Set List - Fiona Apple, Hollywood Palladium, 7/29/12

Photo courtesy of Sterogum

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Fiona Apple for the third time, and although normally I don't cover music for ATFG, I can't resist at least putting up her set list because BECAUSE. Only disappointed she didn't sing Never is a Promise, Parting Gift and Hot Knife, but I understand why. Two are incredibly depressing and the last one is three lyrics but DAMNIT three lyrics I wanted to sing with her so badly. Still, wonderful show. I also appreciate the fact that the songs I am currently enjoying/relating to the most are Extraordinary Machine and Anything We Want, as opposed to like, Shadowboxer, Werewolf, Tymps, I Know....pretty much any other song of hers ever....Fiona, you've been through some shit. I love you. The end.

(links to songs courtesy of setlist.fm)

1. Fast As You Can 
"I may be soft in your palm, but I'll soon grow hungry for a fight and I will not let you win"

2. On the Bound 
"Maybe some faith would do me good"

3. Shadowboxer 
"Once my lover, now my friend, what a cruel thing to pretend...Ill be sure to stay wary of you, love, to save the pain of once my flame and twice my burn"

4. Paper Bag 
"Hunger hurts, but starving works when it costs too much to love"

5. Anything We Want 
"I kept touching my neck to guide your eye where I wanted you to kiss me when we find some time alone...and then we can do anything we want."

6. Get Gone 
"I'll idealize, then realize that it's no sacrifice, because the price is paid, and there's nothing left to grieve"

7. Sleep To Dream 
"You say love is a hell you cannot bear, and I say gimmie mine back and then go there...This mind, this body and this voice cannot be stifled by your deviant ways"

8. Extraordinary Machine 
"If there was a better way to go, then it would find me....be kind to me or treat me mean, I'll make the most of it, I'm an extraordinary machine"

9. Werewolf 
"We can still support each other, all we gotta do's avoid each other...nothing's wrong when a song ends in a minor key."

10. Tymps (The Sick in the Head Song) 
"Why did I kiss him so hard late last Friday night, and keep on letting him change all my plans. I'm either so sick in the head I need to be bled dry, to quit, or I just really used to love him. I sure hope that's it."

11. Daredevil 
"Seek me out, look at me, I'm all the fishes in the sea."

12. I Know 
"If it gets too late, for me to wait for you to find you love me and tell me so, it's okay, don't need to say it..."

13. Every Single Night 
"That's when the pain comes in, like a second skeleton, trying to fit beneath the skin, I can't fit the feelings in...every single night's a fight with my brain. I just want to feel everything."

14. Criminal 
"I know tomorrow brings the consequence at hand, but I keep living this day like the next will never come."

15. Carrion 
"All I want is to save you honey, or the strength to walk away."

16. Not About Love 
"Take all of the things that I've said that he stole, put 'em in a sack, swing over my shoulder, turn on my heels, step out of this sight, try to live in a lovelier night...this is not about love, cause I am not in love, in fact I can't stop falling out."

17. It's Only Make Believe (Conway Twitty cover)

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On The Scene: The 38th Annual Saturn Awards

Cross-posted on Film.com

Last night marked the 38th annual Saturn Awards, the ceremony honoring the best in Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror. The Sweet Tea Vodka may have been traded in for Korbel and Gordon Biersch, but the chicken dinner, cheesecake dessert Jeff Ross's annual joke that he looks like a cross between Walter Matthau and Rick Moranis stayed the same. Phew. Special award recipients of the night included actor James Remar, writer Robert Kirkman, director Drew Goddard, jack-of-all-awesome Frank Oz, and "The Simpsons" for achieving its milestone as the longest running scripted series of all time. Big winners in regular categories included "Rise of the Planet of the Apes", "Super 8", "Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part Two", "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol", "Fringe" & "Breaking Bad". Here is our recap of the festivities.

Most Heartfelt Speech
"X-Men: First Class" makeup artist Dave Elsey told us a story about how when we was 15 he sent a letter to Rick Baker, figuring he'd never hear back. Much to his surprise, Baker happened to be in London at the time working on "Greystroke" and not only wrote back, but invited Elsey to set to watch him work. After that, Elsey knew his destiny was to work in film makeup and stressed how much the award meant to him. Honoring Baker's influence even further, Elsey informed the audience, in case they didn't know, that Baker would soon be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In a close second, seminal editor Paul Hirsch, who has edited "Carrie", "Ferris Bueller's Day Off,", and "The Empire Strikes Back," just to name a few, won an award for editing "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol", and noted "I first won one of these 34 years ago for "Star Wars [Episode IV]", and I hope to see you back here in another 34 years."

Most Inspiring Speech
Okay, so it turns out Frank Oz is a genius. I mean, we should all already know this, but just in case, I'll say it again - Frank Oz is a *genius.* After seeing a stellar reel of his work and hearing his praises sung by Mark Hamill and Scott Bakula, with whom he recently finished working on a play, Oz, winner of one of last night's Life Career awards, took to the stage to give a moving, inspiring and riveting speech detailing how important it is not to let low self esteem get you down, as he had terrible confidence in himself until Jim Henson forced him into realizing his talent. He emphasized that he didn't reach where he is today alone, and that it's all about the people you work with and having confidence in their confidence in you. The man who did the voice of Cookie Monster exclusively longer than I've been alive urged the audience to remember, "You may not think you're good enough, but believe me, you are." He concluded his speech by talking about Henson's drive to simply make things good, and how Oz feels a kinship with everyone in that room because he thinks we all feel that way, we just want to create and experience things that are good, no matter who gets the credit or how difficult it might be, Though Oz apologized for the length of his speech, I could have listened to him talk all night.

WAY more after the jump

The "Who Knew You Were This Cool?" Award
You know whose table it turns out it is awesome to be near? Lieutenant Commander Deanna Troi herself, Martina Sirtis. The asides of the badass Brit best known for counseling fellow Starfleet officers and romancing Captain Riker on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" were a hoot to overhear. She loves "The Killing", thinks "Leverage"'s Beth Riesgraf is a great actress, and finds Scott Bakula to be a fantastic human being. When she presented an award later in the evening, she jokingly called out the Saturn Awards for not having ever invited her before after being with "Trek" for seven seasons and four movies. "What. The. F***. Narry a nomination? Nothing. You read," she directed towards co-presenter Bruce Greenwood, "I'm pissed." She was so utterly hilarious in her faux anger, I know I wasn't the only one in the room hoping one of the many show-runners present would suddenly consider calling her in for something.

Coolest Tidbit
We got a glimpse at the brand new blu-ray transfer of Frank Oz's film version of "Little Shop of Horrors" and it looks absolutely stunning - crisp without losing any sense of of suspension of disbelief. Despite the clearer picture, nothing looks any less real (in that charmingly practical way) than it did 25 years ago. Even cooler, during his speech, Oz let us know that the transfer will have the original, darker ending that Warner Brother's had to change at the time of release due to poor reactions at test screenings. After having to make a heartbreaking phone call to Richard Conway in 1986 to tell him all of his beautiful miniature work for the end had to be cut, Oz recalled the overwhelming joy of 25 years later getting to call Conway again to inform him that Warners was restoring the original ending, and thus his original work.

Most Drastic Appearance Change
I understand that kids, you know, grow up, but I didn't recognize "Super 8"'s Joel Courtney in the slightest. The young star has shot up not inches, but feet, and already looks like a teen on the brink of adulthood as opposed to a child on the brink of teenagedom. Even stranger was to see his growth in contrast to fellow "Super 8" stars Ryan Lee and Riley Griffiths both of whom certainly look older, but at least somewhat resemble their younger selves. Mind. Blown.

