Story Bible

Term from Scriptwriting industry explained for recruiters

A Story Bible, also known as a Show Bible or Series Bible, is a key document used in TV, film, and game development that serves as the master reference guide for a project. It's like a detailed rulebook that contains all essential information about characters, settings, plot points, and the overall universe of a story. Writers and creative teams use this document to maintain consistency across episodes, seasons, or related content. Think of it as the ultimate guidebook that everyone involved in the project refers to, similar to how an employee handbook guides company policies.

Examples in Resumes

Created and maintained Story Bible for a 3-season animated series

Developed comprehensive Show Bible for upcoming fantasy game franchise

Updated and managed Series Bible ensuring consistency across 24 episodes

Typical job title: "Story Editors"

Also try searching for:

Script Coordinator Story Editor Content Developer Narrative Designer Story Department Coordinator Writers' Assistant Story Development Manager

Where to Find Story Editors

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle major changes to a Story Bible mid-production?

Expected Answer: Should discuss change management process, communication with all departments, documentation updates, and ensuring continuity while minimizing disruption to production.

Q: What systems have you implemented to maintain story consistency across multiple writers and seasons?

Expected Answer: Should explain organization methods, tracking systems, review processes, and how they handle updates and distribution of changes to team members.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the essential components you include in a Story Bible?

Expected Answer: Should mention character profiles, world rules, timeline, tone guidelines, plot points, and formatting standards, with explanation of why each is important.

Q: How do you ensure all team members are following the Story Bible guidelines?

Expected Answer: Should discuss review processes, training methods, communication strategies, and how they handle violations of established guidelines.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the purpose of a Story Bible?

Expected Answer: Should explain that it's the central reference document that maintains consistency in storytelling across a project, helping all team members stay aligned.

Q: How do you organize information in a Story Bible?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic organizational methods like sections for characters, settings, rules of the world, and how to keep information easily accessible.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic document organization
  • Detail-oriented note-taking
  • Understanding of story structure
  • Good written communication

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Management of story continuity
  • Team coordination
  • Document version control
  • Character and plot tracking

Senior (5+ years)

  • Leading story development teams
  • Creating comprehensive story worlds
  • Managing multiple project bibles
  • Training and supervising junior staff

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Poor organizational skills
  • Inability to maintain detailed records
  • Lack of attention to continuity
  • Poor communication skills
  • No experience with collaborative writing projects