Perfect Vertical Show Bible — Master Template

Definitive, all‑inclusive table of contents for vertical micro‑drama show bibles

1. Cover + Branding

  • Title Treatment (Logo / Title Card)
  • Subtitle / Tagline
  • Series Genre + Format
  • Creator(s) / Studio(s) / Partners
  • Mood Palette (Color, Texture, Lighting)
  • Hero Imagery (Key Art, Logo Lockup)
  • Contact / Representation / Production Info
  • Legal Line / Copyright Notice
  • Date & Draft Version
  • Series Logotype Variants
  • QR Code (to teaser / sizzle reel)

2. Series Overview

  • Logline
  • Elevator Pitch (short & extended)
  • Tone & Style Summary
  • Emotional Core — Why This Story Now?
  • Comparable Titles
  • Core Themes
  • Genre DNA Breakdown
  • Format + Runtime
  • Audience Target + Platform Strategy
  • Franchise Potential / Transmedia Hooks
  • The Hook (one‑line promise)
  • Mission Statement
  • World Snapshot / Series Context
  • Franchise Architecture (spinoffs, sequels, IP reach)

3. The Vertical Format

  • What Makes It Vertical
  • Visual Language (aspect ratio, rhythm, overlays)
  • Binge Engineering (hook‑per‑minute)
  • Chapter + Episode Cadence
  • Interactive & Social Extensions
  • Accessibility & Global Appeal
  • Production Efficiency Model
  • Format Comparisons (vertical vs horizontal)
  • Split‑Screen / Overlay Mechanics
  • Caption + On‑Screen Text Strategy
  • Algorithmic Discoverability Plan
  • Aspect Ratio Adaptation Guide (TikTok / IG / YouTube)

4. World & Setting

  • Core Locations (with visual moodboards)
  • World Map or Layout Diagram
  • Cultural / Societal Context
  • Visual Aesthetic (color palette, architecture)
  • Rules of the World
  • Timeline
  • Seasonal Visual Progression
  • Geography / Map Overlays
  • Key Establishing Shots Reference Grid
  • Historical / Cultural Context
  • Interior vs Exterior Mood Boards

5. Core Characters

  • Character Gallery (portraits, bios)
  • Archetype Summary (Hero, Shadow, Trickster)
  • Per Character: Name, Aliases, Description, Backstory
  • Relationships, Secrets & Contradictions
  • Wardrobe / Visual Style
  • Casting Inspiration / Voice / Accent
  • Sample Dialogue
  • Supporting & Recurring Characters
  • Ensemble Dynamics Chart
  • Relationship Map
  • Character Arcs (emotional growth chart)
  • Age / Sign / Origin Table; Alignment Spectrum
  • Behavioral Notes; Symbol / Object Association
  • Alternate Looks (seasonal / disguise / flashback)

6. Relationships & Emotional Engines

  • Central Love / Rivalry / Betrayal Threads
  • Family or Found‑Family Systems
  • Power Dynamics; Dualities
  • Chemistry Notes; Turning Points
  • Relationship Tension Matrix
  • Pair Chemistry Chart
  • Emotional Currency (love, loyalty, guilt, etc.)
  • Mirror Relationships
  • Triangle & Power Web Diagrams

7. Plot & Season Arc

  • Macro Structure (Acts or Arcs)
  • Story Spine (Inciting → Fallout → Revelation → Reckoning → Reset)
  • Beat Grid (per 2‑min episode)
  • Season 1 Overview
  • Future Seasons / Anthology Potential
  • Series Timeline (chronological)
  • Season‑by‑Season Beat Map
  • Pacing Chart (length vs intensity)
  • Major Twist Tracker; Flashback/Flashforward Indicators
  • Arc Resolution & Season Cliffhangers
  • Binge Loops (recurring hooks)

