Format Bible
Comprehensive document detailing all creative and production elements needed to reproduce a television format in different markets.
Definition
A detailed guidebook that contains all essential information for adapting a successful television format for production in different countries or regions. This includes format rules, casting guidelines, production specifications, and creative direction necessary for maintaining format integrity.
Format bibles serve as instruction manuals for international licensees, ensuring consistent quality and recognizable format elements while allowing for local cultural adaptation and market-specific modifications that improve regional appeal.
Why It Matters
Format bibles enable successful international format licensing by providing clear guidelines that maintain brand integrity while accommodating local market requirements, maximizing revenue potential from format exploitation across multiple territories.
Well-developed format bibles reduce production risks for international licensees and increase format success rates, leading to longer-running local versions and higher ongoing licensing revenue for original format creators.
Examples in Practice
Reality competition formats like talent shows include detailed format bibles specifying judging criteria, elimination procedures, and production design elements that maintain recognizable format identity across countries.
Game show format bibles contain precise rules, question formats, and prize structures that ensure consistent gameplay while allowing for local language adaptation and cultural customization.
Drama format bibles outline character archetypes, relationship dynamics, and narrative structure while providing flexibility for local casting and cultural adaptation in different international markets.