The ‘One-Page’
Series Overview
Title: No Expectations
Tagline: Just when you thought you knew the world.
Logline: No Expectations, co-hosted by Dr. House, celebrates cultural resilience and identity through a posture of learning and friendship within the framework of a feel-good travel series.
Overview: Season One embarks on a profound exploration of Kyrgyz culture, illustrating how the nation melds its rich traditions with modern influences across diverse landscapes. Featuring music, fashion, art, cuisine, and more, the series captures the essence of what it means to be Kyrgyz today—preserving and redefining their cultural heritage. This inaugural season not only showcases Kyrgyzstan’s vibrant identity but also sets the foundation for future seasons, showcasing how communities maintain their traditions and identities while confronting the realities of a changing world.
Format: The series consists of 5 episodes, each 50 minutes in length, with each season exploring a new location.
Target Audience: The series is intended to attract a general audience: travelers and explorers, cultural enthusiasts, and those who appreciate human stories of growth and discovery, typically within the 18-54 age group.
Visual Style: With vibrant cinematography and a warm, inviting tone, No Expectations combines breathtaking landscapes with intimate portraits of people and their daily lives. The visual narrative is complemented by light-hearted moments that enhance the series’ feel-good nature, ensuring it remains uplifting and inspiring.
Comparables: The series shares the authenticity of “Parts Unknown” and the cultural immersion of “Human Planet”, combining high-quality production, engaging narratives, and genuine cultural explorations.
Mission Statement: The aim is to promote the example of true friendship among diverse peoples and allow their stories to be told in their own voice.
SEASON ONE
KYRGYZSTAN
Dr. House
Co-Host
Dr. Nathaniel House, a licensed clinical social worker with a PhD in Social Work, brings a unique perspective to No Expectations. His research on hope and resilience guides the series’ exploration of these universal themes. Rooted in his Midwest upbringing, Dr. House’s curiosity and humility invite viewers to discover the world through meaningful cultural exchanges.
Meerim
Co-Host
Meerim Kamchybekova, a recent Harvard graduate and cultural ambassador, bridges Kyrgyz tradition and modernity. Her deep connection to her homeland shines through as she guides viewers into the heart of Kyrgyz music, art, and cuisine. Through personal moments like her wedding, Meerim offers a moving glimpse into Kyrgyz family life and enduring traditions.
KEY THEMES
Stories of Resilience, Identity, and Unity
The Oneness of Humanity
In No Expectations, we explore the universal stories that connect us all, highlighting the resilience of traditions, the unity of humanity, and the richness of cultural identities. Through cultural exchange, resilience, and authentic storytelling, the series highlights the enduring beauty of tradition and the transformative power of unity.
Cultural Diplomacy
Immersive experiences are at the heart of No Expectations, serving as a gateway to cultural diplomacy through shared moments and hands-on learning. By stepping into the lives of others, the series fosters meaningful connections that transcend borders, creating space for empathy, mutual respect, and a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity. These moments of shared humanity invite viewers to see the world through new perspectives and celebrate the interconnectedness of our global community.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Preserving cultural heritage is essential to maintaining the connection between past and present, ensuring traditions and identities endure for future generations. No Expectations explores how communities safeguard their legacies while adapting to a changing world. Whether it’s the revival of a nearly lost instrument by a master artisan, the spiritual significance of UNESCO World Heritage sites like Sulaiman-Too, or the Epic of Manas—the world’s longest oral epic, over ten times the length of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey combined—these stories reveal the universal importance of safeguarding cultural treasures. By celebrating these legacies, the series honors the richness of human history and its ongoing impact on the future.
Authentic Storytelling
Authentic storytelling is at the heart of No Expectations. Local voices take center stage, ensuring each narrative is shared with honesty, dignity, and respect. Through meaningful interviews, thoughtful reflections, and moments of shared learning, the series offers an intimate and respectful exploration of diverse traditions and ways of life. This commitment fosters trust, deepens connections, and provides a genuine window into the human experience.
Contact Us
We welcome potential buyers interested in our travel series and docuseries, and we maintain a keen interest in exploring new stories that inspire. If our catalogue resonates with your needs or if you believe you have a remarkable story to share, we invite you to reach out to us.
Phone
314.813.7332
Head Office
2310 Rutger Street, Apt C
St. Louis, MO 63104
contact@selectstart.film
St. Louis Based Production Company Investing In Stories That Matter
St. Louis Based Production Company
Investing In Stories That Matter
