Ever wonder how really good books suck a reader 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 their story from the pack. Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake helps you gain insight into how to put your story together in a compelling way that will have your readers turning page after page to see what happens next.
Thursday July 18, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 2
Which side of the convention table do you want to be on: professional or fan? And what's keeping you from getting there? If you're having trouble bringing your creative ideas into reality, you need to attend this fun and informative workshop, designed specifically for the Comic-Con crowd and back for its seventh straight year. Douglas Neff, the "Tony Robbins of Geeks," will give you simple and proven techniques for bringing your most important goals to life. 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 practical tools for helping you reach your dream.
Thursday July 18, 2013 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? Sit down with a group of Marvel professionals from every corner of the business and get insider tips, advice, and firsthand 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 great Marvel talent!
Thursday July 18, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 7AB
Comic-Con Film School is back for another four-day, nuts and bolts course on how to make a movie for very little money using available video technology and desktop postproduction software. Whether you're shooting your first vampire film or that story about the leather-clad girl who hunts dimensional refugees, this course will take you from script to final product so that you too can enter your own movie into the CCI-IFF. This first class covers the specifics of preproduction on the cheap, including screenwriting, casting, scheduling, location scouting, crewing-up, and getting equipment for nothing. Panelists include Valerie Perez (producer/star, Paula Peril series), Jack Conway (writer/producer, Fear News), Vera Vanguard (producer, The Building of Good and Evil), Nick Murphy (writer/director, Pizza and Bullets), and Sean Rourke (writer, Ballistica).
Artists and small business owners are not always assured financial success at conventions (there are good shows and bad shows), but they can assure their own marketing success through thoughtful planning and professional presentation. In today's marketplace, image is everything, and there is no second chance for a first impression. Join ringleader Bob Self (Baby Tattoo Books, Baby Tattooville, Beyond Brookledge) along with a cast of creatively innovative business people for an unusually entertaining lesson in business as (un)usual.
Thursday July 18, 2013 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 4
What makes the difference between an item that will get news coverage, previews, or interviews, and what doesn't? Many publishers have no idea what to submit to the press, how to submit it, and why they are being overlooked for coverage. Comic 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 your submission. Panelists include (in alphabetical order) Albert Ching (Newsarama), Glenn Hauman (Comic Mix), Holly Golightly (BroadSword Comics), Rich Johnston (Bleeding Cool), Alan Kistler (Comic Mix), Heidi MacDonald (The Beat), Chris Squires (Buckley Radio), Tanya Tate (First Comics News), Chris Thompson (First Comics News), J. C. Vaughn (The 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 18, 2013 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 8
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, is back for his 20th anniversary of enlightening creators at Comic-Con. His series of programs are designed to provide you with a basic legal foundation in intellectual property and related areas, including securing and enforcing your rights, contracts and licensing, fair use, social media, and much more. This first installment focuses on the basics-that is, understanding your intellectual property rights and how to protect them, focusing on protection and ownership of 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. 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 Schoolseminars 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 18, 2013 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Ghenwa Hayek (Claremont McKenna College) examines how graphic fiction has flourished in Lebanon as a postwar generation copes with the burden of memories and a younger generation thirsts to know more. Andrew J. Friedenthal (University of Texas at Austin) compares Justice Society of America comics in the Golden Age with the 1980s' retconned account of their World War II adventures to show how escapist literature helps us deal with history as it happens and after. Sam Cannon (University of Texas at Austin) investigates how Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá's graphic novel Daytripper calls into question racial and national identities as well as the possibility of survival in contemporary Brazil.
Thursday July 18, 2013 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
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 18, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 2
Successful novelists, screenwriters, and actors each bring a different perspective to a discussion of how to write science fiction and fantasy. Raymond Feist (The Riftwar Saga, The Serpentwar Saga, Conclave of Shadows), David Gerrold (Star Trek, The War Against the Chtorr, Star Wolf), Marc Scott Zicree (Space Command, Babylon 5, Sliders, The Twilight Zone Companion), Trevor Crafts (Lantern City, Smokewood), Matthew James Daley (Lantern City, Lantern City: Rise), Jimmy Diggs (The Crypto-Historians, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager), Matt King (The World of Steam), and Bruce Boxleitner (TRON, Babylon 5, Lantern City). Moderated by Mark O'Bannon (The Dream Crystal, The Dark Mirrors of Heaven, Aia the Barbarian).
Thursday July 18, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Two-time Oscar-nominated director Bill Plympton (Idiots and Angels) will preview his new animated feature Cheatin'. He will screen pencil tests and finished sequences and discuss the successful Kickstarter campaign that raised funds to complete the film, plus his plans for distribution. Bill will also screen some of the short films from his new DVD release Dogs and Cows and answer questions about his career. Plus, all attendees will receive a free Bill Plympton sketch!
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Every year comics are banned in libraries all over the United States; learn how you can fight back! In recent years, comics that have been targeted for bans include all-ages classics like Bone by Jeff Smith and Dragonball by Akira Toriyama, as well as acclaimed books for adult readers like Alison Bechdel's Fun Home, Neil Gaiman's Sandman, Alan Moore's League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and others. Learn more about what comics have been banned and challenged, why comics are banned, and how you can help by being a part of CBLDF's efforts for Banned Book Week!
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Psychologist Patrick O'Connor (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; Comicspedia) and licensed psychotherapist Josué Cardona (Geek Therapy podcast) discuss geek culture, the psychology of superheroes, and the therapeutic value of comics. Laura Vecchiolla and Elizabeth Smith (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology) and licensed psychologists Frank Gaskill and Dave Verhaagen (Southeast Psych) join them to provide the ultimate expertise on the healing power of superheroes. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight) moderates.