Least Aware Of His Awesomeness
The absolute most self-deprecating speech of the night goes to the soft-yet-well spoken Robert Kirkman, author of "The Walking Dead". During his acceptance speech for the first ever Innovator Award, Kirkman opened with "I don't necessarily agree that I'm an innovator, but I'll take this award" and kept noting how he is probably the least worthy of any comic book writer, though is thrilled that the medium is being honored in this way. Though I gotta say, considering how self important "The Walking Dead" the TV Show seems to be a lot of the time, it was kind of nice to hear the creator of the amazing comic series err on the side of humble. You're a class act, Kirkman.

Best Video
Although she attended last year, "Fringe"'s Anna Torv was stuck on location on this time around, so recorded a speech to send along accepting her second Best TV Actress win in a row. In the speech she quoted Joss Whedon, much to the delight of everyone in attendance. She somehow recently came across Whedon's famous quote from his 2002 New York Timesprofile - ''I'm not an adult! I don't want to create responsible shows with lawyers in them. I want to invade people's dreams.'' and expressed how much she loves that idea, of going beyond simple being a TV show and staying with people long after a shows end, emphasizing that she believes Fringe accomplishes this.

Most Epic Show Of Support
In a very cool, classy move, legendary director/producer Walter Hill attended the Saturn Awards not to present, not to receive an award, but simply to support Life Career winner, the highly underrated James Remar. Everyone in the room took note, including Drew Goddard who reacted excitedly immediately about learning he was in the same room as Hill, and Frank Oz, who remarked, "I too am impressed with Walter Hill being here - you've done incredible work."

Cutest Presenter
For no discernible reason, a child actress from "Days of Our Lives" presented the awards for which the recipients were unable to pick up in person. She was so adorable, the audience couldn't help but crack up hearing her even say titles like "The Skin I Live In" (winner, Best International Feature), "Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" (Best Horror/Thriller) and "Take Shelter" ( Michael Shannon for best actor). Everyone went nuts applauding her at the end for accomplishing the difficult feat of being a tiny human yet still pronouncing Michael Giacchino and Dante Ferretti 100% correctly with no hesitation.

Best Facial Expressions
In presenting the Milestone Award to "The Simpsons", Chris Klein gave the most over the top Chris Kleiniest performance anyone could have ever asked for, sending pockets of the audience into fits of giggles. He has to know what he's doing, right? What ARE you, Chris Klein? Oh wait, now I remember. 

Best Geek Outs
In an "Only at the Saturn Awards" moment, Barbara Eden and Dawn Wells aka Jeannie and Mary Ann, presented the award for best TV shows to a rousing standing ovation. Vince Gilligan even took time from his acceptance speech for "Breaking Bad" to profess to Wells, "You noticed my last name is Gilligan, right??" then tell a story about how he wanted to cross over "Brady Bunch" w/ "X-Files" back in the day and is convinced the company only took his call because his last name was Gilligan.

After accepting the award for "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" for Best Action/Adventure and giving everyone involved their proper due, producer Bryan Burke took a moment to ask the audience, "Did I mention Vince Gilligan, whose a f****** genius?" Someone is a Breaking Bad fanboy and that someone is Bryan Burk. And also everyone else ever.

//"Cabin in the Woods" Spoiler Alert//

During Drew Goddard's speech, he sung the praises of Sigourney Weaver for being so excited to finally work with a werewolf, reminding him what a joy it is to get to do what he does. He noted that Weaver also went out of her way on set to make sure people sat with the werewolf during meals, inspiring Goddard to conclude his speech, "On behalf of all of the werewolves, thanks for giving me a place at the lunch table"

//End "Cabin in the Woods" Spoiler Alert//

Best Of Host Jeffrey Ross

After receiving a surprise Saturn Award for ten years of hosting, presented by actor Dennis Haysbert, Ross joked "Wow! From the fake president! Can All State insure this for me?" Haysbert: "I'm sure they can"

"JJ Abrams was supposed to be here tonight, but he's still at home figuring out the end of Lost."

Super 8 spitfire Ryan Lee to an unexpectedly long & curly haired Jeff Ross, "I really do hope I have hair like yours when I grow up" Ross in response, "*If* you grow up."

All in all, a great night as usual, and one where the film acting winners (Michael Shannon, Kirsten Dunst, and Andy Serkis) were about 1000 times more deserving than what Oscar decided. In fact, this was probably the strongest year yet, content wise, for the Saturns, as the four big winners ("Apes", "Harry Potter", "Dragon Tattoo" and "Ghost Protocol") were all actually fantastic. Head here for a complete list of winners.

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The Ten Most Heart Warming Moments Of Comic-Con 2012

Cross-posted on Film.com


For all of the criticism of this years Comic-Con for being more Hollywood than ever thanks to giant spectacle and the number of parties per night giving the number of panels per day a run for their money, what the Con is truly and still continues to be about is being overlooked - the connection between fan and property or artist. This year I saw more tears than in any year before, and not a single one was shed out of sadness. While this may have on the one hand been a year of bombast, it was also the year of joy and appreciation, and we thought we'd give you a rundown of the best of those sweet moments.

Twilight Does Some Good

The last ever "Twilight" panel managed to have one second that actually for a moment made me appreciate what the franchise has perhaps done for people. A male fan who somewhat resembles Taylor Lautner, took to the mic to have a "bro moment" with Lautner, thanking him for the inspiration to get in shape, losing almost 100 pounds so far. He asked for advice on how to stay in shape and whether or not Lautner cheats on his diet, to which Lautner gave the fan genuine advice. For some reason the positivity of that moment had at least one audience member getting misty eyes (read: me)

Fans Show Some Tim Burton Love

There were multiple moments of overwhelming sweetness during the "Frankenweenie" portion of the Disney panel. First, when a giant group of fans, each dressed as a different Burton movie came to the mic to ask a question, to which Burton exclaimed, "It's like my family came to see me!" Later, a girl at the mic was asking Burton how it felt to finish a project he started working on so many years ago and burst into tears, eliciting awes from the entire hall. Burton empathized with the young fan, "I feel like you do, when I think about it, I start to cry myself."

Firefly - We're All In This Together

Nothing beats the high emotions that took place at the end of the "Firefly" reunion panel. Being in that room for the reunion trumped pretty much anything else that happened during the entire weekend. The intangible energy alone was enough to bring any passer byer (if that was possible at Comic-Con) to tears. Although a few panelists got misty eyed during their entrances (Summer Glau most notably), everyone lost it at the end. When Joss Whedon was talking about what he would have changed about the end of Firefly had he known it was getting canceled, he said "We would have learned about Book and we would have learned about Inara and for some reason that's the question that's gonna make me cry? That's okay, you know what, that is a good last question." As Joss started to tear up, the audience showered him in applause. But it goes beyond that. Jeff Jensen, before wrapping the panel up, posed this question to Whedon, "What do the fans mean to you?" Already fighting back his emotions, Whedon had a hard time mustering up the strength to answer, which immediately cause Nathan Fillion to wipe his own eyes and inspired the audience to collectively scream "We love you!!!" After a few more moments, the audience packed to the brim with 4500 people took to their feet applauding Whedon, letting him know how much he means to us. As Whedon couldn't hold it together any longer, Glau leaned over and kissed his shoulder and the whole cast stood up with the audience, applauding Whedon right along with us. Now fully in tears, along with most of the cast, Whedon gave the following speech to the crowd, who stayed on their feet for the whole conclusion of the panel,

“Only an idiot would actually try to follow that with a sentence. When you come out of a great movie…you feel like you’re in that world. Like you come out of Brazil and suddenly everything is duct piping and…buerocracy and everyone's weird and everything's too much. You know, you come out of these certain things and the world has become that. When you’re telling a story, you are trying to connect to people in a particular way. It's not just about what you want to say, It’s about inviting them into a world and the way in which you guys have inhabited this world, this universe, have made you part of it, part of the story, you are living *in* Firefly, when I see you guys, I don’t think the show is off the air, I don't think there's a show, I think that's what the world is like. I think there’s spaceships, I think there's horses, I think it's going on in all of us — the story is alive.”

