| 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.