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
BOOM! Studios creators Brian Stelfreeze (Wednesday Comics, The Day Men), Paul Jenkins (Wolverine: Origin, Deathmatch), and Eric Esquivel (Freelancers), along with 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 18, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Jermaine Turner (director, current series, Disney TV Animation), Ted Biaselli (VP programming, The Hub Network), Jill Sanford (VP, Nickelodeon Animation Development), Derek Hoffman (VP, Donner Co.), Ivan Brandon (writer/publisher, Offset Comics), Charlie Chu (editor, Oni Press), Lindsay Rostal (game producer, The Odd Gentlemen), Jennie Kong (PR strategist), and moderator Dan Evans III (freelance writer, Stoopid Monkey), will take an idea from conception through production for various media. This process will include creating a pitch document, obtaining agents, and getting a pitch meeting. The panelists will explain, through hypothetical example and humorous stories, the process that new creators should adapt to make their way through the creative battleground of the entertainment industry. Knowing that each project is unique, there will be a Q&A to allow the audience to really hone in on the solutions to obstacles they may encounter. Also on hand will be Brendan McFeely (IP lawyer, Kane Kessler) to give creators insight on protecting their ideas as they navigate Hollywood!
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
UPDATED: Fri, Jul 05, 03:02PM Motion Books are digital comics come to life with movement and sound. Learn how these are made with the top creators in the field from Madefire and deviantART and discover how you can participate as an artist and as a seller on your own. Featuring Ben Wolstenholme, Liam Sharp and Dave Gibbons from Madefire, Angelo Sotira, deviantART’s co-founder and CEO, and Ron Martino from deviantART along with other special guests.
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:15pm - 1:15pm PDT
Room 2
Writing instructors Rich Shivener (Northern Kentucky University), John Silvestro (Miami University), and Alex Jenkin (Miami University) discuss how they incorporate Batman, Scott McCloud, Will Eisner, and select indie comics into freshman-level college courses with diverse audiences, even those who are not fans of comics, considering both comics and academic writing as different methods to express arguments, narratives, and ideas. They reveal how students can use academic writing to analyze, realize, and understand comics and use comics to think about the limitations of academic writing and what it can and cannot show.
Thursday July 18, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
The Antidote Trust teams up with comics/TV animation creative force Brandon Easton for 2 hours of in-depth discussions. Preceding "The Writer's Journey: Breaking into Hollywood and Comic Scriptwriting" panel, this first hour concentrates on independent comic creation-what you'll need to know for a chance at success. Here's (not too much of) a spoiler alert: you'll need to tell a good story and doing so in a fresh way. Panelists are BuyIndieComics.com and DWAP Productions creator Dale Wilson;Todd Harris, story illustrator with well over a decade of experience in film, TV, video games and print and co-founder of Genre19 (Prodigal for Ape Entertainment, Journeymen for Dark Horse); Dani Dixon, entrepreneur/creator of Tumble Creek Press; Larry Welch, former senior art editor at Malibu Comics and currently freelance comic book inker for Marvel and Black Inc! Imprints; Andre Owens, Force Galaxia creator and founder of Hiro Unlimited entertainment enterprise; and TV and film story illustrator, comics creator, and winner of the inaugural "Glyph" Rising Star Award Robert Roach. DeWayne Copeland, co-creator and producer of the indie superhero web-series CV Nation, moderates.
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 15, 02:15PM Experts discuss digital development and marketing for your digital projects, including your comic, web series, app, game, or Kickstarter. Panelists include BernieSu (The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, showrunner), MattEnlow (Squaresville), BrianNorgard (Chill CEO), NicoleWilke (Fox Animation Domination High-Def, digital producer), SarahPenna (Big Frame, Co-Founder), MariaPacheco (DreamWorks Animation, mobile marketing), MeganWesterby (Collective Digital Studio, VP marketing - Video Game High School, Hannah Hart's Hello Harto Tour) and YomiAyeni (Clockwork Watch, creator), moderated by KevinWinston (Digital LA CEO).
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.
Neville Page (Star Trek Into Darkness) demonstrates his latest techniques for creating unique creatures and characters for entertainment. A variety of techniques will be shared, from traditional to digital. Multiple examples will be shown from his personal work to the latest films he has worked on, such as Star Trek and Prometheus.
Thursday July 18, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
Comic-Con special guest FredPerry (Gold Digger, Action Time Buddies, Zombie Kid Diaries) draws a page of Gold Digger (layout to inks) before a live audience, providing commentary on his preferred drawing tools, techniques, and more.
Thursday July 18, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
As we move from the Insight to Indies panel, we'll address the question every aspiring writer wants answered: "How do I break into the business?" If you are an unpublished writer with dreams of making it in the transmedia marketplace and you don't know how or where to begin, this is the panel for you. Hollywood screenwriters and graphic novel producers Brandon M. Easton (ThunderCats (2011), Transformers: Rescue Bots), GeoffreyThorne (TNT's Leverage, Ben 10), Jonathan Callan (Ben 10, Generator Rex), veteran screenwriter Tony Puryear (the Schwarzenegger film Eraser), and actress/writer Erika Alexander (Maxine Shaw from Living Single and Concrete Park graphic novel from Dark Horse) share insider information, publishing secrets, and the professional realities on how to develop your ideas into a viable comics proposal. Topics include how to hire artists and build a strong contract, how to seek out a publisher, and how to navigate the tough new world of intellectual property management in the digital frontier.