A whole lot more after the jump!

Tarantino Compliments a Superfan

A young woman dressed as The Bride was the first to ask a question during the "Django Unchained" panel. Tarantino immediately said, "Hey, I like your tailor young lady!" She burst into giggles and thanked him, then got to her question - "Quentin Tarantino, this is crazy, I'm your biggest fan, a bunch of us camped out here last night to see you today - " Tarantino interrupts, "Thank you very much - you look damn hot in that Bride outfit, I gotta say." After covering her mouth in delight and jumping up and down, she responded, "That's going on my blog later" But Tarantino wasn't done making her day, as he continued to compliment the curly haired bespectacled fan - "It's like Charlize Theron is playing the Bride, you look awesome honey" The young fan thanked Tarantino and fanned her huge smile and giggling face in order to gain enough composure to ask the very intelligent question she had written down about his tendency to write strong, assertive women.

A Man of Steel Fan Gets A Hug

During the "Man of Steel" panel, a grown man couldn't keep his emotion in check as he came to the mic to ask a question. Superman means the world to him and he couldn't hide it. "I'm just so emotional right now," the fan professed as he wiped away his tears. "It's that good. Zack and Henry, you - " the fan was cut off as Hardwick ran off stage to give the man a hug to a hugely supportive audience reaction. Hardwick stood next to the fan as he asked his question, throwing him a "Come on champ, get in there!" The fan continued, "I'm one of your biggest fans, Zack, Henry, you guys just rock!" He then went on to ask about who the villain was, an answer Snyder wasn't prepared to give. Still, it was lovely to see that sort of reaction to the risky "Superman" footage from a true diehard fan.

Frodo Loves The Hobbit Too

In a truly Only at Comic-Con moment, because Elijah Wood happened to be at Comic-Con for "Wilfred", Peter Jackson and the cast of the "The Hobbit" pulled him on stage to join the panel. Seeing Frodo up there with Gandalf, Bilbo, and Gollum created a very special moment for fans, made even better when a warm Wood with a giant smile on his face spoke about his reaction to the footage,

"I was blown away, it was extraordinary. I mean the footage as well, it was so incredible, but it has these amazing emotional moments and that's I think at the heart of what Peter does in his storytelling and what Phillipa and Fran write and to see that presence in this footage, cause I'm so distant from this truly, I really went to New Zealand for a month last year for work, it's beautiful, I was made to feel emotional watching that footage and to see everyone here, it's wonderful"

Supporting this notion, this was one specific case where almost ever question asker had a story to tell first about how much the property on stage means to them.

Vampire Diaries Cast Sticks Up For The Fans

During the second question at the "Vampire Diaries" Q&A, the young lady asking a question opened with a statement directed toward Michael Trevino, "Hi, Michael, I actually don't have a question for you, I think I just wanted you to acknowledge -" and then the mic got cut out, though we could see her continue to say "my existence." , as Trevino said "your existence? I can still hear you sweetie, I can still hear you." As the camera stayed on her, we saw her argue with the person in charge, one of the cast members saying "Turn it back on, what happened" and showrunner Julie Plec saying "no censorship please", until they turned the mic back on and let her ask her question about whether we would see Katherine at all in season five. After Plec answered the question, she requested again that there be no more censorship. Michael Trevino and Ian Somerhalder agreed, "Let them ask whatever they want to ask" Trevino added "Yeah, that's why they wait in line," Somderhalder continuing, "That's the beauty of this, that's why we all flew here and they waited in line." The crowd ate it up. Well done, Vampire Diaries.

This happened too....

True Blood Says Thank You and Goodbye to Alan Ball

When a fan asked for Alexander Skarsgard's signed name card, he happily obliged even though questions like that are against the rules. He didn't have a pen so Stephen Moyer encouraged him to sign it in blood. Instead, Skarsgard licked the namecard and then found a pen, making the young fan's day. But even better, was the last moment on the panel, when Moyer thanked series creator Alan Ball, who will not be returning for season six. "One of the amazing things about Alan Ball is that he never makes you do the same thing ever again. So once he's seen you do something, he gives you something else to do, so overtime you think you've done the most amazing scene [yet], he gives you something more incredible to do. The episode that's coming up tomorrow night is an Alan Ball episode and Episode 12 is an Alan Ball episode our last Alan Ball episode and I think we should all - it would be a very fitting end to this panel to say thank you to Alan Ball for making this thing happen." Cue the standing ovation from cast and audience. Ball then responds, "Thank you guys so much, if I wasn't so old and so tired and so beat up, I would do eleventh hundred more seasons of this show because it's been the most fun I've had in my career."

Happy Birthday To A Marvel Fan

During the "Iron Man 3" panel, a fan who had turned fifteen years old that day was about to ask her question, when Robert Downey Jr asked if she would like the panelists, which included him, Kevin Feige, Don Cheadle, Shane Black and Jon Favreau to sing Happy Birthday to her. So then they did as the young girl clutched her face and couldn't wipe the smile off of her face.

The Cast of Fringe Adores One Another

As if aware that countless other panelists had been crying that weekend, when the cast of "Fringe" was asked to recount their favorite scenes from the show that didn't feature themselves, the hall was treated to a fountain of waterworks. First, Jasika Nicole (Astrid) lost it while talking about a scene from season three when it finally sinks in with Anna Torv's Olivia how much Fauxlivia infiltrated her life, admitting how much it broke her heart to watch. Torv than returned the favor, bursting into tears talking about the Astrid centric episode from season four. Not to be outdone, Lance Reddick was pouring tears talking about that same episode's closing scene with Astrid and her father. 

Three panelists in full tears and an audience doing the same, the appreciation fest turning to laughter when the brilliant John Noble added, "I too am sensitive. I loved it when Peter chopped that guy's fingers off." To top off the high emotions of the panel, the entire cast came in front of the podium and took a bow before signing off, thanking the fans for their support during their last ever Comic-Con panel.

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Film Lovers Guide to Comic-Con 2012

Cross-posted on and commissioned by Film.com

It's that time of year again! The week in July when 130,000 fans descend on to San Diego to celebrate all that is Geek. We've decided to take a look at the film related panels making at appearance at Comic-Con 2012 to aid you attendees in knowing when to line up, or you non attendees in knowing when to take to Twitter to search for real time reactions. Whether you like big budget - high anticipation studio panels, fun to discover indie panels, or lively discussions about film in general, here is the guide that directs you to them all.

