Creating a TV series bible with notebooks, a world map, and coffee on a desk.

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How to Master TV Series Bible Creation for a Pitch

A great story shouldn't be confined to a single screen. For intellectual property holders, the goal is to build a world that can live and breathe across games, films, and virtual experiences. The foundation for that entire ecosystem is the TV series bible. Think of it as the source code for your universe. It defines the core rules, character motivations, and tonal consistency that must be maintained as your story expands. This is why a strategic approach to TV series bible creation is so critical. It’s not just about pitching a show; it’s about laying the groundwork for a lasting, multi-platform franchise that can engage audiences everywhere.

Key Takeaways

Think Strategically, Not Just Creatively: Your series bible is the primary business case for your show. It proves you have a long-term vision and demonstrates to executives that your IP is a well-developed, commercially viable investment, not just a single-season idea.
Prioritize Character Arcs and World-Building: Executives look for stories with staying power. Prove your series has it by detailing compelling character journeys, establishing a rich and consistent world, and defining a clear central theme that will keep audiences engaged for years.
Presentation Is Part of the Pitch: A sloppy, poorly formatted bible can get your project dismissed before the script is even opened. A clean, concise, and professional document shows you respect the reader's time and are a reliable partner ready for production.

What Is a TV Series Bible (And Why You Need One)

If you’re looking to pitch a television series, the TV series bible is your single most important document. Think of it as the comprehensive guide to your show’s universe. It lays out the core elements—from character backstories and episode summaries to the overarching themes and tone—in one cohesive package. It’s the document you hand over to prove you’ve thought through every detail.

More than just a summary, a series bible is a statement. It shows network executives and producers that you’re a professional who is serious about your project. It proves you have a clear vision not just for a pilot episode, but for a multi-season narrative that can grow with its audience. For IP holders, this document is the first step in translating a concept into a tangible, pitch-ready world. It’s the foundation upon which successful transmedia storytelling is built, ensuring every future expansion feels authentic to the core idea.

Your Blueprint for a Successful Series

Think of your TV show bible as the architectural blueprint for your series. It’s a detailed outline that organizes all the crucial components, ensuring you have a clear and consistent direction before you even start writing scripts. This document helps you map out everything from the rules of your world to the emotional journey of your protagonist.

According to StudioBinder, "A TV show bible is like a detailed outline for your TV show. It helps you organize all the important parts of your show." This level of organization is what separates an interesting idea from a viable series. It forces you to answer the tough questions early on, ensuring the logic of your world holds up and your character motivations are solid. For a studio or producer, this blueprint provides confidence that the story is built on a strong, sustainable foundation.

The Roadmap From Concept to Screen

A well-crafted series bible serves as your roadmap, guiding the project from its initial spark of an idea to a fully realized show. Even if you already have a killer pilot script and a catchy logline, the bible is what brings all your disparate ideas together in one place. It’s where you can track character arcs across multiple seasons, brainstorm potential episode plots, and define the visual and tonal style of the series.

This document is your guide for maintaining consistency as your story unfolds. It ensures that every creative decision, from a line of dialogue to a major plot twist, aligns with the established world and characters. A great bible makes it easier to develop your IP into a rich, interconnected ecosystem, because the core DNA of your universe is clearly defined from the very beginning. It’s the ultimate tool for keeping your creative vision focused and compelling.

What to Include in Your TV Series Bible

Think of your TV series bible as the master blueprint for your show. It’s a comprehensive document that details every essential element, from the overarching plot to the smallest character quirks. This isn't just a summary; it's a deep, organized guide that proves you've thought through your concept from every possible angle. When you hand a bible to a network executive or producer, you’re showing them that you have a clear, executable vision. It’s your primary tool for getting everyone on the same page and demonstrating the long-term potential of your intellectual property.

A strong bible is the foundation for building a rich, interconnected world that can extend beyond a single show. It’s the first step in a much larger strategy development process that can lead to games, virtual experiences, and other transmedia opportunities. By laying out the core components clearly, you create a roadmap that others can follow, invest in, and help build. The following sections break down the must-have elements that will make your bible a powerful and persuasive pitch document. Each piece works together to form a complete picture of the series, leaving no doubt about its potential for success.

