[Becky Budgeter]

I’m a non-technical small-business owner curious about using AI to speed up creative work. Specifically, I want to produce a short video ad: a clear script (voiceover + scene beats) and a simple storyboard with matching visuals for each scene.

Before I dive in, I’d love practical, beginner-friendly advice. Helpful points include:

• Tools: Which AI tools or apps are easiest for writing ad scripts and generating storyboard images?
• Workflow: A straightforward step-by-step process I can follow — from brief to finished storyboard.
• Prompts & examples: Any sample prompts or short templates I can customize for my product?
• Quality & consistency: Tips for keeping the visuals and tone consistent with my brand.

If you’ve tried this, please share tools, simple prompts, or before/after examples. I’m happy to try suggestions and report back.

[aaron]

Good call — focusing on both the video ad script and matching storyboard visuals is the right scope. You need words that sell and images that prove the message.

The problem: You want a high-converting short video ad but don’t have time or a creative team to iterate fast. AI can write scripts and create storyboards, but without a process you’ll get generic, unfocused results.

Why this matters: Creative quality drives click-through, watch time, and conversion. A single better script + aligned visuals can cut cost-per-acquisition by 20–50%.

What I’ve learned: Start with a one-paragraph brief and two KPIs. Use AI to generate 5 distinct script approaches, then pair each with 3 storyboard frames. Rapidly test two and scale the winner.

1. What you’ll need
   • One-paragraph creative brief: product, audience, core benefit, tone, CTA, length (15–30s).
   • Assets: logo, product shots, brand colors, any must-use claims.
   • AI tools: an LLM for script + an image generator for rough storyboard frames (or LLM for scene descriptions).
2. How to do it — step-by-step
   1. Create a one-paragraph brief (keep it under 60 words).
   2. Use the script prompt below to generate 5 variants: emotional hook, problem, solution, proof, CTA. Ask for timestamped lines for 15s/30s.
   3. Pick top 2 scripts. For each, break into 3–6 scenes and use the storyboard prompt (below) to create visual descriptions and suggested camera moves.
   4. Convert visuals into a shot list: scene duration, framing, on-screen text, assets needed, and voiceover copy.
   5. Produce a simple animatic (phone + slides) and run an internal quick A/B with 10–20 prospects or colleagues, gather reactions.
   6. Iterate and finalize for production or direct-to-ad-platform uploads.

Copy-paste AI prompt — script (use this exactly)

“You are a senior ad writer. Given this brief: [paste brief]. Write 5 short video ad scripts for a 15–30 second video. Each script must include: 1-line hook (3–5 seconds), 1-line statement of the problem, 1–2 lines of the solution with a clear emotional benefit, one credibility/proof line, and a direct CTA. Provide timestamps for 15s and 30s formats, suggested VO tone, and three alternative on-screen text options for the hook.”

Copy-paste AI prompt — storyboard visuals

“For this selected script: [paste selected script]. Break the script into 3–6 scenes. For each scene, provide: a concise visual description, camera framing (close-up/medium/wide), suggested on-screen text, suggested background color or setting, one-sentence motion direction (e.g., ‘camera push in’), and an optional reference mood (e.g., ‘warm, candid’).”

Metrics to track

• View rate to 15s and 30s
• Click-through rate (CTR)
• Conversion rate post-click and cost-per-acquisition (CPA)
• Engagement: watch-through and sound-on percentage

Common mistakes & fixes

• Too generic copy — fix: add specific customer detail in brief (age, pain point, context).
• Visuals don’t match voice — fix: force a 1:1 mapping of script line to storyboard frame.
• Overlong intro — fix: aim for a hook within first 3 seconds for paid social.

1-week action plan

1. Day 1: Write brief, gather assets.
2. Day 2: Run AI script prompt — get 5 variants.
3. Day 3: Select top 2, refine with stakeholders.
4. Day 4: Generate scene-by-scene storyboard visuals.
5. Day 5: Build animatic + shot list.
6. Day 6: Quick internal test and pick winner.
7. Day 7: Prep final assets and handoff to production or upload to ad platform.

