Show bible

Definition

A show bible is a comprehensive document that outlines the key elements of a television series, including its premise, character descriptions, story arcs, themes, and visual style. It serves as a reference tool for writers, producers, and network executives, ensuring consistency and clarity in the development and production of the series. By detailing multi-season storylines and providing guidance on character development, a show bible plays a critical role in shaping the overall vision for the show.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A show bible typically includes details about the show's genre, tone, target audience, and episode formats.
2. Character bios in a show bible provide essential insights into motivations and relationships, which help maintain character consistency across episodes.
3. The visual style section often includes references to color palettes, cinematography styles, and other artistic elements that reflect the show's aesthetic.
4. Multi-season planning in a show bible helps writers anticipate future story developments and ensures they have a roadmap for character growth and conflict resolution.
5. A well-crafted show bible can be crucial in attracting talent and securing funding or network interest by clearly communicating the show's vision.

Review Questions

• How does a show bible facilitate multi-season story planning within a television series?
  • A show bible is essential for multi-season story planning as it provides a clear roadmap for the series' direction. It outlines character arcs and major plot points over several seasons, allowing writers to develop stories that are cohesive and engaging. By detailing how characters evolve and how conflicts are resolved over time, a show bible helps ensure that the storytelling remains consistent and compelling throughout the series.
• In what ways does the character development outlined in a show bible impact the role of a script coordinator?
  • Character development in a show bible directly impacts the script coordinator's role by providing them with crucial information on how characters should be portrayed in scripts. The script coordinator relies on this document to maintain continuity in dialogue, actions, and character relationships across episodes. By understanding the intended character arcs from the start, they can effectively track any changes that arise during the writing process and ensure that scripts align with the overall vision established in the show bible.
• Evaluate how a well-constructed show bible influences both creative decisions and logistical considerations during production.
  • A well-constructed show bible significantly influences both creative decisions and logistical considerations during production by serving as a foundational reference for all team members. On the creative side, it provides clarity on themes, character motivations, and visual style, guiding writers and directors in their interpretations. Logistically, it helps producers plan budgets and schedules by outlining episode structures and multi-season plans, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently while maintaining fidelity to the show's vision.

Related terms

logline: A one or two-sentence summary that captures the essence of a show, focusing on its main conflict and unique selling points.

treatment: A detailed narrative description of a show or episode, including plot points, character arcs, and major themes, often used to pitch the project to networks or studios.

series arc: The overarching storyline that develops over the course of multiple seasons, illustrating how characters evolve and how central conflicts are resolved.