A panel at SAM 2018. Photo: C. Norland © 2019 SDCC
SAM: Storytelling Across Media
SAM 2019 was presented by Comic-Con as a FREE event at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park in San Diego.
SAM 2019 Panels
The Theater
11:00–12:00 Spotlight on Jim Lee—DC Entertainment co-publisher Jim Lee (Batman, Justice League, Superman Unchained) talks about the journey from page to screen and sketches your favorite characters live on the big screen in this engaging panel. Watch the creative process first-hand and learn what brings DC Entertainment's characters to life. The Theater, Comic-Con Museum
12:15–1:00 Author Storytelling—It takes more than an idea! Authors discuss the necessary, hard, and joyful process from the first spark of "what if?" to the finished work. Join Kali Wallace (Salvation Day), Aminah Mae Safi (Tell Me How You Really Feel), Jonathan Maberry (V-Wars, Broken Lands), and Adalyn Grace (All the Stars and Teeth) as they share their experiences in determining which ideas are viable to nurture for success, and which must be discarded, no matter how shiny, with moderator Maryelizabeth Yturralde (Mysterious Galaxy co-founder). The Theater, Comic-Con Museum
1:15–2:00 Storytelling with Sound and Music—Featuring creatives behind The Walking Dead, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Arrow, Wu-Tang: American Saga, Spirited Away Live, Escape the Night, The Jade Pendant, and American Factory, experts in the sound field dive into their work for film, television, and live concerts! Together they discuss the importance sound and music have in media and they detail their creative process for these projects. Panelists include Chad Cannon (American Factory), Anne-Kathrin Dern (The Jade Pendant), Sam Ewing (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D), Shie Rozow (Wu-Tang: American Saga), and George Shaw (Escape the Night). Moderated by Kaya Savas of Film.Music.Media. The Theater, Comic-Con Museum
2:15–3:15 Spotlight on Kevin Eastman—Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, has been drawing and writing Turtles since 1984. Kevin has “dabbled” in all things storytelling from animation in both TV and film, comic books, movies, and successful toy lines! He is also the creator of several other projects, publisher of Heavy Metal magazine, and spearheads a wildly popular fan club. Kevin Eastman will discuss all things storytelling along with his newest projects: Drawing Blood and the Radically Rearranged Ronin Ragdolls. The Theater, Comic-Con Museum
3:30–4:15 Storytelling in Comics—Jessica Tseang (comic book historian, Robert Kirkman's Secret History of Comics) will moderate a discussion with Barbara Randall Kesel (former head writer at CrossGen Comics, editor at DC Comics), Keith Davidsen (senior PR manager at IDW/ comic book writer), Jimmy S. Jay (25-year veteran retailer, Jay Comics Company), AJ Dungo (writer/artist, In Waves), and other comic book artists about what key components are needed to perfect storytelling in comics. A Q&A follows the discussion for inspiring professionals. The Theater, Comic-Con Museum
4:30–5:00 Rats, Rods, Monsters, and Burgers—Funko founder Mike Becker tells the story of how one boy's childhood friends developed into a lifetime obsession to never grow up! Each 20-minute program followed by a brief 10-minute Q&A. The Theater, Comic-Con Museum
5:30–6:00 Encore of Rats, Rods, Monsters, and Burgers—Funko founder Mike Becker tells the story of how one boy's childhood friends developed into a lifetime obsession to never grow up! Each 20-minute program followed by a brief 10-minute Q&A. The Theater, Comic-Con Museum
The Boardroom
11:15–12:00 Cinematic Storytelling as a Means—This panel will explore how cinematic storytelling can be used as a means of sharing passions, shedding light on obscure subjects, advocating for social change, and just exposing people to another point of view. The Boardroom, Comic-Con Museum
12:15–1:00 Telling Stories for Kids—From an early age, stories can shape and guide us. A good story can be so valuable to a child's development. Join David Hedgecock (associate publisher for IDW Publishing), Jeff Sayers (Nickelodeon Writers Program, The Loud House), Arune Singh (VP, Marketing for BOOM! Studios, writer, WWE comics), Barbara Kesel (writer), and Moni Barrette (local librarian, children's programming specialist) as they discuss storytelling specifically for children. Moderated by Justin Mallari (Geek Say What Network, Geek Offensive podcast host). The Boardroom, Comic-Con Museum
1:15–2:00 EverQuest and EverQuest II: Decades of Continuous MMORPG Storytelling—EverQuest and EverQuest II developers discuss the rigors of maintaining and expanding upon the living story of a fantasy world for decades. Both games hit major milestones this year: EverQuest celebrated 20 years and EverQuest II is about to celebrate its 15th anniversary in November! From art, character, and narrative design, developers will share the joy and complexities of threading all the gaming disciplines together to create a world of deep stories that players get lost in and return to day after day. The Boardroom, Comic-Con Museum