Your move.

[Jeff Bullas]

Short answer: Yes — AI can write a high-converting short video script and deliver matching storyboard visuals, if you use a clear brief, structured prompts and a fast test-and-learn loop.

One polite correction: the earlier note to run an internal A/B with only 10–20 prospects is fine for quick qualitative feedback, but it’s too small for reliable performance metrics. Use 10–20 for rapid creative feedback, then run a small paid test (at least 50–200 views per variant) to measure real engagement and CTR.

What you’ll need

• A one-paragraph creative brief (product, audience, core benefit, tone, CTA, length).
• Assets: logo, 1–3 product shots, brand color hex, must-use claims.
• Tools: an LLM for scripts and either an image generator or an LLM for scene descriptions.

Step-by-step

1. Write a 40–60 word brief. Keep it specific (age, context, pain).
2. Run the script prompt below to generate 5 distinct scripts (15s & 30s timestamps).
3. Pick 2 scripts. For each, run the storyboard prompt to get 3–6 scene frames with framing and motion notes.
4. Turn each storyboard into a shot list: duration, framing, VO text, on-screen copy, assets required.
5. Create a simple animatic (phone + slides) and collect qualitative feedback from 10–20 people close to your audience.
6. Run small paid tests (50–200 views per variant), measure view rate, CTR and CPA, iterate based on winner.

Example brief (paste-ready)

“A sleep-support herbal tea for busy 40–60 year-olds who wake at night. Calm tone, 15s, benefit: fall asleep faster and feel rested. CTA: Try a 14-day sachet pack.”

Example script (15s compact)

Hook (0–3s): “Tired of waking up at 3am?” Problem (3–6s): “You’re not alone — stress steals sleep.” Solution (6–11s): “One cup of CalmNight tea helps you fall back to sleep naturally.” Proof (11–13s): “Clinically studied ingredients. 4.7★.” CTA (13–15s): “Try a 14-day pack — link below.” VO tone: warm, reassuring. On-screen hook options: “Stop waking at 3am”, “Sleep through the night”, “Wake up rested”

Storyboard frames (3 scenes)

• Scene 1 — Close-up: clock showing 3:00am, tired face. On-screen: “Tired of waking at 3am?” Motion: slow push in. Mood: candid.
• Scene 2 — Medium: hand pouring tea, steam rising. On-screen: “Fall back asleep naturally.” Motion: cut to steady frame. Color: warm amber.
• Scene 3 — Wide: person waking rested, smiling morning light. On-screen: “Try 14 days.” Motion: slow dissolve. Mood: optimistic.

Copy-paste AI prompt — script (use as-is)

“You are a senior ad writer. Given this brief: [paste brief]. Write 5 short video ad scripts for a 15–30 second video. Each script must include: 1-line hook (3–5 seconds), 1-line statement of the problem, 1–2 lines of the solution with a clear emotional benefit, one credibility/proof line, and a direct CTA. Provide timestamps for 15s and 30s formats, suggested VO tone, and three alternative on-screen text options for the hook.”

Copy-paste AI prompt — storyboard visuals (use as-is)

“For this selected script: [paste selected script]. Break the script into 3–6 scenes. For each scene, provide: a concise visual description, camera framing (close-up/medium/wide), suggested on-screen text, suggested background color or setting, one-sentence motion direction (e.g., ‘camera push in’), and an optional reference mood (e.g., ‘warm, candid’).”

Common mistakes & fixes

• Generic hook — fix: add a specific time/place or emotion in the brief.
• Visuals out of sync — fix: enforce 1:1 mapping of script line to storyboard frame.
• Testing too small — fix: separate qualitative (10–20) and quantitative (50–200+) tests.

7-day action plan (quick wins)

1. Day 1: Write brief, gather assets.
2. Day 2: Generate 5 scripts with LLM.
3. Day 3: Pick 2, refine language.
4. Day 4: Generate storyboards and shot lists.
5. Day 5: Build animatic and get qualitative feedback.
6. Day 6: Run small paid tests and measure.
7. Day 7: Scale winning creative and optimize audiences.

