The San Diego Comic-Con has grown beyond comics and this includes many Disney related presentations. Below, find a list of the Disney related programming from the Comic-con website as well as my thoughts about each presentation. I have never attended, but I hope to someday. If not only to attend an array of Disney presentations, but I would finally have another reason to wear that Starfleet uniform that has been hanging in my closet for so many years.
Thursday, July 24th
11:00-12:00 The Disney Animation Story Process— Nathan Greno (head of story, Bolt), Don Hall (head of story, The Princess and the Frog), Mark Kennedy (head of story, Rapunzel), Joe Mateo (story artist, Bolt), Michael LaBash (story artist, Bolt), Paul Briggs (story artist, The Princess and the Frog), and Josie Trinidad (story artist, The Princess and the Frog) offer an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look into the story process at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Coming together exclusively at Comic-Con, these story team leaders will take you from first concept to final story approval as they discuss the art of storyboarding, re-create story pitches, and share boarding styles from their upcoming animated features. Don't miss this revealing and humorous panel and your chance to get a sneak peek at Disney's next animated feature, Bolt! Room 32AB
The Disney folks are always saying that story is the most important thing. Hopefully, this presentation will give you insight in to an important part of the Pixar and Disney process.
2:00-3:00 The Middleman— Creator and executive producer Javier Grillo-Marxuach (Lost) and The Middleman actors Matt Keeslar (Dune) and Natalie Morales (CSI: Miami) discuss the bizarre world of The Middleman. Based on the graphic novels by Javier Grillo-Marxuach, The Middleman follows the surreal life of twenty-something Wendy Watson as she gets recruited by a top secret agency to fight comic book-esque criminals under the guidance of her straight-laced boss, The Middleman. Room 5AB
Check out Rebekah’s favorite new ABC Family show. While it is very quirky, it is very good. Check it out if you haven’t yet.
3:00-4:00 Wizard’s First Rule— A first look at the upcoming action-adventure series Wizard's First Rule with book author Terry Goodkind and show executive producers Robert Tapert (Xena: Warrior Princess), Kenneth Biller (Star Trek: Voyager) and Sam Raimi (Spider-Man). The one-hour weekly television show premiering late fall is inspired by Terry Goodkind's bestselling epic fantasy series: The Sword of Truth. The story follows the journey of Richard Cypher, a simple woodsman, as he discovers the magical powers he holds within. With the help of a mysterious woman and a powerful wizard, he must use his newfound abilities to stop a ruthless tyrant from unleashing an ancient evil and enslaving the world. Join Terry, Rob, Ken and Sam for a moderated interview and audience Q&A session! Room 6B
Disney is returning to the world of first run syndication with this series. Will the man behind the Spider-Man film be able to bring back the glory days of Hercules and Xena?
3:00-4:00 Disney: Race to Witch Mountain— What secrets does Witch Mountain hold? Stars Dwayne Johnson and Carla Gugino and director Andy Fickman talk about the mysterious, paranormal activity around Witch Mountain. Dwayne, Carla, and Andy will present the first look at the movie and answer audience questions as they talk about the thrilling action-adventure that is set to hit theatres in March 2009! Hall H
I hope the “Rock” doesn’t hurt his arm while at Comic-Con.
5:00-6:00 Spotlight on Floyd Norman— Comic-Con special guest Floyd Norman talks about his long and varied career in feature film and television animation. His work includes Disney's Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Pixar's Toy Story 2 and Monsters Inc., and many more fan favorites. Moderated by cartoonist and animation artist Scott Shaw! Room 7AB
Floyd Norman looks back at his long Disney career. YAY!
Friday, July 25th12:00-1:00 ABC Family: Samurai Girl— Based on a series of popular young adult novels, Samurai Girl tells the story of a 19-year-old Japanese girl named Heaven, who discovers that the wealthy businessman who adopted her as an infant is really the head of the Yakuza (the Japanese mafia) and may have had her beloved brother brutally murdered. She breaks from her family, begins training to become a samurai, and with the help of a group of new American friends sets out to take down her father's evil empire. The panel includes Jamie Chung (Real World), Brendan Fehr (Roswell), and Stacy Keibler (WWE)—along with executive producers Andre Nemec—Josh Applebaum,—and Luke McMullen (all from Alias). Samurai Girl will air as a special event premiering with six hours over three nights, on September 5, 6, and 7. Room 2
Samurai Girl is the next step in ABC Family’s rebirth. One might say it is a new kind of family…
12:00-1:00 Prince of Persia— Jordan Mechner, the creator of the Prince of Persia video game and graphic novel and screenwriter on the upcoming movie, discusses the global phenomenon that is Prince of Persia, tying together the comics and the video game industry. Room 4
Take a sneak peak at what Disney will become their next hit franchise. Will Prince of Persia be able to capture the spirit of Pirates? Will it be shorter? We all know it can’t possibly be longer.
