guide), New York Times bestselling author whose fan fiction street cred includes Robin of Sherwood;Dru Pagliassotti, a novelist and professor at a California university who has researched Western manga fandom and teaches courses on film and comics analysis; Nancy Cornell-Healy (Intersection), comedian/novelist/playwright; Justin Robinson (Get Blank), a multitalented novelist; and Sherri Rabinowitz (Fantasy Time Inc.), a writer of fan fiction, playwright and award-nominated novelist and host of the popular blog talk radio show Chatting With Sherri.
Thursday July 24, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 29A
Dr. David Brin (Hugo, Locus and Nebula Award-winning author of the Uplift trilogy), Jim Butcher (NY Times bestselling author of The Dresden Files series), Rachel Caine (NY Times bestselling author of the Morganville Vampires series), Jason Hough (NY Times bestselling author of The Darwin Elevator series), Marie Lu (NY Times bestselling author of the Legend series), and Jonathan Maberry (NY Times bestselling author of the Joe Ledger series) discuss writing science fiction and fantasy novels and their adaptation to TV and movies. Moderated by Henry Herz (editor of Beyond the Pale).
Thursday July 24, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
Small press publishers: What makes the difference between an item that will get news coverage, previews, and interviews, and what doesn't? A lot of publishers have no idea what to submit to the press, how to submit it, and why they are being overlooked for coverage. Comics journalist Rik Offenberger (First Comics News, Archie Comics) moderates this panel on just what it takes to get coverage, with the comic journalists themselves telling you what they are looking for in submissions. Panelists include (in alphabetical order) Albert Ching (Comics Book Resources), Amy Chu (DC Comics), Holly Golightly (BroadSword Comics), Glenn Hauman (Comic Mix), Rich Johnston (Bleeding Cool), Alan Kistler (The Mary Sue), Francis Sky (First Comics News), Tanya Tate (First Comics News), J. C. Vaughn (Scoop), Josh Waldrop (M1W Entertainment), and Bryan Young (Huffington Post, Big Shiny Robot). Find out what it takes to self-promote and make a significant impact on your ability to sell your comic.
Thursday July 24, 2014 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 8
Comics and graphic novels are amazing resources for inspiring a love of reading and learning among students of all ages. CBLDF experts Betsy Gomez, Meryl Jaffe, Carol Tilley, and more examine how to use comics in classrooms, and provide strategies for combating the confusion that often leads graphic novels to be targeted by censors. They'll also offer suggestions for how to use specific comics in the classroom. Bring your challenges, questions and success stories!
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
We wanna color you up! You'll never look at color comics the same way again! Oni Press editor-in-chief James Lucas Jones and rock star colorists Lee Loughridge, Ryan Hill, and some special guests discuss the role of colorists in storytelling and the processes behind their particular brands of eye-melting magic.
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 9
Law professor Marc H. Greenberg (Golden Gate University School of Law, author of Comic Art, Creativity and the Law) and business professor and futurist Rob Salkowitz (University of Washington, author of Comic-Con and the Business of Pop Culture) consider how changes such as derivative copyright law, digital delivery of comics, and transmediation will affect the creative process and the comics industry in the near and long-term future.
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
BOOM! Studios creators Paul Jenkins (Fairy Quest), James Tynion IV (The Woods), Megan Hutchison (An Aurora Grimeon Story: Will O' the Wisp), Christopher Sebela (Dead Letters), and Frank Barbiere (Black Market), along with BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon and editor Dafna Pleban, look into the editing secrets of one of the comic book industry's leading independent publishers and discuss editing dos and don'ts.
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Jill Sanford (VP, Nickelodeon original series TV animation), Duncan Rouleau (executive producer, Man of Action), Kevin Burke and Chris "Doc" Wyatt (head writers, Avengers Assemble), Charlie Chu (editor, Oni Press), Lindsay Rostal (VP /producer, The Odd Gentlemen), Jennie Kong (publicist, Geek & Sundry), a surprise guest or two, and your moderator Dan Evans III (director current, Marvel TV Animation) 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!
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
Learn how to digitally ink and take all your black-and-white artwork to the next level. Comics artist Brian Haberlin will delve into Photoshop's treasure trove of features old and new-as well as features in other programs-that not only enhance comic applications, but make possible countless creative pen and ink opportunities rarely seen before. If you're serious about your black-and-white artwork, this session is a must. Comic book creator, editor, writer, penciler, inker, and colorist Brian Haberlin is the co-creator of Witchblade, Anomaly, and many other comic books and graphic novels.
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:15pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 2
Chris Murray (University of Dundee) discusses the often-overlooked and peculiar history of British superheroes, arguing that they reflect the changing relationship between the two countries in the aftermath of World War II. Julia Round (Bournemouth University) investigates the use of gothic and horror tropes in British girls' comics of the 1970s and 1980s, which, she argues, draw on some of the tropes of the previous generation of American horror comics. Phillip Vaughan (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design) analyses British science fiction comics in terms of the influence from American comics, and considering their relationship to British and American television and film.
Thursday July 24, 2014 1:00pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
James Sebree (San Diego chapter leader), Sal Attinello (Manda'galaar), Todd Mullin (Haran'galaar Clan), and Quinn Pendleton (member approval rep.) discuss the ins and outs of the Mandalorian Mercs Costuming Club. Topics include introduction to costume construction, overview of member requirements, and getting your costume approved. Also, Loren Toy (Manda'galaar) on 3D printing for costuming, and Kristina Schlosser (Haran'galaar clan) and Erica Heinrich (Manda'galaar) on building a custom female Mandalorian.
Thursday July 24, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 29A
If you're an aspiring comic book creator, this is a panel you don't want to miss! BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon and managing editor Bryce Carlson, along with some of the industry's most exciting up-and-coming and established talent, including Frank Barbiere (Black Market), Chris Miskiewicz (Thomas Alsop), Palle Schmidt (Thomas Alsop), Vanesa R. Del Rey (Hit, The Empty Man), Christopher Sebela (Dead Letters), and Royden Lepp (Rust), share their breaking-in experiences and give you the most up-to-date and practical advice on how to break into the comic book industry right now.
Thursday July 24, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
60 years ago this month, comics were put on trial in a nationally televised Senate subcommittee hearing that had shattering repercussions for this great American artform. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund presents the shocking history of moral panic that led to this historic hearing and the birth of the Comics Code Authority, which regulated the medium's content for more than 50 years. CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein tells the tale at this CBLDF presentation.
