ComiXwriter: specialized scripting software

JasonAQuest

This looks interesting: It's a Kickstarter campaign to fund development of a specialized comics-script-writing program.  Larry Young and Richard Starkings are among the people on the "advisory panel" for the project.  Features include automatic page numbering and panel numbering, a bunch of automatic formatting, and the ability to view script and art side-by-side.  My concern would be that it might push (or require) you to follow their style of formatting, regardless of whether you like it or not.  It'll retail for $99.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/219402484/comixwriter-scriptwriting-software-for-comic-books

GregCarter

The problem is usually these specialty programs have proprietary file formats. Some can export as other formats... but I like being able to crack open my scripts kept in RTF format for editing on almost any computer or operating system. I've tried Celtx and Scrivener, which were both very cool with the formatting and organization, but I'm happier with a basic document in a Dropbox or Google Drive folder.  

JasonAQuest

Yeah, it looks like it'll have its own format (but export to PDF/DOC/RTF).  For its features it would pretty much have to (unless they got really clever about repurposing an open document spec like, um, Open Document).

DwightWilliams

Intriguing project in any case.

EricPalicki

Bah. 

It's like trying to invent a new screwdriver at this point.

/curmudgeon.

Jimmie_Robinson

It might help up and coming talent at least get a move on in writing... something.

I often hear panel questions like, "How do you write?  What's your day like?  What programs do you use?"

Everyone has their own methods.

If this can be used as an introductory way to get people *going* then I'm all for it.

It may not help the vast majority, but it can be a tool for someone out there.

JustinJordan

The thing about screenwriting is that it has to follow a very specific, very rigid format. So Final Draft genuinely makes that easier.

But since comics doesn't have that, I'm not sure of the utility of it. I can set up what I need in Word in less than five minutes.

GregCarter

When people ask me about script formatting, I send them to get the sample script and/or script guide here: http://www.darkhorse.com/Company/Submissions

Both are very basic and make a great starting point.

marvinmann

I generally dislike templates anyway, and my format for writing comics scripts is pretty basic. As you can see from samples on my work thread.

JimCampbell

CeltX is the devil's very own work. I have no idea who told them that their 'comic script' layout was the correct way to format a script, but I suspect they were having a laugh. Plus, the only cross-platform format it will output is PDF, which is a very fast way to piss off your editors and will cause your letterer to track you down and visit significant physical indignities upon your person.

_Beth_Wagner_

I usually only write scripts for myself so I've never worried about format. However, now that my editor is asking me for scripts to edit before I get to the pencils, I've wondered about using scriptwriting software. I go back and forth about it. I think there are just too many limitations for me.

I write whenever I have a few spare moments and I will do bits of script in Evernote, which I later cobble together into the full script when I'm home (and upload a copy to dropbox so I have a full copy on the go). I don't see this being a viable option with scriptwriting software. Maybe I haven't done enough research.