The Show Concept and Logline

This is your hook. The logline is a single, compelling sentence that boils your entire series down to its essence. It should introduce your protagonist, their goal, the central conflict, and what’s at stake. Think of it as the ultimate elevator pitch. Following the logline, you’ll expand into the show concept—a few paragraphs that flesh out the core idea. This is where you explain the "what if" scenario that drives your story. A TV show bible is like a detailed outline for your TV show, and this section is the first, most critical part of that outline. Keep it sharp, concise, and intriguing. It’s the first thing anyone will read, so it needs to grab their attention immediately.

Character Profiles and Arcs

Your characters are the heart of your series, and this is where you bring them to life. Go beyond physical descriptions and list their core motivations, fears, flaws, and relationships. You need to "describe each character in detail. Include important parts of their past, what you expect to happen to them, and their inner struggles." Also, map out their arcs for the first season and beyond. How will they change? What challenges will force them to grow? Showing that your characters have a clear journey proves your story has depth and longevity, which is essential for building a lasting franchise like the Star Wars Universe. This section convinces readers to become emotionally invested in your story.

World-Building and Setting Details

Your setting is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. This section should paint a vivid picture of the world your story inhabits. As the experts at ScriptFella note, you need to detail "where and when the story takes place." If you’re creating a fantasy or sci-fi world, what are its rules, history, and unique technologies? If it’s set in the real world, what makes your specific location—the city, the neighborhood, the office—feel distinct and alive? Strong world-building makes your story immersive and provides endless narrative possibilities. It’s also the foundation for creating expansive worlds through techniques like virtual production, which can bring your vision to life in stunning detail.

Episode and Season Outlines

Here’s where you prove your concept has enough fuel for an entire season and beyond. You don’t need to write full scripts, but you should provide brief summaries for potential first-season episodes. A good approach is to "list 5-10 strong ideas for episodes. Each idea should be 2-3 sentences long, hint at a conflict, and include a smaller storyline." You should also include a broader outline for the first season, detailing the major plot points, turning points, and the season’s climax. This shows that you have a clear narrative structure and a plan for keeping audiences engaged week after week. It demonstrates that your big idea can be broken down into compelling, episodic stories.

Defining the Theme and Tone

What is your show really about, and how does it feel to watch it? This section defines your series’ identity. The theme is the central idea or message you’re exploring—love, justice, survival, etc. The tone is the mood and overall feeling of the show. Is it a dark and gritty thriller, a lighthearted comedy, or a satirical drama? Be specific. Instead of just saying "dramatic," you might say "a tense, character-driven psychological drama with moments of dark humor." Clearly articulating the theme and tone ensures that everyone, from the director to the marketing team, understands the creative vision and can execute it consistently. This alignment is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your IP as it grows.

How a Series Bible Strengthens Your Pitch

Walking into a pitch meeting with a great idea is one thing, but walking in with a fully realized world is another. A series bible is your most powerful tool for turning an abstract concept into a tangible, exciting project that executives can see, feel, and, most importantly, invest in. It’s the document that proves your series has legs and that you have the vision to carry it across the finish line. Think of it less as a summary and more as a strategic asset that answers questions before they’re even asked, building confidence and demonstrating the depth of your world from the very first page.

A great bible does more than just outline a plot; it establishes the rules, tone, and texture of your universe. It shows that you’ve considered not only the pilot episode but the entire journey of your characters across multiple seasons. This foresight is exactly what studios and networks are looking for. They aren’t just buying a show; they are investing in an intellectual property that has the potential to grow and expand. Your bible is the primary evidence that your IP is a sound investment. It’s the first step in a comprehensive transmedia strategy, showing how your story can live and breathe beyond a single season or platform. When you hand over a bible, you’re not just sharing a story; you’re inviting them into a world you’ve already built, making their decision to join you that much easier.