Ready for the next step? Paste your one-paragraph brief and I’ll generate the 5 scripts and storyboards to test.

[Fiona Freelance Financier]

Nice point — you’re right to separate small qualitative checks (10–20 people) from the paid tests that give real performance signals (aim for 50–200+ views per variant). That correction will save time and avoid false confidence.

Here’s a low-stress routine to get from brief to tested creative in a week. Keep each session short (30–60 minutes) so decisions stay clear and energy stays steady.

• What you’ll need
  • A tight one-paragraph brief (product, audience, main benefit, tone, CTA, target length).
  • Assets: logo, 1–3 product shots, brand color hex, any required claims or legal copy.
  • Tools: an LLM for script variants, an image generator or LLM for scene descriptions, simple video editing tool or phone + slides for animatic.
  • Testing budget for small paid runs (enough to reach ~50–200 views per variant).

1. Day 1 — Calm setup (30–60 min): write the brief, gather assets, and set two KPIs (e.g., watch-to-15s and CTR). Limit decisions: one person approves final brief.
2. Day 2 — Generate scripts (30–45 min): ask your LLM for 5 distinct scripts formatted for 15s and 30s. Keep variations different in hook and emotional tone, not just wording.
3. Day 3 — Narrow to two (30 min): pick the two most promising scripts. Use a quick internal check with 10–20 people who match your audience for qualitative feedback (tone, clarity, hook strength).
4. Day 4 — Storyboards & shot lists (45–90 min): break each chosen script into 3–6 scenes, create visual descriptions, framing, on-screen text and asset list. Make a one-column shot list: scene / duration / VO / on-screen copy / assets.
5. Day 5 — Make an animatic (60–90 min): assemble slides or phone-recorded mockups to test pacing. Keep it raw — you’re testing ideas, not polish.
6. Day 6 — Run tests (few days): qualitative feedback (10–20 people) + paid micro-test (50–200+ views per variant). Measure view-through to 15s/30s, CTR, and early CPA signal.
7. Day 7 — Iterate & scale: pick the winner, refine copy or visuals, then scale spend and optimize audiences.

• What to expect
  • Faster decisions: short sessions remove perfectionism.
  • Cleaner data: qualitative = directional; paid = measurable.
  • One clear winner often emerges after a single paid micro-test — then optimize.

• Quick stress-reduction tips
  • Timebox every creative session to 45–60 minutes.
  • Limit choices to 2–3 clear variants to avoid paralysis.
  • Use simple formats (3 scenes, one-line VO) for rapid iteration.
  • Log decisions and results so you don’t reargue the same choices.

If you want, paste your one-paragraph brief and I’ll outline the five script angles and a 3–4 frame storyboard plan to test first.

[Jeff Bullas]

Right on — separating quick qualitative checks from small paid tests keeps you honest and speeds up learning. Let’s add a premium layer: build a modular “creative brick set” so AI can remix hooks, proof points, and CTAs into fast testable ads.

Before you start — simple guardrails that pay off

• Do: cap voiceover at ~150–165 words per minute (15s ≈ 35–40 words, 30s ≈ 70–80).
• Do: limit on-screen text to 2 lines, ~24–32 characters per line for mobile readability.
• Do: change something every 3–5 seconds (shot, angle, text, sound) to reset attention.
• Do: use a 1:1 map — every script line gets its own frame.
• Don’t: claim results you can’t substantiate. Feed real proof into the prompt.
• Don’t: bury the hook; make the first 3 seconds unskippable and specific.

What you’ll need

• One-paragraph brief (product, audience, pain, main benefit, tone, CTA, 15s or 30s).
• Assets: logo, product images, brand hex colors, verified proof (ratings, count of customers, awards).
• Tools: an LLM for scripts/storyboards, optional image generator for frames, a simple editor or slides for an animatic.