8. Episode Synopses

  • Short Format (1–2 sentences each)
  • Long Format (2–3 paragraphs per 10‑episode arc)
  • Emotional Hooks
  • Example Arc Clusters
  • Per Episode: Logline, Hook, Emotional Keyword
  • Mini‑Poster / Thumbnail Mockups
  • “Mood Beat” Line Graph
  • Character Focus Chart (per episode)

9. Themes, Symbolism & Subtext

  • Central Themes
  • Visual Metaphors; Motifs
  • Musical / Sonic Themes
  • Poetic Voice; Literary References
  • Emotional Triad (Heart / Head / Shadow)
  • Cinematic Metaphors; Color Symbolism Key
  • Object / Repetition Glossary
  • Thematic Arc Evolution

10. Tone, Mood & Cinematic Language

  • Tone Words
  • Color Theory / Emotional Palette
  • Camera & Lighting
  • Editing Rhythm
  • Sound Design
  • Score / Music References
  • Director’s Vision
  • Camera Grammar; Lighting & Color Rules
  • Mood Board Grids; Textural References
  • Editing Signature; Vertical‑Cinematic Score Sheet

11. Visual Identity & Design

  • Title Font / Typography; Pairing Rules
  • Color System; Gradient / Glow Spec Sheet
  • Key Art Treatments; Poster Variants
  • Logo Guidelines; Animated Logo Variants
  • Social Templates; Motion Templates
  • Transition Effects; Layout Grids (decks & site)
  • Animation Spec; Visual Brand Rules

12. Marketing, PR & Distribution Strategy

  • Release Strategy; Rollout Calendar
  • Distribution Model; Platform Plan
  • Teaser / Trailer Plan; Storyboard
  • Influencer & Cast Engagement Strategy
  • Behind‑the‑Scenes Content Plan
  • KPI Projections; Awards & Festival Strategy
  • Licensing & Merchandising Potential
  • Co‑Branding & Sponsor Deck Notes

13. Creator’s Vision / Showrunner Statement

  • Personal Connection; Creative Intent
  • Development Journey; Series Thesis
  • Tone Collage; Production Philosophy
  • Artistic Manifesto; Vision Letter
  • Visual Language Inspirations; Director’s Lookbook Page
  • Personal Note — What I Hope the Audience Feels

14. Production Plan

  • Camera Setup; Shooting Format / Gear
  • Shooting Schedule; Location Breakdown
  • Crew Key Roles; Cast & Crew Snapshot
  • Budget Tier / Funding Path; Studio Logos
  • Post Workflow & Pipeline Diagram
  • AI / VFX Workflow (if applicable)
  • Accessibility Protocols; Risk & Safety Summary
  • Deliverables List

15. Audience & Data Insights

  • Core Audience Profile; Psychographic Breakdown
  • Emotional Drivers; Community‑Building Strategy
  • Competitive Landscape; Demographic Crossover
  • Metrics & Sentiment Loop (feedback → iteration)
  • International Market Adaptation Notes
  • Potential Extensions

16. Appendices & Support Materials

  • Visual Style Guide (HEX & font codes)
  • Character Social Media Templates
  • Extended Character Questionnaires
  • Script Pages w/ Blocking Notes; Sample Call Sheet
  • Legal Chain of Title; Music Licensing Appendix
  • Metadata & Delivery Specs
  • Press Kit; Production Timeline; Credits & Acknowledgments
  • Legal / Rights Info; IP Registration

17. Optional / Advanced Sections

  • Multiverse / Anthology Connections; Extended Universe Map
  • Alternate Timelines / What‑If Arcs; Easter Egg Guide
  • Audience Game / ARG Integration; AI Companion / Chat Plan
  • Charity / Philanthropy Tie‑Ins; Cultural Impact Strategy
  • NFT / Interactive Ownership Layer; Brand / Scent / Fashion / Music Tie‑ins
  • Cultural Advisors & Ethics Notes

18. Developer / Investor Materials

  • ROI & Platform Expansion Forecast
  • Market Positioning Grid; Production Slate Context
  • Budget Tiers & Scenarios; Investment Ask & Terms
  • Team Bios & Credited Work