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Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival 2008 Schedule

Thu, July 24 | Fri, July 25 | Sat, July 26 | Sun, July 27

All films and programs are in Room 26AB, on the south side of the Convention Center, above Hall H.

10:00-11:30 Comic-Con Film School 103: Working with Actors and a Crew—Day 3 deals with how to direct actors, organize a crew, and keep them all happy without anybody making any money.  Panelists for the class include Matt Kohnen (NYFA, writer/director of Wasting Away), Valerie Perez (producer/star of Paula Peril—Trapped in the Flames and Tears of the Dragon, a Lara Croft Fan Film), Sean Rourke (writer/director of 1st Person Shooter), and actors Susan Smythe, Brian Stevenson, Kat Steel, Jack Conway, and Brad Upton.

Humor/Parody Part 1

11:30-11:50 Chad Hates Aliens—Chad's roommates love to play practical jokes on him, using his fear of aliens to their advantage, until something extraordinary happens that wasn't part of their plans. A short film from Chad, Matt & Rob" a Los Angeles-based comedy group. Panelists include Chad Villella, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, and Rob Polonsky, cameraman Jon Peele, and Jonah Goldstein, the "&" in Chad, Matt & Rob.

11:50-12:10 Head Shot—An actor discovers he's auditioning for a snuff film, then learns he's not getting the part. Producer Karen Lam will talk about the making of the film.

12:10-12:30 The Magician—A man discovers a door to his obsession. With the use of science and magic potions, he finds the key to a place where nothing is what it seems. Joseph Chomiak, writer/director/editor/producer, talks about his film after the screening.

12:30-12:55 The Reckoning—Dylan Harris. Colin Maddox. One has the other's money. One has the other's family. The next time they meet, there will be a reckoning. Filmmaker Trey Livingston introduces his film and takes questions after the screening.

12:55-1:20 Pinch—In Littleflick's tribute to Star Trek, Richard learns to harness the power of a Vulcan. Will he use this new power to fight crime? Defend the helpless? Save the world? Or just shut up annoying kids? Participating panelists include Beth MacKay (executive producer) and Jerry MacKay (writer/director).

1:20-1:45 5—Counter-terrorism uber-agent Jack has just moments to interrogate a suspect before a bomb detonates somewhere on American soil. But when he immediately confesses before Jack can lay a hand on him, what does he do with all that spare time? This is the longest five minutes of Jack's life. Participating panelists include the film's stars Joe-Hernandez-Kolski and Jennifer Azar Burnham-Grubbs, director of photography Richard Marcus, editor John Larson, assistant producer Heather Gillespie, and writer/director/producer Damon Young.

1:45-2:10 Plugged—Working on a murder case, detectives Pitchman and Slogan not only have to tolerate but are also obligated to participate in the pitching of retail products of all shapes and sizes while trying to do their jobs. The two cops do their best to solve the crime while they are beset by everything from teeth whitening gels and motivational seminars, to laundry detergent. Participating panelists include Tim Russ (writer/director), Robert Michael Conrad (producer), James Nestor (producer), David Anderson (logistics liaison), and Brian Bishop (director of photography).

2:10-2:35 The Lonely Bliss of the Cannonball Luke—A human cannonball named Luke returns home to a small town in Pennsylvania to launch himself back into the lives of his ex-flame Hannah and her daughter Elise. Culminating in a jaw-dropping finale, the film is a bittersweet ode to a man who’s only grounded when he's in the sky (featuring stunt work by world-record-holding human cannonball David Smith Sr.). Directed by Levi Abrino.

2:35-3:00 Super Powers—It's just another pleasant visit to the dentist's office for our city's premier superhero, Darko, The Nightwatchman, until he finds himself trapped in a busted elevator with his arch-enemy, Smiley, The...uh...well, just Smiley. Is it an evil plot? Will he escape? Is spandex flammable? How much muzak can one man take? Filmmakers Michael Olson, Matt Biedel, Matt Gaydos, Jared Gerbrandt, and Travis Austin are on hand to talk about their movie.

