Screenwriting : Where does one start in writing a series bible? by Roberta M Roy

Roberta M Roy

Where does one start in writing a series bible?

The more I am involved in screenwriting, the more there is to learn. I've written an overview for my Jolt Survival Tele Series, but having learned more about preparing a Pitch Deck, my thought is perhaps I need to rework the series overview . . . or, I suppose, I should call it Bible. Any suggestions?

Richard "RB" Botto

Summarize the series, including the "Why now" aspect of the show. Outline 3 seasons. Choose 4-5 characters and their arcs over those 3 seasons.

Highly recommend watching the free workshop we presented in our partnership with Netflix. Chris Mack from Netflix outlined how to write a deck. We also have myriad webinars and classes on the subject. Never hesitate to reach out to Team EDU at edu@stage32.com for guidance and advice.

Leonardo Ramirez

Hi Roberta M Roy - going to echo what Richard "RB" Botto said about the free workshop. I have watched it and it helped me tremendously. And I hear you, the more we learn, the more there is to learn. That's a part of the journey that I enjoy and embrace. It's lifelong.

Roberta M Roy

How do I access the free workshop prepared in partnership with Netflix?

Richard "RB" Botto

There are 5 of them, Roberta M Roy. You can simply go to the education page and use the search bar. Here is the one with Chris Mack I referenced:

https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Stage-32-%20-Netflix-Present-Television...

Natí Feliciano-Soto

I’ve learned by studying other series bibles such as new girl or Brooklyn 99. The main formula is this: introduction, what is the story about (briefly) why you are writing this, characters, background info on characters and examples of episodes including a outline of the pilot to take your pitch home! I hope this helps!

Roberta M Roy

Hmm. Particularly like the idea of outlining the pilot, Nati Feliciano-Soto. Thanks ever.

Richard "RB" Botto

Terrific add Natí Feliciano-Soto

Mario Leone

what I have done in the past is look at successful Bibles that exist out there already. They already exist. Then I take that Bible and I pick it apart down to a science.

Sam Sokolow

Hi Roberta M Roy - here's a link to a Stage 32 webinar taught by the amazing Anna Henry on this exact subject that I highly recommend: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Write-Your-Professional-Pitch-Bible

Richard "RB" Botto

I can second that Anna's webinar (like everything else she teaches here) is incredible.

Anna Marton Henry

Thanks Sam Sokolow and Richard "RB" Botto ! Roberta M Roy I break it down into sections and give you checklists of what should be in each section, so that usually makes it easier. Then you can customize it to the requirements of your show.

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