Script for comics?

Jaimethekidd 2024-06-06 17:04:40 UTC #1

how do you guys write scripts for your comics, if you write scripts at all? i typically write a movie style script but I'm aware that, that comes with some pacing issues. my partner recently suggested i write in a comic script format but its not fun at all but I'll admit it is better for pacing. what kind of script styles do you guys use, and if you do the same style as me what are some tips you use to make pacing better for a comic. if you do the typical comic style, what tips do you have for that?

ArtGremlin 2024-06-06 17:27:27 UTC #2

I make the files for each page and write the dialogue inside and leave spaces for the pictures so I can imagine what I’ll draw there eventually. It’s kinda messy, but it works for me.

KevinReijnders 2024-06-06 17:31:02 UTC #3

I do something between a movie script and a novel. I use the scene setting like in a movie and try to write as visually as I can.

When I get a specific idea for a panel or a page I'll write it in as well, sometimes as a note.

Overall I'm not too strict with how I write my script but I do try to stick to a format, if only for the ability to judge how long the comic will actually be.

sams_cartoon_shack 2024-06-06 17:54:56 UTC #4

I divide my scripts into weeks and organize them like a crossbreed between a screenplay and comic script which contains the panels, their layout, dialogue, and visual details.

Ayumi 2024-06-06 18:02:28 UTC #5

Maybe like a movie script? I don't really know the differences between script types. I always do it on paper, so sometimes I add small doodles to it (a face expression, or a specific thing I want to be seen, etc.)
And recently I do it in multi language. When I don't know the english expression of something, I just write it in hungarian

Calculus_Homework 2024-06-06 18:09:08 UTC #6

Yo! That's super cool you're going with a movie style script. Pacing issues? I guess that could happen... I suggest doing an overview or "pace list." I found it helpful! And it's something I often check back to.

I write a separate document for each chapter's script (for organization, so not necessary.) At the start of the script, I have it something like this:

Chapter Title

What happens?
(I insert here the overall goal of the chapter, so like a thesis statement!)

List of main story elements:
- this is a list of what needs to happen in order to progress the plot and/or subplots.
-
-

And then I start the script!

My scripting is messy... so I don't recommend doing it this way, but I do it this way because it's for my eyes only:

Descriptive text of what's in the scene, what the characters are doing.

Character: Any and all dialogue is written on a separate line with minor descriptions of facial expression, hand gestures, walking, etc.

I don't know if any of this helps much, but wanted to share just in case it is something that could help you at all!

thepenmonster 2024-06-06 19:22:14 UTC #7

Looks like this.

Good for me, terrible if I want someone to go over the story and make sure it makes sense.

Jaimethekidd 2024-06-06 20:24:57 UTC #8

ooh nice, i do something similar but i never plan what will happen in each chapter. i think that's my main issue, i just kinda write with a plan in my head lol

Calculus_Homework 2024-06-06 20:33:02 UTC #9

ahaha, if it works then it works! xD

XiuLyn_12 2024-06-07 01:16:48 UTC #10

I type rough dialogues per episode to check the story's pacing and readability! (include adding in non-speech panels) So it looks something like:
1. Hi, how are you?
2. (A turns to look at B)
3. Hi, I'm great!
The numbers are helping me to keep track of the amount of panels I'll make! and I don't bother putting the names to determine who's talking cuz I'll remember anyway, ahaha!

Then I do rough paneling on scrap papers! It's easier to do multiple rough drafts before actually drawing the comic for me. It helps me to re-check and make sure the overall pacing is to my liking.
If I jump straight to creating, it gives me an inefficient feeling because I keep going back and forth. It's harder to add or erase things when needed too!

BoomerZ 2024-06-07 06:25:31 UTC #11

I just use an outline style with each bullet representing 1 panel. Quick description and dialogue, and then I just storyboard it in the layout phase of my artwork. I keep the description loose like "Baul walks into room". I can figure it out from there. I don't need to tell myself I want a medium shot or over head shot, as I'm the one doing the layouts.

KennethLopezJr921 2024-06-07 16:29:36 UTC #12

At this point in time, I basically write out a short description of the chapter before typing it all out. Before, I would brain storm the idea in my head and basically free write. But this pre pandemic where I was able to retain stuff thanks to nothing crazy happening in my life until 2020, so its not as effective....

llobucervallince 2024-06-08 12:45:15 UTC #13

ok so here's the script for the latest chapter of my comic, I also write it in spanish and to tell them apart I wrtie it in red. it's not too complicated but it helps.

PARANOiDOfficial 2024-06-08 13:51:29 UTC #14

Generally, most scripts for PARANOiD Season 1 are fully written at this point. Me and Mikii come from a film background, so we both intuitively understand film script direction better than anything else.
However, during the thumbnailing process, we split the labor and prioritize doing the scenes that excite us, individually. I did a lot of the storyboarding for the upcoming Jessie and Erica car conversation, while Mikii tends to really enjoy taking on the larger, sweeping setpiece stuff.

kyupol 2024-06-08 15:10:42 UTC #15

Script form:

Akala is far.. her wings change into an "artillery" form
Akala: ... I'll finish her from a distance...

wings take aim as Claudita fights wing blades
Akala: bye Claudita...

Claudita (thoughts): Shes intending to finish me... My speed is compromised since my auto heal is actively healing my arm... approximately 5 minutes before I'm able to use this arm again... and that's enough of a window Akala has to finish me..

Im not gonna lose to this devil... the souls she will continue to destroy... is unacceptable!

I need my speed... lots and lots of it... I need to get faster! Claudita's eyes glow

Im gonna override the auto heal... and allocate that energy into increasing speed... Claudita's aura glows even brighter.. split

Comic form:

dmstories 2024-06-08 19:15:09 UTC #16

This is a great topic! I'm new to creating a comic and love seeing how other's approach their script. Here's the script I wrote for a one page comic strip and below it is the link to the finished page.

Script:
Panel #1 Landscape Side view of Damned Maranda in her short shorts, satin baseball jacket and white t-shirt, hair blowing in the wind, holding a long sword that’s blade touches the ground. Lean athletic body, toned legs. Long straight hair, cute face. Standing on a cliff over looking a vast desert-like landscape with sharp, angular black mountains in the back. Two moons in the sky, one slightly larger than the other.

Thought box in the bottom right corner: I am DAMNED MARANDA and all of Hell trembles upon hearing my name.

Panel #2 Close up on front of her thighs, toned, and shorts. Behind her in the distance a shadowed hulking figure approaches.

Thought Box (place it where it looks best): No demon or monster dares mess with me.

Panel #3 Front view of a zombie in ragged clothes with mud dripping from his face and hands. He’s getting closer.

Thought box: They fear my strength and my intelligence.

Panel #4 Full view of the zombie facing forward walking away from the cliff, carrying Damned Maranda over his shoulder. His large muddy hand is on one of her thighs, her legs and butt facing forward. Her face has a look of surprise and shock. She has dropped her sword on the ground. The zombie has a dumb look on his face, saliva drips from his mouth. He is much bigger than her.

Damned Maranda dialog bubble: Well, f@!K.