DRAFT IN PROGRESS

Episode Structure

& Production Approach

Contributing authors: Pascale Otis, Dave Allen & Jamie McCaskill

Series Objectives

The series documents the profound relationships between people and freshwater species across Aotearoa, sharing stories of connection, hope and action through personal narratives. By bridging traditional mātauranga Māori with contemporary community experiences, we inspire viewers through authentic human stories that reveal how we care for our waterways.

Episode Structure Framework

Introduction: Journey & Context

• Jamie’s departure and travel to location – capture him in his element (play on element of him being a ‘salty type’: surfing, diving, boating, walking along seashore), then traveling to location (car, plane) while he reflects on what he thinks his journey will be about

• Jamie's arrival - meeting people where their stories begin

• Personal welcome and introductions

• Setting up the journey (physical and emotional)

• Kaumatua or Pakeke voices or narration establishing deeper connection with Te Taiao. Whakairo, tukutuku, Pou, ingoa whare, tupuna whare - something visual that can be filmed

• Cultural significance through pūrākau or traditional knowledge

Act 1: Memory & Connection (The Human Story)

• Personal stories and lived experiences with the species

• Traditional practices and knowledge from kaumātua

• Pūrākau and mātauranga Māori connecting people to species across generations

• Intergenerational memories and what has changed

• Younger generations creating new connections and taking action

• Initial glimpses of dreams and visions for the future

• Community relationships that enable connection

Act 2: Discovery & Experience (Being Present)

• The journey to reach meaningful places (physical/spiritual)

• Hands-on moments with the species or waterway

• Learning through doing - traditional practices in action

• Sharing knowledge between generations

• The beauty and depth of these connections

• Developing dreams and visions for the future

Act 3: Action & Unity (Community Solutions)

• How communities are embracing change and adapting

• Multiple approaches to caring for waterways

• Traditional and contemporary practices working together

• Community gatherings and shared experiences

• Building hope through collective action

• Showing how traditions adapt while values endure

• Fuller exploration of dreams and visions for the future

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

• Final thoughts on dreams and visions for the future

• Practical inspiration for viewers

• Return to opening themes/whakataukī and pūrākau

• Community gathering bringing everyone together (mirroring introduction)

• Jamie's personal reflection on discoveries

• Final wisdom from elders or key voices

Production Guidelines & Approach

1. Presenter Approach

1. At the start of each episode, Jamie will be introduced from Wellington, in "his element" (surfing, fishing on his boat, diving, walking along seashore, playing guitar, etc.), while he reflects on the journey ahead, before he travels to each location

2. There will be a mix of Jamie talking directly to camera and thought track + b-roll when: by himself, traveling to location, reflecting on something specific, or sharing particular discoveries (as appropriate in the moment)

3. Jamie will engage directly with people we are meeting, leading discussions and discovering things he isn't familiar with

4. Jamie will hold a camera occasionally, depending on the situation (underwater filming while he is in the water holding a go-pro, for example). Other filming will be done by the content producer

2. Narrative Voice

1.  We will use a mix of off-camera narration and in-scene (all filmed on site)

2. Elder voices will be captured as wisdom threads throughout

3. Jamie's voice links the various subjects together throughout

3. Interview Style

1. "Walk and talk" with Jamie, while he captures stories on site

2. Sit-down, more formal, with Jamie off camera frame & leading the discussions

3. Interview questions not visible to interviewee

4. Preferably, individual stories will be captured, but group conversations are possible if necessary (limited to 4 microphones, with boom option for Jamie to hold)

4. Journey Structure

1. Each episode follows a similar structural pattern, but will be independent from one another (no reference to other episodes, and independent intro that fits the episode)

2. Linear narrative, with possible back and forth when appropriate, based on the dreams and visions for the future

3.  Multiple journeys will be captured

5. Te Reo Māori Integration

1. Te reo will be incorporated throughout episodes

2. Approach will vary depending on situation (reflections to camera, speaking with people on site, occasional word in context), with following: subtitles, translation or no translation/subtitle needed if context is obvious

3.  Cultural protocols will be filmed when possible, with guidance from iwi/community

4.  Incorporate local waiata and traditional singing, and Jamie with guitar (when appropriate)

5. Record the same music, and other pieces, without lyrics

6. Visual Style

1. Balance between observational and directed footage

2. See through Jamie's point of view during key moments

3. Integrate archival material into contemporary stories with photos and archival footage (to be planned ahead)

4. Natural representations of concept (example: draw in sand) preferred over animations

7. Production Presence

1. The crew will remain invisible, but be present in some scenes if appropriate

2. Capture authentic location sound (2 min)

3. Flexible approach to weather and environmental conditions, due to filming planning and species migration, which will be woven into the story. Equipment note: the go-pro will be used if the conditions are too wet

8. Style References

1. Existing series that could serve as our style reference: Grand Designs (presenter to camera), The Casketeers, The Wild Ones (Apple TV), The Undertakers (Māori TV – use of te reo)

9. Community Engagement

1. Full signed agreement will explain the external use of the footage and our commitment to giving each individual featured a full copy of the raw unedited footage where they feature, if they wish to archive/use in the future

2. Ensure communities feel ownership of their stories by sharing the edited episode with 1 week to ask to remove content (no content to be added at this point in time)

Narrative Principles to Consider

• Physical travel as metaphor for emotional discovery

• Letting quiet moments carry weight

• Using reveal moments for emotional impact

• Patience over pace in storytelling

• Focus on the dreams and visions for the future

• Building to community gathering as culmination