Thursday

The Big Guns

If you have never experienced a Twilight panel, folks, now is your last chance. Start your morning off right with all the squealing and shrieking you could ever wish for (and fingers crossed a look at Warm Bodies too?), then follow it up with some healthy nostalgia courtesy of Disney, Tim Burton, L. Frank Baum and old school video games - and don't be surprised if the wonderful looking Wreck it Ralph steals Thursday completely - then finish up with the MOST testosterone as every famous man with muscles ever takes the stage to talk Expendables. The big question on lots of people's minds - will Lionsgate show a clip from Dredd (I think yes) or announce the casting of Finnick Odair (I think no) - show up or stay tuned to find out.

12:45-1:45 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2— Summit Entertainment presents a sneak peek at the highly anticipated conclusion of The Twilight Saga films. This is a must-see for fans interested in the story's final chapter. You will be shown exclusive footage from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2 and be treated to a cast and filmmaker Q&A session providing details on the epic finale. Hall H 


2:05-3:05 Walt Disney Studios: Frankenweenie, Oz The Great and Powerful, and Wreck-it Ralph— Walt Disney Studios hosts a Q&A panel featuring the imaginative director of Frankenweenie, Tim Burton (Alice in Wonderland); a special look at the world of Oz The Great and Powerful with director Sam Raimi (Spider-Man trilogy); and the illustrious voice cast of Walt Disney Animation Studios' Wreck-It Ralph, including John C. Reilly (Step Brothers) and Sarah Silverman (The Sarah Silverman Program), and director Rich Moore (Futurama). Hall H

4:45-5:45 The Expendables 2-Real American Heroes— Sylvester Stallone and the legendary cast of the sequel to 2010's smash hit film preview the real-deal muscles, weapons, skills, and explosions that went into making a film even bigger and badder than the original. Terry Crews, Randy Couture, Dolph Lundgren, Jean Claude Van Damme, and Arnold Schwarzenegger will join the panel discussion.Hall H 

Discover Me!

A whole slew of movies you might not have heard of will be making their case to the fan community on Thursday. Although Jackie Chan's latest is in Hall H, it still remains a bit of a mystery, and those are always a delightful time (remember Twixt last year? Anyone?) and returning for its second year is the Virtual Drive In, which takes a look at smaller genre films and hosts a discussion with their filmmakers. Plus, the panel will kick off with trailers, clips and intros from indie films other than the three featured, so make a point to get there right at 6:15 to maximize your ability to discover and brag a year from now that you knew a movie would be awesome first (see: Tucker and Dale vs Evil.)

11:00-12:00 Twisted Twins: American Mary— Jen and Sylvia Soska (of Twisted Twins Productions and the makers of Dead Hooker in a Trunk) and Todd Masters (of MASTERSFX and make-up effects producer on True Blood) will discuss the use of prosthetics in horror. The Soskas will also address the challenges of working in a male-dominated genre. They will unveil a sizzle reel from their new film American Mary. Paula Lindberg (Ruby in American Mary) will also be on the panel, which is moderated by Beth Accomando (author of the KPBS blog Cinema Junkie). Room 5AB 





3:00-4:00 Hotel Transylvania—Animation superstar and 12-time Emmy nominee Genndy Tartakovsky, who previously created Dexter's Laboratory, Samurai Jack, Sym-Bionic Titan and Star Wars: Clone Wars, makes his directorial debut this year with Sony Pictures Animation's Hotel Transylvania. Join Genndy for an exclusive sneak peek at footage from Hotel Transylvania and an exciting look behind the scenes of this very unique project, which boasts a hilarious voice cast.

Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, Dracula's lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free to be the monsters they are without humans to bother them. On one special weekend, Dracula has invited some of his best friends -- Frankenstein and his bride, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, the Werewolf family, and more -- to celebrate his beloved daughter Mavis's 118th birthday. For Drac, catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem – but everything could change for the overprotectiv e dad when one ordinary guy stumbles on the hotel and takes a shine to Mavis.

Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront 


3:25-4:25 CZ12— Jackie Chan & JJ Productions Limited are happy to bring you Jackie Chan's upcoming classical full-action feature movie CZ12, which is produced and directed by Jackie Chan. The movie stars Jackie Chan, Kwone Sang Woo and with a special guest appearance by Oliver Platt. It is filmed in multi-territories including China, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vanuatu, Australia, and  Latvia. Trailers will be presented and a Q&A will be held for the film. Hall H 




6:15-8:15 The Virtual Drive-In— Come with us again to those thrilling days of yesteryear where one of the few places you could see offbeat genre films was at your local drive-in, huddled safely in your car as the summer sky darkened around you. At least that was the germ of an idea that gave birth to this panel last year, and the reception by those fans who attended was so positive they're doing it again. So, welcome to the second edition of the Virtual Drive-In, where you will preview three twisted tales by some talented filmmakers who will all be appearing on the panel to discuss their work and take your questions. Moderated by Robert Meyer Burnett. The featured films are:

Branded -- A dark and mind-bending journey into a surreal, dystopian society where mega-corporations have unleashed a monstrous global conspiracy to get inside our minds and keep the population deluded, dependent and passive. One man's quest to unlock the truth behind the conspiracy will lead to an epic battle with the hidden forces that really control our world. Appearing on stage is director Jamie Bradshaw.

Crave -- Aiden (Josh Lawson) fantasizes about a better life away from his gruesome job as a crime scene photographer working alongside his detective friend Pete (Ron Perlman)-a heroic life where he falls in love with the perfect woman and dispenses justice on the hard streets of Detroit. When he meets the alluring young Virginia (Emma Lung) and steals a gun from a crime scene, the line between his darkest fantasies and reality begins to blur, with deadly consequences. This visually arresting psychological noir begins its festival run with its world premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival and continues on to other festivals around the world. Appearing on stage: Josh Lawson (House of Lies) and director Charles de Lauzirika, with other guests to be announced.

Coldwater -- "Make sure the past isn't watching you." Andre agrees to help out his friend Robert by taking over a housesitting job at an unusual house nestled in the heart of Coldwater Canyon. As the day turns into night, Andre experiences strange things that lead him to believe he is not alone and that someone or something is watching him. Appearing in person are writer/director Dave Parker (The Hills Run Red) and star Ivan Djurovic (24).

Hall H 


8:00-9:00 The Image Revolution Documentary— Twenty years ago, the seven biggest artists in comics created a company that revolutionized comics. Now, director Patrick Meaney (Grant Morrison: Talking with Gods) and producer Jordan Rennert (Warren Ellis: Captured Ghosts) are telling the company's story in a new documentary produced by Sequart and Respect Films. Get a first look at the film, and talk about the highs and lows of Image history with a couple of special guests. Moderated by F. J. De Santo (The Spirit). Room 32AB 

Let's Discuss

Thursdays opportunities for discussion range from fan gabbing about one property, to multiple artists with something in common discussing their work, to professionals remisicing about one golden year in science fiction, to advice on low budget filmmaking, to movie bloggers having a blast talking about what they love and hate and why, to the process of creating a blu-ray. If you can't make it into any of the giant panels, there is still plenty to whet the whistle of a major film fan.

