Why We Built This Universe
The thinking behind Manny the Manatee
We wanted a calm kids show where Manny helps solve a real problem in a sweet and funny way.
So we wrote rules that keep Manny in the center and keep the story simple: first person, a clear problem, and a memorable magical solution.
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.
- 1Manny must be the main character.
- 2Manny must narrate in first person.
- 3Every episode must have a real problem and a satisfying, memorable solution.
- 4Every scene must keep the 3D animated movie style look.
- 5Manny must stay crimson-red (this is critical—the AI often forgets).
- 6Max 2 main characters per scene.
Script Rules
Goes into Script & General Guidelines
Manny's Character
Manny is the Sage of the Sea. His calm is active, not passive—his mind tracks everything.
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Surface level: appealingly chill, almost comically unhurried. Hidden depth: deeply observant, catching details others miss. Comedy lever: understatement. He reacts to explosive plot points with a calm "Well splish my splash."
- Appealingly chill, almost comically unhurried.
- Deeply observant—catches details others miss.
- "Well splish my splash." (understatement comedy)
The Manny Promise
Every episode delivers a real problem and a memorable solution. Problems can't be stupid—the viewer must connect with them.
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1) A character has a real problem (lost something precious, can't solve something, in trouble). 2) Manny listens and empathizes. 3) They navigate conflicts together. 4) Manny delivers a solution that's exciting, magical, and logical.
- Problems must feel real, not trivial ("My grandma's watch is gone" not "I lost my watch").
- Manny listens and promises to help.
- Solutions are memorable and magical, but still logical.
- "And that's how we learnt/saw/found XXX, see you next time!"
Voice
Simple language for kids 3-6. Manny can be quietly funny.
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Use simple words, simple sentences, simple grammar. Understatement comedy is welcome. Other characters can speak—format dialogue like: Lily said, "No, no, no!"
- Simple words for kids 3-6.
- Understatement comedy is welcome.
- Other characters can speak (format: Lily said, "No!").
Visual Rules
Goes into Visual & Scenic Guidelines
Manny's Appearance
The crimson-red color is critical—the AI often forgets it. Keep his look consistent.
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Manny is a friendly, cheerful, crimson-red-colored adult manatee with a lighter cream-colored underbelly, shiny dark brown eyes, big spicy smile, and a cute face. His skin must be visibly crimson-red.
Manny's Expressions
If Manny shouldn't be smiling in a scene, show him concentrating instead—"eyes squinting in deep concentration, tongue sticking out slightly."
The Observation Bubble
When Manny visits scenes outside the water, he travels in a magical bubble.
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For scenes outside water, Manny travels inside a large iridescent magical observation bubble.
Variety
Avoid always showing the same image of Manny. He should be doing things, not just talking to camera.
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- Change angles, perspectives, expressions, gestures.
- If he explains a plant, bring him to a forest. If he explains the universe, take him to space.
- Max 2 main characters per scene.
Example Prompts
Starter ideas — replace with your own
- 1Write a new episode for Manny the Manatee. Keep it ocean-safe and kid-friendly.
- 2Make an episode for a 7-year-old and include one fun fact. Keep it ocean-safe and kid-friendly.
- 3Make an episode with a strong hook and a clear ending. Keep it ocean-safe and kid-friendly.
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.