As luck would have it, I may soon have an opportunity to talk to a cable channel producer who is looking for some fresh material. In case that opportunity indeed happens, I've been brainstorming a concept for a dramatic series. This isn't something I'd imagined doing--so I'm learning all in a rush how to pitch TV ideas. One thing I've discovered is that a TV series, if the setting differs much from life as we know it, needs a "bible." What I haven't been able to discover is what a TV series bible consists of. Can anyone at S32 enlighten me? What elements need to be included, how much detail should I go into, are there any formatting requirements, etc.? [This is posted to both Screenwriting and Development, as I'm not sure which category is more appropriate.]
Screenwriting : How do you make a TV series "bible"? by Molly N. Moss
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From my experience there is not set formula or length for a proposal style "Bible" that you are referring to. But however you write it, there are certain things that you should make sure you include. 1] Have a section/paragraph/page about what the show is about. What you're trying to say. The themes. Why it matters in the marketplace. Why this and why now and why it needs to be made. 2] Have a brief description of all the main and minor characters for the series, and how they relate to each other. You could go on for a half page or page on each. but if you do, give them one page where you list the all and just a sentence or two about them. 3] Make sure you tell them what kind of show it is like hour cable drama, half hour sitcom, pay cable, whatever, and what the target audience is. 4] Write a paragraph or page about what a typical episode is like. What happens in any random week. 5] Make sure you have a short paragraph for each of at least three future episodes after the pilot. If you havent written the pilot make sure you explain what happens in the pilot in great detail. And try to make the episodes relate to each other so the reader or executive knows you are thinking of building a story. The idea to them that this show can last a few seasons and grow is more important to them than the actual idea. If you can map out, in a couple sentences, each of the first 12 episodes if possible. 6] Try to show in a paragraph or two the arcs of the main characters over the first season and beyond. 7] Try to show in a paragraph or two the series arc in the first season, and also the first 2-4 seasons. Just describe where it is going. Tease them as much as you can. That should give them most everything they are looking for. Entertain them. But put in only essential information.
Thanks a million, Pete! I feel ready and able to do all that, so here goes something. :-)
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It just so happens that I am taking Jen Grisanti's TV workshop in spec and pilot. If you're just pitching a concept to a producer, you need to relate the story in a conversational tone (like you're speaking to your best friend) and why you're the best person to write this particular story. They want to hear your passion. They don't want to hear every beat, but they do need a sense of the overview of the premise and that it has legs, that they can get 100 episodes out of it. Pitch your best concept, not a kitchen sink of ideas. If they like your idea, they will ask for more---and then you can show them a Bible or Pilot.
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Excellent advice, Pete! I'll be putting together a bible soon (and a pitch) and I love how you've succinctly laid out the necessary elements. Molly, there's a collection of bibles here (as well as loads of pilots scripts, if you haven't seen this) https://sites.google.com/site/tvwriting/bibles
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I've been writing mine as I go. After every episode I just add the most pertinent info. I like what Pete says but some of the elements he mentions sounds more like "Pitch" aspects than "Show Bible" aspects. However everything Pete mentions is pertinent to one or the other. Definitely not saying he is wrong. I do think conveying the character arcs is extremely important for the season as a package. This is just my instinctive opinion.