10:15-11:15 TheOneRing.net: The Truth About The Hobbit— The Hobbit movie is imminent just at the book turns 75. With on-set visits, intrepid reporting, and the pulse of fans worldwide, the TORn staff shred rumors, answer questions, share New Zealand images-but not as part of the official publicity machine. Also featuring a special visual presentation from Weta Workshop and an account of Fandalf traveling the world and (all that is the tip of the iceberg!). Featuring Cliff Broadway (Ringers: Lord of the Fans) and Larry D. Curtis (Hobbit embedded reporter) and additional staff and guests. Room 6DE 


11:15-12:00 DreamWorks Animation— DreamWorks Animation's chief creative officer Bill Damaschke anchors a diverse group of filmmakers to demo and discuss the artistic ambition and technical innovation that goes into moviemaking at DreamWorks Animation. Moderated byAnthony Breznican from Entertainment Weekly.Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront 



3:00-4:00 1982: It was 30 Years Ago Today-Greatest Geek Year Ever!— It's time to stand up and cheer the greatest geek year ever-three decades later-and the editors of Geek Magazine and guests are here to tell you all about it on this nostalgic trip down memory lane in which they go back to the future. Geek editors Jeff Bond andDavid E. Williams are joined by screenwriter Ashley E. Miller (Thor, X-Men: First Class), director Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise, The Hills Run Red), writerSteve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers: The Series), Steve Kriozere(V.I.P., Elvis Van Helsing), Bill Hunt, Todd Doogan and Dr. Adam Jahnke (The Digital Bits, Geek), and Mark A. Altman (Free Enterprise, Femme Fatales, Castle) to discuss the year that gave us Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Blade Runner, E.T., Tron, Poltergeist, Conan: The Barbarian, The Road Warrior, The Thing, Liquid Sky (Liquid Sky? Really?!?),The Sword and the Sorcerer, Diner, 48 Hours, Dexy's Midnight Runner's "Come On Eileen" and many more. What's your favorite? And can 2012 possibly compare? You be the judge. On second thought, they'll be the judge. Moderated by Geek Magazine(geekexchange.com). Room 5AB 



3:15-4:15 Low Budget/Big Genre: Making it Fun— Script developers, producers, writers, and actors discuss lower-budget genre movies and some of the tools they use to make them so much fun that people keep coming back for more. Panelists include writer/director Eric Forsberg (Syfy, The Asylum, Active Entertainment), Micho Rutare(development executive, The Asylum), actress Gabriel Womack (Triassic Attack, Copperhead), Mark Beltzman (Re-Animator, the Musical), Karen Goodman Forsberg (producer and co-founder, Big Bear Horror Film Festival), and Bill Lundy (writer, Silent Warning, Alien Siege on SyFy; head of Scriptwriters Network).Marriott Hall 2, Marriott Marquis & Marina 


4:30-5:30 Masters of the Web— The annual gathering of some of the most prominent and influential film pundits on the web discuss the film industry, writing for film online, film fandom, and a whole lot more. Moderated by star of the new Lionsgate film Dredd, Karl Urban (Star Trek, Lord of the Rings: Return of the King), with special surprise cast members from the film. Panelists include Mike Sampson(ScreenCrush.com), Jen Yamato (MovieLine.com), Mali Elfman (ScreenCrave.com),Erik Davis (Movies.com), Steve "Frosty" Weintraub (Collider.com), Grae Drake(Fandango.com), Jenna Busch (Cocktails with Stan Lee), and Edward Douglas(ComingSoon.net), and hosted by John Campea (AMC Theatres). AMC is generously providing free movies passes to all attendees of the panel this year! Room 24ABC 


5:00-6:00 Blu-ray Producers 2012— Bill Hunt, Todd Doogan, and Dr. Adam Jahnke ofThe Digital Bits.com and Geek Monthly discuss the process of making great Blu-ray special editions with producers Charles de Lauzirika (Prometheus, The Amazing Spider-Man), Cliff Stephenson (The Hunger Games, The Expendables 2), and Robert Meyer Burnett (Star Trek: The Next Generation-Seasons One and Two), as well as Warner Home Video's senior VP of theatrical catalog marketing George Feltenstein. Audience participation is encouraged. Room 5AB 



Your Daily Trailer Park

What's Comic-Con without a trailer park?

11:30-12:30 Trailer Park— A Comic-Con tradition comes home to Hall H! See the latest in trailers from your upcoming soon-to-be-favorite films, including some in that new-fangled 3D contraption (glasses provided, but please give them back as you exit the hall).Hall H 

The rest of the week after the jump!





Friday


The Big Guns

If you don't mind sitting through three hours of television shows (which to be fair, include Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, so if you watch those, you're all set,) check out the Hall H slate on Friday that opens with the sure-to-be-awesome stop-motion animated flick ParaNorman, and closes with an incredible Sony slate, most notably featuring the return of Looper after stealing Wondercon, and Matt Damon's first ever Comic-Con appearance with Neil Blomkamp's follow up to District 9, Elysium.

10:45-11:45 ParaNorman: Behind the Scenes— Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick,Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Travis Knight, Chris Butler, and Sam Fell discuss making their new stop-motion-animated comedy thriller, ParaNorman, made in 3D. Never-before-seen footage will be shown from the Laika movie that Focus Features is opening nationwide on August 17. Panel will be moderated by Dave Karger(Entertainment Weekly). Hall H 


4:05-4:35 Screen Gems: Resident Evil: Retribution— In Resident Evil: Retribution, we learn more about Alice's mysterious past as she continues to hunt those at The Umbrella Corporation responsible for the T-virus outbreak, a chase that takes her from Tokyo to New York, Washington and Moscow, culminating in a mind-blowing revelation that will force her to rethink everything she once thought to be true. Aided by newfound allies and familiar friends, including the return of Michelle Rodriguez as Rain Ocampo, Alice must fight to survive long enough to escape a hostile world on the brink of oblivion. Appearing in person: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Oded Fehr, Boris Kodjoe, Mika Nakashima and writer/director Paul W. S. Anderson. Please join them for a preview and discussion of this highly successful film franchise, based on the popular video game series, and watch never before seen footage from the latest installment, Resident Evil: Retribution, in state-of-the art 3D. Hall H 


4:35-6:35 Sony: Total Recall, Looper, and Elysium—

Total Recall-Welcome to Rekall, the company that can turn your dreams into real memories. For a factory worker named Doug Quaid (Colin Farrell), the mind-trip sounds like the perfect vacation from his ordinary existence. But when the procedure goes horribly wrong, Quaid becomes a hunted man. The line between fantasy and reality gets blurred and the fate of his world hangs in the balance as Quaid discovers his true identity, his true love, and his true fate. Based on Philip K. Dick's classic story "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale," this brand new take on some of his most visionary ideas is directed by Len Wiseman, who will join stars Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, and Bryan Cranston on stage.

Looper-In the futuristic action thriller Looper, time travel will be invented-but it will be illegal and only available on the black market. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target 30 years into the past, where a "looper"-a hired gun, like Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt)-is waiting to mop up. Joe is getting rich and life is good...until the day the mob decides to "close the loop," sending back Joe's future self (Bruce Willis) for assassination. Writer/director Rian Johnson will join Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Emily Blunt to discuss the film.

Elysium-Ever since writer-director Neill Blomkamp broke through with his first feature film, District 9, people have been wondering what he has in store for an encore. Be a part of the first audience anywhere to get a first look at his new movie, Elysium, as stars Matt Damon and Jodie Foster join Neill and producer Simon Kinberg on stage.

Hall H 

Discover Me!

A great day for coming upon on all sorts of films currently flying under the radar, mostly animated or documentaries, with one notable exception, the wonderful comedy with a genre slant, "It's A Disaster" that myself and critics alike fell in love with LA Film Festival last month. Be bold and ahead of the curve by checking out all of these lesser known gems yet to be released.

