Script format question

AFS · Apr 26, 2008

Alright, this may have been asked before, but I've found on the DarkHorse webstite

http://www.darkhorse.com/company/submissions.php#subagree

they have what they call a "standard" script format. Wat they don't say is how you would have a character say two lines of dialogue in one panel. As in, Char1 says Line 1, then Line 2, then Char2 goes on to say Line 3 and whatever.

Two sequential lines in a row? Anybody have any clue? So far, I've been just using "(cont)". Example:

PAGE ONE

Panel 1. Panel description.

ME:
Anybody know how to do this? (cont)
Does this look about right? (cont)
Got a better idea?

Something like that. Let me know.

Axler · Apr 26, 2008

This is the proper format:

ME:
Anybody know how to do this? (1)
Does this look about right? (2)

Check this thread to see how it would look when rendered as a finished page:

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100428

AFS · Apr 26, 2008

Much thanks for the speedy reply. Just one follow up (for now):

If a character only has one line in a panel, or if their lines are split up by another characters line(s), should you still label them?

Axler · Apr 26, 2008

It would be a new dialogue balloon, so you would still number them.

Each dialogue balloon should be designated by a number.

AFS · Apr 26, 2008

Would each panel start the sequence over? Would Panel 1 have dialogue baloons 1, 2, 3, and 4, then Panel 2 have dialogue ballons 5, 6...? Or would P1 have 1, 2, 3, 4, then P2 have 1, 2...?

Axler · Apr 26, 2008

Each page...that way the letterer can count the number of balloons and captions per page and (theoretically) know if he has done the proper number for that individual page.

AFS · Apr 27, 2008

Alright. That'll be all. Thanks for the help.

AFS · Apr 27, 2008

Wait, what about captions? Would they be numbered with the normal balloons, or would they have a seperate number, or what?

Axler · Apr 27, 2008

Any text on a page would be numbered in the sequence in which it appeared, captions included.

You really ought to pick up my book.

AFS · Apr 27, 2008

...and SFX? Included in the text on page, I assume?

I work at a library, I've got your book coming in from another branch, I think. So... sorry it won't add to your sales figure, but I'll tell them I lost it so they'll be forced to order another copy, if you want.

(I find my signature particularly ironic, given (what I assume are) the circumstances)

Axler · Apr 27, 2008

Yeah, sound effects should be numbered in the script as well.

AFS · Apr 27, 2008

OK. That should be all.

Thank ya very much.

MilesGX · Apr 27, 2008

It all depends on how the artist want to read yor script so he or she can draw it. A comic book script is basically just between you and the artist. Just be able to make your script clear and easy to understand for the artist.