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A Film Lover's Guide to Panels at Comic-Con 2012

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, if you're staying home, when to check Twitter for real-time reactions to SDCC's offerings. 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. (Descriptions adapted from the official Comic-Con website. All times are PST.)

Thursday

The Big Guns

If you have never experienced a "Twilight" panel, folks, this is your last chance. Start your morning off right with all the squealing and shrieking you could ever wish for. We're crossing our fingers for a look at "Warm Bodies," too. Follow it up with some healthy nostalgia courtesy of Disney, Tim Burton, L. Frank Baum and old school video games (don't be surprised if the wonderful looking "Wreck-it Ralph" steals Thursday completely) and then finish it all off with the most testosterone-laden panel as every famous man with muscles ever takes the stage to talk "The Expendables 2." The big question on lots of people's minds is whether or not will Lionsgate show a clip from "Dredd" (I think yes) or announce the casting of Finnick Odair in "Catching Fire" (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; a special look at the world of "Oz: The Great and Powerful" with director Sam Raimi; and the illustrious voice cast of Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Wreck-It Ralph," including John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman, and director Rich Moore. 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?). 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

3:25 - 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 and Kwon Sang Woo, 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. Preview three twisted tales by  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," "Crave" and "ColdWater." 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

Thursday's opportunities for discussion are an exhaustive range from fans gabbing about one property, to multiple artists with something in common discussing their work. There are professionals reminiscing about one golden year in science fiction to advice on low budget filmmaking, movie bloggers having a blast talking about what they love and hate and why, and even 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 as 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. 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 by Anthony 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 and David E. Williams are joined by a variety of guests to discuss the year that gave us movies like "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?!?) and "The Sword and the Sorcerer." 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. 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 of The Digital Bits.com and Geek Monthly discuss the process of making great Blu-ray special editions. 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. Hall H.

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") check out the Hall H slate on Friday which opens with the stop-motion 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 Neill Blomkamp's follow up to "District 9," "Elysium."

4:05 - 4:35: Screen Gems: "Resident Evil: Retribution"— 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 in state-of-the art 3D. Hall H.

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

"Total Recall" -- 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" - Writer/director Rian Johnson will join Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Emily Blunt to discuss the film.

"Elysium" - 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 all sorts of films currently flying under the radar, mostly animated movies or documentaries. There is with one notable exception, the wonderful comedy with a genre slant "It's A Disaster," which critics 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 to tell a seven-minute, animated love story, now being developed as a major motion picture. 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." Marriott Hall 2, Marriott Marquis & Marina.

5:30 - 6:30: "Berserk" — At long last, the dark fantasy epic "Berserk," by creator Kentaro Miura, comes to the silver screen! 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 — "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. Join directors Dave Kellett 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. Writer/director Todd Berger along with actors Jeff Grace, Kevin M. Brennan, Blaise Miller, Rachel Boston and Erinn Hayes 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 feature "Masters of the Universe," Robert Meyer Burnett 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. 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? 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 artists 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 — Meet storyboard artists as they discuss their craft and answer questions .Room 24ABC.

5:00 - 6:00: Sci-fi That Will Change Your Life — Come discuss the year's most brain-expanding sci-fi with io9 staffers Annalee Newitz, Cyriaque Lamar and Charlie Jane Anders, plus guests. 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 goes one-on-one with voice actor Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime), a talent who is practically synonymous with Comic-Con itself. Audience Q&A to follow. Room 23ABC

7:00 - 8:00: "Blade Runner" 30th Anniversary Celebration— 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 will interview numerous "BR" cast and crewmembers, including art director David Snyder and "BR: The Final Cut" producer Charles de Lauzirika. Be there to meet these and other very special 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 (or more) 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 a taste of "Iron Man 3." If there is one day to camp out in Hall H, this is it.

11:30 - 12:30: Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained" — 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 — "Pacific Rim," "Man Of Steel" and "The Hobbit." 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 at an upcoming sci-fi film based on a comic (involving Peter David yet!), an indie film from Sundance, 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. 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. Explore the challenges and advantages of working in film versus comics with cartoonist/screenplay co-writer Jeffrey Brown, director Michael Mohan, and producers Jordan Horowitz  and Michael Roiff, and discover how the cast has been influenced and inspired by comics and geek culture, with Lizzy Caplan, Alison Brie, Martin Starr, Geoffrey Arend, and Mark Webber. 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, and writer/director David Ayer. Experience the world premiere of 3D footage from "Silent Hill" with special guests Adelaide Clemens, Kit Harington, 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, "Attack of the 50 Foot Cheerleader" and "Get a Life!" 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, a raucous two hours with Kevin Smith. 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. 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. 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? 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! 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, 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! Hall H.

Sunday

Let's Discuss

The most relaxing day of the Convention doesn't have "big guns" on display, but there are 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. Some are already optioned or in pre- or post-production. 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?!

12:00 - 1:00: What's Hot in Young Adult Fiction — Panelists offer a Q&A session and chat about the hottest new titles and trends in YA fiction. With 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 — 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. 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 and more special guests. Room 5AB

4:00 - 5:00: 15 Years Since "Philosopher's Stone": "Harry Potter" Fandom in 2012 — 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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