Thursday July 24, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Adam Hughes will use the warm and cool gray Copic markers to render the tones on a drawing. Fellow artist Allison Sohn will narrate the process while Adam draws. Hughes has been working in comics for over 25 years. Some of his work from the past year includes a story in Batman Black and White as well as the covers to the Vertigo series Fairest and the Dark Horse series Rebel Heist.
In print or digital, comic books need color, but do you know how comic books are colored? Learn about the creative art of comic book coloring as Hi-Fi's Brian Miller (DC's weekly series Future's End) and Kristy Miller (SpongeBob SquarePants) demonstrate step-by-step the transformation of a comic book page from black and white to full color. Learn the basics of flatting, rendering, color holds, and special effects, along with top digital coloring tips. Followed by Q&A session.
Thursday July 24, 2014 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Antero Garcia (Colorado State University) and Peter Carlson (Green Dot Public Schools) provide educators with specific planning and facilitation strategies for using graphic novels and comics in the classroom to enhance student participation, academic discourse, and achievement. Rubrics, lesson plan templates, and instructional questions will be provided for attendees.
Thursday July 24, 2014 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
ComiXology, the revolutionary cloud-based digital comics platform, spills the beans on everything you've ever wanted to know about digital comics, publishing, life, and more! Learning everything from how to publish your own comic book through comiXology Submit to how to begin your own successful startup just like comiXology, from co-founders and panelists David Steinberger and John D. Roberts. Moderated by comiXology's marketing & PR maven, Chip Mosher.
Panelists Daniel Presedo (Photoshop imagineer), Chris Cox (Photoshop engineer), Brian Haberlin (Anomaly), and Rayce Bird (FaceOff) discuss how Adobe Photoshop is the world's best digital imaging software. Find out what is new in the 2014 release and hear from these talented Pro's as they present their insights, tips and tricks to Photoshop and answer your Photoshop questions! They will give away a one-year subscription to the Creative Cloud.
Thursday July 24, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Attention all comic collectors! ComicBase, the world's premiere software program for managing comic collections, will be holding their annual user group meeting with creator Pete Bickford. This once-a-year presentation will discuss the latest features and news about ComicBase and Atomic Avenue.
Thursday July 24, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 29A
SDCC's annual jobs panel is back-and with folks who are hiring! Just because you missed out on the writing and drawing genes doesn't mean there isn't a place for you in the comics, animation, and gaming industries. Panelists include Blur Studio animation supervisor/motion capture choreographer Derron Ross (Batman: Arkham City), PCB Productions CEO and gaming director Keith Arem (Call of Duty), Fox Digital Entertainment VP of mobile Matt McMahon (Family Guy app), and Man at Arms star/weapons maker Tony Swatton (Pirates of the Caribbean), who will discuss their gigs and ways into the biz you many not have even considered. Moderated by Fast Company'sSusan Karlin.
We've seen the job title, but what does it mean? There are lots of answers -- join veteran editors Barbara Randall Kesel, Bob Schreck, Joe LeFavi, Maggie Thompson, Shannon Eric Denton, and others for some of the many answers!
Thursday July 24, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
In honor of the 45th anniversary of the moon landing, join Seth Green (actor, creator, writer, director, and producer) in a far-out discussion on NASA's plans for the future with Dr. Jim Green (NASA's division director of Planetary Science), Buzz Aldrin (Apollo 11 Astronaut), Mike Fincke (NASA Astronaut), and "Mohawk Guy" Bobak Ferdowsi (Curiosity and Europa Missions).
Thursday July 24, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 6A
This is part of the "Breaking In" series along with the Insight to Indies panel. 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), animation showrunner Charlotte Fullerton (Ben 10: Omniverse), veteran screenwriter Tony Puryear (the Schwarzenegger film Eraser), and actress/writer Erika Alexander (Maxine Shaw from Living Single and co-creator/co-writer of Concrete Park, a graphic novel from Dark Horse) all 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.
Thursday July 24, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Join game artist MatthewDoyle for a trip through the process of designing and building a character for games, from 2D concept to 3D modeling, painting, and animating, and finally into a game engine. The tools used in the workflow will include Sketchbook Pro, Maya LT, Mudbox, and the Unity game engine!
With the shifting landscape of the comics industry, this is your invaluable guide to breaking into the comics industry. Comics Experience founder Andy Schmidt (Marvel and IDW) is joined by writers Joshua Williamson (Ghosted, Nailbiter) and Joshua Hale Fialkov (The Ultimates, The Bunker), Dark Horse editor-in-chief Scott Allie (Hellboy), and IDW Publishing editor-in-chief Chris Ryall (Zombies Vs. Robots) for what promises to be the best panel on breaking in ever!
Thursday July 24, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Location scouts work with the director and production designer to translate their cinematic visions to reality by traveling the world to seek out exactly where the movies will be made. Six location scouts will discuss the creative and logistical aspects of their jobs, relate some exciting anecdotes, and answer audience questions. Moderator Scott Trimble (Tomorrowland) joins panelists Chris Baugh (Transcendence), Mandi Dillin (Iron Man 3), Ann Goobie (X-Men: The Last Stand), J. J. Hook (Transformers: Age of Extinction), and Michael John Meehan (Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End).
Neville Page (Avatar, Star Trek, Tron, Prometheus, Noah) will be sharing his techniques and vision for creating creatures and characters in the entertainment industry. Examples will be shown from various productions as well as tips and tricks from his upcoming book, Beauty in the Beast.
Thursday July 24, 2014 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Matt Hawkins and John Nee present a discussion on how to pitch. They will talk about pitching your ideas and provide some mock pitches where they will alternate being the person pitching and person being pitched to. Writer, physicist, and social media maven Matt Hawkins has published over 1,000 comic books in his 21-year career at Image Comics and Top Cow and has created and/or written many, including Think Tank, Aphrodite IX, The Test, Alibi, Lady Pendragon, and Tales of Honor. Despite producing TV series, feature films, and video games, Matt still considers himself to be a comic book dude. John Nee was senior VP of business development for DC Comics, where his responsibilities included operational oversight of two publishing imprints (WildStorm and CMX Manga), global licensed publishing, international rights, interactive entertainment, book trade sales, and circulation and subscriptions for MAD magazine and DC Comics.
Some of the most memorable color decisions in comics can happen before the first page is drawn. Ian Herring (Ms. Marvel), Ryan Hill (Judge Dredd: Mega-City Two), Sloane Leong (Change), and José Villarrubia (Trillium) discuss the art of color design with moderator Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics).
