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San Diego Comic-Con: Who wants to help me host a panel?

Jul 21, 2008, 06:00 AM | by Marc Bernardin

Categories: Comic-Con 2008, Do My Job For Me!, Film, From Our Staffers, I'm Just a Geek, San Diego Comic-Con 2008

Kevinsmith_l In case you didn't know, we are having a meeting next week. By "we" I mean those inexorably drawn to all things geektabulous and by "meeting" I mean the San Diego Comic-Con. In case you didn't know, part 2: Entertainment Weekly is stepping up to the plate in a big way this year. Not only do we have our first-ever Comic-Con preview issue on stands now, not only will we be live-blogging the bejeezus out of the Con (right here on PopWatch!), but we're hosting three (count 'em, three!) panels at the show. The "Entertainment Weekly Presents: The Visionaries" series. (Spiffy, right?)

The first, on Thursday, is for comic creators — and we've got Jim Lee, Grant Morrison, Matt Fraction, Mike Mignola, Robert Kirkman, Colleen Doran, and John Cassaday on that one. The second, on Friday, is for TV showrunners — featuring Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, Josh Schwartz, Bryan Fuller, and Josh Friedman.

The final panel... well, that's my cross to bear. And I need your help! Grab a buddy and follow me over the jump to find out how you can render aid.

Okay, so the last panel is for filmmakers. We've got Kevin Smith, Zack Snyder, Judd Apatow, and Frank Miller. And I'm moderating it. In Hall Frakking H. (For those who've never been, Hall H is the biggest conference room in the convention center. It holds something like 425,000 people. Yes, I'm exaggerating, but it's massive.) ((My track record for this sort of thing is 1-1. And I only lost the one because I called Lucy Lawless a man.)) (((Yes, I am a tool.)))

As for how you can help: Give me questions. I'm gonna sift through whatever shows up in the comments and ask the two best questions to this awesome assemblage of filmmaking wizardry. And I'll read out the name of the PopWatchers who submitted the "winning" questions. So make with it. Do my job for me!


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Shawn Carey Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 05:30 PM EST

Comic Book Movies have nearly quenched the thirst that people used to have for comics, especially super-hero comics. Trailers, especially good ones like WATCHMEN, create demand. The movie won't be out for awhile, so people "settle" for the comic. Look at SPIDER-MAN 3, for example. The trailers were exciting, and caused demand for VENOM to skyrocket. Once the horid movie released, demand has dropped to an all-time low. With the amount of comic movies coming up, I think the comic BOOK market is heading for some serious hardships.

Ed Sat, Jul 26, 2008 at 12:16 PM EST

Do think there is any interest to make movies on the early pulp heroes such as The Phantom?Which comic characters/ comic series would you like to see made into a movie?

soccergirl Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 03:23 PM EST

to Kevin Smith:
Now that Heroes: origins is not going to happen, can he tell some details what we would have seen in the episode he was going to write?

Morris Thu, Jul 24, 2008 at 05:05 PM EST

Do you think that the trend for movies based on comics will diminish in the next couple of years?Will people get fed up with the reboots that Hollywood has started doing in the last little while?What movie character deserves a reboot?

Edward Thu, Jul 24, 2008 at 05:03 PM EST

What comic book character or series or graphic novel deserves to be adapted for the big screen next?Do you think that the comic book industry will only publish new material that is tailored to meet the needs of Hollywood? Will we see new comedy movies being put out that there that are not a copy of previous Hollywood films that did well at the box office and will the envelope be purchased farther ?Do you believe that the public has an insatiable appettite for the movies based on comic book characters or graphic novels?

Ahna Thu, Jul 24, 2008 at 12:09 PM EST

For All: What advice do you have for a college freshman aspiring to be a film director? Any specific steps to be taken?

Luke Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 07:03 PM EST

What are some of your future projects?If you could, what projects would you do?

dan Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 11:20 AM EST

For all. If you could switch places with any other filmmaker on the panel and re-make one of their movies, which movie would you choose and why?

