Highlights of Comic-Con International: San Diego 2013

Comic-Con International: San Diego is right around the corner, being held a week earlier this year, with the full schedule now announced. The list is neverending and you can follow this link to pick and choose your itinerary but to make things a little easier we’ve created a breakdown of the TV and movie highlights at this year’s conference. Movie panels and conferences are rather few and far between this year but if you are heading over to quench your TV thirst then expect big surprises.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17 (TV PREVIEW NIGHT)

Comic-Con opens in collaboration with Warner Bros. Television to preview their upcoming series with exclusive world premiere screenings of the pilot episodes the highly anticipated Almost Human, The Tomorrow People, and The 100, together with an encore presentation of the pilot episode of The Vampire Diaries spinoff series, The Originals.

Almost Human

In the near future, technology and crime will increase so quickly that law enforcement will not be able to keep up. To maintain order and keep the public safe, all police officers must partner with highly evolved human-like androids known as synthetics. Almost Human is the story of Detective John Kennex and his lifelike android partner Dorian. They must learn to work together in order to survive, and along the way might discover each other’s humanity. The series stars Karl Urban (Star Trek), Michael Ealy (Sleeper Cell), Minka Kelly (Friday Night Lights), Mackenzie Crook (Game of Thrones), Michael Irby (The Unit), and Lili Taylor (Hemlock Grove) and is executive produced by J. J. Abrams (Revolution), J. H. Wyman (Fringe), Naren Shankar (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), and Bryan Burk (Person of Interest). From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions and Warner Bros. Television, Almost Human will air Mondays at 8/7c on FOX in late fall.

The Originals

From the executive producer of The CW’s #1 series and Comic-Con fan-favorite The Vampire Diaries comes The Originals, a sexy new drama centering on the Original Family and the dangerous vampire/werewolf hybrid, Klaus, who returns to the magical melting pot that is the French Quarter of New Orleans-a town he helped build centuries ago- where he is reunited with his diabolical former protégé, Marcel, a charismatic vampire who has total control over the human and supernatural inhabitants of the Crescent City. Determined to help his brother Klaus find redemption, Elijah follows Klaus and soon learns that Hayley has also come to the French Quarter searching for clues to her family history . . . and has fallen into the hands of a powerful witch named Sophie. Elijah is soon forced to side with Marcel’s enemies in order to keep Klaus in line and to help Hayley. Meanwhile, Klaus and Elijah’s sister, Rebekah, must decide if she will leave Mystic Falls to join her brothers in New Orleans and help them reclaim their storied hometown and all its extraordinary offerings. The series stars Joseph Morgan (The Vampire Diaries), Daniel Gillies (The Vampire Diaries), Claire Holt (The Vampire Diaries), Phoebe Tonkin (The Vampire Diaries), Charles Michael Davis (Switched at Birth), Daniella Pineda (Homeland), Leah Pipes (The Deep End), and Danielle Campbell (Starstruck). Julie Plec (The Vampire Diaries), Leslie Morgenstein (The Vampire Diaries), and Gina Girolamo (The Secret Circle) are the executive producers. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with My So-Called Company, Alloy Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, The Originals will air Tuesdays 9/8c on The CW this fall.

The Tomorrow People

From executive producers Greg Berlanti (Arrow), Julie Plec (The Vampire Diaries), Phil Klemmer (Chuck), and Danny Cannon (Nikita), The Tomorrow People tells the story of a generation of humans born with paranormal abilities who represent the next evolutionary shift of mankind. A group of young people from around the world who possess special powers, including the ability to teleport and communicate with each other telepathically, work together to defeat the mysterious Ultra group, who would rather see The Tomorrow People exterminated. Based on the original UK series, The Tomorrow People stars Robbie Amell (1600 Penn), Luke Mitchell (H20: Just Add Water), Peyton List (Mad Men), Aaron Yoo (Friday the 13th [2009]), Madeleine Mantock (upcoming All You Need Is Kill), and Mark Pellegrino (Lost). From Bonanza Productions, Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, The Tomorrow People will air Wednesdays at 9/8c on The CW this fall.

