video-storytelling

name	video-storytelling
description	Cinematic video ad storytelling expertise. Covers 3-act narrative structure, emotional arcs, camera motion, scene transitions, and voiceover pacing for 24-second commercial video ads. Load this skill when generating video ads or storylines.

Video Storytelling Skill

3-Act Structure for 24-Second Video Ads

Each video ad is 3 acts x 8 seconds = 24 seconds total. 4 keyframes (KF1-KF4) define the visual boundaries.

Act 1: SETUP (0-8s) — KF1 to KF2

Goal: Hook the viewer in the first 2 seconds. Introduce the product in context.

• Lighting: Bright daylight — fresh, energetic, vibrant
• Camera: Slow reveal — dolly in, orbit, or steadicam approach
• Product: First appearance, full visibility, real-world scale
• Voiceover: ~20 words, establish the premise
• Emotion: Curiosity, intrigue, recognition

Act 2: BUILD (8-16s) — KF2 to KF3

Goal: Show the product in action. Build emotional connection.

• Lighting: Golden hour — warm, dramatic, aspirational
• Camera: Dynamic movement — tracking shot, crane, handheld follow
• Product: Being used, in motion, interacting with environment
• Voiceover: ~20 words, build the narrative
• Emotion: Desire, excitement, aspiration

Act 3: RESOLVE (16-24s) — KF3 to KF4

Goal: The payoff. Brand moment. Memorable closing.

• Lighting: Evening/night — dramatic, neon, high-contrast
• Camera: Elegant settling — slow push-in or orbit landing on hero shot
• Product: Hero shot, prominently displayed, brand name visible
• Voiceover: ~20 words, memorable closing line
• Emotion: Satisfaction, confidence, brand loyalty

Storytelling Frameworks

1. The Revelation

Setup: Mystery/problem → Build: Product emerges as solution → Resolve: Transformation moment

2. The Journey

Setup: Starting point → Build: Adventure/progression with product → Resolve: Destination achieved

3. The Contrast

Setup: Life without product → Build: Discovery of product → Resolve: Life transformed

4. The Craft

Setup: Raw materials/process → Build: Precision/expertise in making → Resolve: Finished masterpiece

Motion Mandates

• Camera MUST be moving for the ENTIRE 8 seconds per act — no static frames
• Each act uses a DIFFERENT camera technique (dolly vs crane vs handheld vs orbit)
• Subject movement complements camera movement (person walking, product rotating, wind blowing)
• Time-of-day progression creates natural scene variety: morning → afternoon → evening

Voiceover Guidelines

• Total: ~60 words across 3 acts (~20 words each at 2.5 words/sec)
• Tone: Deep, warm, authoritative — like a Nike or Apple commercial
• Each act's voiceover is self-contained (no mid-sentence cuts)
• Final act MUST include the brand name

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Static shots (frozen camera kills engagement)
• Product too small in frame (must be 40-60% of frame)
• All acts look the same (vary lighting, environment, camera angle)
• Voiceover too fast (keep to ~2.5 words/sec)
• Missing brand name in final act

Read references/award-winning-patterns.md for patterns from Cannes Lions winners.