3:00-3:45 Music for My Indie Film: How and How Much?—This panel offers real-world answers to basic questions of how to find and use the right music in an indie film and how much (or how little!) to expect to pay, including how to license an existing song, how to create and release an indie soundtrack, and even how to address the issues of "feel" and composition for effective use of music for your project. Whether it’s animation, shorts, or features, this panel will offer specific information that every filmmaker needs. There will also be some discussion on the 3D format. Panelists include Dennis Dreith (composer, The Punisher, GAG) and Demian Lichtenstein (director, 3000 Miles to Graceland, Relentless 3D).

Humor/Parody Part 2

3:45-4:15 Signerz—Three off-the-wall street-signing mascots, Mr. Hot Dog, Chicken Man, and Gold Robot, do battle for turf and bragging rights in order to advertise their wares. Participating panelists include Roman Cortez (writer/director/producer), Ryan Scott Self (Mr. Hot Dog), Ilram Choi (Chicken Man), Kelly Marchand (Skylar Skybox), and Courtney Rice (Gold Robot).

4:15-4:50 Showdown of the Godz—Jesse, world's biggest Godzilla fan, is challenged to a trivia showdown with the soon-to-retire 84-year-old official Godzilla archivist. A monstrous comedy with heart, Showdown of the Godz demonstrates what devotion to Godzilla movies can do to a marriage and a career. Featuring George Takei (Star Trek). Director/producer Julien Calderbank and writer/producer Jim Cirile (Bounty Hunters) talk about the film.

4:50-5:25 The Auburn Hills Breakdown—This is the story of Junior, the chainsaw wielding but fiercely loyal son of a backwoods cannibal clan. He struggles to hold his family together when they are forced to hide out in the country home of a lonely but deeply superficial yuppie couple. Participating panelists include Geoff Redknap (director), Katie Weekley (producer), David Geddes (director of photography), and Sorrel Geddes (publicist).

5:25-6:05 Somewhere Over the Flagpole: A Nintendo Movie—When an avid gamer finds himself transported into his Super Mario Brothers video game, he must suck up his pride and ask his little sister for help. Jared Parsons and Jackie McKenzie (producers), Alex Lamb (writer/director), Jim Cathcart (actor), and Max Well (director of photography) will be present to talk about the film.

6:05-6:35 I Saved the World from Global Warming—Ten years ago Kiefer solved the threat of Global Warming—which was amazing—but what has he done since? In one day his life is turned around as he must battle his own animated psyche, face his scientific nemesis, and most important, learn to stop living in the past. Participating panelists include David Nett (lead actor), Duane Daniels (co-star/Veronica Mars), Nolan Wang (co-director), Kyle Dickinson (co-director), and Mike Cersosimo, (producer).

6:35-7:00 The Aquarium—Young fish food employee Miles gets more than he bargains for when asked to babysit by his boss one night. He quickly realizes that he's there to babysit a pet fish...not a young child. With the clock ticking, Miles is forced to choose between saving his job or the happiness of a 5-year-old girl. Produced by Martina Breen, written and directed by Ben Young.

Science Fiction/Fantasy Part 1

7:00-8:35 Atom Nine Adventures—In a remote forest, astrophysicist Dr. Adam Gaines and his robotic assistant Jimbot recover a meteorite containing an alien organism that may hold the secrets to the universe. Meanwhile, a mysterious terrorist named Gremlo Flugg also seeks the contents of the meteorite so he can carry out his sinister plans to take over earth. Witness the evolution of a brand new superhero in this award-winning film by Christopher Farley (producer, writer, director and star), Colin Armstrong (arch-villain Gremlo Flugg), and Desiree Hall (field reporter Josie Galloway).

8:35-9:05 Forecast—An old man embarks on a dangerous trip back in time to undo a tragic event that has haunted him for decades. Participating panelists include Erik Courtney, (writer/director), Ken Locsmandi (You Don't Mess with the Zohan), Emeka Nnadi (Right at Your Door), Marcus Trumpp (Hollow Man II), and Yoshio Kohashi (editor).

9:05-10:50 Apollo 54—The perfect late-night movie for a Saturday night! In the woods a mysterious cable reaches toward the sky...someone has decided to find where it goes to. This funky, fun film from Italy and filmmakers Duccio Giulivi, Giordano Giulivi, Luca Silvani, and Silvano Bertolin will blow your mind!