Comic-Con International has kicked off its daily schedule rollout for San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). As the convention floor prepares to welcome attendees, the newly dropped programming blocks reveal a mix of studio panels, art explorations, and deep-dive industry discussions. Among them is a panel dedicated entirely to the survival and transformation of the cinematic experience: “Next Stages of Movie and Theater Evolution.”
Navigating the Changing Big Screen Landscape
With the advent of social media, streaming services, and quick and easy access to the internet, the concept of movies and the theaters we watch them in have struggled to find a place with newer audiences. In this new age of filmmaking, what does the movie experience look like, and how do we anticipate theaters to evolve to survive in the current climate?
The panel will tackle these modern anxieties head-on, exploring emerging film formats in social media spaces, obsolete film and theater concepts the industry is still holding onto, and movie theaters’ promotional scramble to offer new value to all-new demographics.

The discussion features a robust lineup of industry insiders, critics, and creators:
- Derick McDuff (Host of the Underrated Movie Podcast) – Serving as panel host.
- Tricia Aurand (Award-winning screenwriter and podcast host)
- Alix Catherine (Podcast and livestream host, The Welcome Party)
- Becky D’Anna (Podcast host and movie studio marketing veteran)
- Andrew Linde (Podcast host, Nothing New: A Remake Podcast)
- Law Sharma (Actor and entertainment journalist – AMC Theatres)
“Next Stages of Movie and Theater Evolution” Will Take Place at TheNeil Morgan Auditorium
The event takes place on Saturday, 7/25, at 11:00 AM at the Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library.
During San Diego Comic-Con, the Neil Morgan Auditorium inside the San Diego Central Library serves as an official, high-capacity panel venue located just a short distance from the main convention center. This state-of-the-art, 350-seat theater hosts major pop culture programming, fan meetups, and interactive game shows.
Important Badge Requirement: Unlike some other library spaces used during the convention, entry to the panels inside this specific auditorium requires a valid Comic-Con badge. It operates as part of the official Comic-Con schedule, meaning events are managed by convention staff and listed in the main programming app.
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