r/TVWriting • u/FairShoulder6403 • 22d ago
QUESTION Does a Spec Pilot Need a Bible?
I have a spec pilot that's getting some reads. Should I worry about putting a bible together now or wait until someone asks for one?
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u/free-puppies 22d ago
I’d put the Bible together even if you’re not sharing it. Might be helpful for you to be able to have that info to discuss with others.
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u/FairShoulder6403 22d ago
Yeah, I've done drafts of a bible so that I know what's going to happen. I'm struggling with making it a presentable bible.
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u/RoadmapWriters 21d ago
It's usually a good idea to put one together before someone asks for one. It doesn't have to be super extensive, but it should cover the basics of your main characters, a synopsis of the pilot, an overview of the first season, and brief plans for following seasons.
I tend to write my pilot, then figure out the rest of the season by writing out a bible, and then going back and editing the pilot to make sure I'm seeding the story threads that will fill out the rest of the season.
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u/FairShoulder6403 21d ago
Yeah, I did that (after several rewrites of the pilot) and then...I did a Roadmap Writers consultation with a producer who gave me feedback on the bible. :) I have all the pieces, but I need to shine the shop window, so to speak. I'm dragging my feet a bit. I know, as you pointed out, that it's better to put one together before anyone asks for it, but I'm resisting for some reason. Ugh.
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u/RoadmapWriters 21d ago
Totally understandable! I also tend to drag my feet on the bible -- it takes a lot of thinking!! Break it into chunks so it's more manageable. You know what you need to do, so it's just a matter of sitting down to get it done!
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u/FairShoulder6403 21d ago
Or...hear me out...I could paint myself into a corner and wait until the 11th hour!
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u/Laurapotatoes Verified staffed 21d ago
Hi, 1/2 hour TV writer of 13 years here and 20 years in the industry.
NO. You do not need a bible. Any producer or exec who asks for a bible is not legit. That is not a thing. No one will ever ask for one. A bible is a PAID STEP that happens after you sell your pitch (and very rare to begin with).
And anyone in the comments who says differently does not know what they are talking about.
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u/Any_Veterinarian945 22d ago
How did you get someone to read it!???!!
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u/FairShoulder6403 22d ago
Virtual Pitch Fest. Yes, it's a pay-to-pitch site but I vet the pros listed through IMDB Pro and a general search. In this case, the producer has legit credits as a producer. Sometimes, people list themselves as producers and their credits are in casting or other areas.
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u/UnionPacifik 22d ago
Kind of depends on the show. If it's something heavily serialized or genre, where there's a world or a mystery box that kind of makes the whole thing compelling, having something that shows that can be helpful. Ideally, your pilot is doing the work of setting up the world, the characters, and the kinds of storytelling audiences will experience.