Informed Art - Comic-Con Revealed

The Mummy cast greets the Comic-Con crowd.

Universal had a jam-packed and star-studded lineup for the Comic-Con crowd on Saturday. First up was its August 1^st release, “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.” Reprising his role as Rick O’Connor, Brendan Fraser was joined on stage with fellow cast members Jet Li, Maria Bello, John Hannah, Michelle Yeoh, Luke Ford and Isabella Leong. When asked what it was like to finally get to do the fight that Asia has been longing for between her and Jet Li, Yeoh said that it was hard for her and Li to not laugh when facing off on the set. Li said the reason he took the role was because it was a chance to play the villain, and that the money wasn’t bad either. He also added that the fights for this film were very easy for him because most of them took place on a motion-capture stage. Fraser blushed when Yeoh said that the movie was a great opportunity to work with a great cast, especially the adorable Fraser. Bello, who recently turned 40 (and still looks stunning), said the film was like a dream come true, because she got into acting so she could become Indiana Jones and never thought she’d get the chance to be in an action film at this point in her career. Fraser said that he believes that the success of the franchise comes from the central love story and possibly some really great CGI. Fans were treated to a clip from the film, which featured three very large CG Yeti and the powerful scream of the Dragon Emperor.

Death Race’s Tyrese Gibson and Joan Allen listen to cinema legend Roger Corman.

Universal next brought out the cast of the re-imagining of “Death Race,” which includes Jason Statham, Ian McShane, Tyrese Gibson, Joan Allen and Natalie Martinez. Accompanying the actors on stage were director Paul W.S. Anderson and the director of the original “Death Race 2000” Roger Corman, who said until Anderson came along with this film, “Death Race” was one of his films that he felt shouldn’t be remade. Anderson was proud to boast that the clip he had to show had no CG in the car stunts, but any fan with a knowing eye could tell that one very painful stunt at the end certainly had some CG assistance. Allen, who isn’t known for films like this one, said it was the page-turner script that made her interested in joining the project. When fans discovered it was Statham’s birthday, two fans got to the mic and started a round of “Happy Birthday” for the actor. Not too many people ever get 6,500 people singing “Happy Birthday” to them all at once and Statham looked very pleased with the gesture.

Drag Me to Hell director Sam Raimi.

Director Sam Raimi makes his return to horror in 2009 with “Drag Me To Hell.” Joining the “Spider-Man” director on stage were stars Alison Lohman, Justin Long and Dileep Rao. The story follows Lohman’s character Stephanie who is cursed by an old crone who she denies a loan to. Raimi shared with the fans two clips from the clip – one of which featured a spooky floating CG handkerchief and the other a curious CG fly that investigates Lohman nose and mouth while she sleeps. The footage was so new that the actors hadn’t seen it before, spurring them to rush from their seats to the edge of the stage to eagerly watch the clips along with the fans. Just like one would expect from a Raimi horror film, the scares are mixed with a good dose of humor. However, the fans were disappointed when Raimi revealed that due to scheduling conflicts Bruce Campbell will not be appearing in the film.

Closing the hour and a half panel was director Brad Silberling with the big screen adaptation of 1970s cult classic TV series “Land of the Lost.” Star Will Ferrell couldn’t make the event, but did appear in a very funny faux satellite feed from the El Cortez hotel in San Diego. Cast members that were on hand included Anna Friel, Danny McBride, and Jorma Taccone, along with original series creators Sid and Marty Krofft. Marty Krofft said that at this point in his career it’s amazing to have his work being translated to the big screen and encouraged all in the audience to never give up on your dreams no matter how old you get. Silberling ensured the audience that Sleestaks and dinosaurs would be making appearances in the film. A Sleestak actually made an appearance on stage for the fans. The director said that the Kroffts were ecstatic to see thirty Sleestaks on the set when they could only afford three at one time on the original series. The panel closed with a teaser for the film, featuring Ferrell talking to the camera as a CG drooling dinosaur peers over his shoulder.

Williams (l) and Howard talk Bolt.