Show Networks You're a Pro

A polished series bible immediately signals that you are a serious professional who has invested time and thought into your project. It shows you understand the industry and respect the executive's time. When you present a comprehensive bible, you’re not just pitching an idea; you’re presenting a well-developed business plan for a new series. This document proves you’ve considered the long-term potential, from character arcs to future seasons. This level of preparation helps you get your foot in the door and builds the trust necessary to move forward. It’s a clear sign that you’re a reliable partner ready for a major production.

Give Producers a Clear Vision

Producers and network executives are tasked with seeing the big picture, and your series bible is their roadmap. A well-organized bible helps them understand the intricate details of your world, from complex character relationships to overarching plot points. Presenting your show's details in a clear, organized way makes a huge difference when you're trying to get it made. It allows producers to visualize the series, grasp its tone, and see its potential for expansion across different platforms. This clarity is essential for them to champion your project internally and begin planning the practical steps of production, like budgeting and casting.

Stand Out in a Crowded Market

The entertainment industry is incredibly competitive. Executives are flooded with pitches, and they often only have time to "thumb through" a bible before deciding if they want to read the full script. This means your bible has to make an immediate impact. A visually compelling, well-written bible with a killer logline and unforgettable characters can capture attention in seconds. It’s your chance to showcase your unique voice and the distinct angle of your show. By highlighting what makes your series different and demonstrating its long-term potential, your bible becomes the key to rising above the noise and securing that crucial second look.

Develop Compelling Characters for Your Bible

Characters are the heart of your series. They are the reason audiences tune in week after week, and they are the vessels through which your story’s themes and conflicts come to life. A show bible is your chance to prove you know these characters inside and out. It’s not just about listing their traits; it’s about showing their potential for growth, conflict, and connection. For IP holders, this is especially critical. Well-developed characters are the key to expanding a world across different media, from a streaming series to a video game.

When executives read your bible, they’re looking for characters who feel real, flawed, and capable of carrying a story for multiple seasons. They want to see a protagonist who can anchor the narrative and a supporting cast that enriches the world and creates dynamic relationships. This section of your bible needs to demonstrate that you’ve built a cast with the depth and complexity to sustain a long-running series. It’s your opportunity to make producers fall in love with your characters just as you hope an audience will. Our transmedia work with major studios has shown us time and again that a story is only as strong as the characters within it.

Create Strong Protagonist Profiles

Your protagonist is the audience's entry point into your world, so their profile needs to be rich and detailed. Aim for about three paragraphs for each main character. This gives you enough space to cover their backstory, core motivations, internal and external conflicts, and their primary arc for the first season and beyond. Don't just describe what they do; explain why they do it. What are their deepest fears and desires? What fundamental flaw will they have to overcome? A detailed profile shows producers that you have a deep understanding of your character and a clear vision for their journey, assuring them that the character can sustain a series.

Build a Supporting Character Ecosystem

While your protagonist drives the story, the supporting cast makes the world feel alive and complex. For minor characters, a short paragraph is usually enough to establish their role and relationship to the main cast. The goal here isn't to detail every beat of their story but to paint in broad strokes. Show how they challenge or support the protagonist, reveal different facets of the show's world, and create opportunities for subplots. Think of your supporting cast as an ecosystem. Each character should serve a purpose and contribute to the overall narrative, creating a rich and dynamic world that audiences will want to explore.

Map Character Growth Across Seasons

A static character is a boring character. To keep viewers invested over the long haul, you need to show how your characters will evolve. Your bible should outline the major growth arcs for your main characters across multiple seasons. This doesn't mean you need to plot out every single detail, but you should have a clear sense of their trajectory. How will the events of season one change them? What new challenges will they face in season two that force them to adapt? Avoid the common mistake of believing you, the writer, are bigger than the show's parts. Instead, focus on creating authentic, compelling journeys that demonstrate your series has the legs to go the distance.

Overcome Common Challenges in Bible Creation

Creating a series bible is a delicate balancing act. You need to provide enough detail to paint a vivid picture of your world without overwhelming the reader. It’s a document that needs to be both a creative manifesto and a practical sales tool. Many writers stumble over the same hurdles, but understanding them is the first step to clearing them. By focusing on clarity, originality, and consistency, you can build a bible that not only captures your vision but also convinces executives that your show is the next big thing. Let's look at a few common challenges and how you can handle them.