Thursday July 24, 2014 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Class is in session, as some of the greatest artists in the industry-Lee Bermejo (Before Watchmen: Rorschach, upcoming Suiciders), John Romita Jr. ( Superman), Nicola Scott (Earth 2)-take this panel to school with an in-depth look at their creative process. DC Comics is proud to spotlight these talented individuals for this exclusive, all-access look at what it's like drawing for DC.
Thursday July 24, 2014 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
A lineup of all-star creators who've used Kickstarter to launch their dream projects help you learn first-hand from the pros how to create your own successful Kickstarter campaign. Panelists include legendary TV writer/producers Jane Espenson and Brad "Cheeks" Bell (Husbands), comics icon Jimmy Palmiotti (Denver, Forager), and artist extraordinaire John Picacio (The 2014 John Picacio Calendar). Moderated by Craig Engler (Kickstarter).
Thursday July 24, 2014 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Comics and graphic novels are highly effective tools not only for improving literacy but also for teaching mathematics, science, and history/social studies. Join the experts from Reading With Pictures as they present the best in comics and graphic novels for teaching in content areas, including recommended titles and lesson ideas, and hear from the creators of some of the best graphic texts for content study. Moderated by Tracy Edmunds (curriculum director at Reading With Pictures) and featuring Nick Dragotta (Howtoons), Geoffrey Golden (Sesame Street), Chuck Dixon (The Forgotten Man), Jonathan Hennessey (The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation), and Josh Elder (Comics That Make Kids Smarter).
Thursday July 24, 2014 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 29A
Comics creator and author Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics) literally wrote the book on making comics. Now he's returned to fiction with The Sculptor, a nearly 500-page epic story of love, loss, art, and memory. Join the man Frank Miller called "just about the smartest guy in comics" for a fast-moving visual presentation on the challenges of building stories, bringing characters to life on the page, and constructing the worlds they live in.
Thursday July 24, 2014 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
How do you get in? How do you get that first assignment? Craig Miller (Curious George, Beast Wars) leads a panel including Charlotte Fullerton (Ben 10: Omniverse, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic), Patrick Rieger (Thunderbirds Are Go), Dean Stefan (X-Men, Darkwing Duck), and Cort Lane (VP, animation development & partnerships, Marvel Studios) who will tell you the truth about what you need to know and do.
Thursday July 24, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Emilio Soltero, Ph.D. (John Buscema: A Life in Sketches), and panelists present a primer on drawing the figure for popular media, including drawing for comics and character design. The focus will be on anatomy and figure drawing. There will be time to draw as well. Professionals and beginners are welcome. Bring your drawing supplies to draw models/cosplayers during this interactive presentation. Come ready to take notes and to draw.
Thursday July 24, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Come interact with a panel of educators from across the country as they share how they make the most of their geek identities in their jobs and in their campus communities! Alex Belisario (UC Santa Cruz), Alfred Day (University of California, Berkeley), Eugene Frier (University of North Texas), Brian MacDonald (Rutgers University), and Patricia Nguyen (UCLA) are excited to share their stories of building personal connections with geek students, developing programs that create excitement, fostering inclusive communities, and enhancing the geek college experience. Joining them this year are Geralyn Williams and Eric Francisco from Rutgers University to share their unique student perspective. If you are an industry or marketing professional, work in higher education, attend or want to attend college (or know someone who does), this panel is for you!
Thursday July 24, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 29A
Have a comic but don't know how to get it in front of the most people possible? Learn essential marketing and PR tips and tricks from the industry's best in this roundtable discussion, revealing all the secrets of pulling off effective marketing & PR to get your comic noticed. Host Chip Mosher (comiXology's marketing & PR maven) is joined by BOOM! Studio's dynamic marketing & PR duo Mel Caylo and Christine Dinh, along with Fantagraphics Books's stellar PR and marketing team Jacq Cohen and Jen Vaughn, for an inspiring and wide-ranging discussion that will teach you how to market yourself and your comic to the widest audience possible.
UPDATED: Tue, Jul 15, 11:42AM Join this high-powered panel divulging how much of an impact video games can have on people's lives in-game as well as offline. Parents advocating for a learner-centered approach often brings up the question, "Won't my kids just play video games all day?" Although the answer to that is multifaceted, no experience is devoid of learning. In fact, some experiences may have more opportunities for development than first believed. Genese Davis (The Holder's Dominion, MMORPG.com, The Gamer in You) Stephan Frost (games design producer Carbine Studios), Kate Edwards (executive director International Game Developers Association) and Justin Burnham (director of operations Devolver Digital, project manager South by Southwest) as they discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks to video games and how to navigate both. This high-powered panel will plunge into video game culture and its social development, divulging how video games affect our lives and education.
Robert Roach (Menthu, The Roach), Gini Koch (Alien Collective), Ed Erdelac (Terovolas), Nathan Long (Blackhhearts Omnibus), and Nancy Holder (Wicked Saga) discuss structure and storytelling, the use of pacing, and how certain creators use a timeline to build flow. Moderated by Jeffrey Twohig.
Thursday July 24, 2014 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Greg Spalenka (professional artist in publishing, film, and higher education, Sandman, Titan Books, The Golden Compass, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader) moderates a panel discussion on art career sustainability. Learn strategies on how to create an income from your talent on your own terms with panelists Donato Giancola (professional artist in publishing, film, and games, Tor, National Geographic, Microsoft, Vivendi/Universal, LucasArts), Daniel M. Davis (artist/designer of Steam Crow, publishers of monster books, serigraphs, and other art products), Drew Brophy (professional surf artist and ambassador of adventure travel lifestyle), Maria Brophy (art agent, author of How to Understand Art Licensing Contracts and expert on art licensing and the business of art), and Dawn M. Schiller (Odd Fae and Autumn Things, author of FaeMaker, artist/designer of sculpted handmade dolls).
Which side of the convention table do you want to be on: fan or creator? And what's keeping you from getting there? What's holding you back? If you're having trouble starting or finishing your creative projects, then you need to attend this fun and informative workshop, designed specifically for the Comic-Con crowd. Douglas Neff (Epic Win! The Geek's Guide to the Journey from Fan to Creator) will give you simple and proven techniques for setting, working on, and achieving your goals. Whether you want to write your first novel, draw your own comic, or shoot your independent film, you'll walk away from this workshop with the energy and tools you need to bring your dream to life.
Friday July 25, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 23ABC
Origami master folder Chris Alexander (author of Star Wars Origami) demonstrates and teaches the master folding techniques to make Star Wars origami figures. Attendees will fold an exclusive Comic-Con model along with other art from the Star Wars universe. Materials included!
