How to Make a TV Show Bible [with Template and Examples] - TV Writing & Development: Ep5

Grab Your FREE TV Show Bible Template ►► bit.ly/2Qtvpu1
So you have your treatment, pilot script and logline and you’re feeling ready to pitch your TV show to Netflix.
What we need to do is package all of your show elements into a pitch: something that is slick and glossy. Something that is just as impressive in the writer’s room as it is in the boardroom.
What we need is a show bible...
...And we’re going to show you exactly how to create one.
In this episode of our TV Writing & Development Master Class, we’ll go over all the aspects that go into a great series bible and provide a FREE template for you to use when writing your own. We’ll dissect HBO’s Westworld and put it all together to show you how to use the template and what goes into an awesome series bible.
While there may be some confusion between series bible and pitch deck and what have you, they essentially boil down to the same thing:
A document that showcases your vision for the show and where you plan to take it.
Writing a great series bible is key to getting in a room and pitching your show. It’s also key to the development and progression of your idea from pilot to series. Before you start sending your script around town, make sure you give this video a good watch.
You won’t want to take a meeting without first knowing how to make a great series bible!
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[@tylercurry5462]

YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING! I'm literally following every step to make my dream come true.

[@alakayanand8555]

Thats good man g All the best

[@mxolisibooi3706]

truly amazing, im working on something myself and these guys are super instrumental in this journey

[@vonettadavis5225]

@@alakayanand8555 %%t%try%%t%

[@judichristopher4604]

"Amen Brother... Amen" Me too..

[@judichristopher4604]

It has been 5 years... Have you succeed yet?

[@blaircolquhoun7780]

I wish I'd watched this before I wrote my first attempt at a show bible. Thanks for the information.

[@stephaniestuder1820]

That template is a genuinely useful tool. Thanks so much! Have subscribed for your excellent content.

[@taniamoreno5140]

You guys helped me a lot, downloaded your template and it rocks! thank you!!

[@ohyeah2269]

Thanks guys that template truly was bomb. I got to understand the anatomy of a show bible or show while I used it

[@vesselofgod1755]

Same. I am new to this and this really helped. A director with years of experience is helping me. I am part of a local filmmaking group, and since the first day of going there, I made connections. I posted on their Facebook page and got some people interested in my project. He told me about the Screenwriting Bible and sent me a link to this video. I am so excited to get it up and going.

[@bchery4048]

This series is so informative

[@AlexTylerMeyers]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! THIS IS EXTREMELY HELPFUL!!!(:

[@whothetechknows]

That's a really insightful post. Thanks for sharing. Keep it up.

[@StudioBinder]

We plan to! Spread the word. :-)

[@mikebatie]

Thanks for this amazing resource!

[@NIKONGUY1960]

This is gold!!!

[@OwnYourPowerTV]

Thank you so much! This is great info!

[@atiqrony8631]

That's what I looking for. Thanks studiobinder.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks Atiq, we're glad you found it useful!

[@2girls2minutes]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@RichardAllenCramer]

The best show bible video out there! I have the number 1 hit show. All I need to do is, use this format. FX!

[@JacobPatrick1]

Season 2 Spoiler... That it's not nearly as good as Season 1. ;) Thanks for the QUALITY videos. It shows that you know what you're talking about.

[@judichristopher4604]

WHY... is it NOT as Good as Season 1?

[@IndraBahiaMusic]

so good, thank you!

[@JoJo-xp6wr]

"Worked on rick and morty" Me: *Brings notebooks and pens and starts listening*

[@breecewilson]

This is terrific. What about for reality shows? Any videos on that format?

[@vietzscheallagard2129]

Same thingm

[@medlbeisstcuriel855]

AWESOME!! Thank you so much!

[@blessedqueen5613]

THANKS SO... AWESOME

[@judichristopher4604]

EXCELLENT VIDEO Thank YOU for sharing this video Question: Since this is 5 years ago... is there any "Update" or another video we might need to see?

[@matthewscorner2990]

Would you have to write descriptions for episodes in a specific order? Like, does it have to be the first six episode of the show you have planned or can it be any six episode concepts you have in mind throughout the show? Like a first episode, a final episode of season 1, the start of season 2, the end of season 2, etc.

[@peek_TM]

ur channel is amazing...!! thnx a lot u guys..

[@StudioBinder]

Anytime! What should we cover in our next video?

[@peek_TM]

@@StudioBinder evolution of film(content) distribution in the 21st century

[@StudioBinder]

Distribution could be reallllllly interesting...I'll let the team know. :-)

[@bobperry2643]

I love dis

[@landonp629]

I'm more concerned with the proper way to do a show bible for the ongoing writing vs. pitch. Basically, a continuity document for other writers to work from. Most series bibles I come across tend to be 'pitch' documents.

