COMIC CON INTERNATIONAL - THUR. JULY 26, 2007
Official opening day started out with the DC Talent Search Orientation, and Comic Con Film School 101. DC’s seminar taught new artists what to expect in the following days while showing their work to the bigwigs. Advice was given about presentation and expectations. Film School was in its fourth year, teaching newbies with celluloid (or digital) interest in the fine art of budget filmmaking. Considering that CCI now has its own official film festival, this is a must-see seminar for anyone interested in making movies. Also at the same time was the inauguration of Marvel’s Super Hero Stamps issued by the USPS.
Spike TV had it's anti-Oscar™ themed “Scream Awards” panel celebrating films usually ignored by the Academy. This panel was hosted by punk rocker/actor/writer Henry Rollins, Linda “Exorcist” Blair, Robert Kirkman (“The Walking Dead”), and the infamous Sid Haig “Devil's Rejects”).
Comics Arts Conference: Comics And Literacy panel was held showing the ways in which alternative views of culture, history, and human life, as seen through graphic novels, aid the development of academic literacy in classrooms. This panel opened up some new views on how comics can be more than just entertainment, they can be educational as well, and an open source for communication.
Rosario Dawson hosted the “Occult Crimes Taskforce” panel, along with her creative team of David Atchinson and Tony Shasteen. This was a Q&A about their new comic book series. Who knew that film hottie Rosario was not only a comic books fan, but now a creator herself. The world of comic books is looking up.
Paramount Pictures held an upcoming features presentation showcasing “Beowulf,” “Iron Man,” and “The Spiderwick Chronicles.” All of which seemed quite promising.
“Stan Lee: True Believer” was a panel, featuring the namesake, about the new documentary that showcases the life of the Marvel Comics’ Chairman Emiritus. This was a must-see for any true fan of the Marvel Universe.
“Hanna Barbera Retrospective” - who doesn't remember those Hanna Barbera cartoons and shows (not just Saturday mornings, but how about those legendary holiday classics). For over 70 years, the team of Bill Hanna and Joseph Barbera offered up some of the most classic children’s television.
Starz Media presents “Hatchet” and “Harryhausen Returns” - A very interesting, and funny look at the creation of the film “Hatchet” by writer/director (and somewhat inspirational/motivational speaker) Adam Green. This showcased what is destined to be a return to high camp horror films of the past. On the panel were actors Robert Englund, Kane Hodder, Tony Todd, Tamara Feldman, Mercedes McNabb, Joleigh Fioreavanti, and Deon Richmond. This was hosted by infamous shock-rocker Dee Snyder of Twisted Sister fame. Adam Green’s rags to riches filmmaker in training story was quite humorous, and got the crowd riled for more. Following was a panel featuring legendary special effects master Ray Harryhausen discussing his new film “Ares: God Of War.” Along with Ray were producers Karen Bailey and Kevin VanHook, along with actor Ray Park.
Lionsgate Special Previews - This was another major film studio previews panel. Peter Fonda and Ben Foster chatted about their new classic western “3:10 To Yuma.” Lovable film actress Jessica Alba, along with comedian Dane Cook, talked about “Good Luck Chuck.” Horror veteran writer/director Clive Barker croaked about his new film “Midnight Meat Train” (I'm not joking, he sounded like a cancer-stricken frog while commenting), along with actor Vinnie Jones. People definitely wondered what had happened to Clive, as both his appearance and voice seemed ravaged compared to his earlier days. Clive did tell a most amusing story concerning the title of his latest feature in which some, apparently very laced, cookies altered his perceptions and got him to opt for the silliest title possible - which stuck. Following that was director Darren Lynn Bousman and actor Tobin Bell discussing “Saw IV.”
(See Clive discuss his film on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJzKAWL4wP0)
Spotlight on George Romero - The legendary horror-meister gets his own panel talking about everything to do with zombies.
Bill Plimpton Goes To The Darkside - Oscar™-nominated animator Bill Plympton screened two of his brand new shorts, along with several clips from his latest film “Idiots And Angels.” Always amusing.
“Living Long And Prospering” - Celebrated 40 years of the Star Trek franchise in a panel hosed by, essentially fans. I had to mention this panel, or the Trekkies would hate me. But that's all I'm doing is mentioning that we saw it.
In the evening, we saw the premiere of the new animated film “Superman Doomsday,” a film version of the classic tale where Superman meets his fate at the hands of Doomsday. However, most of us read that comic book series and know the end. It is cool to see it all animated and spoken for us though.
“8th Annual Kung-Fu Superhero Extravaganza” - The best, worse, funniest, and weirdest martial arts film works that have been collected were shown. Typical martial arts films are funny enough, but this screening shows the best of the lot (depending on your definition of “best”). Great stuff.
Written by Philip Anderson with contributions by Keith Denison / Perlito Godoy |
|
- Stories / Events
- Thurs. July 24
- Fri. July 25
- Sat. July 26
- Sun. July 27
- Comic Con 2008
- Photos
- Interviews:
- Conchita Campbell ("4400")
- Megalyn Echikunwoke ("4400")
- Ira Behr / Craig Sweeney ("4400")
- Jeffrey Combs ("4400" / "Reanimator")
- Rafael Navarro (Artist "Scooby Doo" / "Sonambulo")
-
|
