Video Script Writing

Write professional video scripts with voiceover narration and visual directions. Master structure, timing, and writing techniques to create engaging videos.

Sby Skills Guide Bot
ContentIntermediate
2303/11/2026
Claude CodeCursorCopilot
#video-production#scriptwriting#voiceover#content-creation#storytelling

name: video-script description: Write compelling video scripts with voiceover and visual directions allowed-tools:

  • Read
  • Write

Video Script Skill

Write professional video scripts with voiceover narration and visual directions.

Script Structure

Standard Video Script Format

# {Video Title}

**Duration**: {estimated length}
**Style**: {educational/news/tutorial/entertainment}
**Target Audience**: {who is this for}

---

## INTRO (0:00 - 0:15)

### VISUAL
{Description of what appears on screen}

### VOICEOVER
"{What the narrator says}"

### NOTES
{Any production notes}

---

## SECTION 1: {Title} (0:15 - 0:45)

### VISUAL
{Visual description}

### VOICEOVER
"{Narration}"

---

Script Types

1. News/Explainer Video

# {Topic} Explained

**Duration**: 60-90 seconds
**Style**: News/Educational

---

## HOOK (0:00 - 0:05)

### VISUAL
Bold text on screen: "{Attention-grabbing statement}"
Quick cuts of relevant footage

### VOICEOVER
"{One-liner that creates curiosity or states the significance}"

---

## CONTEXT (0:05 - 0:20)

### VISUAL
Background footage, screenshots, or B-roll related to topic

### VOICEOVER
"{Brief background - what viewers need to know to understand this story}"

---

## MAIN STORY (0:20 - 0:50)

### VISUAL
- Demo footage or screenshots
- Key data/stats on screen
- Expert quote overlay

### VOICEOVER
"{The meat of the story - what happened, why it matters, key details}"

---

## IMPLICATIONS (0:50 - 1:10)

### VISUAL
Conceptual visuals showing impact

### VOICEOVER
"{What this means for the viewer/industry/world}"

---

## OUTRO (1:10 - 1:20)

### VISUAL
Channel branding, subscribe button

### VOICEOVER
"{Call to action - like, subscribe, comment with thoughts}"

---

Writing Tips

Voiceover Best Practices

  1. Write for the ear: Use conversational language
  2. Short sentences: 15-20 words max per sentence
  3. Active voice: "The company launched" not "was launched by"
  4. Present tense: Creates immediacy
  5. Read aloud: Test if it sounds natural
  6. Pause points: Use "..." for natural breathing pauses

Hook Formulas

| Type | Example | |------|---------| | Curiosity | "What if I told you..." | | Stakes | "This could change everything about..." | | Contrast | "Everyone thought X, but actually..." | | Question | "Have you ever wondered why..." | | Bold claim | "This is the biggest {thing} since..." |

Pacing Guidelines

| Section | % of Video | Purpose | |---------|------------|---------| | Hook | 5-10% | Grab attention | | Context | 15-20% | Set up understanding | | Main content | 50-60% | Deliver value | | Implications | 10-15% | Make it relevant | | CTA | 5-10% | Drive action |

Word Count to Duration

| Words | Approx. Duration | |-------|------------------| | 50 | 15 seconds | | 100 | 30 seconds | | 150 | 45 seconds | | 200 | 60 seconds | | 300 | 90 seconds | | 400 | 2 minutes |

Speaking pace: ~150 words per minute

Script Output File

Save completed scripts to: output/scripts/{topic}_script.md

Include metadata at top:

---
title: "{Title}"
duration: "{Estimated duration}"
created: "{Date}"
status: "draft|review|approved"
---
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