Jun 9, 2024
A show bible, also known as a series bible, is a comprehensive document that outlines all the essential details about a television series. It serves as a blueprint for the show, ensuring consistency and providing a reference for writers, producers, and network executives throughout the development and production process. Here’s an in-depth look at the components and purpose of a show bible:
Components of a Show Bible
Title Page
Series Title: The name of the series.
Creator Information: Names and contact information of the show’s creators.
Logline
A brief, compelling summary of the series, capturing the main premise and hook.
Series Overview
Concept: Detailed explanation of the show’s premise, setting, and tone.
Genre: The genre(s) the show falls into (e.g., drama, comedy, sci-fi).
Themes: Central themes explored in the series.
Target Audience: The intended audience for the show.
Character Descriptions
Main Characters: Detailed profiles of the main characters, including their backgrounds, personalities, motivations, and arcs.
Supporting Characters: Brief descriptions of secondary characters and their roles in the series.
World Building
Setting: Detailed description of the show’s world, including locations, time period, and any relevant cultural or societal aspects.
Rules of the World: Any unique rules or elements that define the show’s universe (e.g., magic systems, technology).
Episode Guide
Pilot Episode: Detailed synopsis of the pilot episode, including key scenes and plot points.
Season Outline: Overview of the main story arcs and character development for the first season.
Episode Synopses: Brief summaries of individual episodes, highlighting key events and character arcs.
Story Arcs
Season Arcs: High-level overview of the major story arcs for each season.
Character Arcs: Detailed breakdown of how each main character evolves over the course of the series.
Tone and Style
Visual Style: Description of the visual aesthetic, including cinematography, color palette, and production design.
Tone: Explanation of the overall tone of the series (e.g., dark, comedic, hopeful).
Sample Script
Pilot Script: Often, a sample script of the pilot episode is included to provide a concrete example of the writing style and tone.
Purpose of a Show Bible
Consistency: Ensures that all writers and producers are aligned on the show’s vision, characters, and storylines, maintaining consistency across episodes and seasons.
Pitching Tool: Used to pitch the series to networks, studios, and potential investors, providing a detailed and compelling case for why the show should be produced.
Reference Guide: Acts as a reference for writers and directors to avoid continuity errors and to keep track of character and plot development.
Development Aid: Helps in planning long-term story arcs and character development, ensuring that the series has a clear direction and can sustain interest over multiple seasons.
Example Resources
“Writing the TV Drama Series” by Pamela Douglas: Offers insights into creating a show bible as part of the overall process of writing and selling a TV drama.
“The TV Writer’s Workbook” by Ellen Sandler: Provides practical exercises and advice on developing a show bible and other essential documents for TV writing.
Practical Tips
Be Detailed but Concise: Provide enough detail to convey your vision clearly, but avoid overwhelming with unnecessary information.
Keep it Updated: As the series evolves, update the show bible to reflect changes in character arcs, storylines, and world-building elements.
Visual Aids: Include visual elements like character sketches, maps, and sample scene layouts to enhance the presentation.
A well-crafted show bible is crucial for developing a successful television series, providing a solid foundation for storytelling and production.