How detailed do you get with writing scripts? (If you write one)

[sternumb]

Hi! I'm working on making my first comic, about a story that I've had on my mind for a while.

I have written out most of the outline (it's pretty specific tbh), but writing isn't my favorite thing to do and I'm itching to just get to drawing. I know this is a bad idea, and I should write the script for each chapter first. But, as I started writing the script for my first few chapters, I realized I wasn't being too specific with what would happen in each scene, is this common? Just how specific do you all get when writing the script for a chapter, if you write one?

[LostKelp]

I only write scripts when I'm not sure how to pace a few pages or I'm having an artblock, if you have a detailed outline you can make up the dialogue as you go. and refer back to the outline if everything is going to plan. - also, the outline doesn't have to be super set in stone when you start. just laying down the broad strokes. If you wanna start drawing go for it!

[AmysGames]

I write my scripts in roughly the format I expect the comic to be in, with the dialogue for each page and rough descriptions of each of the panels. Usually the panel descriptions are pretty vague since I'm the one drawing them, and I have an easier time figuring out the details while I'm doing the thumbnailing. I also tend to tweak a lot of things when I get to the drawing stage, haha.

For example, here's the script for one of my comic pages:

---

((scene change! A school bell rings))
NARRATION: Earlier that day…
BRIIIIING!

((CHISHIKI stuffs a bunch of of books into her backpack, Maybe instead of her awkward thoughts here, we see a report card or something confirming her straight A-ness? Maybe both of those things?))
TEACHER (O.S.): Alright, everyone, class is dismissed! And don't forget, there's a test tomorrow, so be sure to study.
CHISHIKI (thinking): Test tomorrow. Right.

((she walks out of the classroom, carrying some books that didn't fit in her backpack))
CHISHIKI (thinking): Maybe I'll stop by the library later so I can study…

((CHISHIKI steps out into the hall, where lots of students are leaving class. Maybe some banners on the wall to indicate this is Taishoki High School))

---

...versus the final product:

But yeah, I definitely don't think there's a strict requirement for super detailed comic scripts before you start drawing. I say just do whatever you feel works best for you.

(Edit: So apparently spoiler boxes don't work anymore lol)

[BoomerZ]

I write in an outline format with each number being a panel. My comics is usually around 30 panels, so 1-30 numbered outline. Mostly I worry about the dialogue and it's written in a movie style (person A walks into room). I think storyboard it in the roughs.

[dan_thepainter]

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[Hugerat]

Woof, writing probably takes up the biggest chunk of my time. Detailed? Sure, but it's also the refining and the re- writing that ends up taking the most time. My process usually goes something like:

-General outline. I'll plot out the broad points, usually a paragraph per issue/ "event."
-Re- write and refine the outline, tinkering with "big picture" stuff like structure, character arc, through- lines for anything like a thematic connection, mcguffin, running gag- basically anything I know I should set up early for a potential payoff later.
-More detailed script- essentially breaking down the outline scene for scene. Generally I won't write much dialogue at this point.
-Thumbnails- At this point, I'll start blotting out the visual end of the script by making thumbnails, using a ballpoint pen and paper! I'll also start adding in dialogue in this stage.

These are all subject to change at any point, and I have gotten as far as finishing thumbnails before going back to square one for some chapters. As much as planning and plotting can help, I find it's key to remain flexible- it's why I like spending so much time nailing down a proper structure. I find that once I can really get that solid framework in place, it actually allows me much more freedom to play around and try different takes on something before committing pen to paper.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention- every stage of my workflow is analogue, using pens, pencils and paper- until I scan the art in digitally. Which means my note- taking, writing and re- writing process is generally a huge mess!

[delladz]

Personally, I write scripts but only write dialogue. Sometimes I'll add in notes for locations but specific shots and action scenes are firm enough in my head to just take the dialogue and go.

Dialogue is the crux of informing audiences about plot/characters/etc. so I would recommend scripting the dialogue at the very least to get a sense of flow and to have a consistent place to check for plot holes or anything like that

[TheLemmaLlama]

Yeah, count me in the 'not very detailed' camp; I also include only dialogue and important descriptions, figuring out the rest during thumbnailing Sometimes I don't even decide the panels! For instance:

script excerpt

saku has a d20 that landed on 1 in front of him
saku: well shoot.

(zeal) falls into the water, making a splash
alana: since water's transparent, the water particles that got splashed up would be in the air for a while right?
eury: yeaaaah ...?
alana: how many of them would contain a reflection of the ancient sloth?
eury: i guess ... 7?
alana: cool, i'm using [soul freeze], and because i have [the Siphorator trait],
when i cast a [psychic] spell i get one reroll for each reflection of the target within my line of sight

final panels

(As you can see, I've left out a LOOOOT - like, I didn't bother at all with visual descriptions or panel distribution once you hit Eury and Alana's exchange :P)

I should write the script for each chapter first

I would dispute this as well; I only script each scene as needed once my drawings catch up^. As long as you have things outlined, I don't think you need to script chapters ahead of your drawing; if you're itching to draw, don't waste that steam!

^ I sometimes also script out future scenes I'm super excited about even though I won't get around to drawing them for a while, but only because I'm excited so may as well make use of that energy