Getting off on the right foot is key to traveling on the road to success. And this year's Comic Book Law School is designed to help you navigate the best possible route (and provide help in deciphering the map legend). Noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, offers the first of three interactive and informative programs, which this year will track the trials and tribulations of (fictional) client Fitzgerald Scott, a fledgling comic book writer, as he traverses the many stages involved in the creation, development, protection, and commercialization of his newest comic book creation, "Shylock Homer" a war-weary poet-turned-detective solving crimes and fighting off mythical creatures as he travels the globe with his colleague Dr. Ulysses in search of his long-lost family. This first installment will focus on "The Basics" in an effort to provide the necessary foundation needed for understanding the various intellectual property rights available to creators and business owners and will include insights on how to protect those rights, focusing on how best to safeguard ideas, creative works, characters, brands, and names, from genesis through publication and distribution, and beyond. Attendees are invited to participate in an interactive discussion about the rights provided under U.S. copyright and trademark laws, including a discussion on the protections these laws provide, the benefits of federal registrations for each, tips on working with collaborators, and issues of joint authorship and work-made-for-hire. Along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections available, as well as the numerous potential pitfalls, under the U.S. trademark and copyright systems. Please note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and insights to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]
Thursday July 21, 2016 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
UPDATED: Wed, Jul 20, 08:24AM CBLDF Editorial Director Betsy Gomez will lead a panel of librarians, educators, and creators in a lively discussion of how and why graphic novels are attacked by censors. They’ll detail how and why graphic novels can be successfully integrated into classroom curricula, and they’ll provide tools that educators can use to counter these attacks. Participants will leave the panel better enabled to advocate for their instructional materials and their students. Panelists include Carla Riemer (Librarian, Claremont Middle School, Oakland, California), Katherine Keller (TDRL Evening & Weekend Supervisor, University Libraries, UNLV), and Matthew Holm (artist, Babymouse, Squish, Sunny Side Up), and Judd Winick (Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth; The Adventures of Barry Ween, Boy Genius).
Thursday July 21, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
UPDATED: Wed, Jul 13, 05:21PM Meet the women whose work changed what’s possible for free expression in comics! From the turn of the 20th century to today, women comics creators have inspired today’s landscape of increasingly diverse and empowering comics storytelling. Join CBLDF Editorial Director Betsy Gomez; contributors Casey Gilly and Caitlin McCabe; Ramona Fradon (Aquaman, Brenda Starr), Wendy Pini (Elfquest), and other female comics creators for an examination of the women who changed the format!
Thursday July 21, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Nearly every print and digital comic is in full color, but do you know how your favorite comic books are colored? Learn about the creative art of comic book coloring as Hi-Fi's Brian Miller (Harley Quinn & Her Gang of Harleys) and Kristy Miller (Scooby Apocalypse) demonstrate the step-by-step transformation of a comic book page from black and white to full color. Learn the basics of flatting, rendering, color holds and special effects, along with top digital coloring tips. A Q&A session is included.
Thursday July 21, 2016 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
You have a really cool idea for a new comic or story, but you don't know how to begin plotting it out. Award-winning writer Marv Wolfman (Crisis on Infinite Earths, New Teen Titans, Blade, Black Cat and hundreds more) brings his famed writing seminar to Comic-Con 2016. He will talk about how to create characters, how to put together a story, and most everything you should think about even before you start typing.
Thursday July 21, 2016 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
You're a comics artist or you want to be. So how do you stand above the rest? In Andy Schmidt's 14-year career in comics as an editor (Marvel, IDW, Imagetitles) and a comics art educator at Comics Experience, he's seen every kind of artist you can imagine. Reilly Brown (Deadpool), comics artist and comics art instructor, has seen even more! From thousands of pages and pinups they have created a top 10 list of things that the strongest artists do to stand above the crowd. Todd Nauck will also be joining. They'll give you all 10 in this jaw-dropping panel.
Thursday July 21, 2016 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Class is in session as some of the greatest artists in the industry take this panel to school with an in-depth look at their creative process! DC Entertainment is proud to spotlight these talented individuals for this exclusive, all-access look at what it's like drawing for DC Comics and Vertigo!
Thursday July 21, 2016 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Bang Zoom! Entertainment brings you this one-hour panel/workshop about voice acting that covers practical dubbing techniques, important issues such as studio protocol, and what to expect at your first audition. This is a great opportunity for attendees interested in the voice-acting profession to get firsthand advice and experience from the pros in an intimate yet dynamic setting. You will learn directly from some of the best voice actors and directors in the world including voice director Tony Oliver (Hunter x Hunter, Naruto) and voice actor Brian T. Delaney (Fallout 4, The Secret Life of Pets); and also get some inside information on how to break in and what the industry is really like.