Aaron Kashtan (Georgia Institute of Technology) discusses why and how instructors can use comics to make students more aware of the materiality of media, both when analyzing media artifacts and when producing media artifacts of their own. Jeremy Johnson (University of Minnesota) describes empirical research on how teachers taught middle-school students about the Holocaust by using comics creation to share a nonfiction, research-based story. Peter Carlson (Green Dot Public Schools, UCLA) and Antero Garcia (Colorado State University) share the findings from their own research on how comic books can serve as tools to foster dialogue and nurture relationships that empower students.
Thursday July 18, 2013 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Daniel Presedo (Photoshop), Chris Cox (Photoshop), Nikolai Svakhin (Photoshop), Brian Haberlin (Witch Blade, Anomaly), Liam Sharp (MadeFire, Marvel, DC), Bill Sienkiewicz (Marvel, DC), and Freddie E Williams II (DC) prepare for a lively discussion and Q&A. They will be giving away a membership to the Creative Cloud and more.
Thursday July 18, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Industry leaders share an insider's look at what it takes to build the right portfolio to enter the world of animation. Attendees will gain an understanding of the creative roles of animated television, feature animation, and visual effects industries. Dawn Rivera-Ernster (director of talent development and recruitment, Walt Disney Animation Studios), Brooke Keesling (manager, animation talent development, Cartoon Network), and Diane St. Clair (VP, recruiting and artist development, Sony Pictures Imageworks) offer an insider's look at what it takes to build a creative animation portfolio.
Thursday July 18, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
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 animation/motion capture supervisor Derron Ross (Blur Studio), previs wiz Kerry Shea (The Third Floor), linguist/Language Creation Society president David Peterson (Game of Thrones), and Man At Arms star/weapons maker Tony Swatton (Pirates of the Caribbean). They'll discuss their gigs, the skill sets they hire, and ways into the biz you may not have even considered. Moderated by Susan Karlin (Fast Company).
Thursday July 18, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Subtle guerilla art tactics provide a way of sharing your vision with the world. They can be used for a variety of reasons: to make a political or personal statement, to share your ideas, or just for fun. Artist Lori Gordon will address what it means to make art when you don't necessarily consider yourself an artist, and what it means to make art without an interest in the outcome. Participants will be invited to make their own project.
Reading With Pictures presents an all-star panel of educators, cartoonists and publishers as they discuss how (and why) comics are being integrated into the Common Core Curriculum. Dr. Katie Monnin (assistant professor of literacy), Tracy Edmunds (curriculum developer), Gina Gagliano (associate marketing and publicity manager, First Second Books), Anastasia Betts (Graphic Novels 101), Paul Morrissey (editor), and Geoffrey Golden (The Devastator) offer a far-reaching Q&A session moderated by Josh Elder (president, Reading with Pictures).
Thursday July 18, 2013 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
So you want to make comics? This program is your first step toward actually doing it! Top comic book creators Brandon Siefert (Witch Doctor) and Bobby Curnow (IDW editor, Night of 1,000 Wolves) discuss the ins and outs of the comic industry-specifically, what it takes to break into comics and how it's done! This is the panel that no writer or artist dare miss. Bonus: In addition to breaking in, learn how to stay in the comics business! Moderated by Comics Experience's Andy Schmidt (Marvel and IDW editor, writer).
Thursday July 18, 2013 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 where the movies will be made. Six location scouts will discuss the creative and logistical aspects of their jobs, tell some exciting anecdotes, and answer audience questions. Panelists include Becky Brake (Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol), Caleb Duffy (Thor), Scott Allen Logan (Iron Man 2), David Lyons (Community), Rebecca "Puck" Stair (Terminator Salvation), and Scott Trimble (Star Trek Into Darkness).
Trouble finding a book publisher? How about a literary agent? Do you really need your own publicist? Is getting into print different when your book's topic is particularly geeky? Hear how these bookworms got their works into print, how they made money at it, and how you might, too: S. G. Browne (Breathers: A Zombie's Lament), Bonnie Burton (The Star Wars Craft Book), Katrina Hill (Action Movie Freak), Alan Kistler (Doctor Who: A History), Alex Langley (The Geek Handbook), and Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight). Moderated by Jenna Busch (Fanhattan).
Thursday July 18, 2013 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
If you're a writer or artist attending the Comic Creator Connection, this is your chance to practice giving your pitch before the big event and to get some free coaching from a pro. Pitch Reviews will be conducted by Douglas Neff, an experienced presentation coach and professional public speaker who hosts the Comic Creator Connection and From Fan to Creator: Goal-Setting for Creative Types. This is not a panel. Instead, these are 3- to 5-minute individual coaching sessions for as many people as can be accommodated in the scheduled time. Please note that showing up is not a guarantee that you'll get a review session. Spaces are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Thursday July 18, 2013 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 29A
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. The Shiflett Brothers are twenty-year veterans of the comic book statue industry.
Got a new comic, a new webseries, a new novel, a new TV show, or a movie? That's great-but pretty meaningless if you and your friends are the only ones who know about. How do you get the word out? Facebook and a webpage, sure. That's what everyone's doing. What can you do to cut through the clutter and get your stuff actually seen, actually talked about, actually out there so people can see it, read it, watch it, buy it? People who have been getting projects seen dating back to Star Wars give you their thoughts and advice on how you can do it for your project. Panelists include Molly Celaschi (Malena Public Relations, Spike TV Scream Awards), Heidi MacDonald (The Beat, Publishers Weekly), Craig Miller (Star Wars, The Dark Crystal), Amy Ratcliffe (Geek with Curves, StarWars.com), and Steve Saffel (Titan Books).