Friday July 25, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 7AB
Day 2 of this four-day course on microbudget moviemaking focuses on the specifics of production, from shooting techniques, to lighting on the cheap, to crew positions you need (and don't need), to costuming, props, and set decorating for as little money as possible. Panelists for the class include Valerie Perez (producer/star of the Paula Peril series), Vera Vanguard (producer of The Building of Good and Evil), Nick Murphy (writer/director of Pizza and Bullets), Jack Conway (producer of Machinima ETC ), and Sean Rourke (writer of Ballistica).
After the successes of Harry Potter, Twilight, The Walking Dead, and Game of Thrones, not to mention the billions made by the Star Wars universe, the latest Batman trilogy and the Marvel Universe, its no surprise that Hollywood's appetite for comic book properties continues to rise. Now that geek is chic, the entertainment industry has increased its mining efforts through all forms of popular culture, but nowhere more than in the comic book industry. But with tens of thousands of characters and properties competing for attention, actually making money from your creations requires understanding the legalities and pitfalls of contracts and license agreements in general, along with an understanding of the business models used by the companies looking to make you an offer. Noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of the acclaimed The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, and entertainment attorney Mona Metwalli present an interactive seminar tackling a number of the more advanced issues facing authors, artists, and designers (and the businesses that hire them) as they begin marketing their properties and creative ideas, including: the key things you should know when Hollywood comes knocking; production, merchandising, and distribution agreements; potential pitfalls when dealing in contracts, assignments and licenses; and (time permitting) participating in a contract negotiation role-playing exercise.Note: The Comic Book Law School® seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]
Friday July 25, 2014 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
From creator Chris Moore (Project Greenlight, American Pie, Good Will Hunting) and producer Zachary Quinto (Star Trek, Heroes, Margin Call), The Chair is a documentary competition series that follows two first- time feature directors, Shane Dawson (ShaneDawsonTV on YouTube) and Anna Martemucci (Break Up at a Wedding), each given the same screenplay and budget to make their own films. Zachary Quinto and both directors, as well as screenwriter Dan Schoffer and producer Josh Shader, join together for a panel moderated by Chris Moore, including exclusive clips from both films (Untitled Shane Dawson Movie and Hollidaysburg) and from the Starz TV show, premiering this fall.
Ron Lemen (Wizards of the Coast) demonstrates basic guidelines that will help you draw more convincing gestures and expressions in both the face and hands of your characters. Ron will demonstrate some quick anatomy and design principles, as well as share examples and diagrams simplifying the information for an artist to use. Regardless of your form of art-commercial or personal-these guidelines are universal in helping you build stronger expressions or actions. Bring a sketchbook and draw along and/or take notes.
Friday July 25, 2014 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Everyone has an origin story, the defining moment where they thrust themselves to greatness, and so do the comic industry's best and brightest. ComiXology's marketing maven Chip Mosher hosts a panel with comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger; executive editor at Marvel Comics in charge of the X-Men and Guardians of the Galaxy franchises Mike Marts; BOOM! Studios/KaBOOM! editor and Lumberjanes co-creator Shannon Watters; co-creator of the forthcoming Top Cow series Genius, television writer on Syfy's Alphas, and senior editor of The Hollywood ReporterMarc Bernardin; and writer of Five Ghosts, Black Market, and Solar: Man of the Atom, Frank J. Barbiere, who will fill you in on the extraordinary events that transformed them from everyday comics fans into comic industry heroes!
Marshall Vandruff (MarshallArt.com) will present over a hundred slides of Heinrich Kley's drawings to showcase his virtuoso skills. Kley's character design, knowledge of anatomy, mastery of form and movement, and wild pen & ink technique have inspired artists for the past 100 years. Marshall will explain the training involved for today's artists who want to apply these classic disciplines and standards to their work in any medium.
Friday July 25, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
This program is not just a great opportunity for those interested in opening their own comic book specialty store, it’s also a chance to get a peek into the comics retail profession. Bring your best questions for this panel of veteran comic book specialty retailers. Hosted by Joe Field (Flying Colors Comics, CA). (This panel is open to all Comic-Con attendees.)
Friday July 25, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Popular media can be a powerful teaching tool that is easily accessible and engaging. Elementary educators share their experiences using popular media in the classroom. Summer Keller (Davis Magnet School, Newport-Mesa USD) will discuss the benefits of using media to design integrated lessons, develop student writing, and explore scientific concepts used in stories. Danielle Lopez (Davis Magnet School, Newport-Mesa USD) will discuss ways to geek out your classroom management and environment. Christy Flores (Davis Magnet School, Newport-Mesa USD) will share her observations from a principal's perspective.
Shelley Minnis (fine art specialist) will show you how to take Prismacolor Colored Pencils and Markers to the next level to get the effects you desire when you are creating your comic and manga drawings. Samples and door prizes provided.
Friday July 25, 2014 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Your project is going to make millions of dollars-but you have to sign this contract first-yikes! Andy Schmidt (Comics Experience, Marvel, IDW Publishing) and Joe Sergi, attorney and author of Comic Book Law: Cautionary Tales for the Comic Book Creator, offer an in-depth look at comics contracts. If you want to work in the entertainment industry-especially publishing-you can't afford to miss this panel!
Friday July 25, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
A rare behind-the-scenes look as leading pop culture entrepreneurs share the secrets of building successful pop culture businesses! J. K. Parkin from Comic Book Resources and Robot 6 moderates an inspirational talk with comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger, the Harvey Award-nominated cartoonist behind Nimona and Lumberjanes co-creator Noelle Stevenson, Dark Horse president and founder Mike Richardson, and Valiant CEO & chief creative officer Dinesh Shamdasani. It's an inside look at the business side of pop culture no future comics entrepreneur can miss!
Moderator Francis Mao (Capcom) returns with another edition of this popular panel shedding insight on the wide variety of professions available in the video game industry. You'll find out that it's not all programming and digital art, as a panel of industry insiders from various companies share the unique ways that they got into the video game business, tell what they do each day, and most importantly share suggestions on how you can get into the industry, too. Q&A session as well as networking opportunity with panelists after the panel.
Award-winning VFX artists from the film Cosplay Dreams 3D show how to add special effects to your cosplay photos and videos using Adobe Photoshop and After Effects. Join Gulliver Parascandolo (director & VFX artist of Cosplay Dreams 3D) and other VFX artists to see how to add realistic laser beams, fireballs, glowing magical elements, and sci-fi backgrounds that will bring your cosplay photography or movie to the next level! Moderated by Christine Kasal Parascandolo (executive producer of Cosplay Dreams 3D).
