Once again, the Mecca for all geek/nerds the world over is about to start back up. What am I talking about? Comic-Con. San Diego that is.

Next week is the beginning of all the studios trying to build up buzz about their various upcoming projects. Like years past, a film can be lifted or sunk based on a good or bad panel. Show the fans some great stuff, and the net will be lit up moments after your panel is finished. However, if you fail to impress, expect just as hard negative buzz.

What the studios have realized is, impress the crowd, and win over fandom. Not everyone makes it to Comic-Con. In fact, even the biggest room holds less than seven thousand (or so). Therefore, almost everyone around the world who cares about movies or TV shows gets their info from the people in the room who watched it first hand. That is why the studios bring people like Samuel L. Jackson (making his first appearance), or Nicolas Cage (for the delayed Ghost Rider).

Since everyone has different tastes, if you are planning on attending, I strongly suggest taking a look at the complete schedule for yourself, instead of my highlights below. This year, Friday seems to be the oh-my-god day, with Saturday also busy, but not as bad as years past. Making Friday so busy is kind of strange, as many people only go for one day due to work, and that day is Saturday.

To check out the unabridged schedule, here is Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Below are some highlights. First up are the studios/movie offerings, then the TV shows, followed by some cool random panels, and last is all the Star Wars stuff. Comic-Con would not be complete without Star Wars, and this year Collider is sending our resident Star Wars apologist Scott Swan to cover all things Lucas. Expect many apologies from me after he posts his write up. Until then, here are the highlights.

THURSDAY

1:00-2:00 Sony Animation— Join filmmakers and animators to see previews of the first two animated features coming out of the new Sony Pictures Animation division. First up, it’s Open Season, based on the humor of cartoonist Steve Moore (In the Bleachers), who, along with John Carls, serves as executive producer. The film is directed by Roger Allers (director of The Lion King) and Jill Culton (Monsters, Inc. and Toy Story 2). Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Westerberg is creating original songs and score. The CG animation is by Sony Pictures Imageworks. The film tells the story of Boog (Martin Lawrence), a grizzly bear with no survival skills, who has his perfect world in the tranquil town of Timberline turned upside down when he meets Elliot (Ashton Kutcher), a scrawny, fast-talking wild mule deer. Panel and footage presentation will include Jill Culton, Steve Moore, and Doug Ikeler (visual effects supervisor).

Then it’s Surf’s Up, which goes behind the scenes of the high-octane world of competitive penguin surfing. The film profiles Cody Maverick (Shia LaBeouf), an up-and-coming surfer as he enters his first pro competition and finds himself facing the legendary Geek (Jeff Bridges). Panel and footage presentation will include producer and Disney veteran Chris Jenkins (Aladdin, Hunchback of Notre Dame).

Plus, here’s your chance to see the new animated film Monster House in 3D! Screenings are Wednesday night at 10:00 PM, and Thursday 12:00, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 8:00, 10:00 PM and 12:00 AM at the United Artists Horton Plaza theater. Tickets are available at the Sony booth (#3945) on a first-come, first-served basis. Room 6CDEF

2:00-3:30 Warner Bros. Presents a Trio of Animated Features— First up, it’s The Ant Bully: Director John A. Davis (Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius) will appear in person to preview and discuss The Ant Bully—a witty and heartwarming story about a 10-year-old boy who embarks on a remarkable journey. New in town, friendless, and tormented by a neighborhood bully, young Lucas Nickle has been taking out his frustration on the innocent anthill in his yard. But one day the ants retaliate. Using a magic potion, they shrink Lucas down to ant size and sentence him to live like an ant in their colony. In this strange new world Lucas will learn important lessons about friendship, get a whole new perspective on life, and ultimately find the courage to stand up for himself. The voiceover cast features Julia Roberts, Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Paul Giamatti, Bruce Campbell, and Lily Tomlin

Next, it’s Happy Feet: See an exclusive preview of director  George Miller's comedy adventure set deep in Antarctica. Into the land of Emperor Penguins, where each needs a heart song to attract a soul mate, a penguin is born who cannot sing. Our hero Mumble, son of Memphis and Norma Jean, is the worst singer in the world; however, as it happens, he is a brilliant tap dancer! The voice cast includes Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Brittany Murphy, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Hugo Weaving, and Anthony LaPaglia. Happy Feet also features the tap dancing of Savion Glover.

And finally, it’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Director Kevin Munroe appears in person to preview this shell-raising return to the big screen of Laird and Eastman's classic quartet in a fully animated CGI feature film.

