(Originally posted on LiveJournal)
I’ve started outlining my next non-fiction writing project today, and I really need to find a zinger of a title for it. Something that will really get the attention of the target audience.
I have feet planted in both the Hollywood world of screenwriting and the world of comic books and graphic novels. So I’m pretty well acquainted with the demands of both arenas, and the nature of writing for each for of media. And there are important differences.
There’s been a growing trend lately of the Hollywood producers and moneymen wanting to know if there is a book (prose) or graphic novel of the material in the not-quite-mainstream spec scripts that writers what to peddle to them. So a lot of screenwriters are casting about for ways to turn their scripts into graphic novels. Except that they are not sure how to proceed.
So, I’m going to tackle as much of this as I can.
Right now, I really could use some brainstorming for the title, though. I’ve got the very dull “Comic Book Scripting for Screenwriters” – which, frankly, I’d really only want on the book as a subtitle (if I have to have it at all).
My first idea was “From Frame to Panel“. But unfortunately “Frame” just doesn’t conjure “movies” automatically. You’d sort of have to know that film images are in sequences of frames, that pass the projection lens at the speed of 24 per second (I think that’s what it is). It’s just toooooo… well, technical. Not a grabber.
So I thought I would toss this out in a couple of places and see if anyone has something that really rings the bell.
If someone’s idea becomes the title unchanged, I’m offering to mention them the very first in the book’s acknowledgements! (Wow, exciting, yes?) Seriously, any suggestions to get the brain cells sparking would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks all.
Comments
kalimac – Apr. 6th, 2009
Also, this is about writing, and movies aren’t written in frames. They’re written in scenes. Comics are, though, written in panels. The problem is that none of these words – frame, scene, or panel – by itself really conveys the idea of the medium the writing is in. True, “From Screenplay to Graphic Novel” isn’t catchy either, but at least it conveys the ideas.
Even if you use something like that, and the more so if you choose something more elusive, the subtitle sounds like a good idea.
scribblerworks – Apr. 7th, 2009
Good points.
One of my friends on a comics message board suggested: “Paper Movies: Adapting Your Screenplay Into a Graphic Novel“. Which is possible.
Another friend suggested “Flix to Comix” – which appeals to my sarcastic side, but might not be ideal for a book.
Ideas still bubbling along.
kalimac – Apr. 7th, 2009
“Paper Movies” – that’s good; I like that. It raises the browser’s interest – what could it possibly mean?, a question answered by the subtitle as it should be – and it’s vaguely reminiscent of some old movie titles like “Paper Moon“.
The only rhetorical catch is that the “paper” part isn’t specific to comics/graphic novels. It could be anything on paper. Unfortunately alternatives like “Graphic Movies” or “Comic Movies” would be right out.
scribblerworks – Apr. 7th, 2009
You make good points. I think this is where the cover graphics can help carry the title.
Just as The Scribbler’s Guide to the Land of Myth was always intended to have the bemused Muse on the cover, to help carry the whimsy of the title, I think something like “Paper Movies” can be helped by the right graphic design.
So, “Paper Movies” (with subtitle) is now moving to the top of the list.
I really do appreciate your feedback! Everyone’s suggestions is REALLY helping
(Deleted comment)
scribblerworks – Apr. 7th, 2009
Yeah. I’d tried that one out myself, and found it a bit flat too.
Gee, this “finding a title” thing can be hard work. *sigh*
wild_patience – Apr. 7th, 2009
From Gratuituous Violence to Graphic Novel! No, huh?
From Apocalypse Now to BAM! POW!
scribblerworks – Apr. 7th, 2009
LOL!
You should see some of the titles my friend Chuck Dixon suggested. Heh.
muuranker – Apr. 7th, 2009
You have to remember that I grew up in Britain in the 70s. Surrounded by hairdressers with names like these:
Flix2Pix
Sorry, goes and hides.
No, wait. The problem you are offering to solve is that a scriptwriter knows they should have a graphic novel in tow, but they are not even sure what a graphic novel _is_. So something which deals with that transition, perhaps? And positively. Graphic novels are not movies with the action taken out.
Also, Calimac’s point about the subtitle is v. good.
scribblerworks – Apr. 7th, 2009
“Flix2Pix” might be useful to keep at hand for a seminar title, though — something fun and quick and snappy to catch attention.
😀
jpantalleresco – Apr. 7th, 2009
How about “from stillshot to screenshot“?
scribblerworks – Apr. 7th, 2009
Well…. if it were about adapting comics to film. But this is for people going in the other direction, especially those not super-familiar with comics.
Heh. Yeah, I went through some fumbling title tries myself doing that, until I reminded myself to treat it as “film first, comics second”.
jpantalleresco – Apr. 7th, 2009
sounds like you want to do something in regards to motion with the title. I suggest the dictionary, something to do with kinetic and phrenetic or whatnot. My brain is fried and I will sleep. That said, good luck with your second book this year. I will soon be able to buy the first! So I’m rooting for you.