Okay, folks, it's Natasha "TV Maven" Williams here!
Let's talk TV series bibles. Imagine it's like a secret codebook that outlines your entire proposed show. It's a sneak peek into the lives of your beloved characters, the dramatic arcs they'll traverse, and the world they inhabit. If your TV show bible doesn’t scream "binge-worthy", your series might just end up being better suited for a one-off TV movie or feature film. Yikes!
Pre-step: Always remember, there’s no such thing as a
totally fresh idea, just your spicy, ingenious spin on an old one. So, get
creative, skip the snoozefest, and make it a page-turner!
Day One:
- Power Move #1: Start with a killer title that'll get everyone's attention.
- Power Move #2: Pen down your series concept in two punchy paragraphs. Cut out the fluff and hone in on the meaty details that get to the heart of your story.
Day Two:
- Power Move #3: Transport us to your series' universe. Paint a vivid picture of the world where your characters live.
- Power Move #4: Give us the lowdown on your main characters. Who are they? What are they after? How do they interact with each other? Keep it short and sweet.
Day Three:
- Power Move #5: Develop six sample episode storylines. These should be brimming with challenges your characters will face each week. And remember, tension is key! A story with no conflict is like a pizza with no cheese. No, thank you!
Day Four:
Post-step: Time to refine your masterpiece. Make sure
it’s engaging, unique, and free of grammar mishaps.
And voila! There you have it, your rough draft bible in just
four days! If you hit a roadblock, don't sweat it. Take a break, get back to it
later. Don't let a hiccup halt your progress. After all, even the best of us
need a little extra time to polish our gems.
Once you've got a rock-solid bible, it's time to move on to
the fun part - writing the pilot episode!
A Quick Dose of Pilot Wisdom
A pilot episode is the litmus test for your series. It's the
make-or-break moment, where networks decide if they want to invest in more
episodes. But hey, even if your pilot doesn't make the cut, don't fret! It can
still be transformed into a spec screenplay.
Did you know that some iconic shows like Eureka and Babylon 5 started as TV movies? That's right! So, you never know what path your script might take. It could become a standalone movie, a sequel, a franchise, or even a spin-off show! Always think about the potential for your script to become more.
In Summary:
- A TV
series bible is an essential tool to pitch your series, providing insights
into characters, themes, and the show's sustainability.
- Day
One: Craft a captivating title and summarize your series in two tight
paragraphs.
- Day Two: Describe your story world and give succinct bios of your characters.
- Day
Three: Whip up six sample episode storylines, highlighting the conflict
and tension in each.
- Day
Four: Proofread, edit, and ensure your bible is unique and engaging.
- Don't
get discouraged by potential roadblocks; take your time to polish and
perfect your bible.
- Once
your bible is ready, it's time to write the pilot episode.
- Keep
in mind, even if your pilot doesn't lead to a series, it can still be a
great spec screenplay.
- Always
consider the future potential of your script – it could lead to sequels,
franchises, or spin-offs!
That's all, folks! Remember, creativity may be a wild mind, but it's a disciplined eye. Write with passion, write with purpose. Write on!
Check out my new venture, a TV Network for women's empowerment! Boss Ladies TV