Thursday July 21, 2016 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Learn how to make props and weapons that are larger than life without breaking your back. Veteran prop builder Mike Syfritt, along with guest panelists, will demonstrate how to make oversized props and weapons that are lightweight and con friendly. Stay until the end of the panel for a chance to win one of these oversized props! They will be giving away a WOW Doom Hammer.
Thursday July 21, 2016 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
There's no surefire blueprint for success, but having just optioned an idea to a major studio, Cesare Asaro (artist, Finding Frank and His Friend) and Kirstie Shepherd (writer, Spaceman Jax: Through the Mantagon Minefield) will share the story of their unconventional path to Hollywood, all the way from Austria, and lead an open discussion about how you can find your own way to the big screen.
Thursday July 21, 2016 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
While almost every creator will tell you their greatest joy is in their acts of creation, none will argue that equally (or perhaps more) important is earning a living from their efforts. But commercializing creative works is fraught with peril unless you're prepared. This second stage of the case study focusing on (fictional) author Fitzgerald Scott will concentrate on Scott's efforts to commercialize his critically acclaimed new work, "Shylock Homer: The Sirens of the Baskervilles." Noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of the acclaimed The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, and IP and entertainment attorneys David Branfman and Terri Lubaroff present an interactive seminar tackling a group of more advanced issues facing creators (and the businesses that they work with) when marketing their properties and creative ideas, including: licenses and transfers of rights; key things to know when Hollywood comes knocking; publishing, manufacturing, merchandising, and distribution agreements; understanding key terms in contracts, assignments, and licenses; and (and time permitting) how Mrs. Fitzgerald Scott spouse may affect his contracts and licenses. Please note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and insights to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]
Friday July 22, 2016 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Some of comics' greatest clashes never appeared within the panels; they were decided by a gavel! CBLDF board member Dale Cendali, an intellectual property icon known for litigating high-profile cases (including in the Supreme Court), walks through the history of comics in the courts, examining some of the most important cases about such topics as the evolving nature of the protectability of characters, using real people to inspire characters, termination of rights, and other hot issues. Slides showing the nature of the works at issue will be used in the presentation.
Friday July 22, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Although free expression is seen as a basic human right, censorship is rampant in the United States and around the world. CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein presents an overview of the censorship crises facing cartoonists in 2016, from the violence and legal prosecution occurring around the globe to domestic attacks on comics and young adult books in libraries and schools across the country. Learn how comics and books are being challenged and what you can do to fight back!
Friday July 22, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Ron Lemen (illustrator, concept artist, educator) demonstrates and lectures methods and techniques for designing and rendering expressive hand actions and capturing highly emotive facial expressions. The lecture will also discuss camera angles, lens distortions, ideal expressions, and rhetorical posing.
Friday July 22, 2016 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
With the shifting landscape of the comics industry, this is your invaluable guide to breaking into the comics industry-what it takes, whose attention you're vying for, and how to get it in a productive way, but most important, what you have to do to get up to speed and ready for the big show. Comics Experience founder and publisher Andy Schmidt is joined by Dave Marshall (Dark Horse, EIC), Rickey Purdin (Marvel talent manager), and artist Reilly Brown (Deadpool).
Friday July 22, 2016 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
The iPad has transformed the way you read comics, but did you know you can create comic art on an iPad too? See a comic book character come to life as Hi-Fi's Brian Miller (Doctor Who) and Kristy Miller (SpongeBob Comics) demonstrate step-by-step how to pencil, ink, and color comics on the iPad. Learn the basic tools and techniques, including which apps and stylus pens work best and how you too can transform your iPad into a portable art studio. A Q&A session will be included.
Friday July 22, 2016 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Samuel Girgis (owner of BiggerBoxModels) will discuss modeling techniques business ideas in the "Garage Kit" world. Fon Davis (25-year veteran of miniature VFX who has worked on over 25 feature films including the Star Wars series) will give you a behind-the-scenes peek at the world of practical VFX and how they fit in the digital world. Roman Dodge will share the practical uses of 3D printers in the world of "Garage Kits."
