Target production scale.

— The target budget for episodes is $250,000 (avg) per episode, after taxes. To arrive at that average, we planned out the production from a number of angles and considered past experiences working on projects at larger and smaller scales and what those final products looked like. This particular level (250k) would allow us to afford more than just the basics; it can also include a fuller complement of design and production team members, plus include funds to effectively promote the project and build its platform. … For context, a standard streaming or network series will usually operate on a $2-3 million dollar budget, per episode. (Though our scale, for now, is much smaller, we’ve got creative ideas on how to make something that can still feel elevated).

Target episode count.

— The goal is to make at least four episodes, to start, with stretch ambitions all the way to a full season. As currently outlined, the first season (and series overall) is divided into blocks of four episodes, each with a general theme. The first four episodes complete Block A, which focuses on the first days after arrival. … Additional reasons to go for more episodes at the start, as opposed to just one, is to allow time to smooth out the variety of tones, notes and characters. Also, more episodes simply means a better opportunity for those involved with more work to be had and more chances to create.

Season 1 structure.

  • Block A (Episodes 01-04)

  • Block B (Episodes 05-08)

  • Interlude I

  • Block C (Episodes 09-12)

  • Block D (Episodes 13-16)

  • Specials (Devika & Gustavo)

— Below, find an outline of the first season and of the different fundraising levels. If funding for the first level (The Pilot) is met, we’d then move on to finishing Block A and, if we’re lucky, keep trying through the first season. Overall, the theme for Season 1 is “Discovery.'“

Fundraising blocks.

The Pilot / Episodes 01-02

Funding Goal: $650,000

— The series pilot is two-parts. We introduce the ensemble and immerse in the new world, all while the characters await word on their troubled flight and when it will take off again.

Block A / Episodes 03-04 / “Arrival”

— Next, we’d try to finish the first block. In the days after the plane makes its emergency landing, the characters form cliques and, while in waiting, each is drawn out into exploring the setting in some way. Meanwhile their hotel is in disarray behind the scenes and the city itself is about to have a meaningful event.

Block B / Episodes 05-08 / “On Holiday”

— The next episodes take place a few weeks after the characters decide (or have it decided for them) to stay longer. This is a time of greater exploration and a bit of carelessness. The group is in “holiday” mode, further bonded by the events prior and further boosted by having come out on the other side of it all.

Interlude I

— Built into the series are “interludes” in between the ends and beginnings of larger parts or themes in the story. The interludes would recur each season at midpoint and feature the characters taking a trip outside of the setting. It can tie into the main story in some ways, but mostly, it’ll just be a self-contained tradition.

Block C (Episodes 09-12)

— We jump ahead a little more and the fever dream / honeymoon period is coming to an end. Now, we’ve got to address some practical concerns. If they’re really going to stay longer, what of the characters’ strings back home? And what of the more logistical, lifestyle and, uh, legal concerns of living more permanently abroad?

Block D (Episodes 13-16)

— It’s been almost a year now and the characters stand as makeshift citizens in their new world. The Wild Horse (hotel) is central to their lives and the city continues to shift around them. They’ve become incredibly tied to this place and to each other and by the end, it’s time to drop the “makeshift” label and really try to build something.

Summer Specials (Devika & Gustavo)

— A tentative/stretch idea to focus a longer episode on one character in their hometown. Regular episodes wouldn’t feature flashbacks or deviate much from the group and the world at hand, so these specials could be a cool window into where the characters are from. They would air at a different time in the year.