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(Don't know if this one will go through... sorry if the other three attempts come out on this ng)
Now the question
Is there a set amount of program episode outlines that a show bible should have? If so, how many?
I can't find a site that has this kind of info. And, I'm too cheap to buy a book.
I've been looking for examples, but can't find any. When I stumble across something, the writing is so screwed up it looks like some rejected attempt at entering the Bulwer-Lytton contest.

Have you guys ever seen a waiver? I have one, and it's ridiculous - haven't signed it yet - looking for a loophole.
Thanks,
sl

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1](Don't know if this one will go through... sorry if the other three attempts come out on this ng) Now the question Is there a set amount of program episode outlines that a show bible should have? If so, how many?[/nq]
Are you trying to write a TV series pilot/bible on spec?

There's very little point in doing it at all if you don't have a well-connected agent in Hollywood.
But if you're bound and determined to do it, there is no set number of synopses I'd suggest around 6 good ones rather than 13 so-so.
[nq:1]I can't find a site that has this kind of info. And, I'm too cheap to buy a book.[/nq]
Yes, well, heaven forbid you should want to invest a dime in your career.
Even if the $20 is deductible.
[nq:1]I've been looking for examples, but can't find any. When I stumble across something, the writing is so screwed up ... ever seen a waiver? I have one, and it's ridiculous - haven't signed it yet - looking for a loophole.[/nq]
Waivers are pretty much SOP.

"Writing is an occupation in which you have to
keep proving your talent to those who have none."
Jules Renard

Usenet · Answer

@reader1.panix.com:
[nq:1]Is there a set amount of program episode outlines that a show bible should have? If so, how many?[/nq]
Varies. Here in Canada it's 13, 26 or 52, depending on the format. For your show bible, do 13. For a show you're trying to sell, they only serve to give an idea of the general arc you intend to take, because, should the show sell, it'll likely go through enough changes to make them all (or mostly) irrelevant.
[nq:1]I can't find a site that has this kind of info. And, I'm too cheap to buy a book.[/nq]
Well, as long as you're committed to your project. I print all my show bibles and intro letters on the back of used paper: old flyers, overdue notices, etc. It cuts down on the expenses.
[nq:1]Have you guys ever seen a waiver? I have one, and it's ridiculous - haven't signed it yet - looking for a loophole.[/nq]
Don't balk on the waiver. Makes you look like a newbie ("They'll steal my stuff!") and the producers won't touch you with a ten-foot pole.
jaybee

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2](Don't know if this one will go through... sorry if ... that a show bible should have? If so, how many?[/nq]
[nq:1]Are you trying to write a TV series pilot/bible on spec? There's very little point in doing it at all ... do it, there is no set number of synopses I'd suggest around 6 good ones rather than 13 so-so.[/nq]
Well, I don't drop names like some, but I have a fairly good connection(s).
[nq:2]I can't find a site that has this kind of info. And, I'm too cheap to buy a book.[/nq]
[nq:1]Yes, well, heaven forbid you should want to invest a dime in your career.[/nq]
Investing a dime is okay - ****, I would even go to a quarter. $20 for a single sentence is a little steep - unless one is making a movie about submarines and needs a line about the Silver Surfer.

You seem testy today, MC... whatsup?
[nq:1]Even if the $20 is deductible.[/nq]
Yes, deductible from taxable income. That's an important point. When one has only $15 in taxable income, a $20 deduction is useless.

Usenet · Answer

@reader1.panix.com:
[nq:1](Don't know if this one will go through... sorry if the other three attempts come out on this ng) Now ... a waiver? I have one, and it's ridiculous - haven't signed it yet - looking for a loophole. Thanks, sl[/nq]
All depends on your format for the show.
When I was asked to write a bible for Project-SI I was told to write the bible for a possible first season. The format was for a 24 episode season.
I pondered whether to include a episode synopsis and when i asked my producer he said to include a short synopsis for each episode within the season and make sure to focus on the arc much more than the primary story for each episode.
Episode outlines are in any case the least important section in the bible as far as my experiences go. It covers about 2% of the bible.

Vidar Nilsen
It all begins here www.project-si.com

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]@reader1.panix.com:[/nq]
[nq:2](Don't know if this one will go through... sorry if ... signed it yet - looking for a loophole. Thanks, sl[/nq]
[nq:1]All depends on your format for the show. When I was asked to write a bible for Project-SI I was ... far as my experiences go. It covers about 2% of the bible. Vidar Nilsen It all begins here www.project-si.com[/nq]
Vidar,
I think I know the answer to my next question, but need confirmation. What consititutes the other 98% of the bible?
BTW, the "project si" link goes to a cool site, for a cool idea.

Thanks for the help to Vidar, Jacques, and even MC.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]I think I know the answer to my next question, but need confirmation. What consititutes the other 98% of the bible? BTW, the "project si" link goes to a cool site, for a cool idea. Thanks for the help to Vidar, Jacques, and even MC.[/nq]
Sorry crabby in the past few days. On multiple projects all with the same deadline and sprained my wrist the other day, so it's hard to type & it hurts.
If you're not doing this on spec, why not ask the producer if he has a bible from a previous show so you can follow that?

"Writing is an occupation in which you have to
keep proving your talent to those who have none."
Jules Renard

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]I think I know the answer to my next question, ... Thanks for the help to Vidar, Jacques, and even MC.[/nq]
[nq:1]Sorry crabby in the past few days. On multiple projects all with the same deadline and sprained my ... "Writing is an occupation in which you have to keep proving your talent to those who have none." Jules Renard[/nq]
I confess, it is on spec - with a date for the pitch already set. Hope you feel better - I've typed while injured. I've never been able to determine of the Percocet helped or hindered.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]I confess, it is on spec - with a date for the pitch already set. Hope you feel better - I've typed while injured. I've never been able to determine of the Percocet helped or hindered.[/nq]
Can you get your hands on any Bibles from shows produced by the pitchee?

"Writing is an occupation in which you have to
keep proving your talent to those who have none."
Jules Renard

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]I confess, it is on spec - with a date for the pitch already set. Hope you feel better - I've typed while injured. I've never been able to determine of the Percocet helped or hindered.[/nq]
On usenet, everyone types while injured.
jaybee
"What the **** did you mean by that?"

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]I confess, it is on spec - with a date ... been able to determine of the Percocet helped or hindered.[/nq]
[nq:1]Can you get your hands on any Bibles from shows produced by the pitchee?[/nq]
This is a good idea. I go into a preliminary meeting with the mid-level person in about 1.5 hours... I'll ask.
Thanks

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