Show Bible
A Show Bible is a comprehensive reference document used in theater, film, and television productions that contains all the essential costume and wardrobe information for a production. Think of it as the master guidebook that keeps everyone on the same page about what each character should wear throughout the show. It includes details like measurements, fabric swatches, sketches, continuity photos, and costume plots. Similar terms include Costume Bible, Production Bible, or Wardrobe Bible. Production teams use this to maintain consistency across episodes, performances, or scenes that might be filmed out of order.
Examples in Resumes
Created and maintained detailed Show Bible for 3-season television series
Developed comprehensive Show Bible and costume tracking system for Broadway production
Managed costume continuity through thorough Show Bible documentation
Updated Costume Bible daily during 6-month production schedule
Typical job title: "Costume Designers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Costume Designers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you manage a Show Bible for a long-running production with multiple cast changes?
Expected Answer: A senior designer should discuss systems for updating measurements, photos, and notes, maintaining digital and physical copies, training team members on documentation, and ensuring smooth handover between different costume teams.
Q: How do you handle budget constraints while maintaining costume quality and continuity?
Expected Answer: Should explain prioritizing key pieces, creative solutions for modifications, rental vs. purchase decisions, and how to document all decisions in the Show Bible for future reference.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What essential information do you include in a Show Bible?
Expected Answer: Should list key components like character breakdowns, measurements, fabric swatches, maintenance instructions, quick-change notes, and scene-by-scene costume plots.
Q: How do you handle costume tracking for scenes shot out of sequence?
Expected Answer: Should explain using detailed documentation, photos, notes about wear and tear progression, and maintaining clear communication with the production team.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What's your process for updating a Show Bible during production?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic knowledge of daily updates, taking clear photos, recording any repairs or alterations, and maintaining organized records.
Q: How do you organize costume information for multiple characters?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic organization methods, such as character sections, scene breakdowns, and how to track individual costume pieces.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic costume documentation
- Photo documentation skills
- Understanding of costume plots
- Basic measurement taking
Mid (2-5 years)
- Detailed continuity tracking
- Digital and physical organization systems
- Quick change coordination
- Budget tracking
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex production management
- Team training and supervision
- Multiple production coordination
- Digital system implementation
Red Flags to Watch For
- Poor attention to detail in documentation
- Lack of photography skills
- Disorganized record-keeping
- No experience with continuity tracking
- Unable to explain basic costume terminology
Related Terms
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