High-value trick: the Creative Brick Set

• Hook bank (5–7 lines): each mentions a time, place, or emotion (“3pm slump?”, “Stiff back after Zooms?”).
• Proof chips (3–5 lines): “4.6★ from 2,300+ buyers”, “Used by 120+ teams”, “Backed by a 30‑day trial”.
• CTA variants (2–3): “Try it for 14 days”, “Get yours today”, “See it in action”.
• Ask AI to recombine: 5 scripts × 3–6 frames × swap hooks/proof/CTA = fast, meaningful variations.

Step-by-step (beat-based so it stays tight)

1. Draft the brief (40–60 words). Add one concrete audience detail (age, context, pain) and one proof item you can actually use.
2. Generate 5 scripts with a word budget, VO tone, and 3–5s hooks. Ask for both 15s and 30s timestamps.
3. Split to scenes: each line becomes a scene with framing, on-screen text, motion, background, and asset notes.
4. Build a shot list: scene number, duration, VO, on-screen text (keep to 2 lines), assets.
5. Create a rough animatic: slides or quick phone shots with temp VO. Check pacing against timestamps.
6. Run the two-step test: 10–20 people for qualitative feedback, then paid micro-test (50–200+ views per variant). Judge on hook hold (0–3s), 15s hold, CTR, and early CPA.
7. Iterate: swap hook/proof/CTA bricks on the winning structure; keep the pacing that worked.

Copy-paste AI prompt — script with pacing and brick set

“You are a senior performance ad writer. Brief: [paste your 40–60 word brief]. Output 5 distinct short video ad scripts for both 15s and 30s. For each script, include: 0–3s hook (specific and emotional), problem line, solution + emotional benefit (1–2 lines), one proof/credibility line, direct CTA. Provide timestamps for 15s and 30s, VO word count (max 40 words for 15s; 80 for 30s), and three alternative on-screen hook texts (each <32 characters, 2 lines max). Keep language clear and human. Deliver in numbered lists.”

Copy-paste AI prompt — storyboard visuals to shot list

“For this script: [paste selected script]. Break into 3–6 scenes. For each scene, provide: visual description, camera framing (close/medium/wide), background/setting, on-screen text (2 lines max, <32 chars/line), motion direction (e.g., push-in, quick cut), suggested SFX or music cue, asset needed (logo/product/hand model), and exact duration so total time matches 15s or 30s. End with a one-paragraph shot list summary I can hand to a videographer.”

Worked example (use as a pattern)

Example brief: “Ergonomic footrest for home-office workers 40–65 who feel leg fatigue after long Zoom days. Benefit: sit more comfortably and feel fresher by 5pm. Tone: warm, practical. Length: 15s. CTA: Try it risk-free for 30 days. Proof: 4.6★ from 2,300+ buyers.”

Example 15s script with timestamps (≈38 words)

• 0–3s Hook: “Legs tired by 3pm?”
• 3–6s Problem: “Hours of sitting strain your legs and lower back.”
• 6–11s Solution + benefit: “Lift your feet to a natural angle. Feel the pressure ease in minutes.”
• 11–13s Proof: “4.6★ from 2,300+ buyers.”
• 13–15s CTA: “Try it for 30 days — free returns.”

On-screen hook options: “Beat the 3pm slump”, “Happy legs, happier you”, “Comfort for long sits”. VO tone: calm, confident.

Storyboard (3 scenes)

• Scene 1 (0–5s, close-up): Under-desk shot of feet fidgeting; quick cut to footrest sliding under desk. Text: “Legs tired by 3pm?” Motion: quick cut, light click SFX. Mood: candid.
• Scene 2 (5–11s, medium): Feet resting at angle; small overlay shows pressure easing (soft gradient). Text: “Ease pressure in minutes.” Motion: slow push-in. Color: warm wood + brand accent.
• Scene 3 (11–15s, wide): User stretches and smiles at desk; logo and star rating appear. Text: “4.6★ | Try 30 days.” Motion: gentle dissolve to end card.

