The development of a series can be a complex task. When
taking into account the 15 elements that should appear in any series Bible that
puts forth a story idea. The tools to accomplish this task are varied; however
the basics remain constant. A log line, a synopsis, the format, the audience,
the setting, the world and background of the series, a series outline, the
characters (the mains), minor characters, Main locations, episode story
outlines, character statements, feel and look of the series, visual references,
and a glossary (if the series is science fiction or technology-based) are all
elements which should be included in a well thought out series Bible.
In 30 words or less, your log line gives the reader your
focused idea of the series. The protagonist, their fatal flaw, their objective,
and the antagonist of the series should be clearly presented. In 4 to 5
paragraphs and in less than one page the world of your series, the main
characters and the central tension should be summarized in the form of a synopsis.
In relation to format, the structural elements of the series such as length of
episodes, the number of episodes, the structure of episodes and their story arcs,
the genre run of the series, the release pattern of series episodes (how often
and when they appear) are aspects that must be illustrated in writing. This
leads to clarifying in defining your target audience. The age, the demographic
or interest of the viewer, it is skewed towards the particular network or
medium such as online or video on demand. The character of other shows that may
be similar in style of genre should be considered. Referencing the series
Bible of Battlestar Galactica series
creator Ronald Moore can clearly show this. His extensive Bible gave the
universal television production a coherent voice across the life of the series.
The setting of a series, giving a place and period for the
action is vital. The genre can dictate the length of a Bible; a science fiction
series may require a significant amount of detail. Whereas, a series based on a
very narrow theme like suburban life could only take a short Bible to
accomplish the same task. World plus background is a section that outlines
beyond the where and the when while giving of the why. This section can include
the events that led to the current situation, the back-story of our characters,
any social groupings or hierarchies, the established behavior and attitude of
the characters, and the rules that govern the tone of the story (humor, types
of language, and inflections) that will run throughout the series. When
watching the series such as HBO's Boardwalk
Empire, a clear and distinct tone is crafted. A Bible, which gives the
writers and the characters a specific tone in character, allows this type of
precision.
A 1 to 2 page series
outline should give an overview of the characters and their narrative arcs
across the life of the series. This section focuses on the major events and the
journey of the protagonists much like a feature film treatment. Characters
should be listed with 2 to 3 paragraphs covering their personal characteristics,
wants, needs, obstacles, and their flaws. The relationships between the
characters should be carefully indicated as well. However, a minor character
section should be included with a brief sentence in relation to who they are.
In example of this point would be "Susan-a computer technician and friend
to Charles." Key location lays out the most vital locations in the series,
any recurring locations that are important to the characters and the world in
which the series plays out. The location should be listed with a 1 to 2
paragraph description of each particular place.
Perhaps the most famous Bible of this type was for the
series The
Wire by series creator David Simons. The episode storyline is a specified
summary of the major plot arcs for each episode and shows both the storyline
within the episode and how each episode contributes to the overreaching arc of
the storyline across the series. This leads to what is called the creative statement;
this is the clear and sustained spelling out of thematic and conceptual ideas
along with the premise behind the series. The metaphors and philosophies, which
are embedded in the story and how the characters reflect the questions, that
need to be explored. The belief that underlie and drive the story are examined
in this section. This leads to the feel and look section which details the
visual aesthetic of the series and the style of the show in terms of how it
will appear to the audio. If there are any special techniques colors
compositions and uses visual influences they should be detailed in this
section. In this light, a visual reference section may be included which allows
for a gallery of visual images that may provide a background for the mood and
visual guide to the aesthetic of the show is provide the interiors, the
exteriors, the tone, the texture, the style, the costume and design of the production
can be hashed out here.
The final section can help the reader is a glossary. With
reference especially in the case of science fiction, fantasy, technology, or
subcultures, like military or prison settings this device of terms and
terminology can in form of writing and development of the story and help to
maintain a confidence than an authentic story world across the life of the
series. Again if we reference the series Battlestar
Galactica, Ronald Moore gave his series just such a roadmap.
A series carries of the life of its own. Regardless of the
team of writers, a well-developed and thought out scenario requires a building
block and a constant across its life. The well presented series Bible does just
that. It pulls together all elements and allows the series to move seamlessly
from pilot to closing episode. David Chase the creator of the series The Sopranos took
his series from beginning to the end was a set of characters, the tone, the
premise, and in the end a series of emotional, philosophical, and life influencing
moments and reactions.
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