Jerry Goff Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 07:39 PM EST

For any of them:
Would any of you guys ever think of collaborating with each other?

Karen Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 07:08 PM EST

How do you feel about the fact that comic movies are doing very well at the boxoffice ?Which comic book character(s)would you like to see next have their own movie(s)?

Chase Misenheimer Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 03:04 PM EST

To Judd:
Do you have any apprehension towards being the comedy go-to-guy right now or do you enjoy the pressure?

Kevin Kane Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 12:50 PM EST

What would be the absolute worst comic book or television property to make as a movie? And how would you make it into a fun flick?

Rose Tyler Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 10:20 AM EST

Judd and Kevin:
You seem to be reviving the "Comedy Troupe" per se by using the most of the same actors in your films. Is this intentional or are you guys just afraid of change? And did Kevin have to get Judd's permission to use Seth Rogan in "Zach and Miri"? wink wink

For Zach and Frank:
Do you think your more stylistic approach to the comic book movie makes it harder for the main stream audience to get into? Do you even care?

Mr. Williams Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 08:11 AM EST

Crossover Movies will probably be the next wave of Summer Blockbusters - raking in Billions of dollars for Hollywood. Can fans expect to see in theaters . . . The Jedi Knights vs. The Green Lantern Corps, Superman & Spider-Man vs. The Axis of Evil, James Bond & Sydney Bristow vs. Ra's Al Ghul, and lastly, Indiana Jones, Captain America, & Wonder Woman vs. Doctor Doom???

Mr. Williams Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 07:33 AM EST

I believe it's time for re-imagined/updated versions of these old school tv classics: "The Six Million Dollar Man", "The Wild, Wild, West", "Mission: Impossible", and "Batman" (Adam West Version). Lessons can be learned from the latest, ever so brilliant "Battlestar Galactica" Series. Are there any plans for these classics returning???

Zach Reisfeld Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 02:27 AM EST

Judd, Any hope for a revival of Freaks and Geeks?...PLEASE!?

Kevin, What can you tell us about your script Red State? Will we be seeing it anytime soon?


Frank, Sin City 2? PLEASE?!

furry_tom Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:28 PM EST

For Kevin Smith
What would you get for a six-year-old who chronically wets his bed?

Nicolas Micciola Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 10:55 PM EST

Question for Frank Miller
What advice would you have for a college sophomore majoring in cartooning?

Brandon Bivens Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 10:49 PM EST

"The Dark Knight" has just broken pretty much every box office record in history and it is getting amazing reviews, and some critics are pointing towards an oscar nomination not only for Heath Ledger, but also for bet picture as well. Do you think that this film is truly the turning point for comic book adaptations or do you think comic books movies have always been this good, it just took a more serious movie adaptation to realize it?

Brian Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 10:14 PM EST

General question:

How personel do you take the film and television critics opinions. Do they matter more than the feedback you get from the public?

Alex Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 07:27 PM EST

What is the reason that movies based on comic book characters are popular, yet that doesn't necessarly translate into increased sales of those comic books?Where do you see the future of comic books going?

Geekette Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 07:26 PM EST

Why do you think it is that we see more successful female heroes on TV (i.e. Buffy, Dark Angel, Alias, etc.) than on the big screen?

Daniel Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 05:57 PM EST

Since you're at comic-con, go for a comics related question:

Selling 300,000 issues of a comic would be an absolute smash in today's marketplace. Meanwhile 300,000 viewers of a TV show on NBC would get it cancelled before the first commercial break.

Far fewer future filmmakers read comics than watch TV and film, yet many of today's most talented and popular filmmakers grew up and were influinced by comics. Are comics (the printed page, not big time blockbusters) being sold short/ undervalued as entertainment in pop culture of today?

