vsl-storyboard-writer

What this skill does

# VSL Storyboard Writer

Expert video sales letter and product marketing script writer specializing in high-converting video content that drives action. This skill bridges copywriting and video production, creating storyboard scripts ready for motion design implementation.

## Philosophy

Great video sales scripts combine three elements:

1. **Sales psychology** — Understanding what drives decisions at each stage
2. **Visual storytelling** — Every scene advances both narrative and conversion
3. **Production readiness** — Scripts that motion designers can implement immediately

## How This Skill Works

When invoked, this skill guides you through creating storyboard scripts that include:

- **Hook-focused openings** — Proven patterns to grab attention in 3-5 seconds
- **Narrative flow** — Story structures that build desire and urgency
- **Scene-by-scene scripts** — Visual descriptions, copy, timing, and rationale
- **Conversion optimization** — Strategic placement of social proof, objection handling, CTAs
- **Motion design handoff** — Format compatible with `/motion-designer` skill

The output is a complete storyboard script that feeds directly into the motion designer workflow for Remotion implementation.

## Core Frameworks

### VSL Formula Hierarchy

Choose framework based on video length and objective:

| Formula | Best For | Duration | Structure |
|---------|----------|----------|-----------|
| **Hook-CTA** | Social media ads | 15-30s | Problem → Solution → CTA |
| **PAS** | Cold traffic | 30-90s | Problem → Agitation → Solution |
| **AIDA** | Product demos | 60-120s | Attention → Interest → Desire → Action |
| **VSL Classic** | Sales pages | 3-10min | Story → Problem → Solution → Proof → Offer → CTA |
| **The Explainer** | Education-first | 60-180s | Context → How it works → Benefits → CTA |

### The 5-Second Hook Formula

First 5 seconds determine 80% of watch-through rate.

**Hook Types**:
1. **Question Hook** — "What if [desired outcome] was actually easy?"
2. **Problem Hook** — "Tired of [pain point]?"
3. **Curiosity Hook** — "This [simple thing] changed everything"
4. **Pattern Interrupt** — Unexpected visual or statement
5. **Social Proof Hook** — "10,000 teams already [outcome]"
6. **Demonstration Hook** — Show impressive result immediately

### Video Length Guidelines

| Duration | Type | Goal | Key Metrics |
|----------|------|------|-------------|
| 6-15s | Micro-content | Awareness, virality | Shares, engagement |
| 15-30s | Social ads | Traffic, interest | CTR, view-through |
| 30-60s | Product teasers | Demo requests | Click rate |
| 60-90s | Explainers | Understanding | Watch time |
| 90-180s | Full demos | Trial signups | Conversion rate |
| 3-10min | VSL sales videos | Purchase decisions | Sales |

### The AIDA Arc for VSL

**Attention (0-15%)**:
- Hook with problem or question
- Pattern interrupt
- Relatable scenario

**Interest (15-40%)**:
- Agitate the problem
- Show why current solutions fail
- Introduce unique mechanism

**Desire (40-80%)**:
- Demonstrate solution in action
- Social proof and testimonials
- Paint the transformation
- Handle objections

**Action (80-100%)**:
- Clear, specific offer
- Urgency or scarcity
- Risk reversal
- Multiple CTAs

### The PAS Framework

**Problem (0-25%)**:
- Identify specific, relatable pain point
- Use "you" language
- Visual: Show the struggle

**Agitate (25-50%)**:
- Why this problem is getting worse
- Cost of inaction
- Failed alternatives
- Visual: Amplify the frustration

**Solution (50-100%)**:
- Introduce your product/service
- Show it working
- Proof it works
- Easy next step
- Visual: Transformation moment

## Storyboard Script Format

When creating a storyboard, use this structure:

### 1. Script Header

```markdown
# [Video Title]

**Type**: [VSL / Explainer / Product Demo / Social Ad]
**Duration**: [Total seconds]
**Objective**: [Primary conversion goal]
**Target Audience**: [Specific persona]
**Framework**: [AIDA / PAS / Hook-CTA / etc.]

## Key Message
[Single sentence: What should viewers remember?]

## Desired Action
[Specific CTA: What should viewers do?]
```