The 100

97 years ago, Earth was devastated by a nuclear apocalypse, and mankind was nearly destroyed. The only survivors were the inhabitants of 12 international space stations that were in orbit at the time. The stations came together to form The Ark, but with resources dwindling and population growth soaring, the decision is made to send The 100, a group of juvenile delinquents, to the surface to test whether Earth is once again habitable. With the survival of the human race entirely in their hands, these hundred teenagers must find a way to transcend their differences, unite, and forge a new path on a wildly changed Earth. The 100 stars Eliza Taylor (in Australia:Neighbours), Paige Turco (Person of Interest), Thomas McDonell (Suburgatory), Marie Avgeropoulos (Cult), Bob Morley (in Australia: Neighbours), Kelly Hu (Arrow), and Christopher Larkin (90210), with Isaiah Washington (Grey’s Anatomy) and Henry Ian Cusick (Lost). The series is executive produced by Elizabeth Craft (The Vampire Diaries), Sarah Fain (The Vampire Diaries), Matthew Miller (Human Target), Jason Rothenberg (upcoming Twilight Zone feature), Leslie Morgenstein (Pretty Little Liars), and Gina Girolamo (The Lying Game). From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Alloy Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, The 100 premieres midseason on The CW.

THURSDAY, JULY 18

Intelligence 

Stars Josh Holloway (Lost), Meghan Ory (Once Upon a Time), and Marg Helgenberger (CSI) and executive producers Michael Seitzman (North Country), René Echevarria (Terra Nova, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), and Tripp Vinson discuss the new CBS dramatic thriller. Holloway plays Gabriel, a high-tech intelligence operative enhanced with a supercomputer microchip in his brain. With this implant, Gabriel is the first human ever to be connected directly into the worldwide information grid and have complete access to Internet, WiFi, telephone, and satellite data. He can hack into any data center and access key intel in the fight to protect the United States from its enemies. Leading the elite government cybersecurity agency created to support him is Director Lillian Strand (Helgenberger), a straightforward and efficient boss who oversees the unit’s missions. Strand assigns Riley Neal (Ory), a Secret Service agent, to protect Gabriel from outside threats, as well as from his appetite for reckless, unpredictable behavior and disregard for protocol. As the first supercomputer with a beating heart, Gabriel is the most valuable piece of technology the country has ever created and is the U.S.’s secret weapon. Join the cast and producers for an exclusive viewing of the first episode, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Debra Birnbaum, president and editor-in-chief, TV Guide magazine.

Europa Report 

At the movies, it seems there’s so much science fiction, but so little science. Sebastian Cordero’s Europa Report seeks to change that. The film depicts a near-future crewed mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa, seeking evidence for life in an ocean beneath the moon’s icy surface. The movie uses current science to tell a story of discovery and danger. This panel features the film’s crew and cast, alongside scientists involved with a NASA concept for a real robotic spacecraft, the Europa Clipper, designed to investigate the mysteries of Europa, including whether it has the elements to support life. Participants include Sebastian Cordero (director, Rage and Chronicles), Bear McCreary (composer, Battlestar Galactica, The Walking Dead), producer Ben Browning, and actress Karolina Wydra, alongside JPL scientists Steve Vance and Kevin Hand. The panel will be moderated by astronomer Dr. Phil Plait (Slate magazine, Phil Plait’s Bad Universe). Space.com called the film “One of the most thrilling and realistic depictions of deep-space exploration since Moon and 2001: A Space Odyssey.”

Sherlock 

Steven Moffat (co-creator, executive producer and writer), Mark Gatiss (co-creator, executive producer and writer), and Sue Vertue (producer) discuss the latest adventures of Sherlock Holmes and his long-suffering faithful friend, Dr. John Watson. Coming to PBS Masterpiece during the 2013-14 season.

Entertainment Weekly’s The Visionaries 

From art house cinema to studio blockbuster, these uncompromising directors have electrified audiences with their virtuoso storytelling and breathtaking imagery. Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man 2, 500 Days of Summer), Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban), and Edgar Wright (The World’s End, Shaun of the Dead) lead this master class on the art of filmmaking and a wide-ranging discussion about the future of film.

