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"Graphic novel"

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"Graphic novel"

Posted by Kevin Shuster on Aug-19-05, 05:03 PM (PST)

Hey folks,
Just picked up an assignment to write a screenplay based on a graphic novel. Genre is horror.
Has anyone out there adapted a graphic novel for a screenplay?
Any reading recommendations?

Thanks
Kevin

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Table of contents

RE: Graphic novel, Irv The Nerve, Aug-19-05, (1)
RE: Graphic novel, Kevin Shuster, Aug-19-05, (2)
RE: Graphic novel, Larry Brody, Aug-19-05, (3)
RE: Graphic novel, Mick, Aug-19-05, (4)
RE: Graphic novel, doesn't sound right, Aug-19-05, (5)
RE: Graphic novel, The Superannuated Man, Aug-20-05, (8)
RE: Graphic novel, ZODITCH, Aug-26-05, (14)
RE: Graphic novel, Kevin Shuster, Aug-26-05, (15)
RE: Graphic novel, ZODITCH, Aug-28-05, (16)
RE: Graphic novel, Kevin Shuster, Aug-29-05, (17)
RE: Graphic novel, Whyaduck, Aug-20-05, (6)
RE: Graphic novel, Jesse Hill, Aug-20-05, (7)
RE: Graphic novel, Vera, Aug-21-05, (9)
RE: Graphic novel, Anil, Aug-21-05, (10)
RE: Graphic novel, Kevin Shuster, Aug-21-05, (11)
RE: Graphic novel, Rob O'Hannon, Aug-22-05, (12)
RE: Graphic novel, Kevin Shuster, Aug-22-05, (13)

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1. "RE: Graphic novel"

Posted by Irv The Nerve on Aug-19-05, 05:17 PM (PST)

An assignment? An assignment?
As in getting paid to do it for a producer or studio or network or something?
Who cares how to do it? *Congratulations!*
Okay. One caution. Don't do it like Sin City.

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2. "RE: Graphic novel"

Posted by Kevin Shuster on Aug-19-05, 06:36 PM (PST)

Thanks.
Yes, an assignment. Unfortunately, no pay. Spec.
For a production company. Got the assignment from a friend of mine at an agency. The prodco is a big name with big movies under its belt. Big director attached.
I figured it is worth doing as a spec. The rewards would be worth it.
The agent is giving me a shot on this. So I gotta prove myself.
This is gonna be fun!

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3. "RE: Graphic novel"

Posted by Larry Brody on Aug-19-05, 07:10 PM (PST)

Now you've done it. You're going to have to be on our "Getting Started" panel on Sunday!
Nice work, Kevin,

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4. "RE: Graphic novel"

Posted by Mick on Aug-19-05, 07:45 PM (PST)

You're the man Kevin. A grahic novel is a comic book with more pages. Enough space to go deeper into a story and more fully develop the characters than a typical comic book. Otherwise it is an adaptation of a book, right? LB didn't mention that there was a difference. But I'm sure he's preoccupied with Brodystock. He'll chime in soon enough with his masterful spin on the subject. I just want to tell you to write the shit out of it.

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5. "RE: Graphic novel"

Posted by doesn't sound right on Aug-19-05, 08:50 PM (PST)

There'a big director attached but they're not paying the writer? Somehow I don't buy that.

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8. "RE: Graphic novel"

Posted by The Superannuated Man on Aug-20-05, 05:15 PM (PST)

I think the word "assignment" here may be misleading.
Professionally speaking, an assignment is when a network or studio hires a writer to write a teleplay for them, or at least to start on the steps that lead to a teleplay. And the studio agrees to pay the writer for the work involved.
My reading of what Kevin is doing, and, please, Kevin, correct me if I'm wrong, is that an agent (Kevin's agent?) has suggested that he write a spec that the agent will get to those supervising this project, who he knows are unhappy with the material they've received so far. This is being done as a sales tool to get Kevin to the attention of some important people, and also to give him a shot at a rewrite job.
Much of what I'm saying comes from reading between the lines, based on what I know about the business. Technically speaking, then, this isn't an "assignment," but it certainly seems like a vote of confidence for Kevin from the agent, and a good opportunity to make himself known to people who can help advance his career...if not with this project then with another.
Creatively speaking, I only have one suggestion for Kevin. Please don't turn this into another Sin City. Write a real script that makes the source material more cinematic and, at the same time, more humane.
Good luck, Kevin.
SAM

