If you dream of writing for TV, making a great TV bible should be your priority. A TV show bible is like a special guidebook that explains everything about a show – what has happened and what will happen. Having a TV bible is helpful because it turns your idea into a package that you can easily show to TV networks or producers. It’s like a fancy business card that showcases your storytelling skills. And here’s the key: learning how to write a good TV bible is a strong way to convince people to make your show. But wait, how to write a TV show bible?
How to write a TV show bible? Let’s simplify this:
- Title: Give your show a catchy name.
- One-Page Summary: Write a short overview of your show on a single page.
- Killer Logline: Create a gripping one-sentence description.
- Story Engine and Format: Explain how your story works and its format.
- Tone and Style: Describe the mood and writing style of your show.
- Characters: Introduce the main characters and their personalities.
- The World: Provide details about the setting of your show.
- Episodes & Series Arc: Outline individual episodes and the overall series storyline.
Combine all this info into a 10-25 page document. Some bibles can go up to 30-40 pages later in the development stage, after selling the show.
Tip: Keep it short, clear, and easy to read for maximum impact. Aim for effectiveness, not length.
1. Title
Your show’s title is crucial. If it’s unclear, boring, or similar to other shows, your pitch might suffer. Make it unique, attention-grabbing, and clear. Can it spark intrigue, excitement, or humor? Ensure it fits the genre and stands out. Even if titles can change during development, putting effort into a good one impresses your pitch recipient. Examples of great titles include Freaks and Geeks, Penny Dreadful, and Adventure Time. A compelling title increases your chances of a sale.
2. One-Page Summary
A short synopsis introducing your show’s central concept, characters, and genre is vital. Avoid overwhelming the reader; start from the beginning. Remember, the reader hasn’t lived with your idea like you have. The Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, kept their Bible concise, using a 1980s paperback style with images from similar-toned movies. A clear, engaging summary, around 23 pages, makes your pitch enjoyable and stands out, increasing the likelihood of a call from a producer.
3. How to write a TV show bible? Use logline
While not necessary for every Bible, a logline helps refine your concept. It’s a short, 1-2 sentence description without names, aiming to spark interest. Examples like Inception and Mad Max show effective loglines. Refine yours to be clear, intriguing, and eyebrow-raising. It’s a useful tool, especially in the early stages, helping distill your concept into an easily understandable form.
4. Story
Engine and Format Define the story engine that powers your show, generating plotlines, twists, and characters. Highlight if your show is episodic (resetting after each episode) or serial (continuous storyline). Provide clarity on whether it’s a 30-minute sitcom, 60-minute drama, or other format. In Breaking Bad, Walter White’s character drives endless plots. Ensure your characters are interesting, conflicted, and can generate new goals, conflicts, and stories.
5. How to write a TV show bible? Meaning of tones and styles
Clearly convey your show’s style and atmosphere. Is it a psychological thriller with palpable dread or a quirky, R-rated comedy? Help your buyer understand your show by being clear about its tone. Make it easy for them to pitch to higher-ups by avoiding surprises.
6. Characters
Outline your main and secondary characters, focusing on their backstory, current situation, flaws, dreams, relationships, and growth. Use specific examples rather than clichés. Craft compelling character descriptions, avoiding stereotypes. Create intrigue; for example, describe a seemingly sweet character with a hidden agenda.
7. The World
Clearly define the rules of your show’s world. If it involves talking animals, explain how they interact with humans. Use worldbuilding skills to provide context, using visuals like set pictures, references, or maps. Ensure the reader understands the unique conflicts your world creates for your characters.
8. Episodes & Series Arc
Showcase how each episode progresses, starting with the pilot. Break down conflicts, acts, or character arcs. If there’s a specific structure, like Story A, B, C, mention it. Prove that each episode builds on the next, keeping the audience engaged.
