Series bible

Definition

A series bible is a comprehensive document that outlines the main elements of a television series, including character descriptions, plot arcs, themes, and the overall vision for the show. It serves as a roadmap for the creators, writers, and producers, ensuring consistency and clarity throughout the development process and guiding the production team during pilot season.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A series bible is crucial for maintaining narrative consistency, especially when multiple writers contribute to the show.
2. It typically includes detailed character bios that describe their backgrounds, motivations, and relationships with other characters.
3. The document often outlines major plot points for multiple seasons to give a sense of direction and longevity to the series.
4. Series bibles can also contain visual elements such as artwork or mood boards to help convey the aesthetic of the show.
5. Having a well-crafted series bible can significantly improve the chances of a pilot being picked up by a network or studio.

Review Questions

• How does a series bible contribute to maintaining narrative consistency in a television series?
  • A series bible provides detailed information about characters, plot arcs, and thematic elements that all writers can reference. By having this comprehensive document, different writers can ensure they are aligned on character motivations and storylines, preventing contradictions or inconsistencies. This creates a cohesive viewing experience that is essential for engaging an audience over multiple episodes and seasons.
• Discuss the role of a series bible in the pilot season and its impact on pitching shows to networks.
  • During pilot season, a well-structured series bible serves as an essential tool for pitching shows to networks. It provides potential buyers with an in-depth understanding of the show's concept, characters, and long-term vision. This clarity can make or break a pitch, as networks look for shows that not only have immediate appeal but also promise sustained storytelling. A strong series bible enhances confidence in the show's potential, making it more likely to be greenlit.
• Evaluate how the absence of a detailed series bible might affect a television show's development and production process.
  • Without a detailed series bible, a television show may face significant challenges in maintaining consistency and clarity throughout its development. Writers might struggle to understand character motivations or overarching themes, leading to disjointed storytelling. This lack of guidance can result in conflicting creative visions, making it difficult for producers and directors to deliver a coherent final product. Ultimately, this could jeopardize the show's success in engaging audiences and securing future seasons.

Related terms

pitch: A pitch is a brief presentation or proposal that outlines the concept of a television show, usually aimed at attracting interest from networks or producers.

pilot episode: A pilot episode is a standalone episode of a television series that is used to sell the show to networks, showcasing its potential and establishing its tone.

showrunner: A showrunner is the person responsible for overseeing the creative direction of a television series, managing writers, and making key decisions during production.