Friday July 25, 2014 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Do you dream about quitting your day job to pursue your passion of being an artist, writer, or professional in the industry? Are you already in the business and need help with figuring out how to budget between paid contracts, or need to determine the best way to raise and save cash for future projects? Perhaps you just want to be a Financial Superhero for yourself and your family, and invest in your future! Karen Martin (Junior Achievement and WheelerFrost Wealth Managers) and Sean Nisil (Sigdestad Financial) will present an entertaining and educational panel on superhero financial planning for artists, writers, industry professionals, and all others interested. The discussion will follow with a Q&A of industry panel guests who will talk about financial challenges and successes in their fields.
This presentation will involve the study and use of environments in design, treating them not as chores or equations but rather as full characters, equal participants in the practice of visual narratives. Elvin Hernandez is an illustrator, sequential artist, and author of Set the Action! (Focal Press), a book on background design for comics and animation. He has worked for companies such as Toys R' Us, Upper Deck, and Cryptozoic and is currently a faculty member of the Media Arts and Animation Department at the Art Institute of Washington.
Saturday July 26, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 2
Day 3 of our course on micro-budget moviemaking deals with how to direct actors, organize a crew, and keep them all happy without anybody making a dime. Panelists for the class include Valerie Perez (producer/star of the Paula Peril series), Vera Vanguard (producer of The Building of Good and Evil), Nick Murphy (writer/director of Pizza and Bullets), Jack Conway (actor, Nazis at the Center of the Earth), Sean Rourke (writer of Ballistica), and actors Josh Perilo, Megan Rees, and Bradley Upton.
For more than 50 years, American comic books were subject to the censorship of the Comics Code, a system born from a time when comics were burned in the streets and blamed for all of society's ills. Though the Code is gone, its influence remains. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund gathers Denny O'Neil, Paul Levitz, and other top storytellers who worked under the Code's strictures to tell the tales of how its censorship touched their creative visions.
Saturday July 26, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Bone, Fun Home, Maus, Persepolis, Sandman, Watchmen... they're not just some of the greatest comics ever made, they're also among the most frequently targeted for bans! This year's Banned Books Week celebrates comics and graphic novels and the CBLDF has everything you need to know to celebrate in your community. Jeff Smith, Gene Yang, Carol Tilley, Charles Brownstein, and others discuss how and why comics are banned and how you can fight back by participating in this year's comics-focused Banned Books Week!
Saturday July 26, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Each year, moderator Mark Evanier gathers together a bevy of the most talented cartoon voice actors working today and invites them to explain and demonstrate their artistry! This year's lineup includes JimCummings (Winnie the Pooh, The Penguins of Madagascar), JoshKeaton (The Spectacular Spider-Man, Green Lantern), SherryLynn (Wall-E, Ice Age), ArifS.Kinchen (MAD TV, Grand Theft Auto), DavidSobolov (Transformers Prime, Avengers Assemble) and ColleenO'Shaugnessy (Toy Story 3, The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes).
Saturday July 26, 2014 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 6BCF
Jeffrey R. Watts, owner and director of the traditional art school Watts Atelier of the Arts offers insight into what it takes to become skilled enough to work in the gaming, animation, illustration and concepting arenas. Jeff's 23 years of teaching insight will help you to understand what skill sets it will take to reach the top in your field. Jeff will field questions about training, working, and succeeding in today's ever increasingly competitive atmosphere. Jeff will also execute a live demonstration so you so you can see the efficiency of his methods firsthand.
Saturday July 26, 2014 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Do you have an idea for a film or a concept for a video? Is money the first thing standing in your way? This panel of producers and financing experts will discuss the players in film financing and the best strategies to help your movie get made. Griff Furst (development executive and director of Ghost Shark, Arachnoquake, and other SyFy Originals), Steven Kaplan (president of Rainstorm Entertainment with features from $3 to $50 million in development), Will Wallace (award-winning producer/director with distribution deals with Lionsgate and Warner Brothers), Christi Matthews (sales & marketing strategist, supplying promotional materials used in crowdfunding campaigns), and Brad Littlefield (producer and organizer of numerous high financing seminars for Angel Investors), with a special guest appearance by Thunder Levin (writer of Sharknado and Sharknado 2). Panel and Q&A moderated by Eric Forsberg (writer/director of the SyFy original movie Mega Piranha).
Dawn Rivera-Ernster (Walt Disney Animation Studios), Kim Mackey (Dreamworks Animation Studios), Brooke Keesling (Cartoon Network), Andy Cochrane (Mirada Studios), Scott Campbell (Blizzard Entertainment), and Evan Spiridellis (Jib Jab Brothers Studios) share an insider's look at what it takes to be a part of the film, television, games, visual effects, and web businesses through the different creative roles within each. The panel will discuss the similarities and differences of each format and what it takes to be a part of these creative industries.
Saturday July 26, 2014 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 5AB
Daniel Presedo (Photoshop imagineer), Nikolai Svakhin (Photoshop engineer), Chris Cox (Photoshop engineer), Brian Haberlin (Anomaly), and Poet Name Life (producer, Black Eyed Peas) from within Photoshop CC teach how to create a 3D design from scratch or load a 3D model from virtually any source and print to a 3D printer or 3D print service. Find out about automatic mesh repair and automatic generation of support structures and rafts. A one-year subscription to the Creative Cloud will be given away.
Saturday July 26, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Think you have what it takes to be comics' next indie-creator superstar? Then this panel is for you! Since its launch at SXSW in 2013, comiXology Submit has released over 1400 independent comic book series. ComiXology's marketing & PR maven Chip Mosher and comiXology co-founder and Director of comiXology Submit John D. Roberts are joined by such breakout Submit superstars as the sensational writer and co-creator of The BunkerJoshua Fialkov, Eisner Award-winning cartoonist behind The MireBecky Cloonan, and the artist/writer team of the Eisner Award-nominated series Watson & Holmes, Brandon M. Easton and N. Steven Harris, for a discussion on how you too can join the ranks of comiXology Submit stardom!
Saturday July 26, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Fan art, fanfic, and fan video are delightful passions, and like all such things, if they go too far, someone might get angry. DeviantArt and the Organization for Transformative Works, together holding the largest collection of fanworks in the universe based on any intellectual property within any media, will bring out their lawyers to explain how you can go to sleep at night, dream the dream of fans, and never have to hide under the bed.
