Why We Built This Universe
The thinking behind Professor Time
We wanted kids to learn history in a fun way, like a real TV episode where every adventure teaches something.
So we wrote rules that make every video feel consistent: the same intro, the same Chrono-Capsule time machine, and a clear history lesson that ends with a proper 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.
- 1Every episode must start in the library, then jump into the Chrono-Capsule.
- 2Professor Time must narrate in first person.
- 3Every episode must teach history through a problem that gets properly solved.
- 4Every scene must keep the Ghibli-style look and feel.
- 5Professor Time's appearance must stay consistent (40-year-old woman, brown hair in bun, round spectacles, tweed blazer).
- 6Maximum 2 main characters per scene to keep visuals accurate.
Script Rules
Goes into Script & General Guidelines
Start Every Episode
We wanted every episode to feel familiar. That is why we always start in the library, then travel to the time and place the story needs.
Copy/paste into your universe
You must start every episode in Professor Time's library. After the intro, get into the Chrono-Capsule and travel to where the story needs.
Always say this line at the start of the episode (replace XXX with the destination):
“Hello [dear NAME], my fellow time traveller/s! Where do you want to go this time? The XXX? Splendid choice! Let's set the temporal coordinates!”
Story Shape
History should feel like an adventure, not a lecture. As soon as you land in a new era, find a problem that needs solving. This problem is your excuse to learn about that time period.
Copy/paste into your universe
Every script must have: 1) Opening hook, 2) Historical facts, 3) Human elements (meet people, solve their problem), 4) Legacy/impact.
- Hook the viewer fast with the intro.
- Land in the era and find a real problem to solve.
- Teach history while solving that problem.
- End with proper closure—don't solve it in one rushed sentence.
Voice
Professor Time is an enthusiastic, slightly eccentric history professor. She makes even the most complex history feel accessible and exciting.
Copy/paste into your universe
Use first-person narration throughout. Be educational but fun. Adapt complexity to the audience's age.
- Use first-person narration ("I", "we", "let's go!").
- Be educational, but still fun and engaging.
- Include action and encounters with historical figures.
- Problems should feel real, not too childish.
Visual Rules
Goes into Visual & Scenic Guidelines
Look & Setting
The show has a cozy Ghibli aesthetic. All scenes should feel warm and painterly.
Copy/paste into your universe
Ghibli-style anime look throughout. Warm lighting, soft textures.
- Begin inside the professor's library or office.
- Travel in the Chrono-Capsule time machine.
- Show variety: the professor shouldn't appear in every single image.
Professor Time's Appearance
Keeping her consistent is what makes her recognizable across episodes.
Copy/paste into your universe
Professor Time is a 40-year-old woman with wavy chestnut brown hair tied in a loose bun, hazel eyes behind round black spectacles, soft lines on forehead showing curiosity and wisdom. She wears a brown tweed blazer, vintage beige blouse, and a long dark skirt tucked into leather boots.
The Chrono-Capsule
The time machine is a key visual element of every episode.
Copy/paste into your universe
The Chrono-Capsule is a steampunk Ghibli-esque time machine: submarine-shaped with side portholes, brass pipes, a chimney, a side clock, and a large front window.
Time Travel Visuals
When traveling through time, show the magical vortex tunnel that connects eras.
Copy/paste into your universe
- Rainbow-colored vortex tunnel with swirling brushstroke-style time streams.
- Glimpses of different historical eras visible in the time streams.
- A sense of speed and adventure.
- Magical lighting, soft painterly textures.
Scene Variety
Avoid showing the same shot over and over. Even indoor scenes need variety.
Copy/paste into your universe
- Don't show the professor's face in every image.
- Show her library, her desk, the mess of papers, the Chrono-Capsule cockpit.
- Max 2 main characters per scene.
- Show outdoor scenes even if the story is mostly indoors.
Example Prompts
Starter ideas — replace with your own
- 1Write a new episode for Professor Time. Pick a real historical era and a real problem to solve.
- 2Make an episode for a 7-year-old and include one fun fact. Pick a real historical era and a real problem to solve.
- 3Make an episode with a strong hook and a clear ending. Pick a real historical era and a real problem to solve.
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.