{"slug":"video-script-ad-structure","title":"Video Script and Ad Structure: Scene-by-Scene with B-Roll and Hooks","tags":["video-script","youtube","ad-creative","hooks","b-roll","scriptwriting"],"agent_summary":"Scriptwriting framework for video ads and YouTube content. Covers scene-by-scene structure with dialogue, B-roll direction, and camera notes. Includes YouTube hook formulas and the 30-second ad format. Used when delivering scripts to Spielberg for video production.","trigger_phrases":["write video script","youtube script","video ad script","write a script","hook and script","video content script","write ad script"],"runnable":true,"markdown":"\n# Video Script and Ad Structure: Scene-by-Scene with Hooks and B-Roll\n\nVideo scripts are not articles in a different format. They are production documents. Every line of dialogue has a corresponding visual. Scripts delivered to production include scene direction, not just words.\n\n---\n\n## Script Format Standard\n\nEvery script line uses this format:\n\n```\n[SCENE #] [INT/EXT] [LOCATION] — [TIME OF DAY]\n\nVISUAL: [What the camera sees — specific, not vague]\nDIALOGUE/VO: \"[What is said — exactly]\"\nB-ROLL NOTE: [Supporting footage that cuts in during this moment]\nCAMERA: [Wide / Close-up / Over-shoulder / POV / Drone]\n```\n\n---\n\n## Hook Formulas (First 3-5 Seconds)\n\nThe hook determines whether anyone watches. For YouTube, it's the first 5 seconds before the skip button. For TikTok/Reels, it's the first 2 seconds.\n\n**Hook type 1: The Bold Claim**\n```\nVISUAL: Close-up of [relevant object or result]\nDIALOGUE: \"Most [audience] are doing [common thing] completely wrong.\"\n```\n\n**Hook type 2: The Direct Question**\n```\nVISUAL: [Person looking at camera in relatable setting]\nDIALOGUE: \"If your [problem] is [symptom], this video is for you.\"\n```\n\n**Hook type 3: Show the Result First**\n```\nVISUAL: End result of the process — the \"after\" state\nDIALOGUE: \"Here's how we got from [before] to [this] in [timeframe].\"\n```\n\n**Hook type 4: The Contrarian Statement**\n```\nVISUAL: Pattern that breaks expectations\nDIALOGUE: \"Stop [common advice]. It's not working. Here's what does.\"\n```\n\n**Hook type 5: The Curiosity Gap**\n```\nVISUAL: Something incomplete or unresolved\nDIALOGUE: \"What I'm about to show you took 3 years to figure out — watch til the end.\"\n```\n\n---\n\n## The 30-Second Video Ad Script\n\n**Structure:** Hook (3s) → Problem (7s) → Solution (12s) → CTA (8s)\n\n```\n=== 30-SECOND AD: [PRODUCT/SERVICE NAME] ===\n\n[SCENE 1] — HOOK (Seconds 0-3)\nVISUAL: [Attention-grabbing visual]\nDIALOGUE: \"[Hook line — 6-10 words]\"\nCAMERA: Close-up\n\n[SCENE 2] — PROBLEM (Seconds 4-10)\nVISUAL: [Person experiencing the problem]\nDIALOGUE: \"[Problem + agitation — 15-20 words]\"\nB-ROLL: [Supporting footage of the problem]\nCAMERA: Medium shot\n\n[SCENE 3] — SOLUTION (Seconds 11-22)\nVISUAL: [Product/service in use or result being shown]\nDIALOGUE: \"[Solution explanation — 20-30 words]\"\nB-ROLL: [Result or process footage]\nCAMERA: Wide + close-up cutaways\n\n[SCENE 4] — CTA (Seconds 23-30)\nVISUAL: [Brand logo or product + contact info on screen]\nDIALOGUE: \"[CTA — 8-12 words. Specific action + urgency]\"\nCAMERA: Direct to camera or text card\nON-SCREEN TEXT: [Phone number / URL / Offer]\n```\n\n---\n\n## YouTube Long-Form Script Structure\n\nFor 5-15 minute educational or authority videos:\n\n| Segment | Duration | Content |\n|---------|----------|---------|\n| Hook | 0:00-0:30 | Promise + preview of value |\n| Intro | 0:30-1:30 | Who this is for, what they'll learn, credentials |\n| Content block 1 | 1:30-5:00 | First major point, example, B-roll |\n| Content block 2 | 5:00-9:00 | Second major point, deeper example |\n| Content block 3 | 9:00-12:00 | Third point, case study or demonstration |\n| Summary | 12:00-13:30 | Recap key points in 3 bullets |\n| CTA | 13:30-14:30 | Subscribe, comment prompt, related video |\n\n**Retention hooks (every 2-3 minutes):**\nViewers drop off if momentum slows. Every 2-3 minutes include a pattern interrupt:\n- \"Before I get to [next section], here's the thing most people miss...\"\n- A quick stat or surprising fact\n- A direct question to the viewer\n- A B-roll cutaway sequence\n\n---\n\n## B-Roll Direction Notes\n\nB-roll transforms talking-head videos into professional content:\n\n| Dialogue Moment | Suggested B-Roll |\n|----------------|-----------------|\n| Mentioning a problem | Person experiencing the problem |\n| Mentioning the solution | Process footage or result |\n| Citing a statistic | Text card or chart cutaway |\n| Describing a location | Aerial or establishing shot |\n| Explaining a process | Screen recording or hands-on demo |\n| Giving a CTA | Logo + contact info text card |\n\n**B-roll length:** 3-8 seconds per cut. Shorter = more energetic. Longer = slower, educational tone.\n\n---\n\n## Scripts to Spielberg\n\nWhen delivering a video script to Spielberg for production:\n- Include full scene formatting (not just dialogue)\n- Mark B-roll opportunities clearly\n- Note any client-specific branding requirements (logo placement, brand colors, music restrictions)\n- Indicate target platform (YouTube, TikTok, Facebook Ad, Instagram Reel)\n- Specify: hook style used, target audience, conversion goal\n\n#content-sop #video-script #youtube #ad-creative #hooks\n","html":"

