Do you have an idea for a Comic Book or Graphic Novel?
Do you think your novel or film screenplay could be adapted into a graphic novel?
Does your project have a Transmedia element that could include a digital or webcomic?
Eagle Award winning comic book writer and screenwriter Tony Lee (Doctor Who, Starship Troopers, Midnight Kiss, Hope Falls) takes you through the steps to turn your idea into a comic book or graphic novel and what you need to do to get yourself published.
10:00 Introduction
10:15 It’s Not The Easier Option
What stumbling blocks a writer can find in their way when moving from screen to sequential art storytelling.
Why scripting comics isn’t ‘easy’ – why a comic of your screenplay won’t sell your screenplay
Comparison: Screenplay / Novel / Script
Comparison: Anthology / One-shot / Mini Series / Ongoing / Graphic Novel / Web Series
The High Concept / Elevator Pitch
The restraints of a comic script (length, page turn etc)
Why ‘working backwards’ helps you move forwards
The importance of the full synopsis
11:45 Writing The Story
From the initial idea to the set up, the characters, their flaws and their motivations.
The ‘Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda’ moment
Who? What? Why? When? Where?
Storytelling: The characters – what do they want? Why do we care?
Storytelling: The conflict – protagonists and antagonists
Storytelling: Keeping the reader invested over time
Chekov’s mantelpiece rule – and why it’s vital to comics
The rising act structure
Subplots and supporting characters
Is your story all it can be – the joys of hindsight
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Writing The Script
Now you have the story, we now master the dos and don’ts of scripting it.
The full synopsis – the ‘treatment’ for comics
Breaking it down: Scene by scene
Breaking it down: Page by page
Comparison: Full Script / Plot-Art-Dialogue (‘Marvel’ style)
Know your comic terms – the language of the comic script
Types of panel / how many to a page
Dialogue: Why a writer should always letter at least one page.
Comparison: Screenplay dialogue / Comic dialogue
Action Verses Spoken Word
Adaptations of existing material
Licensed Properties
15:30 The Industry
Now you have your script, what do you do with it?
Self Publishing: finding an artist.
Self Publishing: Percentage or Page Rate
Getting known: Webcomic / Vanity Press / Small Press
Conventions / Networking – the dos and don’ts
Submitting to the established comic book companies
Know your target – does your story match their style?
How much does an agent help a comic creator
Selling yourself rather than your story
16:30 Comic Book Live Ammo!
Students pitch their ideas in front of the class to get individual feedback.
18:00 To the Pub for Networking Drinks
Remember to bring your business cards!