Disney followed “Terminator Salvation” with its next two animated features from Walt Disney Animation and Pixar. Directors Chris Williams and Byron Howard took the stage to introduce the fans to 20 minutes of footage from “Bolt.” The first clip was an episode from the TV series that stars Bolt, voiced by John Travolta. In the episode, Penny (voiced by Miley Cyrus) and Bolt fight Dr. Calico’s henchmen on a race to the airport. The action-packed sequence highlighted Bolt’s many TV powers, which includes a sonic bark. The extended sequence wasn’t finished, featuring animation in varying stages from storyboards to final renders. In the next clip, Bolt, who believes that the show he stars on is real, is tormented by the two cats on the series that know the series is fake. The cat voiced by Deidrich Bader stood out as a nice comic touch. The final sequence comes from later in the film when animal control has captured Bolt and his new companions Mittens the cat and Rhino the hamster. Bolt is beginning to understand that he doesn’t have superpowers, but feels that he still needs to try and be the hero. Williams did share the fact that the film has between 5-15 patents pending in regards to its new innovations in bringing a brushstroke look to CG animation.

Docter gives Pixar fans the first look at Up.

Next up was “Up” from Pixar. Director Pete Docter unveiled the first uncompleted footage from the highly anticipated film, which made the perfectionist very nervous to show. The lead character is unlike any Pixar has worked with before. Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Asner) is a 78-year-old man, who sets off on an adventure to Venezuela in his house lifted by balloons. Docter told the audience that some of the animation legends that inspired the film included Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston and storyman Joe Grant. Docter showed the audience the fantastical early sequence where Carl escapes from the orderlies that want to send him to an old folks’ home by taking to the skies. Docter revealed that Carl’s journey is to honor his wife Elle’s desire to travel the globe, a goal she didn’t get to fulfill before her death. Docter also showed another sequence from the film, featuring the character Russell, an overly eager scout who’s only missing his “helping the elderly” badge in his massive collection. The clip features Carl and Russell, tethered to the floating house, walking through the jungles of South America when someone needs to go to the bathroom. From the footage shown, this feature film is truly like nothing else the studio has ever done. And Docter said the greatest compliment that he receives about the film is that people really don’t know where they are going with it. He called “Up” the crowing achievement of his career. Pixar has also launched the “Up” website at www.disney.com/up for fans who missed Comic-Con to get a glimpse of the new film as well.

A fan dressed like the T-1000 got a rare chance to join the cast of Terminator Salvation on stage.

The first big film of Saturday at Comic-Con was McG’s “Terminator Salvation,” which brings the franchise into the future after judgment day. While star Christian Bale couldn’t make it due to his “Dark Knight” promotional commitments, McG did call him on the phone right before debuting the first full trailer for the film. The trailer featured only practical effects, which McG said the film relies on heavily. Next up was the cast, including Sam Worthington, Moon Bloodgood, Anton Yelchin, Bryce Dallas Howard and Common.

McG threw out questions to the audience and was impressed with some of the fans’ enthusiasm, inviting attendees dressed like Sarah Connor and the T-1000, and an Arnold Schwarzenegger impressionist to join the cast on stage. McG assured fans that he went back to James Cameron to discuss the film to make sure they stayed true to the spirit of the franchise. Yelchin, who played a younger version of Michael Biehn’s Kyle Reese, said he went back to the original “Terminator” and studied Biehn’s performance. McG told the fans that you’ll see where Reese learned some of his survival moves, some of which came from observing the machines.

The entire Heroes cast came to Comic-Con to thank the fans for their support.

After waiting in a line that wrapped around the San Diego convention center down to the bay, Saturday at Comic-Con kicked off with “Heroes” in Hall H, the first time that a TV series took a spot in the big hall. Co-exec producer Jeph Loeb warmed up the crowd for the entire cast showed up to greet the fans. Then show creator Tim Kring treated the faithful to the first episode of the new season. Fans quickly discovered the identity of who shot Nathan at the end of the last season. Sylar pays Claire a visit and some other cast members discovered new powers. Additionally, a previously-thought-to-be-dead character makes a big return.

As for the visual effects, bullets froze in midair, while a new speedy character left a trail behind her as she speed past Hiro. A main character has their skull cut open revealing their brain at the hands of Sylar. Finally Hiro takes a trip to the future where he witnesses a devastating explosion in Tokyo and discovers new electrifying powers from someone unexpected.