Thursday July 18, 2013 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
In the last year, Thrillbent.com has been a leading innovator in digital comics. Mark Waid (Daredevil, Superman: Birthright, Insufferable),James Tynion IV (Batman, The Eighth Seal), John Rogers (Leverage, Dungeons and Dragons, Arcanum), Nicholas Rucka (Kitchen Death Match), Christina Blanch and Troy Peteri (The Damnation of Charlie Wormwood), and Lori Matsumoto (Thrillbent general manager) join other Thrillbent talent for an in-depth tutorial on how to write, draw, and color for the Thrillbent format in an hour-long "how-to" with Q&A.
Siike Donnelly and Matt Hawkins - along with guest panelists Olivia Peterson, Jon Schnepp, and Joshua Levy - give you a look into the process of running and promoting a Kickstarter campaign. Learn how to reach your audience directly and put your dream project into the hands of many. Discover the ups, downs, and rewards of believing in your work.
For costumers, future costumers, and those who simply enjoy watching masquerades from the audience, this brief overview of fan convention costume competitions will discuss their workings, their history, how contests differ from one type of convention to another, how judging is done, creating original designs and re-creations, groups versus solo costumes, and choice of music and effects. Plus: costume research, planning, fabrication, and stage presentation tips for taking a costume creation from beginning idea to stage-ready showpiece-and how to have fun doing it. Presented by Comic-Con Masquerade director for the past 20 years Martin Jaquish, Masquerade assistant John Ruff, award-winning fan costumer Allan Lavigne, and award-winning member of the HCC cosplay group Judy Grivich.
Thursday July 18, 2013 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
The iPad has transformed the way you read comics but did you know you can create comic art on it too? See a comic book character come to life as Hi-Fi's Brian Miller (Wolverine: An Origin Story) and Kristy Miller (Meet the Marvel Superheroes) demonstrate how to paint comics on the iPad. Learn the basic tools and techniques, including which apps work best and how you, too, can transform your iPad into a portable art studio. Q&A session.
Thursday July 18, 2013 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Need tips on how to market your comic and yourself to voracious fans and the comic industry at large? Have questions on the best way to do PR? Then this panel is for you! Some of the best and brightest in comics today bring you a roundtable discussion, revealing all the secrets of doing effective marketing and PR to get your comic noticed. Join moderator Chip Mosher (comiXology's PR and marketing maven), J. K. Parkin (from Comic Book Resources and the Eisner Award-nominated blog Robot 6), and Fantagraphics Books's marketing and PR team Jacq Cohen (director of publicity and promotions) and Jen Vaughn (marketing and outreach coordinator) for an inspiring and wide-ranging discussion you won't want to miss!
Greg Spalenka (artist in publishing, film, and higher education; Sandman, The Ant Bully, 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. Stephan Martiniere (artist in publishing, film, and games; Star Wars 2 and 3, I Robot), Donato Giancola (artist in publishing, film, and games; Tor, National Geographic), Alfred Paredes (sculptor, ZICA Toys, Sota Toys), Daniel Davis and Dawna Davis (husband and wife team of Steamcrow, publishers of monster books and toys). In addition there will be a drawing for free consultations with Greg Spalenka to help you create a living from your art on your own terms.
Are you new to comics? Are you confused? Do you want to start reading but don't know where to begin? Never fear, I Don't Know $#!+ About Comics is here to help you make the transition from "I kinda liked that Man of Steel movie" to "I know everything about Superman, including his Social Security Number!" Let panelists Jesse Snider (Evil Ernie, Toy Story), Mark Waid (Daredevil, Kingdom Come), Rileah Vanderbilt (Team Unicorn), Tiffany Smith (GameGeek host), and moderator Aaron Sparrow (Darkwing Duck) indoctrinate you into the unequaled storytelling and imagination of comics!
Thursday July 18, 2013 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
Stories are about conflict. And there is no purer form of conflict than a good ole fisticuffs-style brawl. (Or sword fight, laser battle, western shootout, and even two chicks pulling out each other's hair.) Yet, how to put that much action down on paper and not only make it believable, but enjoyable and exciting to read? Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake brings you deep inside the violence, breaking it down piece by piece and giving you some tricks you can use to create more realistic and exciting fights.
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 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 (writer/producer of Fear News), and Sean Rourke (writer of Ballistica).
Spiro Skentzos (Grimm), Karen Horne (NBC executive/Spawn co-producer), Keto Shimizu (Arrow), and Jane Espenson (Husbands) share their TV writing experiences on such topics as getting started, basic script mistakes, how to get representation, writing programs, staying motivated, and negotiating today's turbulent TV terrain. There will be a large Q&A component, so bring your questions.
Friday July 19, 2013 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 24ABC
Comic books and popular culture properties are hotter than ever. But actually making money from your creations that end up on screen 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. Attorney Michael Lovitz, author The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, will tackle a number of the more advanced issues facing authors, artists, and designers, particularly once they've "broken through" and have started publishing and selling. This session is directed to some of the complicated issues surrounding marketing properties and creative ideas, including transfers and licensing of rights; production, merchandising, and distribution agreements; and key things you should know when Hollywood comes knocking. This interactive seminar gives attendees the opportunity to participate in the discussions as Lovitz covers various means for profiting from creative works, and explores the many important elements that form the foundation of every contract (and time permitting, contract negotiation role playing). With in-depth discussions about the options and opportunities for generating income from your creative endeavors, along with identifying some of the many problems and pitfalls that go hand in hand with each decision, you'll agree this session shouldn't be missed. 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.]
Friday July 19, 2013 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Understanding when and how to use physical conflict in your story is all well and good. But, how do you write it? How do authors paint such a vivid, action- packed fight scene that readers can "see" in their mind using only the written word? Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake peels back the mystery and looks at using words to craft action that your readers will not simply read, but experience.