UPDATED: Tue, Jul 15, 11:10AM You're an artist, a creator, writer, or penciler but those darn publishers keep asking for changes to your work! Join Comics Experience's panel including superstar artist David Finch (Forever Evil, Batman: The Dark Knight), Marvel senior editor Nick Lowe (X-Men, Spider-Man), artist Reilly Brown (Deadpool), Dynamite senior editor Joe Rybandt and Vertigo/DC Comics group editor Will Dennis (Scalped, Y: The Last Man) for a no-nonsense approach to building your freelance business while still maintaining your artistic integrity.
Saturday July 26, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Paul Roman Martinez (Adventures of the 19XX), Travis Hanson (The Bean), and Daniel Davis (Steam Crow) let you in on all the secrets that led them to a combined 10 successful crowd funded projects and over $200,000 raised toward publishing costs. Paul, Travis, and Daniel provide tips you can use on your next project and a Q&A session designed to increase your chances of crowdfunding success
Saturday July 26, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
In today's pop culture landscape, creators are faced with the potential (and challenge) of turning their characters and series into cross-platform properties. From games to toys and television to film, the opportunities for global success have never been greater. The potential pitfalls, however, have never been more challenging. Moderator Sohaib Awan (creator of IDW Publishing's Jinnrise), along with Mairghread Scott (lead writer on Transformers: Prime the Animated Series), and Royden Lepp (creator of Archaia Entertainment's Rust), will explain the step-by-step process each creator must take to protect his or her intellectual properties. What do creators need to do from beginning to end? How long does the process from comic to TV/film take? What are the greatest obstacles to success? After over two years of development, an animated series based on Jinnrise is being produced; the panelists will explain how it was done.
Dr. Wei Xu (artist/mathematician, author of Drawing in the Digital Age) will teach you how to draw what you see efficiently with simple geometry knowledge and scientific principles. It is a new [+SM]Art approach developed by Dr. Xu that adds science and math into art. You will learn various easy and fast techniques to arrange complicated structures without using any measurement tools.
Saturday July 26, 2014 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Authors James Dashner (The Maze Runner) and Christina Lauren (Beautiful Bastard), together with their publishing teams-literary agent Michael Bourret (Dystel & Goderich Literary Agency), executive editor Krista Marino (Random House, Delacorte), literary agent Holly Root (Waxman Leavell Literary Agency), senior editor Adam Wilson (Simon & Schuster, Gallery), and associate director of publicity Kristin Dwyer (Simon & Schuster, Gallery)-discuss their roles and interactions navigating the path from story idea to bestseller. Moderated by author Nathan Bransford (How to Write a Novel).
Saturday July 26, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Former Marvel Comics executive editor Carl Potts, the person who mentored many top comics creators (Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Mike Mignola, June Brigman, Larry Stroman, Jon Bogdanove) will be joined by top comics creator Whilce Portacio in this seminar based on Potts' new book, The DC Comics Guide to Creating Comics: Inside the Art of Visual Storytelling. Learn the principles and techniques for telling clear and compelling visual stories in comics, film, games, and other sequential visual media.
Saturday July 26, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Actor, writer and director Richard Hatch (Tom Zarek, Captain Apollo) shares his 45-year journey as an actor and the secrets to breaking through to a more powerful level of performance and achieving success in today's entertainment industry. Includes scenes and improv.
Saturday July 26, 2014 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman (hosts and executive producers of Mythbusters) discuss how being able to make things and maker culture in general are, in fact, real-life superpowers. And the culture of Comic-Con, where people dress like superheroes, engenders real-world superheroes.
Saturday July 26, 2014 7:15pm - 8:15pm PDT
Room 6BCF
UPDATED: Thu, Jul 24, 07:46AM Come to the ultimate feel-good panel! The story of an uncanny team of comic book superheroes - The School of 5 and their comic books teach children the lifesaving habit of handwashing. By the end of 2014 the School of 5 will be distributed in 23 countries, translated into 19 languages in Asia and Africa and reach 120 million people. 1.7 million children die every year from diarrheal diseases and pneumonia, many of which can be prevented by this simple habit. The School of 5, through the comic books created by Craig Yoe, teach children and their families the importance of handwashing with soap and water in countries like Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Pakistan, Ghana and Kenya. Panel participants include Eisner Award winner CraigYoe (YoeBooks.com) and StacieJuneShelton (Lifebuoy Global Social Mission Program Manager). Prepare to be amazed - and get free comic books; bring a tissue to wipe away the super tears of joy!
Saturday July 26, 2014 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Johnny Cavooto (Sartana), Brandon T. Perlow (publisher, Watson and Holmes), Bryan Graham, Jeffrey Twohig (FuzzyLogixMedia), and Rebecca Nelson (FuzzyLogixMedia) discuss the process of being published and troubleshooting production issues. Moderated by Gini Koch.
Education's all-things-nerd networking resource returns to Comic-Con. This year's after-school-special edition features understanding dyslexia with Max Brooks (The Harlem Hellfighters, World War Z), classroom gamification with Janina Scarlet (Alliant International University), elementary and special education with David Ross (Toronto District School Board), and English with Eric Bailey (Henderson State University). Moderating is Patrick Murphy (Fremont High, Weber State University). Topics include curriculum development strategies, national standards, and increasing student engagement. This is a great networking opportunity for professional educators and nerds alike.
Saturday July 26, 2014 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 21, 03:54PM Alex LeMay (Resignation Superhero, BZRK), Bernie Su (The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, Welcome to Sanditon), and Joshua Caldwell (Resignation Superhero, Anthony Zuiker's: Cybergedon), Jay Bushman (Lizzie Bennett Diaries, Resignation), brand mangager and transmedia producer Lara Hoefs (Twilight), Jeremy Azevedo (Sr. director of original programming at Machinima) and moderator Gayle Bass (Right This Minute) lead a conversation about how filmmakers are premiering high-quality fan films that catch the eyes of millions-and the movie industry, too. This panel brings together some top fan filmmakers, comic book creators, and Hollywood executives to discuss the evolution of fan-made content, how it's important to filmmakers, and why comic publishers and film producers are watching.
Saturday July 26, 2014 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Step into the pop culture ring with geeky psychologists Dr. Andrea Letamendi (The Arkham Sessions) and Dr. Ali Mattu (Super Fantastic Nerd Hour) as they bring their popular, intergalactic sci-fi battle back to Comic-Con for round 4! Special guests Sam Witwer (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Being Human) and Rod Roddenberry (Trek Nation, Roddenberry Entertainment) join the psych pros to debate, tackle, and explain some of the most fascinating aspects of both universes. Pick a side and cast your vote as they crown one the winner! Impartially refereed by Brian Ward (Shout! Factory).
