I've heard that writers tend towards one of two polar opposites--the "Pantser" and the "Plotter". The Pantser kind of makes it up as they go along. The Plotter has calculated all the things to the nth degree. I've always been more of the Pantser sort. I have a general direction, but beyond that, I like to surprise myself. (the Plotters all collectively just gasped right now, lol).
At any rate, I'm working on a project where I'd actually like to ::gasp again:: PLOT some things, specifically, a full-scale character bible. Do you have a good example or better yet, a template I could point to?
Also, which are you?
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I swear by Syd Field's The Screenwriter's Workbook. I never take more than 5 weeks for a rough draft, and I feel prepared every step of the way.
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Excellent, thank you! You keep on plottin' :)
David Simon’s bible for The Wire is posted on the Internet. 80 something pages. Characters and 1st season detailed.
You can also find the series bibles for Star Trek and its progeny online, and Stranger Things.
And remember a bible is no substitute for a logline. If you’re in that fated elevator pitch, don’t simply say, “Just let me send you my show bible.” You still need to hook them in one or two good sentences.
I tend to stick to writing a mini show bible. I just finished one for a show that my colleague is shopping this week. My bible is thirteen pages long and includes a logline, two paragraph overview/proposal, main character descriptions and a synopsis of each episode. I've only written a pilot but I provide a solid summary of each episode that will follow. However, those will be subject minor changes or additions based on ideas that spring up during the writing process. This bible took me four days to write and so I think I'm a plotter that leaves a lot of room for organic creativity. Here a link for a bunch of examples of well-known shows.
https://www.carolekirschner.com/blog/series-bible