We have the talking heads footage we captured on the boat, but now that youdon’t have guests to tend to, we hope to dig a little deeper. We’re just going to go through and remind you of some of the things that happened this season, get your reaction and thoughts. These interviews will help tell the audience what you were feeling in that moment. You can start over as many times as you need to, and we just ask that you answer the question in a complete statement. For example, “I was upset when the guests didn’t tip us well, considering the hell they put us through.” Make sense?
Ember gives a thumbs up.
PRODUCER
Great. To start, we’ll just have you tell us who you are, your experience in yachting, and what you wanted when you agreed to this season — any goals you had. And just look at us when you answer, not the camera.
EMBER
I’m Ember Reed. I—
PRODUCER
Big smile! Remember, this is going to be the viewers’ first impression of you.
Ember pauses, drinks water, resettles in with a beaming smile.
EMBER
I’m Ember Reed. I’m twenty-six years old and I’m from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I’ve been a yacht stewardess for four years now and this is my first time as chief stew.
PRODUCER
Why don’t you elaborate on that, tell us how excited you are.
Ember’s smile wanes. She drinks water, exhales, smiles again.
EMBER
Being chief stew has been my dream for years. This is the opportunity I have been waiting for; so, when Captain Gary called me up and offered me the gig, I was over the moon. I’m so excited to finally show I have what it takes to run an interior team.
PRODUCER
And what’s the main role of chief stew? Why are you so excited to have this opportunity?
EMBER
Working as a second and third stew for years now, I know everything it takes to make the interior team sparkle. It’s not just serving the guests; though, that is the number one priority. It’s laundry and cabins; it’s table décor and pulling off perfectly themed parties; it’s booking local dancers for entertainment. There’s so much that goes into every second a guest is on board. The goal is to make them feel like it’s a six-star experience without them even noticing how hard we have to work to make that happen. As for why I want this opportunity…
Ember shrugs.
EMBER
This is my chance to prove myself and open doors to the career I’ve always wanted.
PRODUCER
Prove yourself to who… your father, perhaps?
Ember pauses, nods.
EMBER
Sure, that’s always been a goal of mine. But it’s about proving to myself that I can do this, too. When you’re chief stew, you’re the boss. I want to manage a team. I want to create the best guest experiences this show has ever seen. And, in the end, I want to use this experience to get me where I want to be — a purser on a private yacht.
PRODUCER
Wonderful, Ember. Okay… let’s jump into the first episode.