Keep the Details Focused

It’s easy to get lost in the weeds of your own story, but a series bible isn’t the place for a scene-by-scene breakdown. Your goal is to provide a high-level overview that communicates the core elements of your show. Think of it as a strategic guide, not a novel. As one writer advises, “Do not go beat by beat or act by act. This should really just be broad strokes and key plot points that help establish character and set up.” Resisting the urge to over-explain shows that you understand the fundamentals of story structure and can trust your concept to stand on its own. Keep it concise and powerful.

Balance Creativity With Industry Standards

Your idea needs to feel fresh, but it also needs to be something a studio can sell. This is one of the toughest lines to walk. On one hand, as one industry expert notes, "By far, the most common mistake is derivative material." You can't just pitch a carbon copy of a hit show. On the other hand, a concept that’s too abstract or niche may struggle to find an audience. The sweet spot is a unique take on a recognizable genre or a compelling new world with relatable human themes. Your bible should highlight what makes your show different while also showing a clear understanding of genre conventions that will help producers place it in the market.

Grab Attention From the First Page

You have one chance to make a first impression, and it happens on page one. A busy executive might only skim the first few pages, so your logline and show concept need to be sharp, clear, and intriguing. Don’t just explain what happens; convey the feeling and the central question of your series right away. It’s not just about plot—it’s about purpose. To make your opening truly resonate, “Think about closing with 1-2 sentences about theme.” This immediately tells the reader what your show is really about, giving them an emotional anchor that makes your story memorable and meaningful. A strong thematic statement can be the hook that sets you apart.

Convey a Consistent Tone and Style

The series bible is the first taste of your show, so its tone should perfectly match the series you’re pitching. If you’re creating a dark, gritty crime drama, the bible shouldn’t be full of lighthearted jokes. Every word, from character descriptions to episode summaries, should immerse the reader in the show's world. A common pitfall is “believing you, the writer, are bigger than the sum of the show's parts.” Your personal writing flair should serve the story, not overshadow it. The goal is to make the reading experience feel like watching the first episode. This consistency proves you have a clear and executable creative vision for the entire project.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Bible

Creating a series bible is your chance to make a powerful first impression, but a few common missteps can stop a great idea in its tracks. Think of your bible as both a creative showcase and a business plan for your series. Avoiding these frequent pitfalls will ensure your vision comes across clearly and professionally, showing potential partners that you’ve built a world worth investing in. It’s not just about having a brilliant concept; it’s about presenting that concept in a way that inspires confidence and excitement. Let’s walk through the mistakes that can weaken your pitch so you can steer clear of them.

Over-Detailing Episode Breakdowns

One of the most common traps is getting lost in the weeds of your episode outlines. Your bible is meant to be a high-level overview, not a scene-by-scene script. The goal is to give a taste of the season's trajectory, not to lock it down completely. As one industry pro puts it, you should not go beat by beat or act by act. Instead, focus on "broad strokes and key plot points that help establish character and set up." Executives want to see the big picture and understand the core engine of your show. Over-detailing can feel restrictive and leave no room for the collaborative development process that studios value. Keep it concise and compelling.

Forgetting Theme and Character Depth

A plot is just a series of events without a deeper meaning to hold it all together. Many writers focus so heavily on what happens that they forget to explain why it matters. Your bible must communicate the central theme of your series—the core idea or question you’re exploring. Equally important are your characters. They are the audience's entry point into your world. Give your main characters rich, detailed backstories and clear arcs, but keep descriptions for minor characters brief. A strong bible shows that you’ve built a universe with compelling people and a resonant thematic core, which are essential for building a lasting franchise.

Writing a Definitive Season Finale

It might feel natural to wrap up your first season with a neat bow, but you should avoid writing a definitive season finale. Pitching a closed-ended season can signal to producers that your idea has limited potential. Networks and studios are looking for shows that can run for multiple seasons, and your bible needs to reflect that long-term vision. Instead of a conclusion, end your season outline with a cliffhanger or introduce new questions that set up future storylines. This demonstrates that your world is expansive and that you have plenty of stories left to tell, making your project a much more attractive and sustainable investment.

