What does a tv series bible look like?

HP

Posted
avril 5, 2008 - 5:24pm

What does a tv series bible look like?

Is it just the one page treatment of the entire concept of the show, character bios, and a logline (and title) for each episode? Or is it more complex? Like a one page treatment for each episode.

Jasper polane

47 pages

Posted
avril 7, 2008 - 3:56am

RE: What does a tv series bible look like?

It's more complex.

You need to discuss the format (number of episodes, length, genre, etc), character bios (one page for each of the main characters, a short paragraph or two for supporting characters), a bit about the world (including descriptions of returning locations), and a synopsis for every episode in the first season.

You don't have to include a full treatment for each episode, but one or two paragraphs, yes.

Sarah E. Biglow

108 pages

Posted
avril 7, 2008 - 6:37am

RE: What does a tv series bible look like?

Hmmm...this sounds important. I'll have to look into it after all the episodes are written. I'm assuming that you include episode titles right?
__________
-Sub Rosa-
Episode 1x01 "Down and Dirty"
Episode 1x02 "Welcome to the World"

COMING SOON to a TV near YOU!

HP

Posted
avril 7, 2008 - 10:34am

RE: What does a tv series bible look like?

Thanks Jasper. That's actually exactly what I did. Funny how when you start doing things it just falls into place.

And Yes Sarah. Include episode titles.

Sarah E. Biglow

108 pages

Posted
avril 7, 2008 - 11:32am

RE: What does a tv series bible look like?

Awesome, thanks. Not that my show wille ver see air but I can still dream. And its always good to be prepared.
__________
-Sub Rosa-
Episode 1x01 "Down and Dirty"
Episode 1x02 "Welcome to the World"

COMING SOON to a TV near YOU!

Golden Ticket for Script Frenzy Donors
thespyglass

102 pages

Posted
avril 7, 2008 - 3:19pm

RE: What does a tv series bible look like?

This also sounds like something I'd actually really enjoy doing! Just as well, I suppose. Like Sarah, I doubt my thing will ever end up on a screen outside the one in my head, but it's all good practice, right?

Thanks for the explain :)

---------
ANNA
+ SF 08: Paragon for TV [sci-fi action-drama]
+ NANO 07: The Block, WIN!
+ SF 07: untitled, no win
+ NANO 06: Paragon, no win

bgirlla

Posted
avril 9, 2008 - 9:12am

RE: What does a tv series bible look like?

Jane Espenson weighs in on show bibles in her blog today:

http://www.janeespenson.com/

“Normal people—those who are happy and well-balanced—don’t become writers.” —Paul Theroux