2:15–3:00 Storytelling and Board Games—Join tabletop designers, creators, and artists as they share about storytelling in tabletop gaming—from design aspects, art choices, and tone to what goes into making a compelling game. Jonathan Ying (designer of Imperial Assault and Bargain Quest), Caleb Cleveland (illustrator for ABCs and 123s of D&D, professor of art and design), Geoffery Zatkin (creative director of Experiment 7 and an original designer for Everquest), and Andrew Lowen (designer of Deliverance), moderated by Jeff Hamby (Casual Gamers podcast and producer at Alt 949). The Boardroom, Comic-Con Museum
3:15–4:00 Costumes, Cosplay, and the Design of Worn Narratives—Glenne Campbell (costume designer), Jonelle Edwards (independent costume designer), and Tori McKenna (freelance costume designer/cosplayer) discuss the role of costumes as carriers of stories, both scripted and personal, and how the medium of wearable art shapes the perception of a narrative. The panel is moderated by Kate Edwards (game industry veteran/cosplayer) and will include a Q&A session. The Boardroom, Comic-Con Museum
4:15–5:00 Storytelling Across the Border—Adalisa Zarate (Building Blocks) comes to talk about the differences and similitudes between American and Mexican storytelling in comics, as well as the creative ways in which editorials bridged that difference when it came to importing American superheroes to Mexican audiences. The Boardroom, Comic-Con Museum
5:15–6:00 Storytelling in Wrestling—Good stories start with conflict, and great storytellers make us feel complex and invigorating emotions. No experience is more imbued with conflict and emotion than the stories brought to the squared circle. Join Dirty Ron McDonald (pro wrestler and producer of FIST Combat TV), Arune Singh (VP Marketing BOOM! Studios and writer of WWE comic books), and Scott Lost (former pro wrestler, co-founder of Pro Wrestling Guerrila, comic book artist) as they discuss storytelling in wrestling. Moderated by Justin Mallari (Geek Say What Network, Pencil Neck Geeks podcast host). The Boardroom, Comic-Con Museum
SAM 2019 Other Events
Main Level
11:00–6:00 Miniature Monthly Paint and Take—Have you ever wanted to paint the miniatures from your favorite board game? Stop by the Miniature Monthly Paint and Take and join Aaron Lovejoy, Liz Hunt, and their team as they share their love of painting miniatures. There will be an assortment of figures from Dark Sword Miniatures, CMON, and Reaper Miniatures available for everyone to paint. They will provide brushes, paint (these paints may stain clothes, so be careful!), and a wet palette for all your hobby needs! Sign up at our registration table to pick up your free miniature, and Aaron and Liz will get you set up for your one hour of non-stop painting fun! This is an event for all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. This is a wonderful family event, so we encourage parents and guardians to paint with their little ones! East Wing, Main Level
11:00–5:00 Tabletop Gaming Demos—Explore the world of tabletop gaming with this dedicated gaming area! There will have role-playing game demos, board games, and a chance to play unpublished tabletop games with designers. These tables are for all ages and open to everyone! Come play games, play new ones, and demo unpublished games, and give your feedback. Sit down, roll some dice, and find a new story on the tabletop. Cathedral, Main Level
1:00–2:00 IDW Portfolio Review—An editor from IDW will review your artwork and offer advice on your portfolio. South Wing, Main Level
4:30–5:30 IDW Portfolio Review—An editor from IDW will review your artwork and offer advice on your portfolio. South Wing, Main Level
SAM 2019 Networking Events
Advance online registration is encouraged for each Creator Connection program.
The Commons / Upper Level
12:30–1:30 Comic Creator Connection—Have you always wanted to create a comic book, but needed a creative partner? New to SAM is the Comic Creator Connection, a fast-paced networking event popularized at Comic-Con that puts writers and artists together to help them meet potential new creative partners.Commons, Upper Level
4:00–6:00 Gaming Creator Connection—The Gaming Creator Connection (GCC) is organized and run by a professional game creator with 25+ years of experience, along with the participation of seasoned veterans from across the game industry. The GCC is a perfect opportunity to seek expert guidance in one of three core areas: art/design (general, character, environment, UI, etc.); narrative (writers, narrative designers, editors, world builders, etc.); and business (a range of topics pertaining to indie start-ups, funding, marketing, pitching skills, etc.). Pre-registration encouraged. Commons, Upper Level