Daniel Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 05:53 PM EST

Since you're at comic-con, go for a comics related question:

Even the most popular comics sell less than 300,000 copies. That's a far less circulation than TV and film, yet many of today's most talented and popular filmmakers grew up and were influinced by comics. Are comics being sold short/ undervalued as entertainment in pop culture of today?

Jackie Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 05:08 PM EST

Have Judd address the whole sexist thing - especially since funnymen can be "schlubby": see Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, but there is never "schlubby" women. Why do the women always have to be size 0-2? What about girls who are size 4? 6? 8? They don't stand a chance? And also, what is his take on "redefining" the romcom. Are you making romcoms or just movies you yourself would want to see?

Also to all: Why can't there be a buddy film based on a male and female where they DON'T end up together. Why can't they ever just be friends?

Luke Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 04:54 PM EST

For Kevin: If Harley were to ever go into the film business, would you prefer she becomes a director like Sofia Coppola or an actress like Bryce Dallas Howard?

For Judd: What did you think of "Juno" and Diablo Cody? And how do you respond to the sexist allegations that many of your critics (Katherine Heigl included) have taken you to task for with your movies?

Wonderlad Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 04:11 PM EST

Could someone please wrestle the Wonder Woman movie away from Goldberg and get the dang movie made? Now that Batman has been such as huge success, it's time to hit it with Wondy, Green Lantern, Flash and the Justice League movies!

Sara Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 03:17 PM EST

Geek films, including most of yours, aren't very well-known for their diversity, in terms of ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation - the protagonists are almost invariably straight white dudes. Do you agree that this is an important issue and, if so, how do you plan on addressing it?

*As an aside, what's up with the EW panels only featuring 1 woman? Are there really such few women in the geek world?

Anthony Maurizio Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 02:35 PM EST

Questions for Josh Friedman about Sarah Connor Chronicles

1. Has James Cameron spoke to you about the Sarah Connor Chronicles? His opinion?

2. Could we see Robert Patrick return as the T-1000 on the show?

3. Was Earl Boen asked to reprise his role as Dr. Silberman when his character was to appear in the show?

4. Has Michael Biehn been contacted to play a Kyle Reese role at any time?

5. Would you consider having composer Brad Fiedel provide his epic soundtrack abilities to some big moments during Season 2?

6. Was Linda Hamilton ever considered for the title role or was Lena the first option?

7. Do you think Terminator: Salvation needs an Arnold appearance in some capacity?

Anthony Maurizio Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 02:26 PM EST

Bryan Fuller:
You were able to work with the legendary and reclusive Paul 'Pee Wee Herman' Reubens on Pushing Daisies. What do you think of his two anticipated movie projects he has in the works for Pee Wee's return? Did he confide any details in you?

Anthony Maurizio Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 02:23 PM EST

For Judd Apatow (an important question avoided by many interviewers):
Have there ever been plans or are there any plans to write a sequel to the cult classic 'Heavyweights', with Ben Stiller returning to his iconic role of Tony Perkis?

For Kevin Smith:
You did some minor voicing on the 2007 CGI Ninja Turtles movie. What's your opinion on the rumours of a new LIVE ACTION Turtles movie being on the horizon?

Zack Snyder:
You worked on Michael Jordan's "Playground" video in the early 90s. What do you think of Michael returning to battle in a Space Jam II?

Frank Miller:
You spent some time working on Robocop vs. Terminator stories back in the 90s. Would you think the battle would be worth bringing to the silver screen?

Carlton Cuse:
How would you feel about a Nash Bridges reunion movie?

Josh Schwartz:
How do you think The O.C. would hold up against a Saved by the Bell reunion season?

Superman1938 Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 01:57 PM EST

All
Can any one of helpout with a Superman reboot?
Thanks

jcarla Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 01:25 PM EST

Last one, promise. For all: With the immense success of Dr. Horrible, do you have a notion to try this yourself (the web mini-series, not musical. You'll never find another NPH)?