Using Poor Formatting and Presentation

Your idea might be groundbreaking, but if your bible is poorly formatted and difficult to read, it will likely end up in the pass pile. Professionalism matters. Adhering to industry-standard formatting shows that you understand the business and respect the reader's time. A sloppy presentation can suggest a lack of care or experience. This mistake often stems from what one writer calls "believing you, the writer, are bigger than the sum of the show's parts." Your bible is a collaborative tool, and presenting it cleanly and clearly shows you’re a professional who is ready to be a creative partner.

Write and Format Your Bible Like a Pro

Once you have all the creative elements in place, it’s time to assemble them into a polished, professional document. The way you present your series bible is just as important as the ideas within it. A well-formatted, visually engaging bible shows that you’re a serious creator who understands the industry and respects the time of the executives you’re pitching to. It’s your first opportunity to demonstrate your project’s potential and your ability to execute a vision. Think of it as the packaging for your big idea—it needs to be clean, compelling, and easy to open. From structure and length to visuals and tone, every detail matters in making a powerful first impression.

Follow Industry-Standard Structure

When an executive opens your bible, they should know exactly where to find what they’re looking for. Following a standard structure isn’t about limiting creativity; it’s about providing a clear and professional roadmap to your series. Your bible should include a title page, logline, series theme and tone, a brief overview, and detailed descriptions of the setting and world. From there, you’ll want to include comprehensive character profiles with their arcs, a summary of the series arc, and brief outlines for each episode in the first season. This kind of thorough strategy development shows that you’ve thought through every aspect of your story and are prepared to lead a project from concept to screen.

Stick to Optimal Length and Content

Producers and executives are incredibly busy, so your bible needs to be concise and impactful. Aim for a length of 5 to 15 pages for a text-focused bible. If you’re incorporating a lot of concept art or visuals, it can naturally be longer, but the core written content should remain tight. The goal is to provide enough detail to sell the world and its characters without overwhelming the reader. Focus on the essential information: the core concept, the emotional journeys of your main characters, and the overall narrative direction. Leave them wanting more, not buried in unnecessary details. Every word should serve the purpose of getting them excited about the project.

Present Your Work Professionally

Your series bible is a direct reflection of your professionalism. A document riddled with typos or formatted poorly suggests a lack of attention to detail, which can be a major red flag for potential partners. Before sending it out, proofread it meticulously—then have someone else proofread it, too. Use a clean, readable font and a consistent layout. Ensure your pages are numbered and your sections are clearly marked with headings. This polish shows that you take your work seriously and are capable of delivering a high-quality product. It builds trust and signals to producers that you’re someone they can rely on to see a project through.

Integrate Visuals and Sample Dialogue

Words can only go so far in conveying the unique feel of your world. Integrating visuals is a powerful way to bring your concept to life and make your bible stand out. Mood boards, concept art, and character sketches can instantly communicate the tone and aesthetic you’re aiming for. You can see how our team used early visuals to establish the vibrant world of Lollipop Racing. Additionally, including short snippets of sample dialogue is a fantastic way to showcase your characters’ distinct voices and the show’s style. This gives readers a tangible taste of what it will feel like to watch an episode, making your vision that much more real.

Make Your TV Series Bible Stand Out

Once you have all the core components, the next step is to make your bible shine. In a sea of pitches, a generic document just won’t cut it. Your bible needs to be as compelling and unique as the show it represents. It’s your primary sales tool, designed to convince a busy executive that your story is the one they’ve been waiting for. This means going beyond simply listing facts and figures; you need to infuse every page with the show's personality and prove that you have a vision that is both creatively exciting and commercially viable.

Craft a Logline That Grabs Attention

Think of your logline as the ultimate elevator pitch. It’s a single, powerful sentence that introduces your main character and the central problem they face, hooking the reader instantly. This is often the very first thing an executive will read, so it has to be sharp, intriguing, and concise. A great logline makes someone say, "Tell me more." Don't just describe the plot; convey the core conflict and the emotional stakes. Before you finalize it, practice saying it out loud. Does it spark curiosity? If not, keep refining it until it does. A strong logline is your first and best chance to make an impression.