Saturday July 26, 2014 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
This fun-filled draw-off pits cartoonist against cartoonist as kids help tell the story-with Kelley Jones (Space Mountain), Dav Pilkey (Captain Underpants), Dave Roman (Astronaut Academy), Dan Santat (Comics Squad: Recess), and Kirk Scroggs (Snoop Troop) and as many monsters, aliens, princesses, and plot twists as they can fit into a single panel! Moderated by Matt and Jenni Holm (Babymouse, Squish).
Sunday July 27, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 30CDE
The final day of our comprehensive course on micro-budget moviemaking will revolve around what to do after your movie is shot. Panelists will go over the basics of postproduction on your home computer, as well as what software to use for editing, graphic design, sound design, visualFX, and finally, how to optimize your movie for uploading to the internet. Panelists for the class include Valerie Perez (producer/star of the Paula Peril series), Nick Murphy (writer/director of Pizza and Bullets), Jack Conway (producer of Machinima ETC), and Sean Rourke (writer of Ballistica).
Kenneth Hough (University of California, Santa Barbara) examines comic book speculations on drone warfare in the 1940s and 1950s, comparing these early images with modern debates about the use of unmanned weapons. Melissa Colleen Stevenson (Stanford University) compares Fables' Fabletown Compact with the Truth and Reconciliation commissions instituted in South Africa after apartheid and the Ley de Punto Final passed in Argentina after the fall of dictatorship there, examining how Bill Willingham's work approaches real world philosophical questions about the nature of forgiveness, the demands of justice, and the very human desire for vengeance. Hadas Marcus (Tel Aviv University) reviews how various environmental themes are depicted in comics, from classic examples that only touch upon somewhat vague ecological topics, to contemporary works that explore looming environmental and sustainability issues in a much more detailed and often darkly apocalyptic manner.
Sunday July 27, 2014 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
From early experiments like Box 13 and Valentine to more recent efforts like Power Play, Marvel's Infinite Comics, Atomic Robo, and DC2's Batman '66, comiXology's cinematic Guided View Native format has ushered in a new era in comic book creation! Now, you too can learn the trade secrets of creating Guided View Native comics straight from John D. Roberts, comiXology co-founder and director of digital storytelling, joined by Reilly Brown, co-creator of Power Play and artist on Deadpool: The Gauntlet Infinite Comics, and Jamal Igle creator, writer, and artist of the exciting GVN comic Molly Danger.
Sunday July 27, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 24ABC
How important is reading at an early age? Panelists will demonstrate how students can create their own comics in a classroom and the benefits of utilizing graphic novels in academic settings. They include New York Times bestselling author Frank Beddor (The Looking Glass Wars, Hatter M), writer Anina Bennett (Boilerplate, Heartbreakers), writer/editor Dave Elliot (Weirding Willows), librarian Karen Green (Columbia University),New York Times bestselling author Marjorie Liu (Astonishing X-Men, Dirk & Steele), Harvey Award nominee Connor McCreery (Kill Shakespeare), and comics retailer Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics). Secret Origin of Good Readers free 70+ page companion resource book PDF and reading lists at www.night-flight.com/secretorigin courtesy of XMission.com.
Sunday July 27, 2014 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
The Shiflett Brothers walk you through their process for creating figurative sculptures for the comic book and fantasy statue industry. They will discuss armature building, bulking out the form, detailing, and finishing. Brandon and Jarrod Shiflett are 20-year veterans of the comic book statue industry. They have sculpted pieces for Sideshow Collectibles, Bowen Designs, Moore Creations, Toy Biz, and many more.
Yesterday's Cartoon Voices panel will have been such a hit that today we'll have to do another one with different but equally talented actors from the world of animation voicing. Once again, moderator Mark Evanier has assembled an all-star dais that will include Gregg Berger (The Garfield Show, Transformers), Vanessa Marshall (The Spectacular Spider-Man, Young Justice), Fred Tatasciore (The Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness), Debra Wilson (MAD TV, Family Guy), Robin Atkins Downes (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Thundercats), and maybe someone else.
Sunday July 27, 2014 11:30am - 12:45pm PDT
Room 6A
Dr. Marie Zhivago (professional cartoonist and published children's book author) and Dr. Eric Banatao (principal of Eastlake Elementary School, Chula Vista, CA) discuss how students learn basic cartoon and animation using an industry standard vector-based app and software on iPads and computers. Kids learn early how to use current technological tools to help stimulate and develop young artist's creative imagination. Join Dr. Zhivago and Dr. Banatao for this Q&A session.
Sunday July 27, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Learn about the latest in great graphic novels for kids, with Emily Carroll (Through the Woods), Kazu Kibuishi (Comics Squad: Recess), Sonny Liew (The Shadow Hero), Mike Maihack (Cleopatra in Space), and Raina Telgemeier (Sisters); moderated by Jenni Holm (Babymouse, Squish). In their discussion of what makes a graphic novel "for kids," their creative processes, and their latest books, these fantastic cartoonists will show you that new young readers are the heart of the graphic novel industry.
Sunday July 27, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Disney has a long tradition (dating back to the 1930s) of running life drawing classes for its animators. The idea is that understanding and mastering actual anatomy improves animated drawings and gestures. Disney's current master teachers -- Karl Gnass, Mark McDonnell, and Bob Kato -- will talk about their creative philosophies, their approach to life drawing and gesture, how classical drawing translates to animation, and what animation studios look for in artists. Best of all, they'll alert you to the classes they run for civilians. Disney visual development artist Dan Cooper will weigh in on how these classes have improved his animation skills. Moderated by Fast Company's Susan Karlin.
Want to get in on the self-publishing revolution and looking for advice on making your new comic a smash success? From crowdfunding your own comic on Kickstarter to self-publishing with comiXology Submit, this panel is for you! John D. Roberts (comiXology co-founder and director of comiXology Submit), Jimmy Palmiotti (superstar creator and multiple-Kickstarter success story), Jamal Igle (creator of the exciting Kickstarted GVN comic Molly Danger), Kel McDonald (creator of the webcomic Sorcery 101 and the successfully Kickstarted Cautionary Fables and Fairytales), and moderator J. K. Parkin (Comic Book Resources) contribute to this nose-to-tail discussion that will show you the tricks of the trade to successfully create, fund, and promote your own comic!