Advanced Screening of The Blacklist and Panel Session with James Spader

View a preview the first episode of the highly anticipated new NBC drama series The Blacklist from Sony Pictures Television. It stars James Spader (Lincoln, Boston Legal) as the world’s most wanted criminal who mysteriously turns himself in and offers to give up the Blacklist, a global directory of all the criminals with whom he has worked. Join James Spader, Megan Boone (Blue Bloods, Step Up Revolution), Diego Klattenhoff (Homeland, Pacific Rim), and executive producers Jon Bokenkamp (Taking Lives, Perfect Stranger), Jon Eisendrath (Outlaw, Alias), John Davis (Predator, I, Robot, Chronicle), and John Fox for a Q&A session. Check out The Blacklist on Mondays at 10:00 this fall on NBC.

Ender’s Game and Divergent 

Summit Entertainment presents a special sneak peek at the highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved, award-winning novel Enders Game. This is a must-see for fans, who will be shown all-new, exclusive footage and treated to a Q&A with stars Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld, and Abigail Breslin, along with producer Roberto Orci (Star Trek Into Darkness) and director Gavin Hood (X-Men Origins: Wolverine). The panel will also feature the first footage ever seen of the futuristic thriller based on the #1 New York Times best-selling novel, Divergent. Cast and filmmakers will complete a Q&A sharing details of the project’s transition from book to film. Panelists will include novelist Veronica Roth, director Neil Burger, and cast members Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Miles Teller, Maggie Q, Ansel Elgort, Mekhi Phifer, Ben Lamb, Ben Lloyd-Hughes and Christian Madsen.

An Exclusive Preview of The Zero Theorem, Directed by Terry Gilliam 

An eccentric and reclusive computer genius plagued with existential angst works on a mysterious project aimed at discovering the purpose of existence ­or the lack thereof­ once and for all. However, it is only once he experiences the power of love and desire that he is able to understand his very reason for being. Appearing on stage to introduce the special early look at this new film and take your questions are producers Zev Foreman (Killer Joe) and Dean Zanuck (Get Low). Moderated by Gina McIntyre of the LA Times’ Hero Complex.

Dexter 

You’ve been there for every edge-of-your-seat moment, every kill, inside Dexter’s most intimate thoughts, watching him transform before your eyes. Now, after eight amazing seasons, it’s time to say goodbye to America’s Favorite Serial Killer. Join the cast, writers/executive producers, and surprise guest stars who are too big to mention, for a final farewell panel that even Hall H can’t contain! Ralph Garman (KROQ entertainment reporter) presides over a revealing interview and Q&A session with the stars and executive producers of Dexter. Featured panelists include series star/executive producer Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Jennifer Carpenter (Deb), David Zayas (Batista), and James Remar (Harry). Also appearing are executive producers John Goldwyn, Sara Colleton, Scott Buck, and Manny Coto. Satisfy your Dexterobsession all weekend. The new season of Dexter airs Sundays at 9:00 ET/PT only on Showtime.

FRIDAY, JULY 19

The World’s End: Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost Reunited 

The director and stars of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz have joined forces for a third movie-and it’s “Barmageddon,” their biggest yet. As ever, they’re as happy to be here as you are. So expect candid chatter and spirited surprises as they take the wraps off their new comedy, which Focus Features is opening nationwide in the U.S. on August 23.

Be sure to follow @TheGoldenMileCC to collect 12 limited edition Golden Mile trading cards, to be in with a chance to watch the film following the panel. The first fifty people who collect all the cards across the Gaslamp in San Diego will be guaranteed VIP admittance to the screening. For everyone else, this will be a first come first served basis.

Also, at 1 p.m. Thursday July 18, you can head over to The Commons in San Diego to compete in an Edgar Wright trivia fan crawl where you can win access to an exclusive party. All details can be found over at IGN. http://o.microsites.ign.com/focus_features/TheWorldsEnd/

Kick-Ass 2 and Riddick

Universal Pictures presents an all-star panel featuring talent from two of its highly anticipated summer films. In attendance will be stars and filmmakers from the action-comedy Kick-Ass 2. Attending from Riddick will be the action-adventure’s star/producer Vin Diesel(Fast & Furious 6), along with actors Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica) and Dave Bautista (The Man with the Iron Fists) and Riddick‘s writer/director David Twohy (The Fugitive).

