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): Introd