San Diego Comic Con kicked off today and while there is no Paramount panel for the new Star Trek movie (or even a Paramount booth) there are a number of panels and events that could be of interest to Star Trek fans. See below for a full list of panels, booths, and celebrity appearances at SDCC 2012.
TREKKIES GUIDE TO SDCC 2012
PANELS/EVENTS
THURSDAY
2:00-3:00 Before and After: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Star Trek: The Next Generation’s Journey into High Definition
Star Trek: The Next Generation fans are finally getting their wish, with all seven seasons of the beloved series being retransferred into high-definition. Star Trek: The Next Generation-The First Season will be released on July 24, and the team behind the project will give fans an insider’s look at how the original film elements were transferred into high-definition and how the visual effects were painstakingly re-created from the source material to look better than ever before. Robert Meyer Burnett moderates the panel, which includes Roger Lay, Jr. (producer/director, Blu-ray), Mike and Denise Okuda (project consultants), David S. Grant (vice president, multimedia, CBS Television Distribution), Ryan Adams (director, multimedia, CBS Television Distribution), Craig Weiss (creative director, CBS Digital), Eric Bruno (lead compositor), and Wade Felker (film transfer technician). Room 7AB
7pm: Trek Nation / White Room 02B3 Screening
Join Rod Roddenberry for a special screening of Trek Nation and White Room: 02B3 during San Diego Comic-Con. The Birch: North Park Theater, 2891 University Avenue
FRIDAY
1:00-2:00 From Imagination to Screen-The Art Department of Industrial Light & Magic
Creative director David Nakabayashi and the art directors of ILM — Christian Alzmann (Cowboys & Aliens, The Last Airbender), Yanick Dusseault (Star Trek 2, The Avengers), Alex Jaeger (Pacific Rim, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen), and Aaron McBride (Noah, Battleship) — discuss the legacy of ILM’s first art director, Ralph McQuarrie. The team will also cover some of the most memorable moments to come through their department during the company’s history, spanning over 35 years and more than 350 films. Room 7AB
4:30-5:30 Falling Skies: The Battle Is Just Getting Started
Continuing the fight against alien invaders, TNT’s Falling Skies follows a band of human survivors on their quest to outrun and outwit the powerful alien force that invaded Earth. Join stars Noah Wyle (ER), Moon Bloodgood (Terminator Salvation), Will Patton (Armageddon), Drew Roy (Secretariat), Colin Cunningham (Living in Your Car), Sarah Carter (The Vow), and Connor Jessup (The Saddle Club), and show runner Remi Aubuchon (Caprica), with Q&A hosted by Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Big Bang Theory). Watch never-before-seen clips and be treated to an in-depth discussion on Falling Skies season 2. Room 6BCF
5:00-6:00 International Association of Media Tie-in Writers: Scribe Awards
Max Allan Collins (Mike Hammer), co-founder of the IAMTW, will announce the winners of this year’s Scribe Awards for excellence in tie-in writing. He will be joined by this year’s Grandmaster Award "Faust" winner, Kevin J. Anderson (Dune), Stacia Deutsch (Batman), Glenn Hauman (Star Trek), Jeff Mariotte (CSI), Deborah Lynn Smith (Dark Shadows), and Dayton Ward (Star Trek) for a freewheeling look at one of the most popular and yet underappreciated branches of the writing trade. Followed by a Q&A session. Room 23ABC
8:30-9:30 Space Command: Bold Adventures in the Far Reaches of Space
Science fiction legends Marc Scott Zicree (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Doug Drexler (Battlestar Galactica), Neil Johnson (Humanity’s End), Michael Reaves (Star Wars, Batman), and Ian McCaig (Star Wars) premiere footage from the highly anticipated epic adventure series that spans 200 years of Galactic History. Stars Doug Jones (Pan’s Labyrinth), Katherine McEwan (Humanity’s End), Christina Moses (Star Trek New Voyages), and Amber Benson (Buffy) discuss their roles. The visionary team gives you an early look at the stunning character design and visual effects, plus the epic score from David Raiklen. Inspired by heroic science fiction of the ’50s. A revolution in film funding and distribution, made by A-list creators for the fans free from studio restrictions. Room 5AB