UPDATED: Fri, Jul 05, 03:09PM Fan Art can be more than a hobby, pastime or training exercise. Learn how fan art can turn you into a contributor to the business world of comics and pop culture in this follow-up to last year’s highly popular Fan Art Law panel. Featuring Joshua Wattles, advisor in chief to deviantART and professor of copyright at USC, Brian Kesinger, renowned animator and author of Walking Your Octopus, Guy Brand and James Kim from Mighty Fine Inc., Bob Self, owner/publisher Baby Tattoo Books, Kay Purcell, also from deviantART and a Fandom expert, and Stanley Lau (artgerm), creative director and co-founder of Imaginary Friends Studios that produces artworks for the likes of Capcom, DC Comics, Square Enix and other giants in the entertainment and gaming industry.
This lecture will provide clear technical insight into making figures and figurative decisions for the comic artist, storyboard artist, illustrator, or concept artist, offering guides to posing characters and creating believable actions, gestures, and expressions. Ron Lemen will cover several approaches to designing the character or facial expression that will facilitate a strong armature for any style of finish. This lecture is for everyone from the enthusiast to the working professional.
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!
Nationally renowned artist and owner of Watts Atelier of the Arts Jeffrey R. Watts walks you through a drawing demonstration in the Watts Method. Jeff will be talking about how traditional training is an absolute must in today's increasingly competitive art markets. If you ever wanted to study at an atelier, Jeff will be announcing Watts Atelier's Online Program, launching this summer. Now you can train in these amazing techniques and methods from anywhere in the world. With Jeff's over 21 years of teaching experience you will not want to miss this opportunity to watch a captivating demo and get insight into your future training options.
Friday July 19, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Moderated by Lora Kennedy (Warner Brothers, EVP, features casting; CD, Man of Steel). With a panel that includes Roger Mussenden (X-Men: Days of Future Past), Sharon Bialy (The Walking Dead), David Rapaport (Arrow), Randi Hiller (VP of casting for Walt Disney Studio, The Avengers, Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor), these leading casting directors will give behind-the-scenes insight to the casting process.
The ins and outs of rendering female superhero comic characters using Copic brand markers (also applicable to PrismaColors) are demonstrated by artist Mark Brooks. Mark will provide all attendees with a copy of an inked face and detailed instructions on grayscaling, shadows, and blending. Bring your markers! Also, there will be a Q&A covering any questions regarding art and business of comics. At the end of the session, Mark will raffle off his original inked and Copic-rendered artwork.
Join film agent Brandy Rivers (Gersh Agency) and literary agents Michael Bourret (Dystel & Goderich Literary Management), Barry Goldblatt (Barry Goldblatt Literary), Sara Megibow (Nelson Literary Agency), Jane Putch (Eyebait Licensing & Literary Management), Kate Schafer Testerman (kt literary) and Pam van Hylckama Vlieg (Foreword Literary) for a Q&A session about the wild world of manuscript querying, the role of agents in the publication and film rights process, and more. No pitches, please.
Catherine M. Fisher (award-winning costumer), Mike Schiffbauer (master prop maker and costumer), and Lexx Lee (anime expert) discuss the basics in costuming and go over tips, tricks, and techniques to help a beginning costumer get started in the world of cosplaying. Join Catherine, Mike and Lexx for this fun-filled panel, moderated by Melissa Gene Meyer (assistant for the CCI Masquerade) as they show you that you don't need to be an expert to make a great costume! There will be a Q&A session during the second half of the panel.
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 (Batman: The Dark Knight) and Kristy Miller (Spongebob Squarepants) demonstrate the step-by-step 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. Q&A session follows.
Friday July 19, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
ComicsPRO presents an opportunity for those interested in opening their own comic book specialty store. These veteran retailers know you have questions, and they can give you the answers! Joe Field of Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff (Concord, CA), ComicsPRO president Thomas Gaul (Corner Store Comics, Anaheim, CA), ComicsPRO vice president Carr D'Angelo (Earth-2 Comics, Los Angeles, CA), Jennifer Haines (The Dragon, Toronto, Ontario), and Chris Powell (vice president, retailer services-Diamond Comic Distributors) present a fun and informative peek behind the curtain of the magic of comic book retailing.
Friday July 19, 2013 4:00pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 28DE
If you’re an aspiring comic book creator, this is a panel you don’t want to miss! Join some of comic book publishing’s top decision makers, including BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon, Dark Horse Editor-in-Chief Scott Allie, Avatar Press Vice President of Publishing and Managing Editor Jim Kuhoric, and Archaia Editor-in-Chief Stephen Christy as they give you the most up-to-date and practical advice on how to break into the comic book industry right now.
Friday July 19, 2013 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
If you're a writer or artist attending the Comic Creator Connection, this is your chance to practice giving your pitch before the big event and get some free coaching from a pro. Pitch Reviews will be conducted by Douglas Neff, an experienced presentation coach and professional public speaker who hosts the Comic Creator Connection and From Fan to Creator: Goal-Setting for Creative Types. This is not a panel. Instead, these are 3- to 5-minute individual coaching sessions for as many people as can be accommodated in the scheduled time. Please note that showing up is not a guarantee that you'll get a review session. Spaces are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are you an aspiring artist trying to make a career in the arts? Learn the "Tricks of the Trade" from professional artists working in the entertainment industry. Discussions will include advice on how to get started and maintain a career, as well as tips in the art of self-promotion. Panelists include Randy Martinez (illustrator, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Topps Trading Cards), Vince Hernandez (editor, writer, art director at Aspen Comics), Alexis Cruz (actor, director, producer), Ashley Eckstein (actress, entrepreneur), Bonnie Burton (author, host of Geek DIY, crafter), J. C. Riefenberg (filmmaker), Jennifer Landa (actress, vlogger, crafter), Tone Rodriguez (artist, art director), Elisa Teague (editor-in-chief at Cupcake Quarterly, creative director for Gamesmith), and Michelle Smart (artist management and art publishing, Marvel Fine Art). Moderated by Denise Vasquez (actress, artist, designer, writer, musician, manager, promotions specialist, founder of WO+MEN 4 A CAUSE).
