Screenwriting: Exploring the Tools, Techniques and How my First Attempt Went!

Transitioning from writing comic books to crafting screenplays has been an exhilarating, albeit challenging, experience. As a published comic book writer, I’ve become deeply familiar with the unique visual and narrative rhythms of comic scripts. Each panel is meticulously described, acting as a visual blueprint for the artist. Dialogue is concise, impactful, and formatted in sentence case for easy copy-pasting by the letterer. This precise, panel-by-panel approach is vastly different from the broader strokes required for screenwriting, and I’ve found myself navigating a new world of tools, formats, and storytelling techniques.

My First Foray into Screenwriting: Just A Word Document

When I first decided to try my hand at screenwriting, I didn’t have access to professional screenwriting software. Resourceful as I am, I fired up Microsoft Word and started typing, using an online script as a sort of rough guide for formatting. This DIY approach helped me get the words out, but it wasn’t long before I realized that you really do need the right tools to work efficiently and keep up with industry standards. Screenwriting has its own distinct language—sluglines, action descriptions, character cues, dialogue, parentheticals—all requiring precision and clarity. Trying to manage this manually in Word felt like trying to build a house with only a Swiss Army knife.

The Basic Differences: Seeing the Story

Both are visual storytelling, but in a comic book, you are literally writing for the artist. You give your detailed descriptions of each panel and let his or her interpretation through artwork translate the tale into life. The writer acts as a visual director on paper, dictating composition, character expressions, and even background details. Dialogue is often short and punchy, with the visuals carrying much of the narrative weight.

On the other hand, screenplays are written for an entire crew—directors, actors, cinematographers, production designers, you name it. The screenwriter is all about getting the structure, pacing, character development, and dialogue right, while the director and his crew take care of most of the visuals. The script sets it all up, but it’s the director who really makes those words into the actual movie.

A Tale of Two Formats: Side-by-Side Comparison

To illustrate the stark differences, let’s look at a simple scene in both comic and screenplay formats:

Comic Format:

Page 1, 3 Panels.

Panel 1: Close-up of Jane’s hand holding a steaming coffee cup. Wisps of steam curl upwards. Daylight streams in from a nearby window, indicating a bright, bustling coffee shop.

Panel 2: Jane glances down at her wristwatch, a subtle frown creasing her brow.

JANE: She must be running late.

Panel 3: Jane stands at the counter of the coffee shop, her eyes fixed on the entrance. A sense of anticipation and slight impatience is visible from her posture and face.

Here is a screenshot of a page from Jason Aaron and issue #35 of Scalped.

Screenplay Format:

INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY

Jane stands at the counter, nervously clutching a steaming coffee cup. Her eyes flick between the entrance and her wristwatch, a growing sense of impatience etched on her face. The cafe buzzes with activity around her, but her attention is solely focused on the door.

JANE
(Exasperated)
“She must be running late.”

As you can see, the comic format relies on static imagery and brief, impactful dialogue, capturing specific moments and leaving ample room for the artist’s interpretation. The screenplay format, however, emphasizes the flow of action, setting the scene’s mood, and delivering dialogue in a way that guides the director, actors, and crew. It describes the overall atmosphere and character actions rather than individual panel compositions.

Here is a page from 300 by Michael Gordon based off of the graphic novel by Frank Miller.

The Transition: Embracing the Right Tools

My first try at screenwriting with Microsoft Word as mentioned and though a great learning experience it really showed me the need for professional screenwriting software. Now, I am actively looking into professional tools to make the process easier and ensure that my scripts are up to industry standards.

Exploring the World of Screenwriting Software

The world of screenwriting software is filled with options, each having its strengths. Of course, the industry standard is always Final Draft, but Fade In is really solid and budget-friendly. Celtx has the most complete production suite with storyboarding and scheduling features. Arc Studio Pro and WriterDuet are also gaining ground for their collaboration features—handy for those group projects. For someone transitioning from comics, these tools automate formatting, allowing me to concentrate on the core of storytelling: character, plot, and dialogue.

What’s Next? Sharing My Journey

I plan to delve into several of these software options and share my experiences, both the triumphs and the tribulations, on my blog, Viewfinder Chronicles. I’m eager to explore how each tool enhances my workflow and facilitates my transition from comics to film. Whether you’re a fellow comic book writer considering screenwriting or a filmmaker curious about the world of comics, I hope my experiences can provide valuable insights.

Got a fave screenwriting tool? Any advice for a comic writer jumping into screenplays? I’d really like to know what you think and any suggestions you’ve got in the comments!

Regards

Alex