### 2. Script Overview

```markdown
## Story Arc

**Hook (0-Xs)**: [How we grab attention]
**Build (Xs-Ys)**: [How we build interest/desire]
**Peak (Ys-Zs)**: [Climax / main value proposition]
**Close (Zs-End)**: [CTA and resolution]

## Emotional Journey
Start: [Frustrated / Curious / Overwhelmed]
→ Middle: [Hopeful / Intrigued]
→ End: [Confident / Excited to act]
```

### 3. Scene-by-Scene Storyboard

For each scene:

```markdown
## Scene N: [Scene Name] (Xs - Ys, Duration: Zs)

**Narrative Purpose**: [Why this scene exists in the story]

**On-Screen Copy**:
"[Exact text that appears on screen]"
[Additional text elements]

**Voiceover Script** (Optional):
"[Exact words spoken, if using VO]"

**Visual Description**:
[What viewers see - specific enough for motion designer]
- Background elements
- Main focal point
- Supporting visuals
- Text treatment

**Viewer Psychology**:
[What the viewer should think/feel at this moment]
- Emotional state we're creating
- Objection we're handling (if applicable)
- Desire we're building

**Sales Elements**:
[Any conversion tactics used]
- Social proof placement
- Scarcity/urgency indicator
- Risk reversal
- Benefit emphasis
- Objection handling

**Transition to Next**:
[How this scene flows to the next - why it makes sense]

**Motion Designer Notes**:
[Specific animation suggestions or requirements]
- Timing emphasis (fast/slow)
- Style notes (bold/subtle)
- Key moments to emphasize
```

### 4. Production Requirements

```markdown
## Assets Needed
- [ ] Logo files
- [ ] Product screenshots/mockups
- [ ] Customer photos (if using testimonials)
- [ ] Data visualization elements
- [ ] Icons

## Copy Elements
- Headlines: [List all]
- Subheads: [List all]
- CTAs: [List all instances]
- Social proof quotes: [List all]

## Brand Guidelines
- Voice: [Professional / Casual / Technical / Friendly]
- Tone: [Urgent / Calm / Exciting / Authoritative]
- Restrictions: [Any copy or visual rules]
```

## VSL Storyboard Template

Here's a complete template for quick reference:

```markdown
# [Video Title]

**Type**: Product Demo VSL
**Duration**: 90 seconds
**Objective**: Trial signups
**Framework**: AIDA
**Target**: [Persona]

## Story Arc
Hook (0-5s): Problem question
Build (5-30s): Agitate pain, show solution
Peak (30-70s): Demo + social proof
Close (70-90s): CTA + urgency

---

## Scene 1: Hook (0-5s)

**On-Screen Copy**:
"Spending hours on [task]?"

**Visual**: [Description]
**Psychology**: Immediate identification with pain
**Sales Element**: Problem recognition
**Transition**: Visual chaos → order

---

## Scene 2: Agitation (5-15s)

**On-Screen Copy**:
"While your competitors move faster?"

**Visual**: [Description]
**Psychology**: FOMO, urgency of problem
**Sales Element**: Cost of inaction
**Transition**: Dark → light

---

[Continue for all scenes...]
```

## Integration with Motion Designer

This skill produces storyboard scripts that the `/motion-designer` skill uses to create technical video specifications:

**Storyboard Script** (this skill) → **Video Spec** (motion-designer) → **Remotion Implementation** (dev)

When creating storyboards:
1. Focus on copy, messaging, and conversion strategy
2. Provide visual direction but not technical specs
3. Include timing guidance but not frame-by-frame details
4. Emphasize WHY each scene exists (narrative + conversion)
5. Let motion designer handle HOW to execute visually

## Common Video Types

### Short-Form Social (15-30s)

**Formula**: Hook → Value → CTA

```markdown
Scene 1 (0-3s): Bold question or problem
Scene 2 (3-12s): Show solution in action (demo)
Scene 3 (12-20s): Single benefit + social proof number
Scene 4 (20-30s): Simple CTA
```

### Product Explainer (60-90s)

**Formula**: Context → Demo → Benefits → CTA

```markdown
Scene 1 (0-5s): Relatable problem hook
Scene 2 (5-15s): Why existing solutions fail
Scene 3 (15-30s): Intro