Seven Up series the first ever reality soap. The concept involves filming and getting to know a number of children, aged seven, across the nation. These children are then re-visited every 7 years to see how their lives are progressing. A varied group of children from different regions and social classes were selected. The Soviet group includes children from across the union, including Russia, Kirgizstan, Georgia and Lithuania. The filming took place during a time of civil and ethnic unrest and poverty.