8:30-9:30 Klingon Lifestyles Presentation
Last year saw Admiral K’Han Den shot while in the Mirror Universe. With life in the balance, the crew of the IKV Stranglehold are forced on a mission to save him. All life forms and alien cultures are welcome to the latest episode in the ongoing adventures of life aboard the Klingon vessel Stranglehold. Room 6A
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, the "Seacrest of Sci-Fi," Robert Meyer Burnett (Femme Fatales, Hills Run Red, Free Enterprise) 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. The film features interviews with the key creative personnel behind every version of the bestselling toy line and all incarnations of Masters of the Universe on television, film, stage, and print, tracing the inception and ups and downs of the fantasy juggernaut. Everyone involved in the 30-year history of this historic franchise makes appearances in the film, including such genre figures as J. Michael Straczynski (Babylon 5, Thor), Richard Edlund (Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark), William Stout (Conan The Barbarian, Pan’s Labyrinth), Lou Scheimer (Filmation), Michael Westmore (Star Trek franchise), Don Glut (The Empire Strikes Back, Transformers Animated), and even Dolph Lundgren, who played He-Man in the live-action film. Panel participants include Roger Lay, Jr. (director/producer), Cory Landis (producer), Gary Goddard (director), J. Michael Straczynski (writer), Mark Taylor (visual designer, Masters of the Universe toy line 1980s), Ted Mayer (visual designer/product engineer, Masters of the Universe toy line 1980s), Jack and Leslie Wadsworth (live-action He Man and She Ra, Masters of the Universe: Power Tour), and a special surprise guest! Room 26AB
7:00 PM – ? Roddenberry & Geek Nation’s Comic-Con Party 2012
The hottest sci-fi party of Comic-Con Fluxx Nightclub, 500 4th Avenue, San Diego CA
SATURDAY
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. Get a gander at the EPIX Original movie, Roger Corman’s first-ever made in 3D, Attack of the 50 Foot Cheerleader, in which a meek college co-ed is transformed into a gigantic cheerleader. Then take a sneak peek at William Shatner’s Get a Life!, an EPIX original documentary based on Shatner’s hugely popular book, in which he examines the cultural phenomena of Star Trek, its fan-following, and his own role within it. To top it all off the panel will be moderated by "Mr. Comic Book Men" himself, Kevin Smith. Room 6A
7:00-8:00 Larry Nemecek’s Trekland: Between the Cracks…2012 Double-Whammy Edition!
Larry Nemecek (The Captains of the Final Frontier, ST:TNG Companion) brings his Star Trek author/historian/producer archives back for this year’s edition to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Wrath of Khan and the 25th for The Next Generation: behind the scenes, humor, the what-ifs, the bizarre-and always some all-new blooper stills, to boot. And there’s that flick coming next year…The Con of Wrath, of course-Larry’s documentary. Oh, yes-and then that other movie, too. Room 25ABC
11:30-12:30 IDW’s Digital-First Comics
IDW is at the forefront of digital comics, bringing special new series to digital before they come out in print. Hear more about the making of digital blockbuster Transformers Autocracy, and learn more about new projects featuring Transformers, Star Trek and Memorial. Join an all-star cast featuring Chris Metzen (World of Warcraft, Transformers Autocracy), Flint Dille (Transformers Autocracy), Livio Ramondelli (Transformers), Mike Johnson (Star Trek), Chris Roberson (Memorial), John Barber (Transformers, G.I. Joe), Lorelei Bunjes (IDW Digital), and Jeff Webber (IDW Digital). Room 24ABC
2 – 3 pm Trekkies & Whovies Unite at Comic-Con Cosplay Event!
Fans will also have a chance to meet the creators behind this summer’s hottest crossover comic, including a signing with writers David and Scott Tipton, and artist J.K. Woodward. IDW, the publisher of the comic, will host the event.