The cast fielded a few questions from the excited crowd and Milo Ventimiglia allowed a seeing impaired fan to see him for the first time in her life, coming down into the crowd to greet her. Masi Oka sword fought with a fan dressed like his character Hiro in ancient samurai garb.

Moderator Larry Loc introduces Tom Sito and Jorge Gutierrez.

As every year, ASIFA-Hollywood hosts the state of animation panel at Comic-Con. Moderated by Larry Loc, the panel featured Tom Sito (“Osmosis Jones”), Jorge R. Gutierrez (“El Tigre”), supervising animator Lennie Graves, Mattel creative director Aki Umemoto, and “Animation Magazine” editor Ryan Ball. Sito called working as an animator is like being a jazz player, where you get some good gigs and some bad gigs, and some last long and others are one-offs. All the panel members agreed that the industry is good for CG artists and not so good if all you want to do is 2D. Gutierrez said that for TV animation it’s a great time because there is more animation on television than ever. As for the secret of success, he quoted John Lasseter as saying that quality is always the best business plan.

Lennie Graves listens to Aki Umemoto introduce himself to the audience.

When asked about skills other than art skills, Sito mentioned that the business is a social community where he’s gotten more jobs over a sandwich at a party than pounding lobbies with his portfolio. Gutierrez said that time management was something that they never were taught in art school. His holy grail on “El Tigre” was to make a good show and remain friends with his crew. Graves added that humility is needed because then you’re always striving to be better. He also encouraged artists to live life and not be consumed by animation so they can bring themselves to their work. Umemoto added to that an animator needs to be an actor, as well as understanding timing. Ball continued by telling the crowd to be observers.

Loc then asked what films the panelists would recommend for animators to see. Ball recommended “Triplets of Belleville” for the acting. Umemoto and Graves went to the classics like “Citizen Kane.” Gutierrez said that “Faster Pussycat, Kill, Kill, Kill” changed his life, but also recommended watching foreign films that did well in the U.S. to find films that transcended cultural barriers. Sito said to watch a film three times – first watching for plot then for cutting, and lastly for lighting. As for his picks he recommended Ford and “Lawrence of Arabia.”

Winder, Tucker, Gilroy and Filoni.

Comic-Con dedicates one day each year to “Star Wars” and this year Friday is the day. Head of fan relations Steve Sansweet kicked off the panel with two clips from the hotly anticipated game “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.” One of the clips that debuted at the Con featured the Emperor challenging Darth Vader to kill his apprentice. Sansweet quickly moved into “The Clone Wars” feature film and TV series. He brought out director Dave Filoni, producer Catherine Winder, co-writer Henry Gilroy and editor Jason Tucker.

When asked about how the feature film came out of the TV series, Winder said that when George Lucas first saw scenes from the series, he called it cinematic, and the idea was out there. Filoni said that when the feature was proposed he had to find a compelling single story arch for the film, which introduces viewers to Anakin’s padawan. Filoni said that it’s an honor to bring his own ideas to the Star Wars universe, but was nervous about presenting them to Lucas. Gilroy added to the sentiment that “The Clone Wars” allowed them to tell different stories within the Star Wars universe such as comedies and horror films. For the fans, they treated the audience with the first act of one of the upcoming episodes filled with action and introduced new characters to the universe.

King and her Spirit Gabriel Macht.

Last year at Comic-Con, Frank Miller introduced the audience to his vision of bringing Will Eisner’s “The Spirit” to the screen. This year he had cast members, the first theatrical trailer and two clips from the film. On stage the actors included Gabriel Macht (The Spirit), Samuel L. Jackson (The Octopus) and Jaime King (Lorelei Rox). Accompanying them were director Miller and producer Deborah Del Prete, who wanted to bring the comic book art look to the screen and felt that Miller was the man to do it after seeing “Sin City.” The stylish look of the film mixes pulp detective stories with screwball comedy. For the underwater scenes, which Miller said the technical term for in film is “a fucking nightmare,” were done for the film without water. Miller used the new super-slow-motion Phantom camera to simulate the flow of hair underwater. Because the Octopus villain in the comics was just a pair of gloves, Jackson worked closely with Miller to create the look of the character. Jackson complimented Miller for not having an ego allowing access and support for suggestions.