1:15-2:15 From Fanboy to Filmmaker: A Case Study on How to Make a Successful Animated Film— Learn how one filmmaker turned a poem he wrote to his kid sister into an international cinematic sensation by enlisting his childhood heroes -- Back to the Future's Christopher Lloyd, Academy Award winner Kathy Bates and musical legend Neil Young -- to tell a seven-minute, animated love story, now being developed as a major motion picture. Follow the journey of this hand-drawn animated film from the living room to the Cineplex, and learn how you can leverage your creative project to launch the life you want to lead. Featuring writer/director Jonah D. Ansell, composer Chris Thomas, art director Eric Vennemeyer, lead animator Abe Dieckman, and a screening of the animated film Cadaver, hailed by MTV as "darkly beautiful."Marriott Hall 2, Marriott Marquis & Marina 


5:30-6:30 Berserk— At long last, the dark fantasy epic Berserk, by creator Kentaro Muira, comes to the silver screen! Join Dark Horse Comics and VIZ Media in a rare interview with Eiko Tanaka, founder and CEO of Studio 4°C (Tekkonkinkreet, Animatrix, Batman). Find out what it really takes to transform this stark manga into an animated feature. Room 32AB 


7:00-8:00 Stripped: The Comics Documentary— It's the documentary film that comic strip fans have been waiting for. Stripped sits down with the world's best cartoonists to talk about how comic strips work, why they're so loved, and how artists are navigating this dicey period between print and digital. Set to music by Stefan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band), and with notable interviews from Jim Davis (Garfield), Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics), Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins (Penny Arcade), Kate Beaton (Hark A Vagrant), Bill Amend (Foxtrot), Lynn Johnston (For Better or For Worse), Jeannie Schulz (Charles M. Schulz Museum), and over 70 others-this film will be an incredible experience for comics fans. Join the directors, twice Eisner-nominated Dave Kellett and twice Sundance-nominated Frederick Schroeder, and editor Ben Waters for exclusive sneak peeks of the film, a Q&A, and news of one secret participant that comics fans will go nuts for.  Room 25ABC 


8:00-9:00 The Vacationeers are a Disaster— It's a Disaster is a new end-of-the world comedy from the twisted minds of The Vacationeers comedy group. The film-which also stars Julia Stiles, David Cross, America Ferrera, and Erinn Hayes-is about four couples gathering for Sunday brunch unaware that the apocalypse is happening outside their door. It recently world premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival to rave reviews (The Hollywood Reporter calling it "the funniest film of recent vintage"). Writer/director Todd Berger along with actors Jeff Grace, Kevin M. Brennan, Blaise Miller, Rachel Boston (In Plain Sight, American Dreams) and Erinn Hayes (Children's Hospital) will be on hand to look back at some of the comedy group's favorite sketches and give an exclusive sneak preview of the film. Moderated by Kate Erbland of Film School Rejects. Room 6BCF 

8:30-9:30 Toy Masters and the 25th Anniversary of Masters of the Universe— To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the release of the live-action He-Man featureMasters of the Universe, the "Seacrest of Sci-Fi," Robert Meyer Burnett (Femme Fatales, Hills Run Red, Free Enterprise) brings you a powerful discussion of Toy Masters, the first ever feature-length documentary on the worldwide phenomenon that inspired an entire generation of children and became a billion-dollar franchise. The film features interviews with the key creative personnel behind every version of the bestselling toy line and all incarnations of Masters of the Universe on television, film, stage, and print, tracing the inception and ups and downs of the fantasy juggernaut. Everyone involved in the 30-year history of this historic franchise makes appearances in the film, including such genre figures as J. Michael Straczynski (Babylon 5, Thor), Richard Edlund (Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark), William Stout (Conan The Barbarian, Pan's Labyrinth), Lou Scheimer (Filmation), Michael Westmore (Star Trek franchise), Don Glut (The Empire Strikes Back, Transformers Animated), and even Dolph Lundgren, who played He-Man in the live-action film. Panel participants include Roger Lay, Jr. (director/producer), Cory Landis(producer), Gary Goddard (director), J. Michael Straczynski (writer), Mark Taylor(visual designer, Masters of the Universe toy line 1980s), Ted Mayer (visual designer/product engineer, Masters of the Universe toy line 1980s), Jack and Leslie Wadsworth (live-action He Man and She Ra, Masters of the Universe: Power Tour), and a special surprise guest! Room 26AB 

Let's Discuss

Friday boasts plenty of film related discussions, some for specific properties yet to come out or about to celebrate an anniversary, to round tables on animation, art direction and science fiction. Plus, check out Joss Whedon in his first Comic-Con panel since becoming the director of the biggest superhero movie of all time, and the too-oddball-to-miss interview with Peter Cullen by Larry King.

2:00-3:00 ASIFA: Hollywood's State of the Industry— What do the pros think of the animation scene today? Is 2D ever coming back? Is there a Stop-Motion Renaissance? How do I get a job? Panelists include Tom Sito (Beauty and the Beast, Shrek), Jamie Kezlarian Bolio (Lion King, The Illusionist), James Parris (Spider Man, Benjamin Button), Ramin Zahed (editor Animation Magazine), Josh Scherr (Uncharted III: Drakes Deception, Jax & Daxter), and a stop-motion animator from Laika's upcoming ParaNorman. Join the discussion! Room 32AB 


3:00-4:00 Walt Disney Animation Studios:Wreck-it Ralph: The Art of Story— Join Walt Disney Animation Studios story artistsNancy Kruse (Wreck-It Ralph, The Simpsons),Leo Matsuda (Wreck-It Ralph, Princess and the Frog), Raymond Persi (Wreck-It Ralph, The Simpsons), Lissa Treiman (Wreck-It Ralph, Tangled) and Josie Trinidad (Wreck-It Ralph, Tangled), and writers Phil Johnston (Wreck-It Ralph, Cedar Rapids) and Jennifer Lee(Wreck-It Ralph) as they discuss the art of story for the upcoming feature Wreck-It Ralph, in theaters November 2nd. Room 6DE 


4:00-5:00 Motion Picture and Television Illustrators of the Art Directors Guild—Film starts with an idea that must be brought to life by a team of creative men and women. The illustrators and storyboard artists use their skills and imaginations to develop the transcendent visuals of the big screen, be it adventure son distant worlds or earthly hovels. Meet the artists as they discuss their craft and answer questions: moderator Tim Burgard (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Benton Jew (G.I. Joe: Retaliation), Dave Lowery (Oz the Great and Powerful), Derek Gogol (Pirates of the Caribbean franchise), Trevor Goring (Real Steel), and Chris Baker (War of the Worlds).Room 24ABC 


5:00-6:00 Sci-fi That Will Change Your Life— Sometimes science fiction does more than mangle your eyeballs with awesome explosions -- it can also make you think. Come discuss the year's most brain-expanding sci-fi with io9 staffers Annalee Newitz, Cyriaque Lamar, and Charlie Jane Anders, plus amazing guests Phil Plait(writer/scientist, Bad Astronomy), Deric A. Hughes (producer/writer, Warehouse 13), and Sarah Kuhn (writer, One Con Glory). Room 7AB 


5:30-6:30 Dark Horse: Joss Whedon— Long before directing the biggest superhero film in history, Joss Whedon rewarded fans the world over with some of the most compelling characters and plotlines in the history of comics, television, and movies. Here's your chance to find out what he has in store for us next, and hear exclusive insight into Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the ever-expanding number of titles in Dark Horse's line of Season 9 comics. Ballroom 20 