Video Script and Ad Structure: Scene-by-Scene with Hooks and B-Roll

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Video scripts are not articles in a different format. They are production documents. Every line of dialogue has a corresponding visual. Scripts delivered to production include scene direction, not just words.

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Script Format Standard

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Every script line uses this format:

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[SCENE #] [INT/EXT] [LOCATION] — [TIME OF DAY]\n\nVISUAL: [What the camera sees — specific, not vague]\nDIALOGUE/VO: \"[What is said — exactly]\"\nB-ROLL NOTE: [Supporting footage that cuts in during this moment]\nCAMERA: [Wide / Close-up / Over-shoulder / POV / Drone]\n
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Hook Formulas (First 3-5 Seconds)

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The hook determines whether anyone watches. For YouTube, it's the first 5 seconds before the skip button. For TikTok/Reels, it's the first 2 seconds.

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Hook type 1: The Bold Claim

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VISUAL: Close-up of [relevant object or result]\nDIALOGUE: \"Most [audience] are doing [common thing] completely wrong.\"\n
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Hook type 2: The Direct Question

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VISUAL: [Person looking at camera in relatable setting]\nDIALOGUE: \"If your [problem] is [symptom], this video is for you.\"\n
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Hook type 3: Show the Result First

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VISUAL: End result of the process — the \"after\" state\nDIALOGUE: \"Here's how we got from [before] to [this] in [timeframe].\"\n
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Hook type 4: The Contrarian Statement

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VISUAL: Pattern that breaks expectations\nDIALOGUE: \"Stop [common advice]. It's not working. Here's what does.\"\n
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Hook type 5: The Curiosity Gap

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VISUAL: Something incomplete or unresolved\nDIALOGUE: \"What I'm about to show you took 3 years to figure out — watch til the end.\"\n
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The 30-Second Video Ad Script

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Structure: Hook (3s) → Problem (7s) → Solution (12s) → CTA (8s)

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=== 30-SECOND AD: [PRODUCT/SERVICE NAME] ===\n\n[SCENE 1] — HOOK (Seconds 0-3)\nVISUAL: [Attention-grabbing visual]\nDIALOGUE: \"[Hook line — 6-10 words]\"\nCAMERA: Close-up\n\n[SCENE 2] — PROBLEM (Seconds 4-10)\nVISUAL: [Person experiencing the problem]\nDIALOGUE: \"[Problem + agitation — 15-20 words]\"\nB-ROLL: [Supporting footage of the problem]\nCAMERA: Medium shot\n\n[SCENE 3] — SOLUTION (Seconds 11-22)\nVISUAL: [Product/service in use or result being shown]\nDIALOGUE: \"[Solution explanation — 20-30 words]\"\nB-ROLL: [Result or process footage]\nCAMERA: Wide + close-up cutaways\n\n[SCENE 4] — CTA (Seconds 23-30)\nVISUAL: [Brand logo or product + contact info on screen]\nDIALOGUE: \"[CTA — 8-12 words. Specific action + urgency]\"\nCAMERA: Direct to camera or text card\nON-SCREEN TEXT: [Phone number / URL / Offer]\n
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YouTube Long-Form Script Structure

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For 5-15 minute educational or authority videos:

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| Segment | Duration | Content |\n|---------|----------|---------|\n| Hook | 0:00-0:30 | Promise + preview of value |\n| Intro | 0:30-1:30 | Who this is for, what they'll learn, credentials |\n| Content block 1 | 1:30-5:00 | First major point, example, B-roll |\n| Content block 2 | 5:00-9:00 | Second major point, deeper example |\n| Content block 3 | 9:00-12:00 | Third point, case study or demonstration |\n| Summary | 12:00-13:30 | Recap key points in 3 bullets |\n| CTA | 13:30-14:30 | Subscribe, comment prompt, related video |

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Retention hooks (every 2-3 minutes):\nViewers drop off if momentum slows. Every 2-3 minutes include a pattern interrupt:

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B-Roll Direction Notes

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B-roll transforms talking-head videos into professional content:

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| Dialogue Moment | Suggested B-Roll |\n|----------------|-----------------|\n| Mentioning a problem | Person experiencing the problem |\n| Mentioning the solution | Process footage or result |\n| Citing a statistic | Text card or chart cutaway |\n| Describing a location | Aerial or establishing shot |\n| Explaining a process | Screen recording or hands-on demo |\n| Giving a CTA | Logo + contact info text card |

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B-roll length: 3-8 seconds per cut. Shorter = more energetic. Longer = slower, educational tone.

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Scripts to Spielberg

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When delivering a video script to Spielberg for production:

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#content-sop #video-script #youtube #ad-creative #hooks

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