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14. "RE: Graphic novel"

Posted by ZODITCH on Aug-26-05, 10:25 AM (PST)

You're going to do what you want to do, but...
1. Writing a screenplay for a property you don't own is shooting at the moon. Odds are you won't get anywhere (sorry, those ARE the odds) and you can't do anything with it afterwards (because, at the least, you don't own any of the rights and, at worse, you could be in for legal action).
2. The "agent" giving you a shot on this has, in fact, shot his own credibility. It's unethical for an agent to do this. It's also against the WGA agreements.
3. If a big director is attached and a studio is pushing this, they are already well on their way and not looking for some amazing unknown to come to their rescue.
I know, I'm bursting your bubble. Reality often does that. But, as someone else has already pointed out, this isn't an "assignment" by any stretch of the imagination. What you are better off doing is getting a copy of the graphic novel they are doing (and, if possible, a copy of the script they have abandoned) and write your own ORIGINAL idea in the same vein and genre. Believe me, they aren't looking for someone who can adapt from Graphic Novels. They are looking for someone who can WRITE the same tone they want to produce (if they are looking for someone at all). At least, this way, you still have a script with no encumberances that you can do something with later on.
What you are being asked to do by your agent/friend is an abuse of writers. Sure, you don't see it that way and I understand that. But it is and it happens a lot (because writers allow it).
Anyway, as dark as that is, them's my $0.02
Zoditch

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15. "RE: Graphic novel"

Posted by Kevin Shuster on Aug-26-05, 03:57 PM (PST)

Zoditch,
Thanks for your 2 cents.
This isn't a done deal by any means. It is a long shot and I'm waiting to hear back.
They are looking for a writer to take a graphic novel they own and adapt it. Unless they want me to take a shot at it, it probably doesn't make sense for me to write it.
I found out there is not a director attached. I thought the producer would be the director becausse he usually directs his own stuff.
As far as what is unethical: You mean that the agent is offering me to them knowing that I would do it on spec????????

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16. "RE: Graphic novel"

Posted by ZODITCH on Aug-28-05, 10:05 AM (PST)

The Agent telling you to write a spec screenplay for something you don't hold the rights to under the guise that it is an "assignment" is unethical. You could say that it's a grey area, but at the very least, your agent is doing you a disservice by asking you to do that.
As I said, I definitely think you should write something in the same genre with the same tone and use that as a sample for them (if you have an "in" don't waste it, use it!) but keep your options open. Your original screenplay is yours and can lead to other things down the road.
There are more than a few stories of people who wrote spec screenplays in order to impress one producer, only to have that same screenplay sell years later on its own.
Good luck with it!
ZODITCH

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17. "RE: Graphic novel"

Posted by Kevin Shuster on Aug-29-05, 00:17 AM (PST)

Thanks ZODITCH.
There may be a misundersstanding here. The agent never asked me to write it on spec. I offered. I figured it would give me a chance to show this prodco my abilities on a project that they needed written.
I'm trying to get a meeting with them before I do anything. If not than I won't do it.
thanks for your input.

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6. "RE: Graphic novel"

Posted by Whyaduck on Aug-20-05, 01:42 AM (PST)