Cosplay fans of Star Trek and Doctor Who can visit the IDW Booth participate in a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity where the crossover comic and reality collide! Participants will meet at the IDW booth (#2643), schmooze with fellow fans and have their picture taken. The event will culminate with a group shot that will make its way to immortality on StarTrek.com, the official Star Trek site. Additionally, Her Universe will provide t-shirts from its Star Trek and Doctor Who lines for giveaway. Fans can share their experience with their fellow Star Trek and Doctor Who cosplayers in real time on the big day with the Twitter hashtag #DrTrekmeetup.
Booth # 2643
3:00-4:00 Roddenberry Presents
Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry (CEO, Roddenberry Productions), Trevor Roth (head of development, Days Missing), and Tory Mell (producer/writer: White Room: 02B3) are taking the name that created Star Trek and bringing it to levels not seen since the original days of the genre-changing television show. Join them for new exciting Roddenberry news and a sneak peek at the sci-fi short White Room: 02B3, followed by a Q&A with director Greg Aronowitz. Moderated by Frank Meyer (producer, Fresh Ink on G4. Also, giveaway of a new iPad! Room 7AB
SUNDAY
3:30-5:00 Starship Smackdown All*Stars: InterGalactic 3D Edition
The must-see panel of Comic-Con, brought to you by the new Geek Magazine, as featured on National Public Radio, returns for another action-packed year as the greatest spaceships in the history of the universe converge in the ultimate cosmic conflagration for the highly-coveted Smackdown title in Comic-Con’s most scholarly and erudite panel. 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, starring Chris Gossett (The Red Star), Ashley E. Miller (X-Men: First Class, Thor), Steve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers), Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise, The Hills Run Red), Kay Reindl (Millennium, Twilight Zone), and the Gene Rayburn of the stars, moderator Mark A. Altman (Femme Fatales, DOA: Dead Or Alive), along with some surprise guests. End your weekend with the geekiest and most beloved panel of all time in this or any other dimension, known or unknown. All new ships, all new quips as the Smackdown beams down to San Diego for its final mission. Courtesy of the all-new Geek Magazine. Room 6A
BOOTHS
The following booths will have items of interest for Star Trek fans (note Paramount has no booth this year).
Her Universe #2913-F
Selling two of the new Star Trek tops for women
Anovos Productions # 2913-E
Revealing first look at Star Trek: Voyager jumpsuit replica and Star Trek: TNG outfit for men and jumpsuits for women. Also photo op with “the Ladies of the Fleet” and “Beam Me Up” cosplay event Sunday at 1pm.
Hallmark #2913
Revealing latest keepsake ornaments
Roddenberry #2543
Selling copies of new TMP soundtrack. May offer details on upcoming DS9 release.
La-La Land Records #429
Selling copies of new TMP soundtrack. May offer details on upcoming DS9 release.
QMX #2944
Showing off latest and upcoming replicas including USS Enterprise D
Hasbro #3213
Showing off Star Trek 2013 movie KRE-O line
Lightspeed Fine art #3745
Star Trek fine art plus celebrity Signing/Photo Ops
- Thursday: Brent Spiner, Marina Sirtis, (photo ops only)
- Friday: Brent Spiner, Marina Sirtis, (Photo Ops only)
- Saturday: LeVar Burton, Gates McFadden
- Sunday: LeVar Burton, Gates McFadden
IDW Comics #2643
Signings for Star Trek comics:
- Friday 11:00 – 12:00 Star Trek: TNG/Doctor Who – Scott Tipton, J.K. Woodward
- Saturday
2:00 – 3:00 Star Trek: TNG/Doctor Who – Scott Tipton, David Tipton, J.K.
Woodward,
3:00 – 4:00 Star Trek: The Next Generation – Brannon Braga, Joe Corroney
(Get a free limited signing card!),
4:00 – 5:00 Star Trek – Mike Johnson, Joe Corroney
Boy, it all sounds great. I’m still banking on at least a teaser poster for ST2!
Give us a Trailer already!