Del Toro, Blunt and Baker.

Universal is re-imagining the classic horror film, “Wolfman,” and they brought it to Comic-Con. Make-up effects master Rick Baker along with stars Benicio Del Toro and Emily Blunt. Fans were treated to the first trailer for the 2009 film, which utilizes make-up effects to transform Del Toro into the werewolf. Set in the 1800s, the film does look like a throw-back to classic horror with a tinge of Hammer Films terror. Del Toro was attracted to the project as a big fan of Lon Chaney and classic horror. Baker said that the classic gothic horror nature of the project made using practical effects very attractive to director Joe Johnston. He did reveal that for transformation sequences CG will be used. When asked about the recent passing of effects legend Stan Winston, Baker said that it felt like the end of an era. The two legends were friends and competitors.

Self-proclaimed jackass Billy Crudup plays all-powerful Dr. Manhattan in Watchmen.

The panel to kick off Friday was the highly anticipated “Watchmen.” Fans had been waiting out over night to be up front before the entire cast and glimpse more footage from the film. On hand were director Zack Snyder, original comic illustration Dave Gibbons, and actors Malin Akerman (Silk Specctre II), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Comedian), Carla Gugino (Silk Spectre), Jackie Earle Haley (Rorschach), Billy Crudup (Dr. Manhattan), Patrick Wilson (Night Owl II), and Matthew Goode (Ozymandias). Instead of showing the trailer, which debuted last week on the Net, Snyder had additional footage from the film to illustrate the faithful adaptation of the comic to the screen. In the footage, visual effects fans got a longer glimpse of Dr. Manhattan’s attack during Vietnam and a longer look at the moving ink blots of the mask of Rorschach. Additionally, the fans got the first look at the iconic image of the blood splatter hitting the smiley face pin.

The Watchmen Owl Ship from the convention floor.

Snyder confirmed that there is material new to the film that was not in the original comic. A fan asked about a rumor that the DVD would feature all the pre-production work from all the previous directors that worked on the film. Snyder said that it was the first time he had heard that but thought it was a great idea and challenged someone in the audience to do it. Crudup joked that it took some time to get over the embarrassment of playing a character who is a nearly naked, giant, omniscient blue man when he’s a 5’9” jackass.

Hilgenbrink, Monk and Parker.

The final panel in Hall H for Thursday was Dark Castle, highlighting the new direct-to-DVD horror film, “The Hills Ran Red,” “Ninja Assassin” and “RocknRolla. For “The Hills Ran Red” producer Joel Silver introduced actors Tad Hilgenbrink and Sophie Monk, along with director Dave Parker. The film follows a group of horror fans who seek out a mysterious legendary horror film, which they discover has never stopped filming. The filmmakers showed the audience the trailer, which they guarantee will fulfill gore fans need for the red stuff.

Rain, Harris and McTeigue.

Next up was “Ninja Assassin,” director James McTeigue’s follow-up to “V for Vendetta.” The film, produced by Silver and the Wachowski Bros., stars Korean pop sensation Rain and Naomie Harris (“28 Days Later”), who were both at the Con. Many of the attendees swooned over Rain, who had help fielding the English questions with the help of an interpreter. Silver unveiled the first action-packed trailer, which also features a high gallon count on the red stuff as well. Rain told the fans that he really hopes that his big Hollywood debut will be a hit. Silver added that he had long wanted to make a ninja picture, but needed to find a way to bring it into the 21^st century.

Piven, Butler, Richie, Ludacris & Elba.

Closing the panel was the debut trailer for Guy Richie’s next film, “RocknRolla.” In addition to Richie, the actors on the panel included Gerard Butler (“300”), Jeremy Piven (“Entourage”), Ludacris (“Crash”), and Idris Elba (“The Wire”). Many of the fevered fans in the audience we there hoping to see Butler take his shirt off. Silver and many of the actors stressed that this film is equal or even better than Richie’s earlier work on “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch.” The trailer they showed highlighted the same mix of violence and humor that was signature to those two films. All the actors commented on how well the script was written and how perfectly Richie has the film envisioned in his mind. When asked about a memorable moment on set, Butler recalled getting sick and having Richie’s wife Madonna give him a B12 shot in the bum.