Highlight Your Show's Unique Angle

What makes your series different from everything else out there? In a crowded market, you need to clearly define your show's unique selling proposition. Is it a fresh take on a familiar genre, a never-before-seen world, or a protagonist with a truly original voice? Your bible must emphasize this from the start. Don’t make the reader guess what makes your project special—tell them directly in your overview or concept section. For example, our work on Star Wars: Skeleton Crew focused on carving out a unique, Amblin-inspired tone within a massive, well-established universe. Clearly articulating your unique angle shows you understand the market and know exactly where your show fits.

Show Your Series' Long-Term Potential

Studios and networks aren't just buying a pilot or a single season; they're investing in a property that can run for years. Your bible needs to show them that your story has legs. A well-crafted bible illustrates the potential for future seasons, showcasing how the characters and plot can evolve over time. Dedicate a section to briefly outlining the major arcs for seasons two and three. You don’t need detailed breakdowns, just a clear vision for where the story is headed. This demonstrates foresight and assures producers that you’ve built a sustainable world with enough conflict and character depth to fuel multiple seasons of compelling television.

Create Memorable Character Voices

Audiences connect with characters, not just plots. Your bible needs to bring your characters to life and make them feel like real, breathing people. For main characters, aim for a few paragraphs that dig into their core motivations, fears, and flaws—not just their backstory. More importantly, establish their unique voice. One of the most effective ways to do this is by including a short, representative snippet of dialogue for each primary character. This simple addition can instantly convey personality and help the reader hear them in their head, making them far more memorable than a simple descriptive paragraph ever could.

Helpful Tools and Resources for Writing Your Bible

Creating a series bible is a huge undertaking, but you don’t have to do it with just a blank document and a prayer. The right tools can streamline the process, keeping your world’s complex details organized and instantly accessible. It’s less about finding one “perfect” piece of software and more about building a system that fits your workflow. Whether you’re a meticulous planner who loves a good spreadsheet or a visual thinker who works best with mind maps, there’s a resource out there to support your creative process. The key is to choose a method that allows you to easily update, search, and eventually share your world with others. Think of your bible as a living document; the tools you use should make it easy to manage its growth from a simple idea into a fully realized universe. This isn't just about personal organization; it's about building a professional, scalable foundation for your intellectual property. When you're ready to pitch or bring on a creative team, a well-structured bible becomes your most valuable asset. It ensures everyone—from writers and artists to game developers—is working from the same source of truth, maintaining the consistency that makes a world feel real and immersive. Investing time in setting up the right system now will pay off immensely as your project expands.

Digital Organization Platforms

Your series bible is your project's central nervous system, so it needs to be organized and, most importantly, searchable. Digital platforms are usually the best option for this. A private wiki or a dedicated platform like World Anvil is fantastic for building expansive fantasy or sci-fi worlds with deep lore. For something more straightforward, note-organizing software like Evernote or OneNote offers flexible, cloud-based notebooks where you can store text, images, and links. And don’t discount the basics—a simple, well-structured Google Doc or Word document can work perfectly well, especially if you use the built-in heading and navigation features to keep things tidy. The goal is a central hub for every detail.

Templates and Formatting Guides

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to formatting your bible. Many writers and industry professionals share their resources online, giving you a solid framework to build upon. Using a TV show bible template is a great way to ensure you’re including all the essential elements that producers and network executives expect to see, from the logline to character arcs. These guides help you structure your information clearly and professionally. Following a standard format shows that you understand the industry and makes your bible much easier for busy decision-makers to read and evaluate, which is a simple but effective way to make a great first impression.

Recommended Writing Software

While you can certainly write your bible in any word processor, specialized writing software can make managing a large, multifaceted document much easier. A program like Scrivener is a favorite among writers because it allows you to break your project into smaller, manageable pieces—like character profiles, location descriptions, and episode outlines—and view them all in one place. Whatever tool you choose, make sure it has a robust search function. When you're deep into planning season three and can't remember a minor character's last name, you'll be glad you can find it in seconds instead of scrolling through hundreds of pages.

