Television Show Bible
For Dramatic Series, Sit-Coms, Reality Series, Mini-Series, or Limited Series. Ultimately used to pitch a series to networks, though can be used when ramping the project up to secure initial development funding for presentation package, and secure key attachments or other assets to the show.
Contents:
Overview of Show and Overall Project [condensation of all other elements that follow]
Details of the Concept
Breakdown of Characters and Inter-Character Dynamics [if dramatic, comedic or limited series]
Beat structure per episode [i.e., intro, segment 1, seg 2, seg 3, outtro etc - structure identity of show]
Synopsis of pilot episode
Brief breakdown of 6 to 12 succeeding episodes [to demonstrate it can work as a series rather than a one-off movie concept]
Profit Centers [different ways the project can make money, if applicable]
Project Team [thus far]
Bankable Attachments and/or Targets [stars, celeb host or participants etc]
Marketing Elements Specific to Project
Target audience – comparable shows that audience watches
Appropriate sponsors
Budget [start-up to build sets etc, and per episode after start-up]
Project Schedule / Funding Release Schedule
APPENDIX
Pilot Script
Promo DVD for Project
Reel of Producing Production Company – DVD
CD of Theme Music for Show
Letter/s of Attachment or Interest from Bankable Talent
Head shot/s of Attachable Stars
Letter of Commitment or Interest from Potential Sponsor/s
Letter/s of Interest from Merchandising Entities
Relevant Photo or Illustration of Set Design
Newspaper, Magazine, Internet Articles Supporting Interest in Subject Matter
Any Other Information Supporting Viability or Profitability of the Project
NOTE 1: All plans are built over time. You start with whatever info you have, and build from there. As you build the plan, you use what you’ve built to interest other parties in the project; then you build them into the plan as they become formally involved.
NOTE 2: This is an optimum plan. Not every plan will involve all of these elements. Incorporate everything you can provide that will explain and support the project.
For further info contact: andyvr@filmnashville.org