Learn how a good business plan can lead to great creative results and how great creative can inform an even greater business plan. The minds behind Brand + Entertainment Solutions believe that the two go hand in hand—or more to the point—SHOULD go hand-in-hand, but often do not. Developing keys to successful business and creative execution are the focus of this panel. Featuring B+E Solutions’ Andy Schmidt (CEO, B+E Solutions), Jon Bresman (Star Wars/Mad Magazine veteran), Steve Drucker (VP of IP Development, Hasbro), Josh Fialkov (award-nominated screenwriter, graphic novelist, and video game writer), and Marc Guggenheim (Executive Producer, Arrow).
Friday July 19, 2013 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
With host and Golden Globe nominated actor/director/teacher Richard Hatch (Battlestar Galactica Capt. Apollo, Tom Zarek, Phil Brent, All My Children). Richard will share his career story and the art, craft, and business of becoming a highly skilled, successful actor in today's world. Master fear and create a positive mindset for success.
Friday July 19, 2013 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
What does it take to create or develop an animated TV series? Do you have to be a writer? An artist or animator? Both? Neither? What do you have to have to pitch an idea, and what are the studios and networks looking for? Members of the Writers Guild of America's Animation Writers Caucus who have created and developed series and network/studio executives who buy them talk about it and answer your questions. Ted Biaselli (VP, programming and development, The Hub), Steven Melching (Transformers Prime, Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Craig Miller (Pocket Dragon Adventures, Trash Pack), Bob Roth (Disney's Legend of Tarzan, Penguins of Madagascar), and Dean Stefan (Matchbox Big Rig Buddies,Quack Pack) join the discussion.
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 9
You've found your collaborators, you've worked hard and gotten some comics made. Oh God, now what? Co-moderators writer Christopher Sebela (High Crimes) and Oni Press editor Charlie Chu (The Sixth Gun) address having a career in comics, behaving like a professional, and managing expectations once you are a working creator. Panelists include writer Joshua Williamson (Captain Midnight), writer/artist Natalie Nourigat (It Girl and the Atomics), and cartoonist Sloane Leong (The Softest Shadow, Labyrinth’s Lament).
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 28DE
Day 3 of our course on microbudget moviemaking deals with how to direct actors, organize a crew, and keep them all happy without anybody making a dime. Panelists 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 (writer/producer of Fear News), Sean Rourke (writer of Ballistica), and actors Kat Steel, Josh Perilo, and Bradley Upton.
On Thursday, you learned the basics, and on Friday you gained a better understanding of contracts, licenses, and agreements. It's now time to learn about some of the more complex issues facing creators, publishers, and other business owners. Noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of the classic The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, returns to address some of the more advanced (and often confusing) issues facing the creative and business communities, particularly in light of the ever-expanding worlds of new media, self-publishing and social networking. And this time, he's not alone, as attorneys David Branfman and David Lizerbram and Professor Marc Greenberg join Michael to share their collective knowledge and insights in some of the more cutting-edge legal issues faced by creators and businesses and discuss important recent legal decisions. Still interactive and four times as informative, the panel will touch on as many of the topics as time allows, including recent rulings in comic book creator and publisher litigations; the interplay of copyright terminations and work-for-hire agreements; blogs, podcasts, tweets, and cybersquatters; knockoffs, tarnishment, and dilution; satires, parodies and fair use; and the legalities of fan art and fan fiction. Plus: practical advice on how recent legal decisions and pending cases are likely to affect the field of popular culture and the role they may play in your creative and business plans. 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.]
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Aspiring creators, this is for you! Come listen to a team of IDW editors, including Chris Ryall, John Barber, Tom Waltz, and Jeff Webber, as well as some current IDW creators on what to do, definitely what not to do, and other arcane bits of information and tips on carving out some creative space in the comic industry!
Saturday July 20, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Artist Allison Sohn will take a drawing from penciled line-art through to completed colors using Copic Markers. She'll answer questions and share tips and tricks with panel attendees.
Saturday July 20, 2013 11:00am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 2
Learn about building audience as you create for your original stories, OC’s, and creative projects. Led by Ron Martino (techgnotic on deviantART) with Yuumei, author of Fish Eye Placebo and Knite, Dave Elliott, editor/producer/author of Weirding Willows, Brian Kesinger, renowned animator and author of Walking Your Octopus, and Hal Hefner, illustrator/author of Gates and managing director of Transmedia L.A.
Saturday July 20, 2013 12:15pm - 1:15pm PDT
Room 2
Learn how to take your idea and make a graphic novel using Brian Haberlin's graphic novels Shifter and Anomaly as test cases. Subjects discussed include idea to script, page format, panel layout, art style, distribution, printing, and much more.
Marshall Vandruff (MarshallArt.com) will present over a hundred slides of Arthur Rackham's book illustrations to showcase the illustrator's high-level craft in pen and ink, watercolor, anatomy, draftsmanship, and character design and explain the training involved for today's artists who want to apply these classic disciplines and standards to their work in modern media.
