I pitched a pilot that I wrote for a children's t.v. series, and the producer wants me to send her the bible of the whole series. So far, I wrote the pilot and five 30 minute episodes. Can someone help me understand what the "bible of the series" entitles? During the last two and half years, I have read every book there is about screenwriting, but when it comes to the "bible of the whole series," I have to confess that I have no idea.
Screenwriting : Send me a bible... by Vienna Avelares
Send me a bible...
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I haven't heard that before either, but I'll give it a guess. I think she wants an outline of what happens in the pilot episode, and how the series is planned to unfold from there - where is the story going, say for the first season, or if you have and end game already in mind, what is it and how long will it take to get there.
The best way to find out for sure is to ask her, so you can give her what she wants
The bible often relates to children's tv series. It basically is as what Mark describes, but it sometimes involves getting a storyboard artist or illustrator to sketch the main character and a few of the principle characters. I hope this helps.
Thank you Mark you are always so helpful, I appreciate your support.
Thank you Richard.
Have a lot of work ahead of me... LOL
I've never written a bible before but found a copy of the bible for a show called "The Wire." It could be used as a template ;) I don't see a way to post it here but if you message me with an email address I could send it to you!
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Good guess, Mark. The "bible" is a detailed description of the world, characters and background of a series. Essentially it's a guide for future writers. The "creator" sets up not only all main and supporting characters and villains, but the themes and tone and rules of the world - including what cannot happen in future stories.
Thank you Lisa my email address is: leeav7@gmail.com
Thank you D. I appreciated very much.
Okay parts of this are correct and some parts are fiction. A TV series bible is effectively a "business plan" of your TV show and essential for new writers, because they are untested. Thus, it serves two purposes. A. To show the producers that you have thoroughly thought out and understand your show. B. A reference for other writers who work on the show. It should contain: Logline. Series overview ( discussing the world and the overall series). Character breakdowns (including flaws, traits and backstories). Episodic arcs. Season arcs. Series arcs. 3/4 line synopsis of other episodes.
I, too, would like to know which parts are fiction.
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Good luck Vienna! Thanks for the post, I'd never heard this term before either!
Thank you so much Jacquie your post has been extremely helpful.
Marvin thank you very much.
Ben we have lots of work ahead of us... LOL
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Hi, Vienna. Nice to meet you on Stage. I am currently working in television and work as a Story Editor responsible for a Children's TV show Series Bible -- a network show licensed by a broadcaster for development. There are many types of "Bibles", depending upon the purpose and stage of development for any concept. A "Mini Bible", usually refers to a Development Bible and as Chris mentions is a sales tool containing a breakdown of characters, settings, etc. A Series Bible, or "Production Bible" are forms which detail specific aspects of a series criteria and basically contain the "rules" of the series relating to character backgrounds, throughlines, dos & don'ts, setting breakdowns, and sometimes much more, including even production and film-style parameters. I hope you're being well paid for your hard work, you've already written a considerable amount with 5 scripts. Please tell me this producer is legit and you have money on the table. One of the great banes of the industry is the whole "dangling carrots" syndrome, where "so-called" producers entice writers to do a heap of work without pay only for the hope (and always a promise) of a sale. Writer beware! If it is legit, please google "tv series bible" there are several great samples available that you may use as a template depending on the genre, etc. Good luck!
Thank you Lars, I met the producer in a pitch festival she is from Disney, but no they have not contact me back, all she said was to email her the series bible after she heard my pitch...