1:45-2:45 Entertainment Weekly’s The Visionaries: Showrunners— Carlton Cuse (Lost), Damon Lindelof (Lost), Josh Schwartz (Chuck, Gossip Girl), Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies), and Josh Friedman (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) are the television producers who are changing the face of television with deeply immersive entertainments marked by distinctive, cutting edge storytelling. They have also been at the forefront of bringing "genre programming" or "cult TV" to the mainstream. Prepare for a candid conversation about creative integrity in a commercial medium and the future of broadcast TV in an increasingly digital world. Spoiler Alert! Upcoming plot developments may be teased. Moderated by Entertainment Weekly senior writer Jeff Jensen. Room 6CDEF
Three of Entertainment Weekly’s “Visionaries” have shows on ABC. Coincidently they are the forces behind two of my favorite shows on ABC; Lost and Pushing Daisies. I should also mention I enjoy Chuck and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles as well. But Gossip Girl? That might be a reason to skip this panel.
3:30-4:30 BOOM! Studios Panel— One of the fastest-growing independent publishers invites you to take a peek at what makes BOOM! so great. Editor-in-chief Mark Waid (Kingdom Come), co-founders Andrew Cosby (Eureka) and Ross Richie, marketing and sales director Chip Mosher (Left on Mission), and a few surprise guests will be making announcements about the upcoming year for BOOM! Studios. Come and watch us explode! Room 10
BOOM! Studios just announced they will be making a series of comics based on Pixar films. You can purchase a preview book for $5 at Comic-con
Saturday, July 26th 12:00-1:00 Lost— If the most recent season finale was any indication of things to come, you will not want to miss this panel. Co-creator/executive producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Carlton Cuse will discuss season 4 of Lost, leading up to the season finale. They will answer your questions and maybe even offer up some surprises of their own. Hall H
This annual presentation is always interesting. You never know what might happen.
12:30-1:30 ABC Family’s Kyle XY: Q&A with the Cast and Producer and First Look at Season Three— Kyle XY actors Matt Dallas (Babysitter Wanted) and Jaimie Alexander (Rest Stop) and producer Julie Plec (Scream 3) give fans a sneak peek at the exciting new season, in which lives are saved, secrets are exposed, and hearts are broken, as Kyle discovers that being a hero doesn’t come without a price. Room 5AB
Kyle XY will have a Q&A with the cast and producer. But will anyone be there since it was scheduled the same time as the lost panel? I don’t think so.
2:30-3:30 Disney Pixar: Bolt and UP— For superdog Bolt, every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue, at least until the cameras stop rolling. Be the first to see exclusive animation as directors Chris Williams and Byron Howard present the new 3D comedy-adventure from Walt Disney Animation Studios! Then it's UP: From the inventive storytellers that have taken you into the worlds of space, toys, and superheroes comes the extraordinary adventure that will take you to a lost world where anything can happen, and everything will. Meet director Peter Docter (Monsters, Inc.) as he presents the first-ever look at Disney Pixar's new animated 3D adventure comedy, UP. Hall H
This is a big one! Check out the latest on Bolt and the first glimpse of Up. Will Disney have their first big hit in many years? Will Pixar continue their streak?
