Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1507937
6 P E R S P E C T I V E | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 3 N E W S ADG Rocks Comic-Con B Y K AT E W E D D L E , A D G C O M I C - C O N C O M M I T T E E C H A I R Every year, San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) gathers over 130,000 enthusiasts, fans, creators and industry professionals from around the world in a celebration of pop culture and entertainment. This year, with the WGA and SAG strikes making a significant impact on the convention's programming, the Art Directors Guild assumed a pivotal role in highlighting the exceptional artistry of our members to attendees who were eager to learn more about our panelists' contributions to audience favorite films and TV shows. SDCC attendees were treated to a series of captivating ADG panels, each providing a deeper understanding of our members' roles and the creative processes involved in our represented crafts. Each panel drew crowds that filled the rooms to capacity, with lines extending out the doors and down the halls. The excitement didn't end with the panel discussions as post-panel autograph sessions allowed attendees to interact one-on-one with the panelists, who also autographed convention- exclusive posters. The "Women of the Hollywood Art Department," moderated by Kate Weddle, brought the spotlight onto panelists Amelia Brooke, Danelle Davenport, Kelly Rae Hemenway, Rupali Ingle and Daniela Medeiros. The panel offered a blend of lighthearted and thought-provoking topics, including the best parts of an average day in their roles, AI and its impact on productions moving forward, the significance of mentorship, and some of the challenges faced by women in the industry. The "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: The Art Department" panel offered a compelling view into the art and design of the epic conclusion of the Guardians trilogy. Collaborating closely with director James Gunn and Marvel Studios, the Art Department crafted awe-inspiring sets that transported audiences to multiple unique worlds. The discussion, moderated by Samantha Avila, featured esteemed panelists, including Beth Mickle, David Scott, Lorin Flemming, Kelly Rae Hemenway and Tim Croshaw. The panel featured an exclusive presentation of behind-the-scenes photos, renderings, concept art, construction drawings and videos, exploring aspects of our work that most fans don't get the opportunity to see. The "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: The Art Department" panel provided a rare glimpse into the creative journey behind the cherished Afrocentric sci-fi realm of Wakanda. Marvel's Wakanda Forever took center stage as panelists, including distinguished names such as Academy Award winner Hannah Beachler, Till Nowak, Jason Clark, Marlie Arnold and Tim Croshaw, shared their insights into the expansion of this captivating world from the first Black Panther A. ADG COMIC-CON COMMITTEE CHAIR KATE WEDDLE (L), JOINS COMMITTEE MEMBER ANDREW STUMME (R), PRESENTING THE BEST COSTUME AWARD FOR BEST VISUAL MEDIA DESIGN TO LUCY-ANN PARRIS'S RECREATION OF A BLOATER FROM THE LAST OF US. B. THE "WOMEN OF THE HOLLYWOOD ART DEPARTMENT" PANEL WITH KATE WEDDLE (PODIUM) AND (L-R): RUPALI INGLE, DANIELA MEDEIROS, AMELIA BROOKE, DANELLE DAVENPORT AND KELLY RAE HEMENWAY. A B