# Format: Video Script

> Platform: Video (generic)
> Version: 1.0.0
> Updated: 2026-03-24
> Category: creative

## Specs
- **Duration:** Varies by purpose (30s ad, 3-5min explainer, 10-20min educational)
- **Script format:** Scene descriptions, dialogue/narration, visual notes

## Structure

### Scene Header
`INT/EXT — LOCATION — TIME` or simplified: `SCENE {N}: {description}`

### Action Lines
Visual descriptions. What the viewer SEES. Present tense, active voice.

### Dialogue/Narration
Character name or "NARRATOR" centered. Dialogue below. Parenthetical for tone.

### Visual Notes
`[B-ROLL: description]`, `[GRAPHIC: description]`, `[CUT TO: next scene]`

## Best Practices
1. Write for the ear, not the eye — read it aloud
2. One idea per scene. If a scene has two ideas, split it.
3. Include visual cues — the script should paint a picture
4. Time it: ~150 words = 1 minute of speaking

## Anti-patterns
1. Wall-of-text narration without visual variety
2. Scripts that read well but sound unnatural when spoken
3. Missing visual direction (leaves too much to interpretation)

## Quality Checklist
- [ ] Script reads naturally when spoken aloud
- [ ] Visual cues accompany every dialogue section
- [ ] Timing is estimated and realistic
- [ ] Hook is in the first 5 seconds