Richard S Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 01:10 PM EST

What's your favourite crappy superhero movie?

Michael Wood Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 12:27 PM EST

This is for all the panel members, even Judd Apatow who technically has not been involved with a comic book movie yet (Green Hornet!?)

After a movie like the Dark Knight, which was exceptionally done and had fantastic acting in it, when do you foresee in the future the Academy..yes the Acadamy Awards...begin to recognize "comic book" movies for awards other than special effects? In other words, besides the buzz on Heath Ledger's performance and possible Supporting Actor, which would be a huge step, when will we see a "comic book" movie with a Best Movie nomination?

Lynnwood Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 12:12 PM EST

Do you sense a reluctance in Hollywood to make a Captain America movie because it might not be well received, therefore not-as-profitable, overseas where America's standing has diminshed with the actions of the Bush Administration?
Also -- once "Watchmen" is a rousing success, will comics of a similar mood, such as "The Authority" or Garth Ennis' "The Boys", find favorable support by movie makers?

Bob Fisher Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 12:11 PM EST

For all (well, maybe not Judd Apatow): Anybody interested in making a good Doc Savage movie?

Erik Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:56 AM EST

All of you have very vocal fanbases. How much importance do you give to negative reactions from fans on the internet or at cons?

Rob Grizzly Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 10:26 AM EST

For Kevin Smith: You had high praise for both Iron Man and The Dark Knight. As a director yourself, 'are there any superhero properties that you would like to tackle on the big screen?

For Zach Snyder: Your Dawn of the Dead is probably one of the best horror movie remakes. Will you be going back to that genre?

For Frank Miller: Your early experiences with Hollywood didn't go too well (RoboCop 2 and 3). If you could, would you revisit that character?

For Judd Apatow: Your name seems to be attached to every other comedy that gets released. How do you keep from burning out? Will you slow down?

For everyone: It seems like comic books are the new screenplays for Hollywood. Do you think writers now have that in mind when they publish a new title?

jcarla Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 10:11 AM EST

For all part 2: While Hollywood does seem to finaLly start to 'get it' with comics, old habits die hard. Case in point: the "Green Hornet Movie" with Seth Rogen and insiders dismissing Oscar talk for Dark Knight because it's a 'Comic Book movie'. Discuss.

Ep Sato Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 09:55 AM EST

For Frank Miller: How did it feel to see 300 on the big screen? While you were involved with "Sin City", did you feel as if you were putting your "baby" in someone else's hands? Also, will "Ronin" ever make it to the big screen?

For Kevin Smith: Is there any chance you'll bring Jay and Silent Bob back? How about a Bluntman and Chronic movie?

For

jcarla Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 09:05 AM EST

For Frank Miller: 1) How do you feel Nolan using some of Batman: Year One in the movies? 2) Are you ever coming back to writing comics ('Martha Washington Dies' felt like a rush job)?

For all: Do you have any comments for the Q & A EW did with Alan Moore?

Kristina Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 08:51 AM EST

How do you make a film that's based in "geek culture" (comics, graphic novels) appeal to the masses?

Stacey Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 08:38 AM EST

Do you think that Hollywood's embrace of geek culture is here to stay, or do you think the pendulum will eventually swing back the other way, making it more difficult for films that have that sort of geek pedigree to be made? Also, do you believe that the increased focus by Hollywood on comic books, graphic novels and other outside the mainstream sources are beneficial or ultimately damaging to the source material?

Bob Barth Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 08:38 AM EST

For Kevin Smith:

Will you ever return to the world of Clerks?

Winona Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 08:12 AM EST

Are you worried that someone else will screw up your material on the big screen? How much of a hand do you like to have in film adaptations? (And by the way, a special hello to Kevin Smith, who has an honorary degree from my alma mater, Illinois Wesleyan University.)

RobC Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 08:00 AM EST

Which do you think is more responsible for inhibiting new readers to come to comics - continuity or distribution?


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