That's cool, Kevin! Hope it goes well, and pans out for you!
Now - while I'm no expert, I attended the "Art of Adapting Comics to Screen" at this year's Comic Con (moderated by Jeff Goldsmith, of CREATIVE SCREENWRITER). I just flipped through my notes and thought you might like these...
(Oh, and for reasons of space, I'm gonna type "comic" for "graphic novel.")
Zack Penn (X-MEN 2 &3) said:
Different people (including the folks you'll be dealing with, producers, director, etc.) are attracted to different aspects of a comic. Part of adapting it will be keeping those people happy. Another major portion will be finding out WHY people like the source material so much - and staying true to that concept.
Brian K. Vaughn (EX-MACHINA) said:
Part of adapting from a comic that's had a run - is knowing which stories to choose - how to find the heart of the comic. (Granted, as this is a horror genre - perhaps the heart of the comic would be on the floor, yet still beating...)
And last, but not least -
Stan Lee (I think we all know) said:
He figures he's an average guy, so he writes stories for himself. If he likes them, so might others! AND he gave an example of adapting the HULK. To have the Hulk talk like in the comics could come across as "too corny." It was more key to show the emotion of the story, rather than stick to the comic exactly.
Well, there's three other people's Two Cents, as sent through the Whyaduck Money Exchange.
And Good Luck!
Quack.

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7. "RE: Graphic novel"

Posted by Jesse Hill on Aug-20-05, 03:09 AM (PST)

Sounds great, Kevin! Unfortunately I don't have any experience with graphic novels, but I would say you should approach it like any other adaptation. Read and absorb the material, then break it down to its true essence and try to capture that in the screenplay (being faithful to the "content" of the graphic novel, or not). The essence is what -- I think -- is truly important.

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9. "RE: Graphic novel"

Posted by Vera on Aug-21-05, 00:37 AM (PST)

Would this be an instance when story boards might be of help in defining your script outline? Super visuals, based on your well-written horror script, and then just as index cards show the scenes, each story board shows what you meant to say? And then you edit! Any thoughts? ANYONE?

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10. "RE: Graphic novel"

Posted by Anil on Aug-21-05, 12:00 PM (PST)

Please don�t forget the differences (strengths and weaknesses) between the two mediums when you�re adapting.

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11. "RE: Graphic novel"

Posted by Kevin Shuster on Aug-21-05, 09:57 PM (PST)

Thanks everybody

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12. "RE: Graphic novel"

Posted by Rob O'Hannon on Aug-22-05, 07:04 AM (PST)

http://actionadventure.about.com/library/weekly/2002/aa071202a.htm

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13. "RE: Graphic novel"

Posted by Kevin Shuster on Aug-22-05, 09:23 AM (PST)

Thanks Rob. I didn't know Road to Perdition was a graphic novel. interesting stuff

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"Graphic novel"
Posted by Kevin Shuster on Aug-19-05, 05:03 PM (PST)
Hey folks, Just picked up an assignment to write a screenplay based on a graphic novel. Genre is horror. Has anyone out there adapted a graphic novel for a screenplay? Any reading recommendations? Thanks Kevin
	Edit \| Reply \| Reply With Quote \| Top

1. "RE: Graphic novel"
Posted by Irv The Nerve on Aug-19-05, 05:17 PM (PST)
An assignment? An assignment? As in getting paid to do it for a producer or studio or network or something? Who cares how to do it? Congratulations! Okay. One caution. Don't do it like Sin City.
Remove	Edit \| Reply \| Reply With Quote \| Top


	2. "RE: Graphic novel"
	Posted by Kevin Shuster on Aug-19-05, 06:36 PM (PST)
	Thanks. Yes, an assignment. Unfortunately, no pay. Spec. For a production company. Got the assignment from a friend of mine at an agency. The prodco is a big name with big movies under its belt. Big director attached. I figured it is worth doing as a spec. The rewards would be worth it. The agent is giving me a shot on this. So I gotta prove myself. This is gonna be fun!
	Remove	Edit \| Reply \| Reply With Quote \| Top


	3. "RE: Graphic novel"
	Posted by Larry Brody on Aug-19-05, 07:10 PM (PST)
	Now you've done it. You're going to have to be on our "Getting Started" panel on Sunday! Nice work, Kevin,
	Remove	Edit \| Reply \| Reply With Quote \| Top


	4. "RE: Graphic novel"
	Posted by Mick on Aug-19-05, 07:45 PM (PST)
	You're the man Kevin. A grahic novel is a comic book with more pages. Enough space to go deeper into a story and more fully develop the characters than a typical comic book. Otherwise it is an adaptation of a book, right? LB didn't mention that there was a difference. But I'm sure he's preoccupied with Brodystock. He'll chime in soon enough with his masterful spin on the subject. I just want to tell you to write the shit out of it.
	Remove	Edit \| Reply \| Reply With Quote \| Top