3:15-4:15 Pushing Daisies Screening and Q&A— The cast and producers of the Golden Globe Award-nominated Pushing Daisies return to Comic-Con for a special screening of exclusive clips from the acclaimed show’s upcoming season, highlights from the first season and a Q&A with fans. Stars Lee Pace (The Fall), Anna Friel (Land of the Lost), Chi McBride (Boston Public), Ellen Greene (Little Shop of Horrors), Swoosie Kurtz (Superman Doomsday), and Kristin Chenoweth (The West Wing) join executive producer/creator Bryan Fuller (Heroes) and executive producers Dan Jinks (American Beauty) and Peter Ocko (Dead Like Me) for the session, to be moderated by special guest and executive producer Barry Sonnenfeld (Men in Black). From Living Dead Guy Productions, The Jinks/Cohen Company in association with Warner Bros. Television, Pushing Daisies airs Wednesdays at 8:00 PM on the ABC Television Network. Room 6A
Pushing Daisies was my favorite new show from last year. Hopefully when it returns this fall following the writer’s strike it will still have its wit, charm, and zaniness.
6:00-7:00 TV Guide: Hot List— TV Guide takes an in-depth look at some of the new and returning TV series, featuring the hottest TV talent—in front of the camera and behind the scenes. TV Guide executive editor Craig Tomashoff moderates this panel offering the inside scoop, with some fun surprises. Participants include (in alphabetical order) Josh Applebaum (executive producer, Life on Mars), Jaimie Alexander (Kyle XY), Matt Dallas (Kyle XY), Javier Grillo-Marxuach (creator, The Middleman), Ronald Moore (executive producer, Virtuality), Natalie Morales (The Middleman), Jason O'Mara (Life on Mars), and Jason Smilovic (executive producer, My Own Worst Enemy), among other special guests. Room 6B
Six of the folks on TV Guide’s “Hot List” are involved with ABC and ABC Family properties. Either we have a great relationship with TV Guide or ABC has finally gained some respect. YAY!
Sunday, July 27th11:30-1:00 The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning— The sea holds many deep secrets for young Princess Ariel in The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning, an all new, full-length movie coming exclusively to DVD on August 26. Available for a limited time only, The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning takes audiences back to the story’s beginnings with favorite characters from the original film as well as a wonderfully wicked new villainess. With a score that continues The Little Mermaid’s legacy of memorable, life-affirming songs, the latest animated adventure from DisneyToon Studios will capture the hearts of all ages! Room 6B
The end of an era. Spend some time of your Saturday enjoying a glimpse of the last “cheapquel” I know…it is hard not to tear up
12:00-1:00 Phineas and Ferb— Join creators Dan Povenmire (Family Guy) and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh (Rocko's Modern Life) along with special guests from the show's cast to learn more about Disney Channel's newest smash hit series, including an insider's look at how the show came to life and what's in store for these inventive step-brothers and their tattletale sister in the future. Plus never-before-seen footage, audience Q&A, and a chance to win Phineas and Ferb merchandise! Room 5AB
This is my favorite show on Disney Channel! I want to win a Ferbot!
What to Watch: How long has it been since you watched Camp Rock? I think it is time to see it again. Enjoy it at 7/6 central on Disney Channel
Video of the Day: Get ready for the Middleman panel by watching “Javi’s House of Middlemobiles”. Definitely a dealer ad.
News from Around the Web:
ABC News: ABC News has a story about controversial remarks made by ABC’s The View co-host Sherri Sepherd. Is it really fair for ABC News to report on ABC shows? Especially one’s starring ABC News stars like Barbara Walters?
NY Times: It looks like Toyota might overtake GM as the world’s largest auto manufacture, a title GM has held for 77 years. Now GM is an official Disney sponsor so it breaks my heart to see them not performing well. If only their business model ran as smooth as Test Track.
USA Today: USA Today has a feature on Pixar’s annual picnic that also doubles as a car show. Does this not look like a fun place to work, or what?
LA Times: It looks like there is another development in the SAG/AMPTP negotiations. A group of actors, that are calling themselves United for Strength, are putting up a slate of 11 actors that will try and gain some influence in the current direction of SAG. I hope that this group helps negotiate a deal so we can move on with more fun matters.
Orlando Sentinel: Good news for those of you planning trips to Walt Disney World. Despite airfares rising 4.4 percent nationally, airfares in to Orlando have reduced 3.9 percent ranking it 10th cheapest amongst the top 100 airports. So plan your trip to Walt Disney World before the Year of a Million Dreams ends…..or gets extended again.
Variety: Both ABC Family and ABC saw ratings success on Tuesday. ABC Family did well with the fourth installment of “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” and ABC scored well with “Wipeout” and it’s big balls.