By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–The Art Directors Guild (ADG, IATSE Local 800) returns to San Diego Comic-Con International to highlight the contributions of ADG artisans to the genre works celebrated at this annual fan conference.
Highlighting the growing impact of video game IP on the entertainment industry, the ADG is curating a panel titled “Video Games Go Hollywood: The Art Department,” featuring panelists production designer Howard Cummings (“Fallout”), concept illustrator Thang Le (“Fallout”), production designer Marc Fisichella (“Five Nights at Freddy’s”), art director Mark Terry (“Five Nights at Freddy’s”), and production designer Victoria Paul (“Twisted Metal”). The panel will be moderated by set designer Tim Croshaw (“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” “Loki”).
Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look into the art department’s drawings and designs that translate these iconic video game environments into the world of film and television. The panel will take place on Saturday, July 27, at 4:30 p.m. in Room 29CD.
The ADG will present two awards during the Saturday evening Masquerade Costume Competition: The Art Directors Guild Cosplay Award for Original Concept Design, honoring an original concept, and the Art Directors Guild Cosplay Award for Best Visual Media Design, honoring the best interpretation of a character or concept from a television show or motion picture. Judges for the 2024 competition are Cummings and Paul. The ADG has presented these awards annually since 2017, with the winners receiving a trophy and cash prize of $500. The Masquerade Ball will be held in Ballroom 20.
A cornerstone of the ADG’s Comic-Con programming, guild members will meet with aspiring artists for the rare opportunity to receive advice and feedback on their portfolios of design work during three portfolio review sessions, with guild members providing feedback.
The Art Directors Guild schedule:
Friday at July 26, 4 p.m. – Sails Pavilion – Review tables PR1-8, Ramsey Avery, production designer (“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”), Kristen Davis, set designer and ADG Vice President (“GI Joe: Retaliation,” “For All Mankind”), Scott Enge, production designer (“Wonder Man,” “Point Break”), Jose Iturriaga, illustrator (“Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires,” “Outer Range”)
July 27 at noon – Sails Pavilion – Review tables PR1-8, Kristen Davis, Scott Enge, Victoria Paul, Aaron Sowd, Storyboard Artist (“Godzilla vs. King,” “Birds of Paradise”)
July 27 at 1 p.m. – Sails Pavilion, Review tables PR1-8, Howard Cummings, Production Designer (“Fallout,” “Westworld”) Mark A. Terry, Art Director (“The Iron Claw,” “Five Nights at Freddy’s”)
Rounding out its Comic-Con programming, booth 1500 on the exhibit floor serves as a central location for the ADG to provide information about the guild’s membership, initiatives, and programming. The booth will also display members’ work, including 3D models and props designed by concept illustrators.
Daily giveaways at the booth include prizes such as original comic and fan art pieces created by ADG members, as well as an Indiana Jones Lego set.
For more information on the ADG’s Comic-Con programming, visit www.adg.org/events/#comic-con.
Established in 1937, the Art Directors Guild (ADG, IATSE Local 800) represents 3,300 members who work throughout the world in film, television, and theater as Production Designers and Art Directors; Scenic, Title, and Graphic Artists; Set Designers and Model Makers; Illustrators and Matte Artists. ADG 800’s ongoing activities include a Film Society screening series, the annual “Excellence in Production Design Awards” gala, a bimonthly craft magazine (PERSPECTIVE), figure drawing, and other creative workshops, as well as extensive technology and craft training programs.
For the Art Director Guild’s online directory and resources, visit www.adg.org.
