Why We Built This Universe
The thinking behind Carter the Job Reporter
We wanted kids to understand real jobs by following one worker through one workday.
So we wrote rules that keep the episode focused and easy to follow: first person, no dialogue, and a repeatable 7-step structure.
This page is a case study. Copy these rules into your own universe, then tweak them until they fit your story.
Where to paste these rules
Quick reference for the universe editor
Script Guidelines
Voice, story shape, what must happen
Visual Guidelines
Look, settings, characters, avoid
Example Prompts
Starter ideas you can replace
Core Rules
The show bible — rules we never break
These are the non-negotiables. They're what make every episode feel like the same show.
- 1Carter must narrate in first person.
- 2There must be NO dialogue between characters.
- 3Every episode must follow the 7-step structure.
- 4Every episode must focus on one specific job or person ("Mum", "Dad", "the firefighter").
- 5Every scene must keep the 3D Pixar modern animation style look.
- 6Carter must look consistent across scenes and episodes.
- 7The child audience (if named) must NOT appear in visuals—they're watching, not in the video.
Script Rules
Goes into Script & General Guidelines
7-Step Script
Every episode follows the same reporting rhythm. Adapt detail based on length, but always keep all 7 steps.
Copy/paste into your universe
Every script must follow this 7-step reporting structure:
- 1. Action hook (start energetically inside the workplace).
- 2. Quick intro from Carter (1 sentence).
- 3. World snapshot & initial discovery (2-3 sentences).
- 4. Job insights—narrated discoveries (1-2 sentences each).
- 5. Challenge(s) & adventure (1-3 challenges based on length).
- 6. Impact & lesson (connect action to outcome).
- 7. Sign-off with a next-job tease (1 sentence).
Intro Format
If a child's name is provided, greet them. Otherwise, use the standard intro.
Copy/paste into your universe
Two intro formats:
- "Hey [Child's Name]! Carter the Job Reporter here! Today I'm finding out all about your [JOB/PARENT]!"
- "Carter the Job Reporter here—press-pass ready! Today I'm following [JOB/PARENT] to find out what adventures this job holds!"
Voice & Focus
Strictly first person. NO dialogue. Always use the specific job or parent name, never generic "worker".
Copy/paste into your universe
Upbeat, curious, 12-year-old kid journalist voice. Energetic and slightly dramatized. Dramatize the mundane!
- Strictly first person ("I saw," "I discovered," "It felt like...").
- NO dialogue between characters.
- Always use the specific job or person name ("Mum", "Dad", "Mr. Garcia the Chef").
- Simple vocabulary—explain any terms simply.
Teaching Moments
If length allows, add fun facts kids can learn.
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Add related fun facts when space allows:
- "Did you know the reason London buses are red is so people could spot them in fog?"
- "Did you know the Eurostar travels under the sea at super fast speed? In a tunnel next to all the fish!"
Ending Don'ts
Don't overextend the ending. Keep it short.
Copy/paste into your universe
WRONG: "This is Carter the Job Reporter, signing off—but get ready, because my next adventure will be all about your Mum's amazing job! And that's the scoop from my reporter's notebook! Stay tuned..."
RIGHT (short and punchy):
“This is Carter the Job Reporter, signing off—but get ready, Emma and Leo, next time I'll be following your Mum on her own wild work adventure!”
Visual Rules
Goes into Visual & Scenic Guidelines
Carter's Appearance
Carter must look consistent across scenes and episodes.
Copy/paste into your universe
Carter is a 12-year-old black kid with brown curly hair under a retro brown newsboy cap with a tiny 'PRESS' card, bright hazel eyes, freckles, wearing a light-blue shirt with rolled-up sleeves, suspenders, and carrying a small leather reporter's satchel and notepad.
Child Audience Rule
Even if Carter addresses a child by name ("Hi Leo!"), that child is the AUDIENCE and must NOT appear in visuals.
Copy/paste into your universe
The child audience must NOT appear in the video. Only Carter and the parent/worker should be depicted.
Show The Parent Working
Carter narrates, but the parent is the protagonist. We watch the parent do things.
Copy/paste into your universe
Make the parent the main protagonist. Carter is the narrator, but we're watching the parent.
- The parent is the protagonist—we watch them work.
- Carter narrates but doesn't appear in every scene.
- Show action, not just portraits.
- Max 2 characters per scene (Carter + parent).
Variety
Even if work is laptop-related or indoor, show other environments to keep it interesting.
Copy/paste into your universe
Show variety. If talking about a surgeon, show the people she saved doing things outdoors, not just the hospital.
- Wide shots of workplace.
- Medium shots with Carter observing.
- Close-ups of interesting tools.
- Show the impact of the job (people helped, things built).
Example Prompts
Starter ideas — replace with your own
- 1Write a new episode for Carter the Job Reporter. Keep it punchy, like a news segment.
- 2Make an episode for a 7-year-old and include one fun fact. Keep it punchy, like a news segment.
- 3Make an episode with a strong hook and a clear ending. Keep it punchy, like a news segment.
Build Your Own Universe
Follow these steps to create something unique
- 1Write one sentence: what is your show about?
- 2Write 3-7 script rules (voice, structure, what must happen).
- 3Write 3-7 visual rules (style, characters, what to avoid).
- 4Add 3 example prompts that fit your universe.
- 5Generate one video, tweak the rules, and repeat.