Saturday July 20, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
comiXology is looking for the next big independent comic creator-is that you? Since its launch at SXSW, comiXology Submit has released over 150 independent comic book series from celebrated indie creators such as Becky Cloonan, Shannon Wheeler, Richard Stevens, Jake Parker, and Rachel Deering. In this tell-all discussion, comiXology co-founders David Steinberger and John D. Roberts are joined by New Yorker Cartoonist and Too Much Coffee Man creator Shannon Wheeler, Marvel and DC artist and creator ofDemeter, The Mire, and WolvesBecky Cloonan, Anathema creator and Kickstarter sensation Rachel Deering, and Bikini Cowboy creator FresherLuke to show you how easy it is to be a part of the new self-publishing revolution in comics!
Saturday July 20, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
From chiseled cheekbones to flowing capes (and beyond) discover the cosmic power that Prismacolor Brush|Fine can add to all of your comic renderings. Prismacolor specialists Diana Garrett and Shelley Minnis provide tips and techniques to help you add realism and drama to your characters, including fabric folds, aesthetics, muscles, hair, facial expressions, environments and more. Samples and door prizes provided with the presentation.
Saturday July 20, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Participants will assist in the scripting and layout of a six-page Donald Duck story using the same methods used by Patrick and Shelly Block for their freelance Duck Tales. Patrick will rough draw the story from scratch in front of the panel to show the procedures used in the creation of a short comic narrative.
Whether your main character is a hero, a villain, a sidekick, or a one-of-a-kind original, empathizing with a main character is essential if you want your audience to experience your story at a personal level. Even the meanest main character is sympathetic when you get inside his head. This workshop gives you several surefire, practical techniques to get your audience squarely involved in your main character's personal issues.
Catherine M. Fisher (award-winning costumer) and Mike Schiffbauer (master prop maker and costumer) pick up where Cosplaying 101 left off. They will discuss advanced costuming techniques such as sculpting, mold making, resin casting, armor building and more. Join Catherine and Mike for this informative and fun-filled panel, moderated by Melissa Gene Meyer (assistant for the Comic-Con Masquerade). There will be a Q&A session during the second half of the panel.
Saturday July 20, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 29A
Along with Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm, Disney/ABC Television is home to some of the most creative storytellers in entertainment. Shalisha Francis (Co-Producer, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D); Chuck Kim (executive story editor, Heroes); and Rob Greenlea (director, Grey's Anatomy) joins talent development executives Frank Bennett Gonzalez and Janine Jones-Clark to share experiences and insight about the creative process and the necessary steps needed to break into television and land the job of your dreams. Discussion points include pitching and writing a compelling script, directing a solid episode of television, and the essentials of networking. Moderated by Ken Choy (Hyphen Magazine).
Saturday July 20, 2013 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Nationally renowned artist and owner of Watts Atelier of the Arts Jeffrey R. Watts demonstrates an alla prima oil portrait painting from a live model. Jeff will also introduce an exciting new opportunity to train in the Watts Method online.
UPDATED: Fri, Jul 12, 11:21AM Need money to produce your film or write that novel? Join this panel of experts on how to raise funds for your project using "Crowdfunding" sites such as Kickstarteror and Indiegogo. These panelists have raised money for their projects - find out how they did it! Marc Scott Zicree (Space Command, Star Trek TNG & Deep Space Nine, Babylon 5, Sliders, The Twilight Zone Companion), Michael Reaves (Blood Kiss,Star Trek: The Next Generation, Batman: The Animated Series, Hell on Earth), David Simkins (Warehouse 13, Adventures in Babysitting, Charmed, Blade: The Series, Dark Angel, The Dresden Files), Lynn Ayala (Lily,Starship Rising, Pain is Beautiful, Beauty Sleep Symphony, Carnies),Mark Gantt (Ocean's Eleven, The Bannen Way, Night Visitor, Annie Takes Off), Jimmy Diggs (The Crypto-Historians, Star Trek: Deep Sapce Nine, Star Trek: Voyager), Bryn Pryor (Cowboys & Engines). Richard Hatch (Battlestar Galactica, Cowboys & Engines). Moderated by Mark O’Bannon (The Dream Crystal, The Dark Mirrors of Heaven, Aia the Barbarian).
The final day of our comprehensive course on microbudget moviemaking revolves around what to do after your movie is shot. Panelists will go over the basics of postproduction on your home computer; what software to use for editing, graphic design, sound design, and visualFX; and finally, how to burn your finished product to DVD and upload it to the Internet. Panelists include Valerie Perez (producer/star of the Paula Peril series), Nick Murphy (writer/director of Pizza and Bullets), Jack Conway (writer/producer of Fear News), and Sean Rourke (writer of Ballistica).
Some of the biggest "kids" in comics discuss the current state of the industry and what steps are necessary for comics to secure a place in the hearts and minds of the next generation. What are the benefits and challenges involved in writing all-ages comics? How are licensed comics playing a role in our future? How might webcomics, digital publishing, emerging technologies, and self-publishing change the landscape? And how can we ensure that more young readers today become readers for life? Panelists include Andy Runton (Owly), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Katie Cook (My Little Pony), Mike Kunkel (Herobear and the Kid), Neo Edmund (Jurassic Strike Force 5), Otis Frampton (Oddly Normal), Royden Lepp (Rust), and Jimmy Gownley (creator of Amelia Rules!). Moderated by all-ages comics writer and editor Joe LeFavi (Fraggle Rock).
Sunday July 21, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
eigoMANGA's team of manga artists and animators will teach kids of all ages tutorials on manga illustrations and storytelling. Join our workshop with seasoned manga artist Mino Miyabi (The Voice of Innocence) and Austin Osueke (eigoMANGA's publisher of Rumble Pak, Sakura Pakk, and Alpha League).
