What Is A ‘TV Series Bible’?

A TV Series Bible refers to the treatment, or  pitch document that accompanies a spec TV pilot when it goes out on submission.

Since there are spec TV pilot scripts flying all over the place, your bible needs to “stand out” from the rest of ’em. But how?

Well, for me, that’s a no-brainer … You write the PERFECT spec TV series bible and hook the reader!

Sadly, I’d venture a whacking 95% of spec pilots are let down by their accompanying TV series bible. In the course of this post, I will break down what you need to include in your bible to help sell your TV pilot.

So, let’s go …
Why Your TV Series Bible Isn’t Working For Your Pilot:

1) It’s boring!

Well, first off, a lot of the TV series Bibles I see are just really dull. To look at; to read – YAWN. A series bible is another chance to really SELL your script and your story and 9/10 writers forget this. They might spend a lot of time on them, they might skirt around them – the end result is the same.

2) And It’s Too Long! 

Most series bibles I see are TOO LONG – ten, fifteen, even twenty plus pages. They’ll start off with a lengthy synopsis usually, maybe a page each for character profiles, a lengthy note on background of the story, why the writer has chosen this story to tell… STOP RIGHT THERE!

It should be remembered: readers don’t usually get paid extra to read your TV series bible. That means, however good your series bible, there’s a very good chance the Reader will simply skim over it. So, if you can’t GRAB them, let them know IMMEDIATELY what

• a) this is about
• b) who the characters are and
• c) why this is a series (and not say, a feature)

then you’ve just missed your chance, big style!

Just two issues … But they’re big enough to make soooooo many series bibles fail. Simple as.

Essential in Your TV Series Bible

1) A one page pitch 

No one is afraid of just one page – and even if an overworked reader is having a bad day, then there still should be a good chance of them reading at least THIS page! (For more info on one page pitches, click HERE and for to download a 1 Page Pitch Ref Guide click HERE). Make sure your logline is clear and interesting and NOT a tagline (don’t know the difference? Then click HERE). FYI, a one page pitch for a series bible should be for the series AS A WHOLE, not the scripted episode you have included with the bible.

2) Very short character bios

Most character profiles I read are about a page long and usually make little sense, either because they are a stream of consciousness or because the writer references moments “to come” in the series that seem completely disjointed because they haven’t happened yet (a classic case of a story being clear in the writer’s head, yet it not translating to the reader). I recommend between 2 and four lines for each MAJOR character, with just one line for MINORS.

Don’t worry too much about what these characters look like (unless it has a direct bearing on the story) and DON’T cast the characters in your head, I hear so much about it being “fine” or a “no-no” that I think it’s far better to stay clear of that ol’ hornet’s nest. Screenwriting God Tony Jordan said in a seminar I once attended years back, he also includes a “secret no one else knows” to his character bio. I used this in a series bible about a year ago to great effect, it got me the meeting and the guys really enthused about it (it’s stuck in development hell now, but you never know).

3) Very short synopses of other episodes 

I like to give myself two lines for these – one for “story of the week” and one for the “serial element”, though of course it does depend whether you’re writing a TV series, serial or sitcom. Whatever the case, keep it as short as possible.

Yes, I have seen longer synopses – recently I read a series bible with about 200 words per synopsis. This is really the longest I would recommend. The writer in question got away with it because they managed to make the events REALLY INTERESTING with lots of great action words and questions asked of the reader. If you believe you can do that too, be my guest.

4) Format 

Half a page, definitely no more than one page, detailing how the series works. That is, if it has a story of the week, how the story of the week works, who the returning characters are, how the series ends and how it moves on to series two, intended channel, intended slot, etc etc. This is important when you’re submitting to production companies because the development process is long and involves lots of people.

If they option your script and you’ve given them a page with the word Format at the top, in my experience, the “format document” becomes part of the contract. That way you will have ensured you retain the format rights – the “created by” credit. Which is of course extremely important when it comes to getting paid.

So… What do you have in your bible?

