video-script

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":"matthewhitcham","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.

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Core Principle

EVERY SECOND OF VIDEO MUST EARN THE NEXT SECOND — IF THE VIEWER HAS NO REASON TO KEEP WATCHING, THEY LEAVE.

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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.

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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.

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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.