Friday July 22, 2016 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Daniel Presedo (Photoshop), Brian Haberlin (Anomaly,Faster Than Light), Chris Cox (Photoshop), and Nikolai Svakhin (Photoshop) discuss new features and best practices on how they get their job done. Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard in digital imaging and is used by professionals worldwide for illustration, design, photography, 3D printing and more.
Friday July 22, 2016 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Emilio Soltero, Ph.D. (Draw the Line, Figure It Out, John Buscema: A Life in Sketches) presents a primer on drawing the figure for popular media, including drawing for comics and character design. The focus will be on anatomy and figure drawing. Come ready to take notes and to draw. Cosplayers are welcome to join and artists of all levels are encouraged to attend. Bring your own materials.
Friday July 22, 2016 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
You're a comics writer, or you want to be. You're motivated and driven. Great. You're just like a thousand other would-be comics writers. So how do you stand above the rest? John Barber (Ultimate Spider-Man, Transformers) has written for several major publishers and edited for both Marvel and IDW. Between him and Andy Schmidt (X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy), founder of Comics Experience, they've seen thousands of pitches and worked with dozens of editors. Together, they've created a top 10 list of things that the strongest writers do to stand above the crowd. They will give you all 10 in this jaw-dropping panel.
Friday July 22, 2016 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
For the final installment in this year's Law School series, a panel of legal experts shed light on some of the more complex issues facing creators and businesses and touch on compelling issues popping up on the law and how they apply to comics and the pop-culture scene. Attorney Michael Lovitz, author ofThe Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, is joined by Professor Marc Greenberg and attorneys Howard Hogan, David Lizerbram, and Larry Zerner to provide practical advice concerning some of the more advanced issues facing trademark and copyright owners, including: Legal issues for fan fiction and fan art; fan films (a la Star Trek) and fair use; homage, swipe, or transformation; whether reproducing an artist's published work is fair use or foul play; and how the new FCC "Set Box Top" proposal could be kryptonite for the creative community. Please note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and insights to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]
Saturday July 23, 2016 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
What does the law allow comics to say? CBLDF and FIRE team up for an in-depth look at the legal precedents that have been set that concern free speech and how they impact comics. FIRE president Greg Lukianoff and CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein engage in a freewheeling discussion and Q&A for creators, fans, and students about what the limits are for free expression in comics.
Saturday July 23, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
UPDATED: Wed, Jul 13, 05:22PM Engage your community with Banned Books Week! This year’s Banned Books Week celebrates diversity, which is disproportionately targeted by censors. Join CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein, Erwin Magbanua (San Diego Public Library), Katie Monnin (Associate Professor of Literacy, University of North Florida), and Candice Mack (Los Angeles Public Library) to learn about why comics and books by diverse creators and featuring diverse characters are challenged, how to report and fight censorship, and how to make a celebration of Banned Books Week in your community!
Saturday July 23, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
If your heart is driving you to write and you can't imagine doing anything else, this is the panel for you. The discussion will cover writing for film, television, and comics in a Q&A style workshop, the quality of the discussion determined by the questions you bring. Learn the tricks of the writing trade from an Eisner, Icon, Inkpot, Hugo and Bradbury Award-winning writer and producer also nominated for a British Academy Award for Changeling. He's worked on World War Z and Thor and is one of the writer/producer/creators for Sense8. Come prepared for information and impertinence.
Saturday July 23, 2016 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Daniel Presedo (Photoshop, Dream Wolves) and Alicia Burstein (ArtStart books) share details on what you need to know before beginning your journey. They will show you examples of techniques that will help you achieve the best results. Prepare for a lively discussion and Q&A.
Saturday July 23, 2016 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Parents, bring your kiddos, a few sheets of paper and a pencil, and let's get your kids making comics! Comics educator, former Marvel editor, and Comics Experience founder Andy Schmidt presents a quick, child-based, tutorial on how to get your child's creativity flowing onto the page. In quick and easy steps, Andy will teach you and your child how to make a comic story on just one sheet of paper, how to learn to draw anything, and get you and your child making a comic, right in this session! How awesome is that?
Saturday July 23, 2016 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Wei Xu, Ph.D. (artist, mathematician, computer scientist, author)will talk about tricks of using simple geometry and computer graphics techniques to manage and construct complicated shapes. His scientific drawing method, a.k.a. "ABC (Angle Based Constructive)" method enables an average person, from kids to seniors, to master basic drawing skill much more efficiently.
