The Pitch Bible
The Pitch Bible A pitch bible combines various elements that help define your television show. Often it is what you will use to sell the idea toagents or television producers, so it needs to be done exceptionally well. In our case it probably will be one of the mostsignificant deciding-factors whether or not your “series” gets the green light for spring.
It is also a great way to organize anddevelop your concept. You will sometimes see a pitch bible called a “pitch book” or a “treatment.”There are various things you can include in a pitch bible. Most of them will depend on what type of show you are pitching(animated, drama, sitcom, reality, etc.).
However all pitches will include three very important elements: the logline, synopsisand treatment.
Logline* A logline is a one-sentence description of your idea. If someone asked you what the show was about, what would be your quick answer?1. Examples of loglines can be found in fall preview guides or online.
2. Television executives usually consider the logline to be the most important element since it is often used later duringmarketing.
3. It is a good idea to write a dozen loglines and read them to other people to get their reactions.
4. Do not include details of your script in the logline. Put them in the synopsis and treatment.
Synopsis* A synopsis is a brief summary of your show in a few paragraphs.
1. It should introduce the major characters and major elements of the show (theme, tone etc.).
2. It can be any where from one-half to two pages and should contain little or no dialogue.
Treatment* The treatment is more inclusive than the synopsis. It should describe all the major elements of the script including keyscenes, major characters, overall storyline, plot, themes and genre of the show.
1. A treatment is similar in form and style to a synopsis, but more detailed.
2. A treatment is usually only about 2-3 pages long or less for a half hour-long show.
3. Although you want to be brief, you need to give enough information so that the reader is interested in the show.
4. Treatments are often done in short story format.
5. Expect to do several revisions of your treatment. Each time make it more condensed and add more vivid language.
6. A series treatment should focus on selling the characters, relationships and the format of the stories that will be playing eachweek. It is not about telling or selling a story.
Other Elements* Here are some other elements you may want to include in your pitch bible. You should include anything that will help sell theshow. If it won’t help sell the show, don’t include it. If an item is in italics, that also means it is required.
1. Character Descriptions: A description of major and reoccurring characters. It should include such information as their physical characteristics, personalities and how they interact with other characters.
2. Concept Art or Images: Any drawings, illustrations or images that will help bring the story’s characters and environment tolife.
3. Episode Synopsis or Story Springboards: A description of the plots of individual episodes that come from the original concept. Each synopsis should have a beginning, middle and an end.
Additional Pitch Bible Tips, (if you were doing this for “real”)
1. Register your treatment with the Writers Guild of America. This will cost you about twenty dollars.
2. Do not include your resume or a sample