AMC’s The Walking Dead 

Series stars Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus,Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, Danai Gurira, David Morrissey, Scott Wilson, and Chad Coleman join executive producer and showrunner Scott Gimple, executive producer Robert Kirkman, executive producer Gale Anne Hurd, executive producer Dave Alpert, and special effects makeup supervisor and executive producer Greg Nicotero in a panel moderated by Chris Hardwick (The Nerdist, Talking Dead). The panelists will discuss the record-breaking third season of The Walking Dead and what to look forward to in season 4, debuting this fall on AMC. Join the panelists for a one-on-one Q&A session and an official sneak preview of season 4.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on ABC 

Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s head of television), Joss Whedon (Marvel’s The Avengers), and surprise guests reveal top-secret new information about the first live-action television series from the House of Ideas. No Comic-Con attendee can afford to miss this historic panel!

Game of Thrones Panel and Q&A Session 

Based on the bestselling fantasy book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, HBO’s Game of Thrones concluded its 10-episode third season in June and will begin filming its fourth season this summer. The series, executive produced and written by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, is an epic story of treachery and nobility, set on the continent of Westeros, where summers and winters can last years. Featured cast include: (in alphabetical order): John Bradley as Samwell Tarly, Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister, Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister,Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark, Kit Harington as Jon Snow, Rose Leslie as Ygritte, and Richard Madden as Robb Stark. The panel will be moderated by Elvis Mitchell.

The Following Special Video Presentation and Q&A 

Hit thriller The Following returns to Comic-Con for a second year, this time bringing the bacon to Ballroom 20. Series stars Kevin Bacon (Mystic River), Shawn Ashmore (X- Men: The Last Stand) and Valorie Curry(The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2) join creator/executive producer Kevin Williamson(Scream) and executive producer Marcos Siega (The Vampire Diaries) for a Q&A and video presentation.Season 1 left a number of casualties in its wake, including Jacob’s emotional killing of Paul, the kidnapping of Agent Parker that ended in her death, and Emma’s murder of Jacob. The explosive finale featured the highly anticipated face-off between Ryan and Carroll, ending in Carroll’s ultimate demise and leaving Ryan’s true love, Claire, hanging on for her life. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Outerbanks Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television, The Following‘s second season premieres midseason on FOX.

Sleepy Hollow 

Executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci (Star Trek, Fringe, Spider-Man 2) and Len Wiseman (Underworld, Total Recall) unveil their highly anticipated project with an exclusive world premiere screening of the pilot, followed by a Q&A with fans featuring series lead Tom Mison (Parade’s End) andNicole Beharie (42, Shame).

Almost Human Pilot Screening and Q&A

In the near future, technology and crime will increase so quickly that law enforcement will not be able to keep up. To maintain order and keep the public safe, all police officers must partner with highly evolved human-like-androids known as synthetics. From creator J. H. Wyman (Fringe) and J. J. Abrams’s Bad Robot Productions, Almost Human tells the story of Detective John Kennex and his synthetic partner Dorian, who must learn to work together in order to survive. Attendees will see a screening of the complete pilot episode, followed by a Q&A with series stars and producers. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions and Warner Bros. Television, Almost Human premieres this fall on FOX.

Sony & Screen Gems: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, RoboCop, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 – You remember Sony Pictures Animation’s Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs – Flint Lockwood invented a machine that turned water into food, and it worked, but it also unleashed a dangerously delicious tsunami of food weather and Flint was forced to destroy it. Or so he thought…In Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, the adventure and fun continue when Flint discovers that his old invention is still working and is now creating new food-animal hybrids — foodimals! Come join stars Anna Faris and Terry Crews along with directors Cody Cameron and Kris Pearn, to get a taste of this new animated movie from Sony Pictures Animation.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones – Set in contemporary New York City, a seemingly ordinary teenager, Clary Fray (Lily Collins), discovers she is the descendant of a line of Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of half-angel warriors locked in an ancient battle to protect our world from demons. After the disappearance of her mother (Lena Headey), Clary must join forces with a group of Shadowhunters, who introduce her to a dangerous alternate New York called Downworld, filled with demons, warlocks, vampires, werewolves and other deadly creatures. Based on the worldwide best-selling book series. Please join best- selling author, Cassandra Clare, along with the film’s director Harald Zwart and stars Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Robert Sheehan and Kevin Zegers for a first look at exciting new footage and discussion of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.

