Too Crowded for Convention Center? No Problem. Companies take Comic-Con Presentations Outside
Hollywood has gotten savvy in how it deals with the packed halls of the San Diego Convention Center during Comic-Con: It’s taking its marketing efforts outside.
A number of studios and TV networks will set up outdoor displays or attractions at venues in the city’s downtown Gaslamp Quarter. Move is a smart one considering the throngs of people who will be milling around the area.
The convention itself is sold out to 130,000 attendees, but many more flock to the area just to get a taste of the week-long fanfest. And it’s those people who Hollywood will now also get to target with its events this week.
Among them include:
The “Ender’s Game Exclusive Fan Experience”
Fans of the Orson Scott Card books and those curious about Summit’s upcoming movie can journey through eight unique rooms representing the most iconic environments of Ender’s world, complete with original film props and set pieces used in the film.
Attraction, set up at the Hilton Gaslmap Park, across from the convention center, will showcase exclusive film footage on LED screens, have visitors interact with new digital content and integrate photos of themselves into the the “Battle Room,” while offering a chance to win a home make over. Event takes place July 18-20.
“The Walking Dead Escape”
“The Walking Dead” creator Robert Kirkman, through his comic book imprint Skybound, will produce a second “Walking Dead Escape” event at Petco Park during Comic-Con, this time with AMC officially on board. In the zombie-packed obstacle course, produced by Ruckus Sports,survivors climb, crawl and slide as part of the adventure to avoid hordes of “Walkers” and reach the decontamination zone. Course takes place July 19 and 20 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
“After overwhelming positive feedback from those who experienced ‘The Walking Dead Escape: San Diego’ last summer, we wanted to bring our fans an even bigger and better experience for 2013,” said Liam Brenner, founder of “The Walking Dead Escape” and Ruckus Sports.
“Godzilla Encounter”
Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. will promote Gareth Edwards’ “Godzilla,” out next May, with a “Godzilla Encounter” that takes a look at the character’s role as a pop icon over the past six decades, as well as a tease of the new film. Tickets and time slots can be reserved online. at: www.godzillaencounter.ticketleap.com. Enter password “SERIZAWA.”
SEE ALSO: ‘Godzilla’ Ready to Roar at Comic-Con as Legendary Promotes Its Next Creature Feature
“MTV2 Party in the Park”
The cable network’s MTV2 will host its first “MTV2 Party in the Park” at San Diego’s Petco Park baseball stadium, on July 18 (from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.), with Dillon Francis and New Politics performing for free to Comic-Con badge holders. Event is part of the “MTV Geekend” of on-air programming planned during Comic-Con.
Warner Bros’ “Lawn Con”
Warner Bros. will erect giant balloon replicas of its animated “Teen Titans Go!” characters Beast Boy, Cyborg, Raven, Robin and Starfire at San Diego’s Bayfront Park (between the convention center and the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel) throughout Comic-Con. The massive figures measure up to 30 feet tall (see above). In addition to a live DJ, the “Lawn Con” event will also have a life-size Lego model of Bag End, Bilbo’s home in “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” along with Gandalf, Dwalin and Bilbo.
Lego will also have versions of Batman, Robin and the Joker on display, while the Mystery Machine van will be parked to promote “Scooby-Doo!”
“Insidious: Chapter 2″ Haunted House
FilmDistrict will host a “To Go Further” event for the horror sequel, helmed by James Wan (“The Conjuring”), that features creepy imagery, props iconic music, and exclusive content from the film, out Sept. 13, to provide a backstory to the film’s Lambert family. Invitation-only event will be held on the evening of July 18th, with three special sessions between the hours of 9 p.m. and 1 a.m., with producer Jason Blum, writer Leigh Whannell and Angus Sampson on-site to celebrate with fans. Tickets were given away through “Insidious’” Facebook page and by promotional partners FEARnet, Celebuzz and Cinemablend.
Related stories
'Dead Space' Movie Alive and Kicking at Electronic Arts
Comic-Con: Fans Get Sneak Peek at Josh Holloway's 'Intelligence'
It's Party Time at Comic-Con as Hollywood Shows Off its Nerdy Side
Get more from Variety.com: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter
