--- name: video-script description: "Writes ready-to-film video scripts with hooks, segment breakdowns, B-roll cues, text overlay notes, timing estimates, and shot lists. Use when a user needs a script for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels, course content, or any video format where a structured script improves production quality." allowed-tools: Read Write Glob metadata: author: AI Black Magic version: "1.0" --- # Video Script ## When to Use This Skill Use this skill when you need to: - Write a ready-to-film script for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels, or course content - Structure a talking head, tutorial, or short-form video with proper segments and timing - Add production cues like [B-ROLL], [TEXT ON SCREEN], and [CUT TO] so a solo creator can film without a producer - Turn a topic, outline, or rough notes into a complete script with hook, body, and CTA - Generate a shot list so the creator knows every setup before they press record **DO NOT** use this skill for podcast scripts (audio-only, no visual cues needed), written blog posts, or live-stream outlines where scripting kills spontaneity. --- ## Core Principle EVERY SECOND OF VIDEO MUST EARN THE NEXT SECOND — IF THE VIEWER HAS NO REASON TO KEEP WATCHING, THEY LEAVE. --- ## Video Format Quick Reference | Format | Target Length | Pacing | Hook Window | Segments | |--------|-------------|--------|-------------|----------| | YouTube long-form | 8-15 min | Visual change every 5-8 sec | First 3 sec | 4-6 + intro/outro | | Short-form (Reel/TikTok/Short) | 30-60 sec | Visual change every 2-3 sec | First 1-2 sec | Hook + 1-3 points + CTA | | Tutorial | 5-10 min | Match pacing to steps | First 5 sec | Setup + 3-5 steps + recap | | Talking head | 3-5 min | Cut every 10-15 sec | First 3 sec | 2-3 segments + CTA | --- ## Phase 1: Brief Gather these details before writing anything. Ask for anything the user does not provide. 1. **Topic** — the specific angle, not just the broad subject 2. **Format** — YouTube long-form, short-form reel, tutorial, or talking head (default: YouTube long-form) 3. **Target length** — use quick reference defaults if not specified 4. **Key points** — 3-5 things the video must cover, in priority order 5. **CTA** — what should the viewer do after watching? (subscribe, visit link, comment, try something) 6. **Tone** — default: conversational and direct, like explaining to a smart friend 7. **Audience** — default: entrepreneurs and solo creators Present the brief back to the user: ``` ## Script Brief **Topic:** 5 tools every solopreneur needs to save 10+ hours per week **Format:** YouTube long-form (8-10 minutes) **Key points:** 1. Project management (Notion) 2. Scheduling (Cal.com) 3. Email automation (Kit) 4. Design (Canva) 5. AI writing assistant (Claude) **CTA:** Subscribe + link to free tool comparison PDF in description **Tone:** Conversational, enthusiastic but not hype-y **Audience:** Solo founders and freelancers in their first 2 years ``` **GATE: Do not proceed to Phase 2 until the user confirms or adjusts the brief.** --- ## Phase 2: Structure Build the script skeleton before writing full dialogue. This prevents rambling and keeps every segment purposeful. ### Hook Formula (First 3 Seconds) Pick the hook type that fits the topic best: | Hook Type | Structure | Best For | |-----------|-----------|----------| | **Pattern interrupt** | Say/show something unexpected that breaks the scroll | Short-form, entertainment | | **Bold claim** | State a specific, provocative result or opinion | Long-form, authority content | | **Direct question** | Ask a question the target audience cannot ignore | Tutorials, how-to content | **Hook rules:** - **NEVER** start with "Hey guys, welcome to my channel" — instant skip - **NEVER** start with "In this video, I'm going to..." — show, do not preview - The hook must work with NO context — assume the viewer knows nothing about you ### Outline Template Build and present this structure: ``` ## Script Outline **HOOK** (0:00-0:08) — Bold claim: "These 5 tools replaced my entire team." **Segment 1: The Problem** (0:08-1:00) - Why solopreneurs waste 15+ hours/week on tasks tools can handle - Transition: "Let me show you what I use instead." **Segment 2: Tool #1 — Notion** (1:00-2:30) - What it replaces, one specific workflow, result - [B-ROLL: screen recording of Notion dashboard] **Segment 3: Tool #2 — Cal.com** (2:30-3:45) - What it replaces, one specific workflow, result - [B-ROLL: screen recording of booking page] **Segment 4: Tool #3 — Kit** (3:45-5:15) - What it replaces, one specific automation, result **Segment 5: Tool #4 — Canva** (5:15-6:30) - What it replaces, one specific design use case, result **Segment 6: Tool #5 — Claude** (6:30-7:45) - What it replaces, one specific prompt workflow, result **RECAP + CTA** (7:45-8:30) - Quick recap of all 5 tools - CTA: subscribe + free comparison PDF in description ``` **GATE: Do not proceed to Phase 3 until the user approves the outline.** --- ## Phase 3: Write Write the complete script with all production cues. Every line the creator reads on camera is written out. Every visual change is marked. ### Production Cue Format | Cue | When to Use | Example | |-----|-------------|---------| | `[B-ROLL: description]` | Supplementary footage over narration | `[B-ROLL: screen recording of Notion kanban board]` | | `[TEXT ON SCREEN: text]` | Key phrases, stats, or labels overlaid | `[TEXT ON SCREEN: "Tool #1: Notion"]` | | `[CUT TO: shot type]` | Camera angle or framing change | `[CUT TO: tight shot, speaker looking into camera]` | | `[SFX: description]` | Sound effect or music change | `[SFX: upbeat intro music fades in]` | | `[PAUSE: Xs]` | Intentional beat for emphasis | `[PAUSE: 2s]` | ### Script Writing Rules - **Write exactly what the creator will say.** No summaries, no "talk about X here." - **One idea per segment.** If a segment covers two ideas, split it. - **Visual change every 5-8 seconds** for long-form, **every 2-3 seconds** for short-form. - **Mark every transition** between segments with a production cue. - **Include timing estimates** at the start of each segment: `(MM:SS-MM:SS ~Xs)`. - **Bold the first line of each segment** so the creator can scan while filming. ### Example 1: YouTube Long-Form — "5 Tools Every Solopreneur Needs" (8 min) Below is the hook, one full segment, and the recap/CTA. Apply this same format to every segment in the script. ``` ## HOOK (0:00-0:08 ~8s) [CUT TO: medium shot, speaker holds up phone showing app grid] **"These five tools replaced my entire team."** I run a one-person business that does six figures a year. No VA. No contractor. Just me and these five tools. [TEXT ON SCREEN: "5 Tools That Replaced My Team"] And by the end of this video, you'll have the exact setup I use — plus a free cheat sheet in the description. --- ## SEGMENT 1: THE PROBLEM (0:08-1:00 ~52s) [CUT TO: talking head, wide shot] **"Here's the thing nobody tells you about going solo."** When you start a business by yourself, you don't just do the work — you do EVERYTHING. You're the CEO, the marketer, the accountant, the customer support rep, the designer, and the IT department. [TEXT ON SCREEN: "CEO + Marketer + Accountant + Support + Designer + IT"] And most solopreneurs spend 15 or more hours a week on stuff that has nothing to do with making money. Admin. Scheduling. Formatting. Busywork. [B-ROLL: time-lapse of messy desk with papers and sticky notes] I used to be there. I was working 60-hour weeks and wondering why my revenue wasn't growing. Then I made one change. [PAUSE: 1s] I built a five-tool system that handles 80% of the operational work automatically. Let me show you what I use. --- ## SEGMENT 2: TOOL #1 — NOTION (1:00-2:30 ~90s) [CUT TO: talking head, medium shot] [TEXT ON SCREEN: "Tool #1: Notion"] [SFX: subtle whoosh transition sound] **"Tool number one — Notion — and this is the command center."** Before Notion, I had tasks in Apple Notes, project details in Google Docs, and client info in a spreadsheet. Three places to check before I could start actual work. [B-ROLL: screen recording — Notion dashboard showing kanban board, database, and calendar view] Now everything lives here. My task board, my content calendar, my client database, my SOPs — all in one workspace. [TEXT ON SCREEN: "Tasks + Calendar + Clients + SOPs = 1 workspace"] Here's my actual workflow: every Monday I open this dashboard, check my weekly tasks, and drag my top 3 priorities to the "Today" column. That's it. No more wondering what to do first. [B-ROLL: screen recording — dragging 3 tasks to "Today" column] The result? I cut my planning time from 45 minutes a day to 5 minutes. That's over 3 hours a week back. [TEXT ON SCREEN: "45 min/day → 5 min/day = 3+ hours saved/week"] --- (Segments 3-6 follow the same format: [CUT TO] + [TEXT ON SCREEN] label + bold opening line + dialogue with [B-ROLL] cues + stat callout.) --- ## RECAP + CTA (7:45-8:30 ~45s) [CUT TO: talking head, wide shot — same framing as opening] **"So here's the full stack."** [TEXT ON SCREEN: list appearing one by one] Notion for project management. Cal.com for scheduling. Kit for email. Canva for design. Claude for thinking. Five tools, under 100 dollars a month total, and they save me 10 or more hours every single week. [TEXT ON SCREEN: "5 tools — <$100/mo — 10+ hours saved/week"] I put together a free comparison sheet with pricing, links, and my exact setup for each tool. It is in the description below — go grab it. [B-ROLL: arrow graphic pointing downward toward description area] If this was helpful, hit subscribe. I make videos like this every week about running a one-person business that actually scales. [TEXT ON SCREEN: "SUBSCRIBE for more solo business systems"] And if you're already using any of these tools, drop a comment and tell me which one is your favorite. I read every single one. [SFX: end screen music fades in] [CUT TO: end screen with subscribe button and suggested video card] ``` ### Timing Validation After writing, calculate total word count and validate: - **Speaking pace:** 130-160 words per minute (conversational, not rushed) - **YouTube 8-15 min:** 1,040-2,400 words of spoken dialogue - **Short-form 30-60 sec:** 65-160 words - **Tutorial 5-10 min:** 650-1,600 words - **Talking head 3-5 min:** 390-800 words If word count is more than 15% over target, trim the weakest segment. If more than 15% under, add depth to existing segments — never add filler. **GATE: Present the complete script. Do not finalize until the user approves content, tone, and length.** --- ## Phase 4: Deliver Once approved, deliver the final package with these components. ### 1. Final Script File Write the complete script to a file if the user requests it. Default filename: `video-script.md`. ### 2. Shot List Summary Append a table listing every unique camera setup and visual asset: ``` ## Shot List | # | Shot Type | Description | Duration | Notes | |---|-----------|-------------|----------|-------| | 1 | Medium shot | Speaker holding phone, app grid visible | 8s | Hook — high energy | | 2 | Wide talking head | Speaker at desk | 52s | Segment 1 | | 3 | Screen recording | Notion dashboard — kanban, calendar | 30s | Segment 2 B-roll | | 4 | Screen recording | Cal.com booking page | 15s | Segment 3 B-roll | | 5 | Screen recording | Kit automation flow | 30s | Segment 4 B-roll | | 6 | Screen recording | Canva template + export | 20s | Segment 5 B-roll | | 7 | Screen recording | Claude outline workflow | 20s | Segment 6 B-roll | | 8 | Wide talking head | Same framing as hook | 45s | Recap + CTA | | 9 | End screen | Subscribe button + suggested video | 15s | Outro | **Total setups:** 3 camera positions + 5 screen recordings + 1 end screen **Estimated filming time:** 45-60 minutes (with retakes) ``` ### 3. Text Overlay List Extract all `[TEXT ON SCREEN]` cues into a standalone list with timestamps for the editor. ### 4. Pre-Filming Checklist ``` ## Pre-Filming Checklist - [ ] Script printed or on teleprompter/tablet - [ ] All screen recordings captured and labeled - [ ] Camera framing set for each shot type (wide, medium, tight) - [ ] Audio levels tested (lapel mic or shotgun mic positioned) - [ ] Lighting consistent across all talking head shots - [ ] B-roll footage list reviewed — nothing missing - [ ] Text overlay list sent to editor (or saved for self-editing) - [ ] CTA link/resource is live and tested before publishing ``` --- ## Example 2: Short-Form Instagram Reel — "One Productivity Tip in 30 Seconds" ``` ## Script Brief **Topic:** The 2-minute rule for beating procrastination **Format:** Instagram Reel / Short-form (30 seconds) **Key points:** 1. If a task takes under 2 minutes, do it immediately 2. It eliminates the mental pile-up of tiny tasks **CTA:** Follow for more productivity tips **Tone:** High energy, punchy, direct ``` ``` ## HOOK (0:00-0:03 ~3s) [CUT TO: tight shot, speaker snaps fingers] **"You're procrastinating wrong."** [TEXT ON SCREEN: "THE 2-MINUTE RULE"] --- ## POINT (0:03-0:22 ~19s) [CUT TO: medium shot, speaker talking fast and direct] Here's the rule: if something takes less than two minutes — replying to that email, putting away the dishes, sending that invoice — do it NOW. [TEXT ON SCREEN: "< 2 minutes? Do it NOW."] Not later. Not after lunch. Right now. [B-ROLL: rapid montage — typing email, filing paper, clicking "send" on invoice] Because those tiny tasks pile up in your brain and drain your focus on the stuff that actually matters. [TEXT ON SCREEN: "Small tasks pile up → big mental drain"] --- ## CTA (0:22-0:30 ~8s) [CUT TO: tight shot, speaker points at camera] **"Try it for one day. You'll feel the difference by noon."** [TEXT ON SCREEN: "FOLLOW for daily productivity tips"] Follow for more. [SFX: upbeat stinger to end] ``` **Shot list:** 2 camera positions (tight, medium) + 3 B-roll clips (email, filing, invoice at 1.5-2s each). Estimated filming time: 10-15 minutes. --- ## Anti-Patterns **NEVER do these when writing video scripts:** - **Essay-style writing** — scripts are spoken language. Short sentences. Contractions. Fragments are fine. If it sounds stiff read aloud, rewrite it. - **Skipping the hook** — "Let me introduce myself" is not a hook. The first 3 seconds must give the viewer a reason to stay. - **Forgetting visual cues** — a script with no [B-ROLL], [TEXT ON SCREEN], or [CUT TO] tags is just an essay. If there are no visual changes for 15+ seconds, the viewer is gone. - **Walls of dialogue** — no segment should run longer than 90 seconds without a visual change. Break it up. - **Vague B-roll descriptions** — "[B-ROLL: something relevant]" is useless. Be specific: "[B-ROLL: screen recording of Notion kanban board with 3 tasks in the Today column]." - **Multiple CTAs** — one video, one CTA. Do not ask them to subscribe AND follow AND buy AND join. - **No timing estimates** — a script without timing is a guess. Always include per-segment timing. - **Writing for readers, not speakers** — use "you'll" not "you will," "can't" not "cannot." Read it out loud. If you stumble, simplify. --- ## Recovery - **Vague topic** ("make a video about marketing"): Ask "What one thing about marketing should the viewer know after watching?" Narrow until you have a concrete angle. - **No clear CTA**: Default to "subscribe and comment." Note they can change it later. - **Script runs too long**: Cut the weakest segment first. Reduce examples from 2 to 1 per segment. Never speed up pacing — trim content instead. - **Script runs too short**: Add depth to existing segments (specific examples, a brief story, a "common mistake" callout). Never add filler segments. - **Unknown format**: Ask for target length, platform, and audience. Build using the same Phase 1-4 workflow. - **If 3 revision attempts fail**: **Stop and reassess.** Ask the user to record a 2-minute voice memo explaining what they want. Use that as source material for tone, pacing, and vocabulary. Restart from Phase 2. --- ## Quick Reference: Script Math | Format | Words | Segments | Visual Changes | Hook Window | |--------|-------|----------|----------------|-------------| | YouTube 8-15 min | 1,040-2,400 | 4-6 + intro/outro | Every 5-8 sec | 3 seconds | | Short-form 30-60 sec | 65-160 | 1-3 + hook/CTA | Every 2-3 sec | 1-2 seconds | | Tutorial 5-10 min | 650-1,600 | 3-5 steps + recap | Every 5-8 sec | 5 seconds | | Talking head 3-5 min | 390-800 | 2-3 + CTA | Every 10-15 sec | 3 seconds | **Speaking pace:** 130-160 words per minute for natural, conversational delivery.