[@EazeDayEnt]

How do you do a show bible for an anthology or documentary?

[@bhawani_rajpoot]

❤❤

[@seaoftigers]

looks like the serieswill help me become a director. (hoping)

[@StudioBinder]

Glad our series has helped! What was the most valuable part of today's video?

[@seaoftigers]

@@StudioBinder i find it that how can one integrate key factor to give a more enhanced study of the plot and story. Also telling people that what is it mix of?

[@StudioBinder]

A breakdown of what makes a plot & story effective is definitely something we'll be tackling even further. Glad you've enjoyed these past few episodes already. :-)

[@seaoftigers]

@@StudioBinder waiting for further episodes..

[@StudioBinder]

Awesome, stay tuned because we have some more great episodes lined up.

[@AlmightyZordos1]

Big fan of your content ! Could you please make "How to do a film bible ?"

[@StudioBinder]

Definitely, we're glad you've been enjoying the series. You can download our free tv show bible template via the link in the description. Just enter your email address and you'll instantly receive it!

[@AlmightyZordos1]

Yeah thanks but how about the film bible ?

[@StudioBinder]

Misread the first one, sorry about that! We don't offer a film bible, but we can definitely look into it. :-)

[@rosalierecordon2208]

for film its a treatment ;-)

[@tres5533]

Films don't and never had Bibles for they are a single entity not a series. The log line (1-3 sentences) and synopsis - about 3-4 paragraphs - is what a production company or producer will ask for. For examples of a synopsis look up any book on a publisher's site and use that as a model.

[@nicholasdauphinais]

If I was to write a TV show, should I write the Series Bible or Script first?

[@MyOwnPrivateSkyeby]

Bible, then the script will write itself ;)

[@tres5533]

Nick, I'll save you some wear-n-tear. Look at this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJmUqGN8hcyVj7M

[@dodapictures2141]

My Own Private Sky I read that the Pilot came first, then the Bible, then the series

[@295mediallc7]

Script.

[@ohyeah2269]

Excellent question I wondered too

[@ventrillo9]

Anyone having trouble understanding what you are supposed to do for a series bible? Not only because I haven't watched Westworld, but mostly it doesn't show what it's talking about, it just tells you.

[@sovereigndeleon]

Of course it's "telling" you. The bible isn't for your audience. It's for you, your producer/s, and the executives that you're pitching to, so it needs to lay out exactly what the show is supposed to be about and literally what the themes, mood, and message are so that you're all clear on how your series is going to turn out. The "showing" happens in the actual show.

[@ventrillo9]

@@sovereigndeleon ... is this a "Whoosh!" Moment Or no? Because you missed what I was talking about. I mean how they did it in "How to write a TV pilot" you know showing the diagram and explaining how it could be set up. Like if I have to go somewhere else and get a better explanation then how much does it actually benefit me?

[@295mediallc7]

Not at all.

[@cakedrama1574]

Does this work for movies?

[@IamColt13]

Is a ShowBible and a Deck the same thing?

[@295mediallc7]

No. A Bible is more detailed than a pitch deck. The Bible typically comes after the show is sold and used in the writer's room.

[@Iamwisewoman]

Is the template still available?

[@savannahscott90]

For anyone who’s feeling down: Romans 8:18 “The pain you’ve been feeling can’t compare to the joy that is coming!” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Whatever is going on right now, have faith, your situation will get better. :) Jesus bless anyone reading this and have a great day!!🥰✨💖

[@AdarshKumar-nj7rp]

Should be in more depth.

[@StudioBinder]

We're working on it, Adarsh! Lots of great videos in the works. What should we cover in a future video?

[@rosalierecordon2208]

I would love to be able to watch the work of every step of the bible. One episode for pitch/logline, one for Tone, one for Future episodes...etc.... That would be so HELPFUL. are you gonna do that by any chances?@@StudioBinder

[@rosalierecordon2208]

true

[@tarkantruman430]

Why they say "Bible"? :)

[@drwrecker5567]

THANK YOU SO MUCH OMG OMG OMG JHBVJDJMBCXVMB

[@db50000]

This is a pitch deck, not a bible.

[@295mediallc7]

It's steps to put together a Bible.

[@nadalolo8025]

هو اسم الفيلم دا اي

[@jarlfenrir]

I thought show bible os supposed to keep you from plot holes or inconsistencies, so shouldn't you write actually EVERYTHING about everyone?

[@copperbeckville1853]

More bullshit advice. It’s difficult enough to bring a show forth from an award winning book or graphic novel series. And the guy on this video isn’t particularly talented; he lacks legit credentials for modern television. The video should’ve been 30 sec long and had the flashing word: Quit.