0.4 WRITING a tv bible

WHAT IS A TV BIBLE AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?
WRITTEN BY JOSH STODDARD
08/09/2019

WHAT IS A SERIES BIBLE?

I was about to say a series bible is a religious text your show lives by, but just like the Bible it’s open for interpretation.

There are different types and different uses for a series bible. It is both a production document and a pitching tool.

Just like any screenplay, a series bible is a blueprint for making a TV show (basically, an expanded treatment) a detailed guide that will evolve with the show.

On the other hand, a pitch bible is used to sell your show. To attract interest in your vision. What your bible should do is contain the essence of the show. It’s got to excite people enough to convince them it has legs.

Today right here and now we’re going to be focusing more on how to write one of these.

Before we get started

First things first, you might not need to write one of these! I’ll admit they’re fun because it’s like you’re developing your own show, but it might be a waste of time.

Don’t be disheartened, I know you came here for advice so bear with me.

I’d only suggest writing a series bible if you need to. I can be a valuable document to have on hand. If you’re ever commissioned by a producer etc. to write such a supporting document, at least you’d have ready to go. Just make sure it's exactly what they want.

If you’re writing on spec (speculative, meaning not commissioned/unsolicited – you want someone to read your stuff) there’s room for you to be creative and pick and choose when it comes to writing a bible.

However, most of the time, when you’re submitting to an agent or production company, they’ll usually just want to see your pilot script and maybe a one-page pitch or synopsis for the rest of the series. Then if they’re interested, based on the strength of what you’ve sent, they might ask for a bible.

POLISH YOUR PILOT UNTIL IT SHINES

Something to remember before you start any of this, make sure your script is good first! I’ve created my own bibles when the pilots for those shows aren’t even getting anywhere. Clearly, they still need work. Focus on redrafting your script until it’s the best it can possibly be and use your time to write more!

It’s good to have a calling card but you can’t put all your eggs in one basket! If you have just one pilot and one accompanying bible, your options to target are limited. Not everywhere is looking for the series you’ve just spent ages developing a bible for – especially if it’s as unique as you hope!

THREE IS THE MAGIC NUMBER

So, I’d recommend banging out at least three scripts before you start making bibles and even then, maybe only make two.

Plus, series bibles seem to be more common in America than the UK. I mean, I’ve never come across any bibles for British shows in my searches but I’m sure they exist in some form.

I vaguely remember Russell T Davies talking about one for Doctor Who in his painfully relatable book, The Writer’s Tale (which I highly recommend to anyone). And why else would my MA course have an entire module on it?

Nevertheless, I’m yet to come across an agency or a production company in the UK asking for a series bible. You’re lucky if any of them even accept an unsolicited script.

But you never know when you might need a series bible so…

What’s in a series bible?

Let’s get the obvious things (I say obvious but it’s easy to forget) out of the way –

Series title
Written by
Contact details – yours or your agent’s
Format – drama or sitcom? 30 or 60 minutes? 6 or 8 episodes?
GenreLogline

THE ONE PAGE PITCH

One-page pitches exist in their own right. You’re more likely to send one of these out then a bible and it’s easier to produce more of them.

So, make sure this can standalone because more than likely, a producer or commissioner’s only going to read this.

In a few paragraphs summarise the story of your show. Think of it like an extended logline. We don’t need the specifics of every episode, just the general trajectory of the series. How it starts and how it ends.

Make sure the tone of your pitch matches the genre of your show – don’t describe a comedy too seriously or make light of a hard-hitting drama.

And don’t give them an essay to read. Nobody likes a block of text, use your words carefully and leave plenty of white space – space for the imagination of the reader!

Character Biographies

Keep these short, just a paragraph each. Focus on the main players, their personalities, flaws, goals and desires, relationships with other characters. At this point, nobody cares about Joe Bloggs who turns up for one scene.

Episode Synopsis

Again, keep these short, just a paragraph for each episode, but make sure they include all the exciting bits – hooks, twists, turning points, character arcs. Take us on a journey!

The Future

Limited series are cool and all, but everywhere is realistically looking for longevity. Tease what you’ve got in mind for future series – where is this all heading? But be brief.

Some blogs and how-to’s also suggest discussing the following –

Theme
Story world
Tone and style

You can have separate sections on these, like in the bible for Stranger Things, but you might prefer, like I do, to combine them in a…

Writer’s statement

If you’re going to include one of these, I’d put it up top or just after the one-page pitch. This is your mission statement. In it you answer –

Why are you writing this?
Where did the idea came from?
Why do you think it’s important?
What are the themes?
What are you hoping to achieve?
Who is this for?

You can also talk about your target audience in a…

Marketing statement

If you’re pitching a show you’ve got to have some idea who it’s for. Who’s the target demographic? Where’s it going to be shown? What time-slot?

When you’re pitching, even if you’re not submitting a series bible, it’s wise to do some research and see where your show fits in the market.

You don’t have to get into the nitty gritty with viewing numbers and audience ratings – although, it could look like you’ve really done your homework and know what you’re talking about. But it’s good to know what’s hot and what’s not.

Is there an audience for your show? Is there a spot in the market ready to be filled by it? Is it what we’ve all be waiting for?!

You can have a whole section on this or simply touch on it – that’s up to you!

Keep in mind the length of your bible. On that note-

TIMING

How long should it be?

I know I sound like a broken record but keep it short! I know you need them to know everything but there’ll be time for that if they’re interested. Producers and commissioners are busy people, they’re not gonna waste it reading 20-odd pages when they’ve got a whole stack to get through.

Sure, some series bibles are that long – like the examples below. But you’re better off with a handful, say between 2-5 pages.

Not only does no-one have the time to read more than that, but your time’s valuable too! Don’t waste it on something no-one’s going to read and use it to make a few pages worthwhile!

How can I make my pitch bible successful?

I don’t have an answer for you because I’ve never succeeded with one!

However, I will say, you can follow the format and employ all the tips and tricks but your bible’s only going to attract attention if –

It’s a good idea.
It’s well-written.
It’s unique.

Put your own spin on it and make sure your personality and the personality of the show shines through.

You don’t have to make a fancy bible like the Duffer Brothers did for Stranger Things. I mean, the bibles for The Wire and True Detective couldn’t be more simplistic. All the bells and whistles in the world won’t help your bible if if’s just not interesting.

The Duffer brothers sent their bibles to various production companies until they snagged Netflix. Your show won’t be for everyone.

Even then, the Duffer brothers stood a better chance because they already had their foot in the door with previous credits and existing connections – including future producers Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen, and mentor M. Night Shyamlan!

Evidently, you can’t solely rely on a series bible or a one-page pitch or a script to get your show made. Hell, no-one’s even going to read these unless it’s solicited or you’ve got an agent etc.

So, make your bible just in case, it’s a fun learning curve, necessary experience if you want to be a showrunner down the line and you might need one. Make it unique and the best you can, but remember, this is not the only way to sell your show.