6:00-7:00 Optimus Prime: Up Close and Personal— The incomparable Larry King, one of the most recognized broadcast interviewers in the world, goes one-on-one with voice actor Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime), a talent who is practically synonymous with Comic-Con itself. In this panel, "The King of Interviews" salutes the beloved Cullen and takes attendees through the actor's early days on the original 1984 animated TV series Transformers Generation One, the three box office smash Transformers movies, and his current work on The Hub TV network's Daytime Emmy Award-winning animated series Transformers Prime from Hasbro Studios. Audience Q&A to follow. Room 23ABC 


7:00-8:00 Blade Runner 30th Anniversary Celebration— In 1982, Blade Runner, director Ridley Scott's classic adaptation of SF master Philip K. Dick's novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? was released to theaters and forever changed the face of cinematic science fiction. Filmmaker, BR expert, and acclaimed author Paul M. Sammon (Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner) hosts a 30th anniversary celebration of this influential masterpiece. Sammon (who was present throughoutBR's filming and met Philip K. Dick) will interview numerous BR cast and crewmembers, including BR art director David Snyder and BR: The Final Cut producerCharles de Lauzirika. Be there to meet these and other very special BR guests.Room 6BCF 

Saturday

The Big Guns

Perhaps the most major day for major film at Comic-Con this year, Saturday boasts the new Tarantino, who must be seen on a panel to be believed, a trifecta (and perhaps more? there are rumblings of many a surprise) of hugely anticipated films from Warner Brothers including what we can only assume will be the first footage shown anywhere of Henry Cavill as Superman, and Marvel giving us a taste of Iron Man 3 and no doubt making a few announcements. If there is one day to camp out in Hall H, this is it.

11:30-12:30 Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained— The Weinstein Company presents a sneak peek at the highly anticipated new film from acclaimed directorQuentin Tarantino. Fans will get to see exclusive footage from Django Unchained and take part in a special discussion with Tarantino and the cast. You won't want to miss this! Hall H 


2:30-5:00 Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Preview Their Upcoming Lineups—

Legendary Pictures: Pacific Rim-From acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro comes Warner Bros. Pictures' and Legendary Pictures' epic sci-fi action adventure Pacific Rim. When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity's resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes -- a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) -- who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind's last hope against the mounting apocalypse. Pacific Rim also stars Idris Elba, Ron Perlman, and Charlie Day.

Warner Bros. Pictures: Man Of Steel

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey-From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Jackson returns to Middle-earth in an adventure that begins 60 years before the events depicted in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. The first of two films adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien's enduringly popular masterpiece, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows titular Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), who-along with the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and a band of 13 Dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage)-is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. The film's ensemble cast includes Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lily, and Andy Serkis as Gollum.

Hall H 


6:00-7:00 Marvel Studios: Iron Man 3— Producer Kevin Feige and special guests provide an inside look at the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hall H 

Discover Me!

A nice selection to discover presents itself on Saturday, from a sneak peak look at an upcoming Sci-Fi film based on a comic (involving Peter David yet!), an indie film from Sundance (I've seen it, the film isn't great, but the cast rocks and they are *all* appearing on the panel, so I'd say check it out if you can), some big budget fare that doesn't have a lot of buzz yet, and a pair of films brought to us by EPIX that both sound odd and wonderful.

10:00-11:00 After Earth— Enter the world of After Earth with an in-depth panel that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the universe of the upcoming film and comic book. With the film now in post-production and set to hit theaters next June, screenwriter Gary Whitta (Book of Eli) and director of photography Peter Suschitzky(The Empire Strikes Back) will discuss the making of the film. They will be joined by comic book artist Beni Lobel (Spanish horror comic anthology Cthulu; G.I. Joe comic books; Torchwood: Web of Lies motion comic), and writers Robert Greenberger (Iron Man, Batman, and Hellboy novels) and Michael Friedman (Star Trek and X-Men novels) -- the creators of the comic book After Earth: Innocence, which will introduce Kitai and Cypher Raige (played by Jaden and Will Smith in the After Earth film). Also joining the panel is Eisner Award winner Peter David (Star Trek novels and comic books; The Incredible Hulk), who is writing the After Earth prequel novel and also created the After Earth bible with Greenberger and Friedman.

In After Earth, one thousand years after cataclysmic events forced humanity's escape from Earth, Nova Prime has become mankind's new home. Legendary General Cypher Raige (played by Will Smith) returns from an extended tour of duty to his estranged family, ready to be a father to his 13-year-old son, Kitai (played by Jaden Smith). When an asteroid storm damages Cypher and Kitai's craft, they crash-land on a now unfamiliar and dangerous Earth. As his father lies dying in the cockpit, Kitai must trek across the hostile terrain to recover their rescue beacon. His whole life, Kitai has wanted nothing more than to be a soldier like his father. Today, he gets his chance.

Room 6A 


11:30-12:30 Save the Date: Your New Favorite Film— This may be the first comic book film that isn't based on an actual comic book; instead, Save the Date uses the style and sensibility of indie comics by renowned graphic novelist Jeffrey Brown as a jumping off point to tell a contemporary story of the trials, pain, and happiness of modern love. Explore the challenges and advantages of working in film versus comics with cartoonist/screenplay co-writer Jeffrey Brown (Clumsy, Darth Vader and Son), director Michael Mohan (One Too Many Mornings), and producers Jordan Horowitz (The Kids Are All Right) and Michael Roiff (Waitress), and discover how the cast has been influenced and inspired by comics and geek culture, with Lizzy Caplan(Party Down), Alison Brie (Community, Mad Men), Martin Starr (Freaks & Geeks, Party Down), Geoffrey Arend (500 Days of Summer), and Mark Webber (Scott Pilgrim). Join them for a lively session moderated by Noel Murray (The A.V. Club). Room 5AB


12:45-1:45 Open Road Films: End of Watch and Silent Hill: Revelations 3D—Global exclusive! Catch an early look at the highly anticipated action film End of Watch, with special guests Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña who play police officers patrolling the meanest streets of south central Los Angeles, and writer/director David Ayer (Training Day). Also, based on the groundbreaking video game franchise from Konami, Silent Hill: Revelation 3D is the sequel to the hit film Silent Hill. Experience the world premiere of 3D footage from an unparalleled horror experience with special guests Adelaide Clemens (X-Men Origins: Wolverine), Kit Harington (HBO's Game of Thrones), director Michael J. Bassett, and producer Samuel Hadida. Hall H 


4:15-5:15 EPIX Originals: William Shatner and Roger Corman— Two legends of the entertainment world take to the Comic-Con stage to preview their latest projects. Get a gander at the EPIX Original movie, Roger Corman's first-ever made in 3D,Attack of the 50 Foot Cheerleader, in which a meek college co-ed is transformed into a gigantic cheerleader. Then take a sneak peek at William Shatner's Get a Life!, an EPIX original documentary based on Shatner's hugely popular book, in which he examines the cultural phenomena of Star Trek, its fan-following, and his own role within it. To top it all off the panel will be moderated by "Mr. Comic Book Men" himself,Kevin Smith. Room 6A 

Let's Discuss

Saturday sees guild heavy discussions, with explorations into art direction, costume design and prop building, ideal for anyone aspiring to work in genre film design. The day ends with what is always hands down one of the best panels at Comic-Con, no matter how you feel about the man, with a raucus two hours with Kevin Smith, spent mostly with him telling stories and lovingly insulting the fans who ask him questions. If you've never attended one of these, remedy that immediately.