RoboCop

In RoboCop, the year is 2028 and multinational conglomerate OmniCorp is at the center of robot technology. Overseas, their drones have been used by the military for years — and it’s meant billions for OmniCorp’s bottom line. Now OmniCorp wants to bring their controversial technology to the home front, and they see a golden opportunity to do it. When Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman) –  a loving husband, father and good cop doing his best to stem the tide of crime and corruption in Detroit — is critically injured in the line of duty, OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer. OmniCorp envisions a RoboCop in every city and even more billions for their shareholders, but they never counted on one thing: there is still a man inside the machine pursuing justice. Join stars Joel Kinnaman, Abbie Cornish, andSamuel L. Jackson along with director José Padilhafor insight into this eagerly awaited movie.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 – Last year, Andrew Garfield, along with director Marc Webb and producers Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach, launched a new chapter in the Peter Parker story with The Amazing Spider-Man. With a new installment in the franchise due in 2014, join us in Hall H for one of Comic-Con’s most highly anticipated panels to hear a bit about what awaits Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

Dark Horse: Joss Whedon

Joss Whedon has 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 next, and get exclusive insight into Buffy the Vampire Slayer,Serenity, and much more!

SATURDAY, JULY 20

Machinima: Redefining the ‘Fan Film’

Machinima, a network that has been pushing the envelope on content development and creation since day one, has upped the ante once again. Joining forces with some of the most creative upcoming talent around, Machinima will discuss its fan films, the wildly successful Machinima Interactive Film Festival, and all the other mind-blowing content it has up its sleeves. Be a part of the discussion, with the slightly off-their-rocker folks at Machinima, along with a few equally insane special guests, as they talk about setting the bar with a new breed of content development, creation, and interaction. And of course, a bunch of exclusive, never-before-seen footage will be shown for your viewing pleasure. So you know where you’re going to be Saturday morning, don’t you?

Film and TV Production Designers of the Art Directors Guild

In collaboration with a highly skilled art department, the production designer lays out the plan that will create small worlds to warm the heart, and entire civilizations to fire the imagination. Moderator Jim Bissell (Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol) joins panelists Darren Gilford (Oblivion, Tron: Legacy), Corey Kaplan (Scandal, The X-Files), Alex McDowell (Man of Steel), and Robert Stromberg (Oz the Great and Powerful, Avatar).

Marvel Television Presents

It’s the biggest, most animated Marvel Television panel ever! Join Marvel’s head of television, Jeph Loeb, for the latest from inside Marvel Universe on Disney XD, including what’s next for Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man, a new episode of the hit series Marvel’s Avengers Assemble, and the world premiere of Marvel’s Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Preview Their Upcoming Lineups

Legendary Pictures: Godzilla — An epic rebirth to Toho’s iconic Godzilla, this spectacular adventure pits the world’s most famous monster against malevolent creatures who, bolstered by humanity’s scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence. Gareth Edwards directs Godzilla, which stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, and Juliette Binoche, with David Strathairn and Bryan Cranston. The screenplay is by Max Borenstein, Frank Darabont, and Dave Callaham. Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni are producing with Mary Parent and Brian Rogers. Alex Garcia and Patricia Whitcher are the executive producers, alongside Yoshimitsu Banno and Kenji Okuhira. The film is from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures.

Legendary Pictures: Seventh Son

The fantasy action adventure Seventh Son takes audiences to a time long past, where evil is about to be unleashed. Jeff Bridges stars as Master Gregory, a Falcon Knight who imprisoned the malevolently powerful witch Mother Malkin (Julianne Moore) years ago. Now escaped, she seeks vengeance, and Gregory has only until the next blood moon to train a new apprentice (Ben Barnes), the seventh son of a seventh son, to fight a dark magic unlike any other. Oscar nominee Sergei Bodrov directs an international cast that includes Alicia Vikander, Kit Harington, Olivia Williams, Antje Traue, and Djimon Hounsou. The film is from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures.

Warner Bros. Pictures: 300: Rise of an Empire — From producer Zack Snyder, Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures present a new chapter in this epic saga, based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel Xerxes and told in the same breathtaking visual style as the blockbuster 300. Directed by Noam Murro, 300: Rise of an Empire takes the action to a fresh battlefield-on the sea-with a cast of both new and returning stars, led by Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Headey, Hans Matheson, David Wenham, and Rodrigo Santoro. Gianni Nunnari, Mark Canton, Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder, and Bernie Goldmann produce, with Zack Snyder and Kurt Johnstad again collaborating on the screenplay.