	5. "RE: Graphic novel"
	Posted by doesn't sound right on Aug-19-05, 08:50 PM (PST)
	There'a big director attached but they're not paying the writer? Somehow I don't buy that.
	Remove	Edit \| Reply \| Reply With Quote \| Top


	8. "RE: Graphic novel"
	Posted by The Superannuated Man on Aug-20-05, 05:15 PM (PST)
	I think the word "assignment" here may be misleading. Professionally speaking, an assignment is when a network or studio hires a writer to write a teleplay for them, or at least to start on the steps that lead to a teleplay. And the studio agrees to pay the writer for the work involved. My reading of what Kevin is doing, and, please, Kevin, correct me if I'm wrong, is that an agent (Kevin's agent?) has suggested that he write a spec that the agent will get to those supervising this project, who he knows are unhappy with the material they've received so far. This is being done as a sales tool to get Kevin to the attention of some important people, and also to give him a shot at a rewrite job. Much of what I'm saying comes from reading between the lines, based on what I know about the business. Technically speaking, then, this isn't an "assignment," but it certainly seems like a vote of confidence for Kevin from the agent, and a good opportunity to make himself known to people who can help advance his career...if not with this project then with another. Creatively speaking, I only have one suggestion for Kevin. Please don't turn this into another Sin City. Write a real script that makes the source material more cinematic and, at the same time, more humane. Good luck, Kevin. SAM
	Remove	Edit \| Reply \| Reply With Quote \| Top


	14. "RE: Graphic novel"
	Posted by ZODITCH on Aug-26-05, 10:25 AM (PST)
	You're going to do what you want to do, but... 1. Writing a screenplay for a property you don't own is shooting at the moon. Odds are you won't get anywhere (sorry, those ARE the odds) and you can't do anything with it afterwards (because, at the least, you don't own any of the rights and, at worse, you could be in for legal action). 2. The "agent" giving you a shot on this has, in fact, shot his own credibility. It's unethical for an agent to do this. It's also against the WGA agreements. 3. If a big director is attached and a studio is pushing this, they are already well on their way and not looking for some amazing unknown to come to their rescue. I know, I'm bursting your bubble. Reality often does that. But, as someone else has already pointed out, this isn't an "assignment" by any stretch of the imagination. What you are better off doing is getting a copy of the graphic novel they are doing (and, if possible, a copy of the script they have abandoned) and write your own ORIGINAL idea in the same vein and genre. Believe me, they aren't looking for someone who can adapt from Graphic Novels. They are looking for someone who can WRITE the same tone they want to produce (if they are looking for someone at all). At least, this way, you still have a script with no encumberances that you can do something with later on. What you are being asked to do by your agent/friend is an abuse of writers. Sure, you don't see it that way and I understand that. But it is and it happens a lot (because writers allow it). Anyway, as dark as that is, them's my $0.02 Zoditch
	Remove	Edit \| Reply \| Reply With Quote \| Top


	15. "RE: Graphic novel"
	Posted by Kevin Shuster on Aug-26-05, 03:57 PM (PST)
	Zoditch, Thanks for your 2 cents. This isn't a done deal by any means. It is a long shot and I'm waiting to hear back. They are looking for a writer to take a graphic novel they own and adapt it. Unless they want me to take a shot at it, it probably doesn't make sense for me to write it. I found out there is not a director attached. I thought the producer would be the director becausse he usually directs his own stuff. As far as what is unethical: You mean that the agent is offering me to them knowing that I would do it on spec????????
	Remove	Edit \| Reply \| Reply With Quote \| Top


	16. "RE: Graphic novel"
	Posted by ZODITCH on Aug-28-05, 10:05 AM (PST)
	The Agent telling you to write a spec screenplay for something you don't hold the rights to under the guise that it is an "assignment" is unethical. You could say that it's a grey area, but at the very least, your agent is doing you a disservice by asking you to do that. As I said, I definitely think you should write something in the same genre with the same tone and use that as a sample for them (if you have an "in" don't waste it, use it!) but keep your options open. Your original screenplay is yours and can lead to other things down the road. There are more than a few stories of people who wrote spec screenplays in order to impress one producer, only to have that same screenplay sell years later on its own. Good luck with it! ZODITCH
	Remove	Edit \| Reply \| Reply With Quote \| Top