Pitching Your Series Bible

You’ve poured your heart and soul into creating a rich, detailed world. Now it’s time to share it. Pitching your series bible is where your meticulous planning pays off. This document is more than just a summary; it’s your professional calling card and the primary tool you'll use to get your foot in the door. A polished, comprehensive bible shows decision-makers that you’re not just a writer with a good idea—you’re a creator with a clear, sustainable vision for a series. It answers the big questions before they're even asked and frames your project as a valuable piece of intellectual property.

Think of your bible as the ultimate proof of concept. It demonstrates the depth of your story, the potential of your characters, and the longevity of your world. In a competitive industry, a strong bible can make the difference between a quick pass and a serious conversation. It’s the foundation upon which you’ll build your pitch, giving executives and producers the confidence to invest in your project. This is your chance to prove that your series has the legs to go the distance, capturing audiences season after season and even expanding into new formats.

Prepare for the Pitching Process

Walking into a pitch meeting with a completed series bible shows you’re serious and professional. It proves you’ve done the work and have a deep understanding of your own project. Before you schedule any meetings, make sure your bible is as polished as your pilot script. It should be free of errors, formatted cleanly, and easy to read. This document is often the first impression a studio executive will have of your series, so it needs to be perfect. Your preparation signals that you’re a reliable partner who can deliver a high-quality product from concept to execution.

Know What Networks and Producers Want

Top executives are incredibly busy, and they often look at the show bible before even cracking open the pilot script. They want to see a clear, compelling vision at a glance. Your bible needs to quickly answer their biggest questions: What is this show about? Who are the characters? What makes it unique? And most importantly, does it have long-term potential? Producers are looking for projects they can build on for years to come. A well-structured bible gives them a roadmap, showing exactly how your series can grow and evolve, making it a much safer bet for them to champion your project.

Position Your Show for Success

A great series bible does more than just outline your first season; it showcases the full scope of your creative universe. By mapping out character arcs, potential plot twists, and plans for future seasons, you demonstrate that your idea is more than a one-off story—it’s a sustainable intellectual property. This is especially critical for creators interested in transmedia storytelling. Your bible can hint at opportunities for expansion into games, comics, or other media, which is a huge selling point. Showing this long-term vision, much like the expansive planning seen in the Star Wars universe, positions your show for lasting success and broad audience engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a series bible if my pilot script is already amazing? Think of it this way: your pilot script proves you can write a great episode, but the series bible proves you can build a sustainable world. A pilot shows a snapshot, while the bible provides the entire blueprint. It demonstrates to executives that you have a clear vision for the long-term journey of your characters and story, which is exactly what they need to see before investing in a multi-season show.

How long should my series bible be? Is there a magic number? There isn't a strict rule, but a good target for a text-focused bible is between 5 and 15 pages. The real goal is to be concise and impactful. You want to give enough detail to make your world feel rich and your characters compelling without overwhelming the reader. If you're including a lot of concept art and visuals, it can certainly be longer, but always prioritize clarity over length.

How much of the story should I give away? Should I plan out multiple seasons? You should absolutely show that you have a plan for the future. Briefly outlining the major arcs for seasons two and three is a great way to demonstrate your series has longevity. However, you want to avoid writing a definitive finale for your first season. Instead, end your season one outline with new questions or a cliffhanger. The goal is to showcase the world's potential for more stories, not to lock everything into a fixed conclusion.

What's the biggest mistake writers make when creating a bible? The most common pitfall is getting lost in the plot. Many writers provide a scene-by-scene breakdown of their episodes, but that’s not what a bible is for. Your focus should be on the big picture: the core concept, the emotional depth of your characters, the rules of your world, and the central theme. The bible is a sales document designed to sell the engine of your show, not just the first story it tells.

Should I include images and concept art, or is it all about the writing? While the writing is crucial, visuals can make a huge difference. Including concept art, mood boards, or character sketches helps communicate the tone and aesthetic of your show instantly. It makes your world feel tangible and helps your bible stand out in a stack of text-only documents. A powerful image can sell your vision before an executive even reads the first page.