Warner Bros. Pictures: Gravity — From director Alfonso Cuarón comes the sci-fi Thriller Gravity, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. Dr. Ryan Stone (Bullock) is a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, alongside veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (Clooney). On a seemingly routine spacewalk, disaster strikes, leaving them completely alone-tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth…and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left. But the only way home may be to go further into the terrifying expanse of space.

Warner Bros. Pictures: The LEGO Movie — From directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller of 21 Jump Street comes the first ever full-length theatrical LEGO adventure,The LEGO Movie, about a perfectly average LEGO minifigure named Emmet who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which he is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared. The original 3D computer animated story stars Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, and Alison Brie, with Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman.

Inside the Writer’s Room: Earth’s Mightiest TV Writers Assemble

Meet the writers, producers, and executives who make genre entertainment what it is today, and get an incredible insider look from the scribes behind some of today’s hottest genre shows as they share their candid thoughts on how to make the series we love (and sometimes loathe). Find out the highly classified secrets to getting TV shows made and how to break in and break out in today’s highly competitive broadcast environment; the deep dark secrets (and low-calorie snacks) of the writer’s room; and why network executives actually care about what you say on message boards. No canned speeches and press releases here; get the straight scoop from television’s most talented and outspoken writers and producers, including Javier Grillo-Marxuach (The Middleman, Lost, Helix), Ashley E. Miller (Fringe, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Amy Berg (Eureka, TNT Geena Davis pilot), Steve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers: Prime), Gabrielle Stanton (Haven, The Vampire Chronicles, Arrow), Jose Molina (Firefly, Sleepy Hollow), Sarah Watson (Parenthood, The Middleman), Mark A. Altman (Femme Fatales, Castle), and surprise guests. Moderator Chris Parnell (senior VP, drama development, Sony Pictures Television) moderates.

Lionsgate – Featuring I, Frankenstein and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

I, Frankenstein stars Aaron Eckhart and Yvonne Strahovski appear with film director/writer Stuart Beattie and graphic novel author/writer Kevin Grevioux. Plus, the cast of the highly anticipated second installment of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire comes to Hall H for the first time. Panel moderated by Fandango chief correspondentDave Karger. Never-before-seen footage is showcased from both films. Includes Q&A opportunity.

Entertainment Weekly’s Women Who Kick Ass

Fierce, fearless and flat-out fantastic, these female actors have left fans breathless. Michelle Rodriguez (Fast and Furious franchise), Orphan Black‘s Tatiana Maslany,Danai Gurira (The Walking Dead), and others open up about the power and privilege of playing women who redefine the rules and refuse to yield.

True Blood Panel and Q&A session

Mixing romance, suspense, mystery, and humor, the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated True Blood kicked off its sixth season June 16 on HBO. The series follows waitress and part-faerie Sookie Stackhouse (Oscar and Golden Globe award winner Anna Paquin), who can hear people’s thoughts and vampires Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) and Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgård). Brian Buckner serves as executive producer of the series, which also features Ryan Kwanten as Jason Stackhouse, Sam Trammell as Sam Merlotte, Rutina Wesley as Tara Thornton, Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette, Deborah Ann Woll as Jessica Hamby, Kristin Bauer van Straten as Pam,Joe Manganiello as Alcide, Anna Camp as Sarah Newlin, Michael McMillian as Steve Newlin, and Rob Kazinsky as Ben. Oscar and Emmy Award winner Alan Ballcreated and is also an executive producer on the series, based on the bestselling Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. Moderated by Tim Stack of Entertainment Weekly.

The Tomorrow People Pilot Screening and Q&A

Sure, teleporting into San Diego remedies many stresses associated with Comic-Con, and knowing fans’ questions before they are ever asked would certainly seem to give them a leg up, but that doesn’t mean The Tomorrow People are any less excited about their inaugural visit to the world’s premier fan convention. Series stars Robbie Amell (1600 Penn), Peyton List (Mad Men), and Mark Pellegrino (Lost), along with executive producers Greg Berlanti (Green Lantern), Phil Klemmer (Chuck), andDanny Cannon (Nikita), will be on hand for a special pilot screening, followed by a Q&A to discuss this story of several young people from around the world who represent the next stage in human evolution. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions, FremantleMedia, Warner Bros. Television, and CBS Television Studios, The Tomorrow People will air Wednesdays at 9/8c on The CW this fall.

