How To Write A TV Series Bible
Creating a TV Series Bible can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to the world of television writing. But fear not, with a little guidance, anyone can construct a compelling and informative series bible that will capture the attention of producers, networks, and audiences alike. In this post, I will explore and break down the process of writing a TV series bible providing examples from Black Television shows Black-ish, Insecure, Queen Sugar, Atlanta, and Dear White People to help illustrate 6 key points.
What is a TV Series Bible?
A TV series bible is a detailed comprehensive document that outlines the key elements of a television show, including the overall premise of the story, the characters, setting of where the story takes place, story arcs, and tone. It is essentially a roadmap for the show that provides a clear understanding of the show's world and the journey the characters will go on over the course of the series. The series bible is typically used to pitch a show to a network or production company, but it is also an essential tool for writers, directors, and producers to keep the show consistent and on track throughout its run.
How to write a TV Series Bible
Start with a strong Title: You never get a second chance to make a first impression. This is especially true when it comes to pitching a television show. Your title is often the first thing that people see and it can make or break your show. If your title is unclear, boring, or too similar to other shows, you might lose your audience before they even begin to read your pitch.
So, how do you create a great title for your TV show? The key is to make it unique, attention-grabbing, and clear. You want to create a sense of intrigue, excitement, or humor that will pique the reader's interest. But at the same time, you want to make sure that your title gives some indication of what the show is about without being too cliche or boring.
It's also important to ensure that your title fits into the genre you are targeting, while also standing out from the crowd. There have been many successful Black TV shows, but the ones that have truly stood out have had great titles. Take Insecure for example. The title perfectly encapsulates the show's main character's internal struggles with insecurity, and also speaks to a broader theme of modern Black womanhood.
Another great example is Black-ish. The title is both attention-grabbing and clear, and perfectly encompasses the show's themes of Black identity and the struggle to balance tradition with modernity.
A great title can make all the difference in getting your television show noticed. By putting in the effort to create a title that is unique, attention-grabbing, and clear, you can increase your chances of success and stand out from the crowd.
Have a detailed Premise: The premise is the foundation of the show, and it should be clear and concise. This can also be considered your one page outline or synopsis. It should answer the leading question, "What is the show about?" Your intention is to hook the reader into your show by keeping it brief, simple and intriguing. For example, the premise of Black-ish is "An upper-middle-class Black family tries to navigate their way through life in a predominantly white, upper-class neighborhood." Including imagery can also be used to help create a vivid picture of the world in which the show is set, including the time period, location, and overall atmosphere. This can help to immerse the reader in the world of the show and give them a better understanding of the tone and style of the series.
Develop the Characters: Characters are the heart of every show, and they should be well-developed and relatable to the story as well as to real world people. In your series bible, you should provide detailed descriptions of each main character, including their backstory, personality, and relationships to other characters. For example, in the series bible for Insecure, creator and star Issa Rae wrote detailed character descriptions for Issa Dee, her best friend Molly, and her ex-boyfriend Lawrence. She also establishes the show's setting in Los Angeles and outlines the story arcs for each season, including the struggles faced by Issa as she navigates her career and relationships. Having added visuals to convey the characters descriptions and mannerisms can help the writers and readers to envision them more clearly and present a stronger connection between the audience and the characters.
Establish the Setting: The setting of the show is crucial, as it creates the world in which the characters exist. In your series bible, you should provide a detailed description of the setting, including the time period, location, and any important landmarks or locations. The physical surroundings and the overall mood or atmosphere can help to create a strong sense of place for the audience and give them a better understanding of the world in which the characters are living. For example, the series bible for Atlanta includes a detailed description and visual representation of the city's music scene, quirky scenarios, and the challenges faced by Earn, his cousin Alfred, and their friend Darius trying to make it big.
Outline the Story Arcs: Story arcs are the overarching plot lines that drive the show. In your series bible, you should provide a detailed outline and visual representation of the story arcs for each season of the show, including the major plot points and character development. For example, the series bible for Queen Sugar includes a detailed outline of the story arcs for each season, including the struggles faced by the Bordelon family as they try to keep their sugarcane farm afloat. Creator and executive producer Ava DuVernay also provides detailed character descriptions for the show's main characters as they change within the story arcs, including siblings Nova, Charley, and Ralph Angel, as well as their Aunt Vi.
Establish the Tone: The tone of the show is essential, as it sets the mood and atmosphere for the series. In your series bible, you should provide a clear description of the tone you want to convey, including any themes or motifs you want to explore and a mood board of imagery for each. In another example, the series bible for Dear White People describes the show as "smart, funny, and provocative," with a focus on exploring issues of race and identity in a university setting. Creator and executive producer Justin Simien provides detailed character descriptions for the show's main characters, including Samantha White, Lionel Higgins, and Troy Fairbanks. He also outlines the story arcs for each season, including the challenges faced by the characters as they navigate their personal and political lives on campus.
How Long Should Your Series Bible Be?
The length of a spec TV series bible and a commissioned one can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the story, the scope of the series, and the preferences of the producers or executives involved.
Generally speaking, a spec TV series bible is a document that a writer creates to pitch a series idea to producers or executives. It typically includes an overview of the show's concept, characters, storylines, and world-building, as well as sample episodes or arcs. The length of a spec TV series bible can vary from a few pages to 30 pages or more, depending on the writer's approach and the level of detail they want to provide.
On the other hand, a commissioned TV series bible is a document that a writer or team of writers creates after a network or streaming service has picked up the series. It is often a more detailed and comprehensive document that serves as a guide for the writing team, producers, and executives to ensure consistency and continuity throughout the series. The length of a commissioned TV series bible can vary widely, but it is typically much longer than a spec TV series bible, ranging from 50 to 100 pages or more.
Ultimately, the length of a TV series bible, whether spec or commissioned, should be long enough to effectively convey the show's concept, characters, and storylines, while also being concise and engaging enough to hold the attention of producers or executives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, writing a TV Series Bible is a crucial step in the development of any television show. By following some of these key steps and including detailed descriptions of the premise, characters, setting, story arcs, and tone, you can create a compelling and informative guide that will capture the attention of producers, networks, and audiences alike. The examples provided from Black television demonstrate the importance of creating a comprehensive guide to the world of the show, and how a well-crafted series bible can help bring a show to life.
