/dm:video-script

Purpose

Write a production-ready video marketing script with hook variants, timestamps, visual direction notes, CTA placement, and platform-specific formatting. Produces a complete script package ready for production with visual and audio columns, accessibility notes, and thumbnail concepts.

Input Required

The user must provide (or will be prompted for):

• Video type: The format of the video — ad spot, explainer, testimonial, product demo, social short, educational tutorial, brand story, or event recap
• Target platform: Where the video will be published — YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels, LinkedIn, YouTube Shorts, Facebook, or multi-platform
• Target length: Desired duration — 15s, 30s, 60s, 90s, 2-3 min, 5-10 min, or long-form 10+ min
• Key message or topic: The core idea, value proposition, or subject matter the video must communicate
• Call to action: What the viewer should do after watching — visit URL, subscribe, purchase, sign up, download, follow, etc.
• Target audience: Who the video is for — demographics, psychographics, awareness level, and platform behavior
• Brand tone: Desired tone and energy level — professional, casual, humorous, inspirational, educational, urgent, or conversational
• Available assets: What production resources are available — on-camera talent, b-roll footage, product samples, graphics/animation capability, studio vs. location, screen recordings
• Competitor video references: Optional — links or descriptions of competitor or aspirational videos to benchmark against
• Performance goals: What success looks like — views, watch-through rate, click-through rate, conversions, engagement, or brand lift

Process

1. Load brand context: Read ~/.claude-marketing/brands/_active-brand.json for the active slug, then load ~/.claude-marketing/brands/{slug}/profile.json. Apply brand voice, compliance rules for target markets (skills/context-engine/compliance-rules.md), and industry context. Also check for guidelines at ~/.claude-marketing/brands/{slug}/guidelines/_manifest.json — if present, load restrictions and relevant category files. Check for custom templates at ~/.claude-marketing/brands/{slug}/templates/. Check for agency SOPs at ~/.claude-marketing/sops/. If no brand exists, ask: "Set up a brand first (/dm:brand-setup)?" — or proceed with defaults.
2. Determine platform specs and format constraints: Reference platform-specific requirements — aspect ratio (16:9, 9:16, 1:1), max duration, safe zones for text overlays, caption placement areas, and native content conventions. Apply platform algorithm preferences (e.g., TikTok favors native-feeling content, LinkedIn rewards professional storytelling, YouTube prioritizes watch time).
3. Select script structure: Choose the optimal narrative framework based on video type and goals — AIDA (Attention-Interest-Desire-Action), PAS (Problem-Agitate-Solution), problem-solve-CTA, storytelling arc (setup-tension-resolution), listicle, before/after, or direct response. Justify the choice based on audience awareness level and platform norms.
4. Write 3 hook variants: Craft three distinct opening hooks for the first 3 seconds — each using a different hook technique (bold claim, question, visual shock, pattern interrupt, relatable pain point, or curiosity gap). Provide rationale for why each hook works for the target audience and platform.
5. Draft full script with timestamps: Write the complete script with second-by-second or scene-by-scene timestamps. Include speaker dialogue or voiceover lines, pause beats, transition cues, and pacing notes. Ensure the script hits the target duration within a 10% margin.
6. Add visual direction notes: Create a visual column alongside the script specifying camera angles (wide, medium, close-up, overhead), b-roll suggestions, graphics and text overlay placements, transitions (cut, dissolve, swipe), product shots, and screen recordings where applicable.
7. Place CTAs at optimal points: Position call-to-action moments at strategically timed intervals based on video length — verbal CTA, on-screen CTA overlay, end card CTA, and pinned comment CTA. For shorter videos, place a single CTA at the natural climax; for longer videos, use a soft mid-roll CTA and a strong end CTA.
8. Add accessibility notes: Write a closed caption script ensuring all spoken content and meaningful sound effects are transcribed. Include audio description notes for key visual-only moments. Specify caption styling (font size, positioning, background contrast) per platform requirements.
9. Create thumbnail and cover frame concept: Design a thumbnail concept for YouTube or a cover frame for Reels/TikTok — specify text overlay (7 words max), facial expression or product shot, color treatment, and contrast elements that drive click-through. Include 2 thumbnail variant ideas for A/B testing.
10. Review against brand voice and platform best practices: Audit the complete script against brand voice settings, compliance requirements, and platform content policies. Flag any potential issues with claims, disclosures, music licensing, or platform-specific restrictions. Verify pacing matches platform consumption patterns.

Output

A structured video script package containing:

• 3 hook variants with rationale explaining the technique used and expected audience response for each
• Full script with timestamps — second-by-second or scene-by-scene timing from open to end card
• Visual direction column specifying what the viewer sees at each timestamp — camera angles, b-roll, graphics, text overlays, transitions, and product shots
• Audio direction column covering voiceover delivery notes, background music cues (genre, energy, licensing notes), sound effects, and silence beats
• On-screen text callouts with exact copy, timing, positioning, font size guidance, and animation style
• CTA placement map with timing rationale — why each CTA appears where it does based on viewer retention curves
• Platform-specific formatting notes — aspect ratio, duration compliance, safe zones, caption areas, and algorithm optimization tips
• Accessibility package — closed caption script, audio description notes, and caption styling specifications
• Thumbnail/cover frame concept — 2 variant ideas with text overlay, imagery, color treatment, and click-through optimization rationale
• Production notes — talent requirements, location suggestions, props and wardrobe, equipment recommendations, and lighting direction
• Estimated production complexity rating (low/medium/high) with justification based on required assets, talent, locations, and post-production
• Alternative cut guidance — how to create a shorter or longer version from the same shoot, specifying which sections to cut or expand

Agents Used

• content-creator — Script writing, hook development, narrative structure, visual and audio direction, CTA placement, accessibility scripting, thumbnail concept, brand voice alignment, and platform-specific formatting