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:

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

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

# [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

## 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:

## 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

## 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:

# [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

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

Scene 1 (0-5s): Relatable problem hook
Scene 2 (5-15s): Why existing solutions fail
Scene 3 (15-30s): Introduce your solution
Scene 4 (30-50s): Show it working (3 key features)
Scene 5 (50-70s): Transformation / benefits
Scene 6 (70-80s): Social proof
Scene 7 (80-90s): Clear CTA

Full VSL (3-5min)

Formula: Story → Problem → Solution → Proof → Offer → Close

Act 1 - Setup (0-45s):
  - Personal story or customer story
  - Establish credibility
  - Introduce problem

Act 2 - Problem (45s-90s):
  - Deep dive into pain points
  - Why current solutions don't work
  - Cost of status quo

Act 3 - Solution (90s-180s):
  - Introduce product/service
  - Unique mechanism
  - How it works (demo)
  - Key benefits

Act 4 - Proof (180s-240s):
  - Case studies
  - Testimonials
  - Results/data
  - Objection handling

Act 5 - Offer (240s-270s):
  - What you get
  - Pricing
  - Bonuses
  - Guarantee

Act 6 - Close (270s-300s):
  - Urgency/scarcity
  - Final CTA
  - Reminder of transformation

Conversion Optimization Principles

Social Proof Placement

• Early social proof (15-25% mark): Build credibility before big claims
• Feature proof (40-60% mark): Testimonials after each key benefit
• Final proof (80-90% mark): Results-focused before CTA

Objection Handling Sequence

Common objections to address in order:

1. Does it work? → Demo + proof
2. Will it work for me? → Use cases / customer stories
3. Is it too complicated? → Show simplicity
4. Is it worth the money? → ROI / value equation
5. What if it doesn't work? → Guarantee / risk reversal

CTA Best Practices

• Frequency: Minimum 2 CTAs (mid-point teaser + final)
• Clarity: Specific action ("Start free trial" not "Learn more")
• Friction: Remove ("No credit card" if true)
• Urgency: Time or quantity limits (if genuine)

Anti-Patterns

Script-Level

• Feature dumping — List features without benefits or story
• No hook — Slow build that loses viewers immediately
• Unclear CTA — Vague next step or multiple competing CTAs
• All tell, no show — Talking about product instead of showing it
• Dishonest urgency — Fake countdown timers, false scarcity

Scene-Level

• Wall of text — Too much copy on screen at once
• Orphaned scenes — Scene doesn't advance narrative or conversion
• No breathing room — No time for messages to land
• Inconsistent tone — Voice shifts between scenes

Production

• Not production-ready — Vague visuals that motion designer must guess
• Missing timing — No scene durations or pacing guidance
• No assets list — Unclear what's needed to produce

Quality Checklist

Before finalizing a storyboard script:

Hook & Structure:
- [ ] Attention grabbed within 3-5 seconds
- [ ] Clear story arc (hook → build → peak → close)
- [ ] Framework appropriate for duration and goal
- [ ] Emotional journey intentional and clear

Copy & Messaging:
- [ ] Single, clear key message
- [ ] Benefits emphasized over features
- [ ] "You" language (viewer-focused)
- [ ] On-brand voice and tone
- [ ] No jargon or unexplained terms

Conversion Elements:
- [ ] Social proof strategically placed
- [ ] Main objections addressed
- [ ] Clear, specific CTA
- [ ] Urgency or scarcity (if appropriate)
- [ ] Risk reversal included

Production Readiness:
- [ ] All scene timings specified
- [ ] Visual descriptions clear and specific
- [ ] Required assets listed
- [ ] Motion designer notes included
- [ ] Narrative purpose explained for each scene

Integration:
- [ ] Format compatible with motion-designer skill
- [ ] Ready for handoff without clarification needed
- [ ] Technical constraints considered (duration, format)

When to Consult Rules

For detailed guidance on specific aspects:

• rules/vsl-hooks.md — Hook formulas and patterns
• rules/vsl-frameworks.md — Detailed framework applications
• rules/script-pacing.md — Timing and rhythm
• rules/social-proof-strategy.md — Testimonial and proof placement
• rules/objection-handling.md — Addressing buyer concerns
• rules/cta-optimization.md — Call-to-action best practices
• rules/visual-storytelling.md — Show don't tell principles
• rules/motion-designer-handoff.md — Production-ready formatting

Expert Tips

Script Writing

• Start with the CTA, work backwards (what journey gets them there?)
• Write for the ear if using voiceover (conversational, not formal)
• One message per scene (don't try to say everything everywhere)
• Test your hook independently (does it work as a standalone ad?)

Conversion Psychology

• Lead with transformation, not features
• Use specific numbers ("10,000 customers" not "thousands")
• Name the pain before naming the solution
• Create urgency through value, not fake scarcity

Production Planning

• Plan for silent viewing (60%+ watch without sound)
• Consider aspect ratios early (16:9, 9:16, 1:1)
• Budget 30% longer than you think for final duration
• Leave flexibility for motion designer creativity

Collaboration

• Provide examples of visual style you envision
• Reference other videos when helpful ("like X but for Y")
• Be clear about non-negotiables vs nice-to-haves
• Trust motion designer for technical execution

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