Sunday July 21, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 15, 12:50PM The importance of being literate and what the comic book can offer your students. Integrate comic book literature into your classroom settings, incorporate a higher learning standard with exciting tools offered by our panel of experts' first hand experience: NYT Best Selling Author, Frank Beddor (Looking Glass Wars, Hatter M), Karen Green (Columbia University), Dave Elliot (Weirding Willows, Titan Books), Paul Levitz (Legion of Super-Heroes), Anina Bennett (Boilerplate, Heartbreakers) and Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics). This multimedia session includes a brief history of the comic book origin; will highlight specific examples of how to engage students in reading and how to inspire students to learn using the comic book to create their own work. Q&A and breakout sessions with panelists will follow group discussion. Free 70-page The Secret Origin of Good Readers companion resource book [PDF] and other useful materials at www.night-flight.com/secretorigin , courtesy of XMission.com.
Sunday July 21, 2013 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
When designing your comic page, should you use a grid with six-panels or nine? Should you use a grid at all? With input from the audience, Durwin Talon and Guin Thompson will demonstrate how changing the number of panels per page and the flow of information from panel to panel impacts the reader.
Join artists Ted Naifeh (Courtney Crumrin), Scott C. (Double Fine Action Comics, Great Showdowns), Joey Weiser (Mermin), and others for a fun interactive monster-creation art battle! Kids of all ages are welcome, and every attendee receives free comics!
Sunday July 21, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Utilize the best ways to incorporate comic books in your schools and libraries. This rare opportunity to work first h and with experts in the field of comic book literature in small groups can help you do just that. Sessions are with Anina Bennett (Boilerplate, Heartbreakers): How to use historical fiction and teach comics in high school/university settings; Karen Green (Columbia University): What to look for when selecting comic books for your research/academic library; Dave Elliott (Weirding Willows, Titan Books): How to use Weirding Willows in elementary through university settings; Jesse McCann (New York Times bestselling author, Shrek, Scooby Doo): Choosing the right all-ages comic books for your classroom or library; Nancy McCann (Comics Unlimited): Working with your local comic book stores, how to find them, what to ask for; or Bill McGrath. using comic books in Juvenile Court Schools. Limited educator goodie bags and Looking Glass Wars trilogy book sets courtesy of Frank Beddor for those attending both panels. Free 70-page The Secret Origin of Good Readers companion resource book [PDF] and other useful materials at www.night-flight.com/secretorigin, courtesy of XMission.com.
Sunday July 21, 2013 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Francis Mao (CAPCOM senior director creative services) leads a panel of CAPCOM's graphic designers, artists, and creative partners in a panel pulling back the curtain on how Capcom's incredible video game artwork is created from concept to finish. Panelists will explain the creative process and thinking involved in each creative step, as well as go in-depth on the tools and applications used to create the awesome works of art that grace Capcom video games and collateral. Followed by a Q&A session.
Sunday July 21, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Brian Haberlin will demonstrate advanced 3D and computer graphics comic art techniques that will speed up and improve your story telling. He will show you how to use a wide range of programs, from Zbrush to Poser to Sketchup. Learn all the tricks no other pro will show you!
Join DC Entertainment co-publisher, Jim Lee (Superman Unchained, Justice League, Batman: Hush) as he talks about his 25+ years in the comics industry and sketches your favorite characters live on the big screen in this engaging panel. This is a great opportunity to watch the creative process first-hand and learn the tips of the trade that bring DC Entertainment's characters to life.
Dr. Wei Xu (artist/mathematician, author of Drawing in the Digital Age) explains how simple math and science knowledge can be utilized to make observational drawing much easier to learn.
Sunday July 21, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Writer's block? Artistic anemia? Get unstuck! Former DC, Dark Horse, and CrossGen writer/editor Barbara Randall Kesel (MLP:FIM Fluttershy) outlines strategies and tips for artists and writers facing the Dreaded Dead Brain Doom -- a blank page and no ideas for what to write or draw, or how to get started.
A goal, a good idea, discipline, and skills are only the start of what you need for your project to succeed. Knowing the basics of group dynamics, forming and then working with a group without mortally wounding each other is the difference between your project's success or failure. This panel is the one-stop place to learn the 101s of those topics. No matter which industry (comics, illustration, movies, design, animation, or costuming/cosplay), "breaking in" has never been more apt a term than in today's media. It is a full-time job, and you only have part-time hours to accomplish it. The panelists represent a broad cross section of levels of authority, departments, media, work pipelines, and sizes of organizations from a variety of media, including illustration, writing, design, animation, podcasting, and live-action filming. Topher Davila (art director, GeekdomWear.com and co-creator/co-producer, We're Always Like This), Sean Glumace (digital arts instructor at Golden West College, comic book letterer), Kevin Flessing (co-writer, We're Always Like This), Mario Martinez (co-creator, TomatoTV), Aleister Gilgrim (creative director, ICS Mobile), Brendan Creecy (Radio BrendoMan podcast), Ron Coleman (molecular geneticist and writer), Jonelle Davila (co-producer, We're Always Like This), and Chris Dickens (writer and co-creator of Vigilante Project) provide content that is a mixture of speaking, questions and some short interactive applications where the audience can directly apply the topics covered.
Sunday July 21, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 24ABC
America's youngest multiple-award-winning authors The Winner Twins will teach you how to create your own novel step by step, from building your universe to overcoming writer's block to the different paths to publishing. The teenage twins are national bestselling authors who have written four science fiction novels who have taught their unique creative writing method to hundreds of thousands of teachers and students across the country. Guest panelists Rob Prior (director, artist, and creator of the new series Red Brick Road [Warner Brothers] and director of No Turning Back) and Mitchell Gutman (professor at the New York Film Academy and producer at Certain Plays) will teach you how to create a film or TV treatment from your novel and how to pitch it.
Sunday July 21, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