Exclusive promotional items for all three films will be given away to everyone attending the presentation. Room 6CDEF

3:30-5:00 Lionsgate Presents Crank, Skinwalkers, and Saw III— Meet the cast and filmmakers and be one of the first to see exclusive footage from three of Lionsgate's highly anticipated films. From Crank: Jason Statham (Transporter), Amy Smart (Road Trip), Efren Ramirez (Napoleon Dynamite), and writer/directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor. From Skinwalkers: director Jim Isaac (Jason X) and character/creature creator Stan Winston. From Saw III: director Darren Lynn Bousman, writer Leigh Whannell, producer Mark Burg, actress Shawnee Smith and Jigsaw himself Tobin Bell. Also included: a sneak peek of Neil Marshall’s The Descent. Room 6CDEF

5:00-6:00 The Tripper Movie Preview/Q&A— Get an exclusive look at the upcoming horror film The Tripper with writer and director star David Arquette (Scream, Eight Legged Freaks), along with executive producer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Joe Harris (co-screenwriter), and others. Starring Thomas Jane (The Punisher), Jason Mewes (Clerks 2), Paul Reubens (Pee Wee's Playhouse), and others, The Tripper follows a group of hippies as they head to a weekend-long concert for some fun, only to be stalked by a deranged killer with an unnatural obsession with Ronald Reagan. An exclusive trailer will be shown along with clips and stills from the movie, followed by a Q&A. Room 6CDEF

6:00-7:00 Guillermo del Toro: Pan’s Labyrinth— Famed director Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy) and Doug Jones (Hellboy) will discuss their latest collaboration, Pan's Labyrinth, a fanciful and chilling story set against the backdrop of a fascist regime in 1944 rural Spain. The film centers on Ofelia, a lonely and dreamy child living with her mother and adoptive father, a military officer tasked with ridding the area of rebels. In her loneliness, Ofelia creates a world filled with fantastical creatures and secret destinies. With postwar repression at its height, Ofelia must come to terms with her world through a fable of her own creation. Room 6CDEF

FRIDAY

11:00-12:30 Warner Bros. Pictures Presents— In person, stars Hilary Swank and Anna Sophia Robb, director Stephen Hopkins, and producer Joel Silver of The Reaping, a supernatural thriller in which Hilary plays a world-renowned expert in disproving religious phenomena. But when she investigates a small Louisiana town that is suffering from what appear to be the Biblical plagues, she realizes that science cannot explain what is happening. Plus: Bryan Singer Returns! Please welcome long-time friend of Comic-Con, director Bryan Singer, to answer your questions about Superman Returns and give you an idea of what's next. Plus: more news and special promo items will be given to all who attend. Hall H

2:30-3:30 Paramount Pictures— Paramount Pictures is proud to present an early look at footage from the upcoming fantasy adventure film Stardust from director Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake) and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura (Constantine, Four Brothers and the upcoming Transformers). After captivating audiences in both novel and graphic novel formats, Neil Gaiman's Stardust makes its big-screen adaptation debut next March starring Claire Danes, Robert DeNiro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sienna Miller, Ricky Gervais, Peter O'Toole, Rupert Everett, and Charlie Cox. Neil Gaiman (The Eternals and co-writer with Roger Avery of the screenplay for the upcoming Beowulf), illustrator Charles Vess, co-screenwriter (with director Vaughn) Jane Goldman, and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura will discuss the film, which is currently in production. (Credits not contractual.) Hall H

4:00-5:00 D.O.A.: Dead or Alive— Jaime Pressly (My Name Is Earl), Holly Valance (Prison Break and international music sensation), Sarah Carter (new CBS show, Shark), and Natassia Malthe (Elektra) star in this new movie from Dimension Films, based on the hit video game series, D.O.A. Join the stars and some special guests for the premiere of exclusive footage from the new movie and a Q&A with the sizzling hot cast. Room 6CDEF

5:45-7:00 New Line Cinema Presents Snakes on a Plane— Sit back. Relax. Enjoy the fright. New Line Cinema will show exclusive footage from Snakes on a Plane. Samuel L. Jackson makes his first San Diego Comic-Con appearance, along with director David R. Ellis, to discuss his new film! And, watch out—snake wrangler Jules Sylvester will also be on hand with live snakes from the movie. Also included in the presentation will be a special preview of New Line Cinema's upcoming The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, while Final Destination 3 director James Wong and star Ryan Merriman demonstrate the unique "Change-Their-Fate" interactive feature on the upcoming DVD, available from New Line Home Entertainment on July 25. Hall H

SATURDAY

10:30-11:30 Warner Bros. Presents 300— Appearing in person: Creator Frank Miller, director Zack Snyder (Dawn of the Dead), and actors David Wenham (Faramir in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and The Return of the King) and Gerard Butler (Phantom of the Opera; Lara Croft: Cradle of Life). Based on the epic graphic novel by Miller, 300 is a ferocious retelling of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, the Spartans' valor and sacrifice inspire all of Greece to unite against their Persian enemy, drawing a line in the sand for democracy. The film brings Miller's (Sin City) acclaimed Dark Horse graphic novel to life by combining live action with virtual backgrounds that capture his distinct vision of this ancient historic tale. Hall H

11:45-12:45 Grind House— Rose McGowan (Charmed), Marley Shelton (Sin City), Freddy Rodriguez (Six Feet Under), Michael Biehn (Aliens), and Jeff Fahey (Dark Hunters) star in Grind House, the new double feature from Dimension Films, directed by Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, hitting theatres in April 2007. Join filmmaker Robert Rodriguez and members of the cast for a quick trip to Rodriguez's “Planet Terror,” and be the first to hear exclusive news about what to expect once Tarantino’s “Deathproof” cameras start rolling. Hall H