Thanks for all the info, but I’m still disappointed that there won’t be anything from the next Trek movie there. I definitely won’t mind missing this year’s SDCC.
JJ Abrams & Paramount are missing a golden chance to at least tease us with maybe a movie title, a teaser trailer, etc. This is their only Comic Con to do this before the movie next May. Come on guys – give us…something!
Fascinating stuff. Wish I was there.
QMX is doing an Enterprise D? That’s great but I wish they would do some affordable ship models. They said at one time they would make a Kelvin but maybe JJ pissed on their dilithium crystals.
Great guide for Trekkers! I’m there every day so now I know what to look for if I’m into Trek during that time,lol! Thanks!
And yes,it’s the usual madhouse there!
Have fun y’all!
Well there’s always New York Comic Con,this ISN’T the only Comic Con anymore! LOL!
J-R!
Comparing the 4:3 DVDs to what was shown today at the ComicCon TNG panel:
http://screenshotcomparison.com/comparison/135305
http://screenshotcomparison.com/comparison/135312
http://screenshotcomparison.com/comparison/135313
Note that the wider image will probably only be seen in foreign markets outside the US or for streaming/broadcast, similar to TOS-R.
I’ve been to Comic Con twice in the past, back when it was easier to get tickets and a hotel room. Those days you could just buy your ticket at the show for the next year and there was no problem.
These days you can only get tickets online at an appointed time, and you just have to try your luck. It sold out in 45 minutes this year.
Each year they seemed to give the comics dealers a smaller and smaller area to use, and it was so cramped I couldn’t get through. The movie, TV and game companies have completely taken over, and the whole comic aspect has grown insignificant. It got to the point where I didn’t think it would be any fun to go, so I stopped trying.
Even IF you were able to get tickets, getting a room to stay was an endless bug hunt. Getting anywhere near walking distance was impossible.
This is a case of something becoming so popular it has become spoiled for me. Oh well. There’s always Emerald City Con in Seattle, a five hour drive away for me. I’ll have to try it next year. The climate is more to my liking anyway, and I love visiting Seattle.
@6 – I was at the Con today and QMX had both the Enterprise-D and the Kelvin on display. Wish I could attach pictures here. All of their models are out of my price range, but boy are they gorgeous.
Anybody know what’s going on with eFX’s Trek replicas? I remember seeing some pics of upcoming releases a while back (EM-33 pistol, TNG tricorder, Cage laster pistol and communicator, etc) but I haven’t seen anything lately.
I saw a video of a guy at SDCC preview night listing the licenses they have to a reporter and he started to say “Sta…” but then stopped and said “Disney.” Have they lost the license? Is QMX stepping up for this sort of thing?
Just came back from Comic Con (all 5 days; including preview night). ST 2013 was pretty poorly represented. There was no panel for it, no trailer, and as far as I could see no booths heavily promoting it, either. Not even promotional material (aka swag). I think that CBS/Paramount is perhaps playing up this secrecy a bit TOO much. Almost to the detriment of the movie, I’m afraid.
I did see Damen Lindelof at another panel (he never even mentioned ST), and I saw William Shatner at the EPIX panel (great fun that was; Kevin Smith was a perfect moderator. Funny as hell, too). But honestly? There was a major void where ST 2013 should have been. Even the infamously hard-to-get-into “Hall H” (where all the big movies are usually heavily promoted) had a lot of 2nd tier TV material to fill up seemingly empty slots on the schedule. “Big Band Theory” was bumped up to Hall H; after years of ballroom 20 presentations. Felt a bit odd, IMO.
ST2013’s absence was kind of an invisible elephant in the room; almost makes me wonder if Paramount is losing faith in the project (and I sincerely hope I’m wrong on that; I’d hate to see it have a John Carter-style treatment). They had a strong ST09 panel back in 2007 before the movie was even fully cast (save for Zach Quinto) and yet now with the sequel already wrapped and in post, they couldn’t put together even a couple of minutes of footage to tease us fans with? That just doesn’t feel right to me for some reason….