When filming a new series, it’s important that you have a well-thought-out framework for the entire production of your show. Each episode should cover a certain subject area in such a way that the same issues are not repeated multiple times in different episodes.
When you think about the programme structure and episode-specific script in advance, you have more time to think about possible locations for filming and other content related issues.
An example of episode structure in a reality show
- Who am I? (An intro video where you introduce yourself and make yourself known. Often shown on the channel as a teaser to attract subscribers)
- Relationship
- Job
- A personal crisis
- On holiday
- Hobbies
- Friends
- Passion
- Managing current affairs and commenting on them
- Something surprising
- A dream, designing something new
- A summer day
- Party
- Setting up the next production season
Remember that, if necessary, you can change the programme structure on the fly if something surprising happens in your life. You can make it an episode of its own.
It’s a good idea to write an episode-specific script before shooting. Leave room in the script for unexpected situations and remember to be flexible if necessary. In the My day-style reality series, you cover the topic of each episode during one day. The episode starts when you wake up and the episode ends when you go to sleep.
An example of an episode-specific script
Episode Name: Birthday Party
Beginning
Shooting location: Home (breakfast table)
What am I doing: Having breakfast
Things to discuss: Tell the viewers what you will be doing today. What plans do you have and what do you expect from this day? Tell them that something exciting is going to happen at the birthday party (but don’t say what yet)
Filming location: Bedroom
What am I doing: Dressing up
Things to be discussed: Preparation and tell what you’re going to do next (food and clothes shopping)
(Take video while going to the shops)
Middle stage
Filming location: Grocery store
To do: Shopping for the evening’s party.
Matters to be addressed: Always tell what you are buying, why and what you intend to do with it. What did it all cost, did you make cheap purchases and what did you spend it on?
(Illustration See you soon! Going to a clothing store.)
Filming location: Clothing store
What am I doing: New clothes for the evening party
Issues to be addressed: Match different clothes. Tell the viewers how much something cost and what your favourite clothes are.
Shooting location: Home
To do: Preparing for the party.
Things to discuss: Why are you throwing a party at home, who have you invited and what are you looking forward to most about the evening.
Shooting location: Home
What am I doing: Having a party
Topics covered: Speech, partying and fun. Reveal the surprise.
Ending
Shooting location: Home
What am I doing: Sitting in the bedroom
Things to discuss: Alone in the bedroom, a summary of the day and the party. Tell them that the party will continue at the restaurant, but the camera will stay at home.
Attention: Start shooting the next episode first thing the next morning.
The above examples of the programme structure and the script can be modified as you wish. However, it is good to have a notepad and a plan for what you will be doing during the day. When filming, you are often in a hurry, you may be in a tense state of mind, and the probability of forgetting important elements for the show is high.