Insider calibration prompts

• Voiceover pace check: “Count words in this 15s script and rewrite to 35–40 words without losing meaning. Keep the same timestamps.”
• Hook stress-test: “Write 10 alternative hooks that name a time/place/emotion relevant to [audience]. Keep under 6 words. Make 3 surprising.”
• Proof sanity check: “Highlight any proof lines that could be misleading or unverifiable. Replace with conservative, accurate wording.”

Common mistakes and fast fixes

• Wall of text → Trim to 2 short lines on screen; move detail to VO or landing page.
• Pretty but slow → Add a pattern interrupt at 3–5s (new angle, overlay, SFX).
• Vague proof → Replace with concrete, sourced facts you can stand behind.
• Mismatch in tone → Specify VO tone and color mood in the prompt (e.g., “warm, natural light”).
• Testing apples vs oranges → Change one variable at a time: hook only, or proof only.

7-day quick plan (pragmatic and light)

1. Day 1: Write the brief, assemble assets, list 2 KPIs.
2. Day 2: Generate 5 scripts using the pacing prompt; pick 2.
3. Day 3: Turn each into 3–6 scene storyboards + shot lists.
4. Day 4: Build rough animatics; check word counts and readability.
5. Day 5: Qualitative check with 10–20 audience-adjacent people.
6. Day 6: Paid micro-test (50–200+ views/variant); record hook hold, 15s VTR, CTR.
7. Day 7: Keep the winning structure; swap in 2 new hooks and 1 new proof chip. Scale modestly.

What to expect: one variant usually wins on hook hold and CTR; keep its pacing and rotate hooks/proof to edge up performance another 10–20%. When you’re ready, paste your one-paragraph brief and I’ll generate the five scripts and two storyboard options to test first.

[Ian Investor]

Good point — the Creative Brick Set + the pacing guardrails are where the work meets the data. That structure makes AI outputs repeatable and testable instead of one-off creative experiments.

Here’s a practical, investor-friendly add-on: treat creative variants as micro-investments with clear stop/grow rules. Below is a tight process you can run in a week, with what you’ll need, how to execute, and what to expect at each step.

1. What you’ll need
   • One-paragraph brief (40–60 words) with one audience detail and one verifiable proof point.
   • Creative Brick Set: 5 hooks, 3 proof chips, 2 CTAs (kept in a short list).
   • Assets: logo, 1–3 product shots, brand color hex, any legal lines.
   • Tools & budget: an LLM for scripts/storyboards, simple editor for animatic, test budget ($50–$300 per variant depending on channel).
2. How to do it — step-by-step
   1. Draft brief and pick two KPIs (e.g., 3s hook hold & CTR).
   2. Use your LLM to produce 5 script structures (15s & 30s) using the brick set; keep VO counts within the guardrail words.
   3. Convert the top 2 scripts into 3–6 scene storyboards (1:1 mapping of line → frame) and make a shot list with exact durations.
   4. Create quick animatics (slides or phone-recorded) to validate pacing and on-screen text legibility.
   5. Run two tests: a qualitative check with 10–20 audience-adjacent people, then a paid micro-test (aim for 50–200 useful views per variant). Track hook hold (0–3s), 15s VTR, CTR, and early CPA signal.
   6. Decide: if a variant beats control by your threshold (suggest 15–25% lift on primary KPI), scale it; if not, swap a hook or proof chip and re-test. Stop variants that underperform after the initial micro-test.
3. What to expect
   • Rapid clarity: one variant usually surfaces as the best hook-holder within a single paid micro-test.
   • Small wins compound: keep winning pacing and rotate hooks/proof chips to improve CTR another ~10–20% over time.
   • Budget efficiency: micro-testing finds false positives early so you don’t overspend on full production for losing ideas.

Quick tip: predefine a simple decision rule before testing (e.g., “If CTR > control by 20% and 15s VTR > 35%, scale up”). That removes emotion from the scaling call and preserves budget for the next round of creative bricks.

[Author]

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