Jeffrey Broz (Matrix Enterprises) has presented eight previous seminars about resins and casting. Sam Girgis (Biggerbox Models) is producing large-scale garage kits. Whether you want to produce a garage kit model, mold your sculpture, or reproduce a Steampunk part for your vintage costume, this year's seminar will cover new material choices and tips from previous seminars about complex silicone mold design and casting techniques including rotational molding. Learn from their pitfalls with short run 3D duplication, garage kits, and industrial design. This year, they will also talk more about vendors, guides, and material choices to cast your sculptures or models.
Sunday July 27, 2014 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Comic-Con offers students of popular culture an amazing venue to study how culture is marketed to and practiced by its fans. Rahni Argo-Bryant (University of Alabama), Johnathan Butler (Florida State University), Kelsey Cute (Lynchburg College), Katherine Deck (Wittenberg University), Judith Gallegos (Lynchburg College), Madeline Geiger (Wittenberg University), Christopher McDaniel (Wittenberg University), Alora Slak (Otterbein University), Desiree Smith (Lynchburg College), and Amy Williams (State University of New York at Albany) present initial findings from a week-long ethnographic field study of the intersection of fan practice at the nexus of cultural marketing and fan culture that is Comic-Con 2014. Matthew J. Smith (Wittenberg University) moderates.
Sunday July 27, 2014 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 21, 03:36PM Have you or someone you love been a target of bullying? Pop Culture Anti-Bullying Coalition is back by popular demand with this powerful discussion on how to overcome bullying. Learn strategies to create witnesses and allies out of bystanders. Panelists include Pop Culture Anti-Bullying Coalition founder actress Chase Masterson (Doctor Who: Big Finish), founder/moderator Carrie Goldman (author, Harper Collins'Bullied: What Every Parent, Teacher, and Kid Needs to Know About Ending the Cycle of Fear), Brad Bell (Husbands), Anthony Breznican (author, Brutal Youth), Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Jane Espenson (Husbands), Dr. Andrea Letamendi (The Psychology of Star Trek vs. Star Wars), Alice Cahn (VP of social responsibility, Cartoon Network), and representatives from the United Nations Association and Anti-Defamation League. Special topics include geek bullying, LGBT bullying, cyber-bullying, and analyzing how media and entertainment affect attitudes toward bullying and aggression. "From now on, Comic-Con convention-goers will come for cosplay, entertainment, freebies, autographs-and healing." CNN.
Sunday July 27, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Grammy-nominated paper engineer and author Renee Jablow demonstrates techniques for creating paper toys featuring characters from the DreamWorks 3D film How to Train Your Dragon 2. Participants will create paper dragons that can actually fly, with the recently published How to Train Your Dragon 2: Time to Race! by Studio Fun International (previously Reader's Digest Children's Publishing). Examples of paper toys in the form of pop-up books will also be shared.
Sunday July 27, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
For artists and writers who get "stuck," veteran writer/editor Barbara Randall Kesel (MLP FIM, Meathouse Man, Airwolf) brings proven tips, tricks, and strategies for vanquishing those blocked brain cells and deadline demons! Part information, part motivation, all entertaining!
Sunday July 27, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Interested in a career doing voices for animation and video games? There are plenty of people around who'll take your money and tell you how to go about it...but here's 90 minutes of absolutely free advice from folks who work in the field. Come hear cartoon voice actor Bill Farmer, talent agent Sandie Schnarr (AVO Talent) and others, along with your moderator, voice director Mark Evanier (The Garfield Show).
Sunday July 27, 2014 3:00pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 25ABC
No matter which industry (comics, illustration, movies, webcomics, design or animation, costuming or cosplay), "breaking in" has never been a more apt term than in today's media. It is a full-time job, and you only have part-time hours to accomplish it. Topics cover a myriad of organizational subjects: different kinds of leadership that match your groups needs, the importance of starting everyone on the same page and how to keep everyone there, how to build your team, a variety of angles on deadlines and work environments. The panelists, representing a broad cross-section of levels of authority, departments, work pipelines, and sizes of organizations, come from a variety of media, including illustration, writing, design, animation, podcasting, and live-action film production. Topher Davila (art director, GeekdomWear), Sean Glumace (Adobe education leader), Brendan Creecy (Radio BrendoMan podcast), Heather Joseph-Witham, Ph.D. (Mythbusters and various TV), Gene Turnbow (general manager, KryptonRadio.com), Ron Coleman, Ph.D. (molecular geneticist), Jonelle Davila (creative director, TheGeekGirlProject.com), Chris Dickens (writer and co-creator of Vigilante Project), and Mario Martinez (co-creator, TomatoTV), provide content that is a mix of speaking, questions and some short interactive applications where the audience can directly apply the topics covered. As an added bonus to help get your creative work life further along, the panel will give away a one-year subscription to Adobe's Creative Cloud.
Sunday July 27, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 24ABC
The Winner Twins, multiple award-winning and national bestselling sci-fi authors, scriptwriters, and producers, 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 have written four science fiction novels and have taught their unique award-winning creative writing method to hundreds of thousands of convention attendees, teachers, and students across the country. The Winner Twins will be joined by bestselling author and renowned actor Richard Hatch, of Battlestar Galactica fame, and other surprise guests who will teach you how to create a film or TV treatment from your novel, and how to pitch it.
Librarians love graphic novels, and graphic novels make for great library events! LIbrary events create more opportunities for everyone by getting more people reading graphic novels, promoting comics to a lasting audience, and bringing the excitement of 21st-century pop culture events to the library setting. Join a spectrum of creators, librarians, and retailers who explain how these events are changing comics and how you can put one on at your own library. With Karen Green (Columbia University), Sven Larson (Papercutz), Jack Baur (Berkeley Public Library), Erwin Magbanua (San Diego Public Library), and others, with moderator Heidi MacDonald (Publishers Weekly, The Beat).
Sunday July 27, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
The pop culture explosion through gaming, comics, TV, and film has opened up new opportunities for cultural diversity; however, many challenges and obstacles still exists in today's media. In this humorous but poignant discussion, diverse geek experts will discuss breaking ethnic stereotypes and what changes need to happen for us to boldly go into the future. Panelists include Linda Le (professional cosplayer), Andre Meadows (Black Nerd Comedy), clinical psychologist Dr. Andrea Letamendi (The Arkham Sessions), and Tony B. Kim (Crazy4ComicCon.com).
Sunday July 27, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Acclaimed comics writer James Hudnall (Harsh Realm, Espers, The Age of Heroes, Lex Luthor: The Unauthorized Biography) explains the secrets to better writing and making a story that matters and reveals seven key secrets that can turn an ordinary story into something special. He is joined by author Dr. Terry Cronin (The Skinvestigator, Students of the Unusual) for a discussion on how to make the most of your fiction.
Sunday July 27, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE