Production Bible
A Production Bible is a comprehensive document that serves as the master reference guide for a theater, film, or TV production. Think of it as the complete instruction manual that contains all the important details about a show or production. It includes schedules, contact lists, scripts, technical requirements, and other vital information that everyone involved in the production needs to know. Stage managers and production coordinators use this to keep everything organized and make sure everyone is on the same page. Similar terms include 'show bible', 'production book', or 'stage manager's bible'.
Examples in Resumes
Created and maintained detailed Production Bible for 3 major theater productions
Developed digital Production Bible system used across multiple shows
Organized and updated Show Bible for national touring production
Managed comprehensive Stage Manager's Bible for Broadway musical
Typical job title: "Stage Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Stage Managers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you structure a Production Bible for a large-scale show with multiple departments?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should explain their system for organizing information, including digital and physical organization methods, how they ensure all departments can easily find their relevant information, and their process for keeping information updated across multiple teams.
Q: Tell me about a time when your Production Bible helped resolve a major production crisis.
Expected Answer: Look for examples of how they used their documentation to solve unexpected problems, their system for quick information retrieval, and how they maintain critical information that might be needed in emergencies.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What sections do you consider essential in a Production Bible?
Expected Answer: Should mention key components like contact sheets, schedules, technical specifications, emergency procedures, and show running notes, along with how they organize these sections for easy access.
Q: How do you keep a Production Bible updated during a long-running show?
Expected Answer: Should describe their system for regular updates, how they communicate changes to the team, and methods for tracking revisions.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a Production Bible and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that it's the central document containing all show information and why it's crucial for smooth operation of a production.
Q: How do you organize contact information in a Production Bible?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic understanding of organizing cast, crew, and emergency contacts in a clear, accessible format.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic document organization
- Maintaining contact lists
- Following established templates
- Basic scheduling
Mid (2-5 years)
- Creating comprehensive show documentation
- Digital and physical organization systems
- Managing multiple department information
- Developing templates
Senior (5+ years)
- Creating complex production systems
- Managing multiple show bibles simultaneously
- Training others in documentation practices
- Digital integration of production information
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with organizing production paperwork
- Unable to explain basic production bible contents
- Poor attention to detail in own documents
- Lack of experience with both digital and physical document management
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