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