Financing Your Dream: Kickstarter Fundraising

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 Kickstarter and Indiegogo. These panelists have raised money for their projects — find out how they did it! Marc Scott Zicree (Space Command, Star Trek TNG and Deep Space Nine,),Michael Reaves (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Batman: The Animated Series), David Simkins (Warehouse 13, Charmed, Dark Angel), Lynn Ayala (Lily, Warehouse 13), Jimmy Diggs (The Crypto-Historians, Star Trek: Voyager), Robert Bryn Pryor (Cowboys & Engines), Richard Hatch (Battlestar Galactica, Cowboys & Engines), andWalter Koenig. Moderated by Mark O’Bannon (The Dream Crystal, The Dark Mirrors of Heaven).

Marvel Studios: Thor: The Dark World and Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Marvel Studios president and producer Kevin Feige and many surprise guests provide an inside look at the ever-expanding Marvel cinematic universe.

ComiKev 2013: Kevin Smith Uses His Mouth on You in Hall H

After all the interesting and exciting movie panels are over, Hall H belongs to a middle-aged man who hasn’t made a flick in years! It’s not Saturday night in Hall H ’til the Fat Lady sings…and that fat lady is the flight-challenged writer/director/podcaster/author/actor Kevin Smith! Ask ComiKev questions about the forthcoming Clerks III, orJay and Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie, or his AMC show Comic Book Men! Watch Kev over-answer while sweating profusely! Get in on a tradition and wrap up a busy Saturday with the Clown Prince of Comic-Con!

SUNDAY, JULY 21

San Diego International Children’s Film Festival

The San Diego International Children’s Film Festival presents creative, exciting, and imaginative short films from around the world — animation, live action, and documentary — good for all ages, throughout the day. Enjoy films from the U.S., Canada, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Spain, and beyond. Animators and filmmakers will talk about their work, ways kids can make their own films, and careers in animation and filmmaking.

Breaking Bad

AMC’s Breaking Bad creator and executive producer Vince Gilligan appears with the cast of Breaking Bad, including Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, R. J. Mitte, and Bob Odenkirk. In a panel moderated by Chris Hardwick, Vince and the cast talk about what it was like to shoot the final episodes of one of the boldest and most intense dramas on television and how they are preparing for the series’ final moments. Join the panelists for a one-on-one Q&A session and an official sneak preview of the final eight episodes of Breaking Bad season 5, premiering Sunday night, August 11 at 9:00.

BBC America’s Doctor Who 50th Anniversary

BBC America presents the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary panel featuring Doctor Who stars Matt Smith and Jenna Coleman, award-winning lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat, An Adventure in Space and Time star David Bradley, and award-winning writer/executive producer Mark Gatiss. The Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special will premiere November 23, on BBC America. As part of the celebrations in November, An Adventure in Space and Time will tell the story of the genesis of Doctor Who, with David Bradley starring as the first ever Doctor, William Hartnell.

Under the Dome

Stars Dean Norris (Breaking Bad), Mike Vogel (Bates Motel), and Rachelle Lefevre (Twilight), along with executive producers Brian K. Vaughan (Lost), Neal Bear(Law and Order: SVU), and Jack Bender (Lost), invite you to go under the dome as they discuss the television event of the summer about a small town inexplicably sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible and indestructible dome. Based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel, the series follows “Big Jim” (Norris), the only elected official left under the dome whose abiding love for the town may be surpassed only by his desire for power; Dale “Barbie” Barbara (Vogel), an army veteran with a mysterious past; and “Julia Shumway” (Lefevre), the editor of the local newspaper who is coping with the disappearance of her husband, among other residents who are all struggling to uncover the mystery of the dome that has descended upon their town. They must come together to find ways to survive and work to ultimately rebuild their democracy from the ground up, while facing postapocalyptic situations. Follow them on this journey under the dome, where no one can hide and no one’s secret is safe.

Sons of Anarchy

Get an inside look into the world of FX’s highest-rated series ever, with creator Kurt Sutter (The Shield), executive producer/director Paris Barclay (NYPD Blue), and the full cast: Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Ron Perlman, Maggie Siff, Kim Coates, Mark Boone Junior, Tommy Flanagan, Theo Rossi, Dayton Callie, and Jimmy Smits.