	17. "RE: Graphic novel"
	Posted by Kevin Shuster on Aug-29-05, 00:17 AM (PST)
	Thanks ZODITCH. There may be a misundersstanding here. The agent never asked me to write it on spec. I offered. I figured it would give me a chance to show this prodco my abilities on a project that they needed written. I'm trying to get a meeting with them before I do anything. If not than I won't do it. thanks for your input.
	Remove	Edit \| Reply \| Reply With Quote \| Top

6. "RE: Graphic novel"
Posted by Whyaduck on Aug-20-05, 01:42 AM (PST)
That's cool, Kevin! Hope it goes well, and pans out for you! Now - while I'm no expert, I attended the "Art of Adapting Comics to Screen" at this year's Comic Con (moderated by Jeff Goldsmith, of CREATIVE SCREENWRITER). I just flipped through my notes and thought you might like these... (Oh, and for reasons of space, I'm gonna type "comic" for "graphic novel.") Zack Penn (X-MEN 2 &3) said: Different people (including the folks you'll be dealing with, producers, director, etc.) are attracted to different aspects of a comic. Part of adapting it will be keeping those people happy. Another major portion will be finding out WHY people like the source material so much - and staying true to that concept. Brian K. Vaughn (EX-MACHINA) said: Part of adapting from a comic that's had a run - is knowing which stories to choose - how to find the heart of the comic. (Granted, as this is a horror genre - perhaps the heart of the comic would be on the floor, yet still beating...) And last, but not least - Stan Lee (I think we all know) said: He figures he's an average guy, so he writes stories for himself. If he likes them, so might others! AND he gave an example of adapting the HULK. To have the Hulk talk like in the comics could come across as "too corny." It was more key to show the emotion of the story, rather than stick to the comic exactly. Well, there's three other people's Two Cents, as sent through the Whyaduck Money Exchange. And Good Luck! Quack.
Remove	Edit \| Reply \| Reply With Quote \| Top


	7. "RE: Graphic novel"
	Posted by Jesse Hill on Aug-20-05, 03:09 AM (PST)
	Sounds great, Kevin! Unfortunately I don't have any experience with graphic novels, but I would say you should approach it like any other adaptation. Read and absorb the material, then break it down to its true essence and try to capture that in the screenplay (being faithful to the "content" of the graphic novel, or not). The essence is what -- I think -- is truly important.
	Remove	Edit \| Reply \| Reply With Quote \| Top


	9. "RE: Graphic novel"
	Posted by Vera on Aug-21-05, 00:37 AM (PST)
	Would this be an instance when story boards might be of help in defining your script outline? Super visuals, based on your well-written horror script, and then just as index cards show the scenes, each story board shows what you meant to say? And then you edit! Any thoughts? ANYONE?
	Remove	Edit \| Reply \| Reply With Quote \| Top

10. "RE: Graphic novel"
Posted by Anil on Aug-21-05, 12:00 PM (PST)
Please don�t forget the differences (strengths and weaknesses) between the two mediums when you�re adapting.
Remove	Edit \| Reply \| Reply With Quote \| Top


	11. "RE: Graphic novel"
	Posted by Kevin Shuster on Aug-21-05, 09:57 PM (PST)
	Thanks everybody
	Remove	Edit \| Reply \| Reply With Quote \| Top


	12. "RE: Graphic novel"
	Posted by Rob O'Hannon on Aug-22-05, 07:04 AM (PST)
	http://actionadventure.about.com/library/weekly/2002/aa071202a.htm
	Remove	Edit \| Reply \| Reply With Quote \| Top


	13. "RE: Graphic novel"
	Posted by Kevin Shuster on Aug-22-05, 09:23 AM (PST)
	Thanks Rob. I didn't know Road to Perdition was a graphic novel. interesting stuff
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