Loading…
Type: 4: CCI-IFF clear filter
arrow_back View All Dates
Thursday, July 23
 

10:00am PDT

Comic-Con Film School 101: Preproduction and Screenwriting
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Comic-Con Film School returns for another four-day nuts-and-bolts course on how to make a movie for very little money using available video hardware and software. Whether the project is a first G.I. Joe fan film or a story about a leather-clad girl who hunts zombies, the course covers the process from script to final product, including how to submit a movie to the CCI: IFF. This first session covers the specifics of low-budget preproduction, including screenwriting, scheduling, location scouting, crewing up, and getting equipment for little or no money. Panelists include Valerie Perez (producer and star of the Paula Peril series), Jack Conway (creative producer for V10 Entertainment), Darryl Thomas (writer and director of Dollface the Motion Picture), Ben Hansford (writer and director of Uprising), and Sean Rourke (writer and director of Lucy X Mina).
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Grand 6, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

11:00am PDT

Beyond Godolphin: The Hank Jones Story
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Magical moments abound in this documentary on the life of legendary Disney character actor and singer Hank Jones. From his early years on TV shows such as My Three Sons to his classic Walt Disney films Blackbeard's Ghost and The Cat from Outer Space, it's a mid-century pop culture time capsule that is sure to fascinate both young and old alike. Participating panelist Kevin MacLean (Disney animator).
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Grand 6, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

12:30pm PDT

STREET SMART: Lessons from a TV Icon
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:30pm - 2:10pm PDT
For more than four decades, Sesame Street fans welcomed Maria into their homes. Now discover the inspiring story of Sonia Manzano, the actress behind the beloved character. From her childhood in the South Bronx to her groundbreaking career as an actress, author, and TV creator, this documentary celebrates a television trailblazer whose work helped generations of children feel seen, valued, and inspired. Participating panelists include Ernie Bustamante (director, Alma's Way), Steven Canals (producer, Pose), Sean Puglisi (editor), and Grisselle Escotto (actress).
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:30pm - 2:10pm PDT
Grand 6, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

2:10pm PDT

Untold Legends of Comic Books: Bernie Wrightson
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:10pm - 2:55pm PDT
A look at the life of Bernie Wrightson through his coworkers, friends, and family, with conversations about his career and who he was as a human being and father. The panel focuses on aspects of his work, such as the creation of Swamp Thing and his work on films such as Ghostbusters, 13 Ghosts, Creepshow, and more. Participating panelists include Christopher Denmead (director/producer), John Wrightson (Bernie's son; FX makeup artist), and Drew Mollow (writer).
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:10pm - 2:55pm PDT
Grand 6, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

3:00pm PDT

The Filmmaking Process and Reemergence of Found Footage
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Anthony Cousins (director of Frogman and Frogman Returns), Stuart Ortiz (director, Grave Encounters, Strange Harvest), Brandon Christensen (director of Bodycam, Z, Superhost), and actress Natalie Tran (Frogman Returns) discuss the filmmaking process and challenges of making a found-footage film, and why the genre is back and stronger than ever. Moderated by Blair Bathory (director of REM).
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Grand 6, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

4:00pm PDT

The Sight Unseen
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:00pm - 4:55pm PDT
A hybrid film revisiting the miraculous events of 1971 in the Bronx, when Sharon, a local woman, discovered a glowing cross in her apartment window. This extraordinary phenomenon drew crowds from across the community, becoming a moment of collective awe and curiosity. Now, 55 years later, Sharon shares her vivid memories of that time, providing a deeply personal lens on an event that has lingered in the hearts of those who witnessed it. Participating panelist Shawn Antoine II (director).
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:00pm - 4:55pm PDT
Grand 6, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

5:00pm PDT

Make a No-Budget Feature Film
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Sam Rocco (director, Stegosaurus), Curtis Waugh (producer, Stegosaurus), Huck Walton (producer, Legend of the White Dragon), Jessie McKollum (hair and makeup artist), Kait Cornuelle (writer/director), and Jessica Antenorcruz (writer/narrative designer) discuss what it really takes to make a feature film outside the traditional studio system. From writing a script filmmakers can actually afford to surviving production disasters and getting to a finished film, the panel shares practical lessons learned across all filmmaking disciplines. The discussion offers a realistic understanding of how independent filmmakers can turn an idea into a completed feature without waiting for permission from the industry.
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Grand 6, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

6:05pm PDT

The Illustrator
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:05pm - 6:40pm PDT
Steve Erwin was a mild-mannered artist from Oklahoma who went on to work on some of the most beloved DC Comics heroes and villains and co-created characters and concepts currently being utilized in the films and television projects of DC Studios. Gone before his time, The Illustrator chronicles his artistic endeavors as legendary comic book creators celebrate his legacy. Participating panelist Todd Kent (filmmaker).
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:05pm - 6:40pm PDT
Grand 6, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

6:45pm PDT

Documentary Filmmaking and Video Essays
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:45pm - 7:45pm PDT
If you've ever wanted to make your own documentary film or video essay, this panel is a must. Edward Doty (director, Fighting in Plain Sight) moderates an all-star panel of directors, producers, and network executives in a roundtable discussion that will prepare attendees to craft their own nonfiction work. Panelists include Mike J. Nichols (editor, Zappa and Last Play at Shea), Amanda Spain (VP of documentary, EverWonder Studios), Matthew Klickstein (author/producer, Meet Me in San Diego), and Gabriel Molton (owner, Daydream Studios).
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:45pm - 7:45pm PDT
Grand 6, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

7:45pm PDT

SABER
Thursday July 23, 2026 7:45pm - 9:30pm PDT
As LED saber (lightsaber) athletes train and compete for the World Championship, they discover that community can be found in unexpected places, and sometimes the family you choose is the one that saves you. Participating panelists include Matthew Wiatt (director), Alec McLoughlin Martinez (saber athlete/cast), Jared Graham (FL charter rep/cast), Melodie Graham (tournament director/cast), and Charley Cummings (The Saber Legion owner/cast).
Thursday July 23, 2026 7:45pm - 9:30pm PDT
Grand 6, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

9:30pm PDT

Halcyon Daze: The Final Voyages of Disney's Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30pm - 11:15pm PDT
On the final voyages of Disney's Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser, a fan's immersive escape reveals deeper layers of love, humanity, and connection. Participating panelists include Carrie Coaplen (director), Jonathan Hawpe (producer), Denni Barrett (executive producer), and Jonathan Beachy (composer). Additional film crew: Ben Daughtrey (editor/creative executive producer) and Carly Kocurek (producer/lead researcher).
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30pm - 11:15pm PDT
Grand 6, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
 

Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Filtered by Date -