• 1 page pitch x 1
• Character profiles for ALL character x 1
• Short synopses of ALL other episodes x 1
• Format x 1

So, four pages plus your episode: those four pages are your CORE material really, what you absolutely can’t do without. I think there’s no problem going up to five pages (as long as your pitch is ONLY one page) – but I wouldn’t recommend eking anything out simply to fill the space. Here are some interesting ideas I’ve seen or talked about with other writers as “optional” for the series bible.

BY THE WAY!

You may also like to know that just like words such as “outline”, “treatment” and “synopsis”, “TV series bible” are all under dispute AS WELL.

Sometimes what I describe here gets called a TREATMENT or EXTENDED PITCH. You will note TV writer Sally Abbott (The Coroner, Casualty, Eastenders) says similar in the comments section of this post.

Something to bear in mind if you’re pitching a specific producer or show – as I always say, it’s worth ASKING what the other person means so you’re all on the same page.

Optional in your TV Series Bible:

i) A letter/diary entry/interview with the protagonist and/or antagonist

Everyone knows getting under the skin of characters in pitch material is difficult. Writing something from their POV then is a great way of getting your reader on board – as long as this letter/diary entry/whatever TOTALLY ROCKS. If you skimp on it, it could have the opposite effect.

ii) Photographs and/or concept art

If your series is set during a particular event, is historical or is set in the future, then it can be useful to include some photos or pictures in your pitch material to show the arena (or “nail down” lesser known elements!). The only caveat I would offer is don’t go overboard with this device. We don’t want photos and piccies all over the place and I wouldn’t reccomend using piccies, even drawn ones, of characters because of that “casting” issue mentioned earlier in this post.

iii) Setting/Tone or Arena

A few short paragraphs about the WORLD OF THE STORY is always a good idea, though not a necessity in my book. After all, the setting and tone should form part of your one page pitch. But if you want to expand on what you mention on that first page, there’s no reason you can’t – especially in science fiction or historical worlds. [Very often on the same page with “Location”, below].

iv) Location

Location may play a big part of your story and even be a character in its own right, like the Hub in Torchwood or if it’s regional and outside London, like Hollyoaks. Remember not everyone will know what the hell you’re talking about, especially if they’ve never been to the location your series is set, so a few short paras about these elements and how they play a part in the story may help here.

v) Maps

Spec precinct dramas can really benefit from this. A precinct drama is when  the “place” is bigger than the characters, who may be replaced at will (like in soap opera). A small map of where the main action takes place can help readers hook into where the events are taking place and why. I wouldn’t make the map too ornate or fancy. It can be risky as some readers are critical of visual aids.

vi) Ethos

This is essentially WHY you want to tell this story and HOW audiences can benefit from it. I’ve read some very plausible, moving arguments *for* particular stories … Other times they’ve left me indifferent or even turned my stomach. Getting this one right is really difficult. When it works however, you can’t beat it. Again: just a couple of paragraphs maximum should do it.

Final Points about the Series Bible

Of course, as individuals you may come up with something else for your “optional” material – and why not?

Just remember – there are no “rules” on what you SHOULD include in a series bible. Just don’t be boring or too long!!

Want MORE Help for Your TV Series Bible or Pilot?

Check out the INFOGRAPHIC VERSION of this post 

9 Steps To Getting Your Spec TV Pilot Written, Edited & Sent Out

Spec TV Pilot Plot Construction: Your “Story Of The Week” Vs Its “Serial Element”

Interview with Regina Moriarty, screenwriter of MURDERED BY MY BOYFRIEND

5 Things I Learned From DOC MARTIN Screenwriter Julian Unthank

Interview with Vinay Patel, screenwriter of MURDERED BY MY FATHER

5 Things I Learned From Showrunner & Screenwriter Roland Moore

How To Write Daytime TV Drama

5 Things I Learned From TV Story Expert John Yorke

5 Tips To Become A TV Showrunner

6 Things I Learned From Debbie Moon, Showrunner on  WOLFBLOOD

For another great post about writing TV Series Bibles (that includes a free template to download!) From StudioBinder.com, CLICK HERE.

Good Luck!