Saturday July 23, 2016 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
In this interactive workshop top professionals in the technology and aerospace industries demonstrate the application of discoveries previously thought to be fiction. Ben Dickow (director of NASA Columbia Memorial Space Center)will showcase new science programs at the Space Center in Downey, CA. Diego Porqueras (CTO Deezemaker) will demonstrate the application of 3D printing in the aerospace industry. Geo Cable (Captured Aural Phantasy Theater) will demonstrate the benefits of interactive performances that support critical thinking. Gerald Blackburn (NASA engineer/Rockwell Tinkers Corner) and Dr. Richard Shope (the Aerospace Legacy Foundation) will demonstrate the value of project-based learning to enhance learning opportunities for all. Arnie Roberts (president, Smart Reg International) will showcase his Intergalactic SMS-bot to live-stream questions to panelists during the workshop.
Saturday July 23, 2016 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Golden Globe-nominated actor, writer, director, and teacher Richard Hatch (Tom Zarek, Capt Apollo,Kharn/Axanar, Personal Space, Blade of Honor) teaches actors, writers, and directors the art, craft, and business of how to ignite and level up their abilities, as well as how to take your career to lasting success in today's rapidly changing entertainment industry.
Saturday July 23, 2016 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Video game writer Andy Schmidt (Transformers: Devastation) discusses the ins and outs of writing for video games and how it differs from writing prose, comics, and screenplays. Andy's last game, Transformers: Devastation garnered rave reviews and excited fans of all ages of the franchise. And he's here to give you the insider's look at the skills it takes to write for giant media and massive hit properties while learning the step-by-step writing process for video games.
Saturday July 23, 2016 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
A panel of bestselling kids' comics creators engage in a live draw-off with audience participation. Perfect for kids of all ages! Featuring comic greats Jeffrey Brown (Jedi Academy), Nathan Hale (Hazardous Tales), Dana Simpson (Phoebe and Her Unicorn), Lucas Turnbloom (Dream Jumpers), and Judd Winnick (Hilo). This interactive experience will by moderated by sibling duo Jennifer and Matthew Holm (Babymouse, Sunny Side Up), with color commentary and sound effects by Tom Racine (Tall Tale Radio podcast).
Sunday July 24, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 30CDE
Kristian Andrew Sather (Cartoon Design Revealed), Doug Lothers (animation instructor), and John Gaydos (animation instructor) demonstrate how to draw fun and funny cartoon characters at this popular workshop. They will reveal the techniques used to construct funny cartoon characters using basic geometric shapes in various sizes, with additional simple elements. If you know how to draw a circle, a square, a rectangle, and a triangle, then you can draw fun cartoon characters.
Sunday July 24, 2016 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Get all of the information you need to build your own fully functional droid character from the Star Warsuniverse. Experienced builders share their knowledge and expertise to make your build a success.
Sunday July 24, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Starr Wilde (Steampunk artist and owner of Steampunk Fortress) introduces the origins of the Steampunk genre, examples in books, film/tv and the variety of ways that Steampunk can be expressed through art. Ofelia de Romanus (Steampunk artist/blogger) will discuss Steampunk in video games and introduce the hat project. Attendees will be given hat or bracelet/keychain project and assemble them with assistance if needed. There will be a Q&A session to answer any questions.
Sunday July 24, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
eigoMANGA's team of manga artists and animators will teach kids of all ages tutorials on manga illustrations and storytelling. Join this workshop with seasoned manga artist Mino Miyabi (The Voice of Innocence, 5D), and Austin Osueke (Vanguard Princess,Rumble Pak).
Sunday July 24, 2016 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Renee Jablow (Grammy-nominated paper engineer and author) returns to Comic-Con to lead a workshop making paper toys. Participants will make paper toys of popular licensed character featured in a recently publishedbooks by Studio Fun International (previously Reader's Digest Children's Publishing).
Sunday July 24, 2016 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Joining cartoonist Marie Zhivago (Dr. Zhivago) are local guest leaders presenting information and examples of how cartoons can be represented and influence science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. "Tony" Michael Claudio (engineering educator, Olympian High School, Sweetwater District for 3D and Laser Printing) will show how 2D cartoon examples can be printed into a 3D samples. Pamela Hendrickson (president, National Council of Negro Women Inc. S.T.E.A.M.) will discuss a 15-year S.T.E.A.M. workshop based on an interest in a career in Arts for kids. Karen Daniels (Old Globe Theater arts engagement manager) will talk about the theatrical, technical, and engineering aspect of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas. A brief Q&A session moderated by Analyn Simon (UCSD Medical Center) will be followed by a drawing workshop by Dr. Zhivago for kids.
Sunday July 24, 2016 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