1:00-2:30 Kevin Smith— The moment is here. Kevin Smith’s Clerks 2 is in theaters now, and the man, the myth, the legend behind it is here at Comic-Con to talk about the making of the film and whatever else he damn well pleases. Hall H

3:30-4:30 A Marvel Studios Production: The Future of Marvel’s Film Franchises— The next great era of comic book films begins as Marvel Studios launches its new slate. The studio is currently developing many of its landmark titles for adaptation to the screen, including Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Nick Fury, and Ant-Man. At this presentation, the directors of Iron Man (Jon Favreau), The Incredible Hulk, and Ant-Man (Edgar Wright) will share their visions for these highly anticipated films. Producers Avi Arad, Kevin Feige, and Ari Arad will join the panel and be on hand to answer questions from the audience. Moderated by Borys Kit of The Hollywood Reporter. Room 6CDEF

5:00-6:30 Sony Presents— Sony Pictures proudly presents a pair of Marvels: The classic Marvel comic Ghost Rider comes to the big screen with Academy Award–winning Nicolas Cage playing Johnny Blaze. Appearing in person to answer your questions and show some previews will be the film's stars Nicolas Cage and Eva Mendes and director Mark Steven Johnson. Oh, and did we mention Spidey 3? Come find out why we don't have to say anything else . . . besides Sam Raimi! Hall H

SUNDAY

12:00-1:00 Columbia Pictures/Screen Gems— Those extremely vindictive Japanese ghosts are back to torment more beautiful young female American tourists in Columbia Pictures’ The Grudge 2. See the debut of the trailer and a panel with stars Amber Tamblyn (Joan of Arcadia) and Arielle Kebbel. Then, artist Tone Rodriguez will introduce the world premiere of the behind-the-scenes making of The Covenant graphic novel, along with the exclusive first look at the trailer for the new Screen Gems film, The Covenant, which is scheduled to open this September in theaters everywhere. Room 20

1:00-2:30 Rogue Pictures— Rogue Gallery will feature previews of upcoming Rogue Pictures movies, plus special appearances by filmmakers and actors from Balls of Fury (Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon, of Reno 911!) and Hot Fuzz (Edgar Wright and Nick Frost, of Shaun of the Dead), and more guests to be announced! Room 20

Here are the TV highlights:

FRIDAY

10:30-11:30 Hellboy Animated— Tad Stones (director) and Mike Mignola (creator) along with Hellboy movie director Guillermo del Toro, Phil Weinstein, Matt Wayne and Sean Galloway invite you to be one of the first to experience the new project Hellboy Animated from IDT Entertainment. Clips will be previewed, followed by Q&A session. Room 6B

11:00-12:00 Family Guy/American Dad— Fox TV Animation presents a Comic-Con double header! Join Family Guy and American Dad creators for a sneak peek at never-before-seen footage from this fall's season on Fox. A combined panel of writers, producers, and directors from both shows will be on hand to answer questions about upcoming episodes and fan favorites from seasons past. Panelists include David Goodman, Kirker Butler, Cherry Chevapravatdumrong, Zac Moncrief, and Dan Povenmire (Family Guy); Mike Barker, Matt Weitzman, Steve Hely, Chris McKenna ,and Matt McKenna (American Dad); and Kara Vallow (Family Guy/American Dad). Room 20

12:30-2:00 NBC: Heroes Pilot Screening and Q&A with Cast and Producers— Debuting on NBC this fall, the highly anticipated series Heroes chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities. Be the first to watch an exclusive 72-minute cut of the pilot episode, created specifically for Comic-Con. Join cast members Ali Larter (Final Destination), Greg Grunberg (Alias), Milo Ventimiglia (Gilmore Girls), Hayden Panettiere (Ice Princess), Sendhil Ramamurthy (Blind Guy Driving), and Masi Oka (Scrubs); creator/executive producer Tim Kring; executive producer Dennis Hammer; co-executive producer/comic book writer Jeph Loeb (Lost, Superman for All Seasons); and legendary comic book artist Tim Sale (Batman: The Long Halloween) for a Q&A session. Room 6CDEF

2:00-3:00 SCI FI: Battlestar Galactica— "The #1 television show of 2005"—Time magazine. "One of the most original and provocative programs on television"—New York Times. "The toughest, smartest show on television"—Rolling Stone. “A wildly intense gem . . . riveting . . . not to be missed"—TV Guide. If you’re not watching it, you should be. See what the buzz is all about. Be sure to stop by the SCI FI booth for a chance to win the ultimate BSG prize packet! Panelists include stars Edward James Olmos (Admiral William Adama), Mary McDonnell (Laura Roslin), James Callis (President Gaius Baltar), and Lucy Lawless (D’Anna Biers), plus executive producers David Eick and Ronald D. Moore and SCI FI VP for original programming Erik Storey. Moderated by Lisa Chambers, features director, TV Guide. Room 20

3:00-4:00 Fox: Bones— David Boreanaz is one of television's biggest stars. Boreanaz and Bones creator/executive producer Hart Hanson will dish up all the fun behind-the-scenes stories on the show and answer your questions! Room 20

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