10:00-11:00 Film and TV Production Designers of the Art Directors Guild— In collaboration with a highly skilled art department, the production designer lays out the design plan that will guide a small army of illustrators, set designers, decorators, carpenters, sculptors, painters, and artisans of every sort in creating small worlds to warm the heart and entire civilizations to fire the imagination. Designers includeSuzuki Ingerslev (True Blood), Bill Creber (original Planet of the Apes), Rick Heinrichs(Dark Shadows), Thomas Walsh (Vampires), Dominic Watkins (Snow White and the Huntsman), and moderator John Muto (Terminator 2:3D). Room 25ABC


5:00-6:00 Costume Designers and Illustrators: From Concept to Reality— Join a discussion with the creative minds that help bring your favorite sci-fi, fantasy and comic book characters to life on the big screen through the art of costume design and illustration. Learn how Costume Designers Guild members Shawna Trpcic (The Cabin In The Woods), Monique Prudhomme (Underworld Awakening), and Varya Avdyushko (Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter) and costume illustrators Christian Cordella (Snow White, Hunger Games, Thor), Constantine Sekeris (Green Lantern, Thor, Star Trek), Phillip Boute Jr. (Man of Steel, Star Trek, Hansel & Gretel, Twilight), Brian Velenzuela (Star Trek, The Sorcerer's Apprentice), and Rosi Gabl (xXx, Mission To Mars) take costumes from concept to reality. Room 24ABC 


7:00-8:00 Building Props for Sci-Fi in the 21st Century— Sci-fi props already have the advantage of a sharp aesthetic, but in this day and age, how do you take sci-fi prop making and the replica making that tends to follow to the next level? Andy Gore(QMx), Jack Kenney (Warehouse 13), Andy Siegel (Avatar, The Amazing Spiderman, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), John Eblan (Star Wars Episodes II and III), and Nick Robatto (Doctor Who, Torchwood) discuss how your favorite props are made, from concept to execution. The panel will discuss the impact of accelerated production schedules and technology on how TV and movie props are conceived and created. You will also learn the various types of prop making, from working props and digital modeling to 3D printers and the use of advanced materials. Room 24ABC 


7:15-9:15 Comi-Kev: Q&A with Kevin Smith— For like the millionth year in a row, Saturday at Comic-Con's not over 'til the fat lady sings...and that fat lady is@ThatKevinSmith! Taking the the Hall H stage like he takes the desserts off your lunch tray, the guy in the hockey jersey will A all of your Qs! Query about Comic Book Men, Spoilers, SModcast.com, his book Tough Sh*t, Jay & Silent Bob's Super Groovy Cartoon Movie, his Fat Man on Batman podcast, or just ask him about stuff he's got nothing to do with! But get ready to listen because this fatty is chatty! Warning:Kevin Smith throws around adult language like it's clever. It's not, but he loves it. A lot. Hall H 

Your Daily Trailer Park

Okay, so remember how there wasn't a trailer park on Friday? Ha HA! There are TWO on Saturday! So if you only let yourself watch trailers on the big screen with other people (like me. No really, I do that. It's a bad habit to have when you make your living talking about movies. Whatevs.), then you're in luck!

2:00-2:30 Trailer Park I— See the latest in trailers from your upcoming soon-to-be-favorite films, including some in 3D (glasses provided, but please give them back as you exit the hall). Hall H 


5:15-5:45 Trailer Park II— Once more with feeling! See the latest in trailers from your upcoming soon-to-be-favorite films, including some in 3D (glasses provided, but please give them back as you exit the hall). Hall H 


Sunday 


Let's Discuss

The most relaxing day of the Convention sees no "big guns" but lots of fun discussions, including one that may not outwardly seen like it's about movies, but, come on, you *know* that every young adult book on that panel is gonna be a huge movie at some point. The Smackdown always rewards fans of space set film, and a panel with Drew Struzan, creator of multiple iconic poster images, is a treat for any film geek. Oh and the first Harry Potter book came out 15 years ago, which definitely requires some sort of conversation cause WHAT?! How old am I?! What year is this?!

12:00-1:00 What's Hot in Young Adult Fiction— Strong protagonists, engrossing romance, humor, action, and angst! Panelists offer a Q&A session and chat about the hottest new titles and trends in YA fiction. Moderated by Nathan Bransford (Jacob Wonderbar for President of the Universe) and featuring Leigh Bardugo (Shadow and Bone), James Dashner (The Maze Runner series), Kami Garcia (co-author of the Beautiful Creatures novels), Tahereh Mafi (Unravel Me), Melina Marchetta (Froi of the Exiles), Lish McBride (Hold Me Closer, Necromancer), Myra McEntire (Hourglass trilogy), and Scott Westerfeld (Uglies). Room 25ABC 

3:30-5:00 Starship Smackdown All*Stars: InterGalactic 3D Edition— The must-see panel of Comic-Con, brought to you by the new Geek Magazine, as featured on National Public Radio, returns for another action-packed year as the greatest spaceships in the history of the universe converge in the ultimate cosmic conflagration for the highly-coveted Smackdown title in Comic-Con's most scholarly and erudite panel. Will the Enterprise once again defeat an Imperial Star Destroyer? Can the Serenity make mincemeat out of the Battlestar Galactica? In space, can anyone hear you scream on the Prometheus and can you actually get cell reception in the TARDIS? And what exactly is the "Captain's Courageous" lightning round anyway? Join our panel of expert spaceshipologists as they outwit, outplay and outphaser, starring Chris Gossett (The Red Star), Ashley E. Miller (X-Men: First Class, Thor), Steve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers), Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise, The Hills Run Red), Kay Reindl (Millennium, Twilight Zone), and the Gene Rayburn of the stars, moderator Mark A. Altman (Femme Fatales, DOA: Dead Or Alive), along with some surprise guests. End your weekend with the geekiest and most beloved panel of all time in this or any other dimension, known or unknown. All new ships, all new quips as the Smackdown beams down to San Diego for its final mission. Courtesy of the all-new Geek Magazine. Room 6A 


3:45-4:45 Drew: The Man Behind the Poster— Screening a premiere clip from the feature-length documentary about movie poster artist Drew Struzan, which includes exclusive interviews with George Lucas, Harrison Ford, Michael J. Fox, Frank Darabont, Guillermo del Toro, Steven Spielberg, and many others. Followed by a Q&A panel that will include artist Drew Struzan, actor Thomas Jane, director Erik P. Sharkey, producer Charles Ricciardi, composer Ryan Shore, co-cinematographer and supervising editor Greg Boas, editor Jeff Yorkes, Stephen Saffel of Titan Books, andZach Martin of Skywalker Sound Studios. Room 5AB 


4:00-5:00 15 Years Since Philosopher's Stone: Harry Potter Fandom in 2012—Seven books from J. K. Rowling -- or ten, depending on how you count -- plus hundreds of thousands of fanfics. Eight studio movies -- plus dozens of popular fanfilms, musicals, and songs. One theme park -- but soon there'll be three or more! An international museum exhibition -- and piles of fan-made shirts, crafts, fanart, CDs and DVDs. An encyclopedic website -- and fancons, fan-made wikis, and history courses on the impact of the Harry Potter fandom. We'll look back at 15 years of Harry Potter fandom and try to predict -- better than Trelawney! -- where we go from here. Room 6DE

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