Vsl Storyboard Writer
Expert VSL (Video Sales Letter) and product marketing video storyboard writer. Use when creating sales videos, product demos, explainer videos, social media video content, or marketing video scripts. Use when asked to "write a video script", "create a VSL", "storyboard a sales video", or "script a product demo". Produces storyboard scripts optimized for handoff to motion designer and Remotion video production.
- Skill ID
- ncklrs/startup-os-skills/vsl-storyboard-writer
- Publisher
- ncklrs
- Repository
- startup-os-skills
- Installs
- 0
- Files
- 11
- Synced
- Sep 23, 2026
Open any RiverX project, open the Skills panel in the chat, and search for this identifier. The files are fetched from the source repository at install time.
ncklrs/startup-os-skills/vsl-storyboard-writerInstalls these files- README.md
- SKILL.md
- rules/_storyboard-template.md
- rules/cta-optimization.md
- rules/motion-designer-handoff.md
- rules/objection-handling.md
- rules/script-pacing.md
- rules/social-proof-strategy.md
- rules/visual-storytelling.md
- rules/vsl-frameworks.md
- rules/vsl-hooks.md
What this skill tells the agent
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:
- Sales psychology — Understanding what drives decisions at each stage
- Visual storytelling — Every scene advances both narrative and conversion
- 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-designerskill
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:
| Formula | Best For | Duration | Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hook-CTA | Social media ads | 15-30s | Problem → Solution → CTA |
| PAS | Cold traffic | 30-90s | Problem → Agitation → Solution |
| AIDA | Product demos | 60-120s | Attention → Interest → Desire → Action |
| VSL Classic | Sales pages | 3-10min | Story → Problem → Solution → Proof → Offer → CTA |
| The Explainer | Education-first | 60-180s | Context → How it works → Benefits → CTA |
The 5-Second Hook Formula
First 5 seconds determine 80% of watch-through rate.
Hook Types:
- Question Hook — "What if [desired outcome] was actually easy?"
- Problem Hook — "Tired of [pain point]?"
- Curiosity Hook — "This [simple thing] changed everything"
- Pattern Interrupt — Unexpected visual or statement
- Social Proof Hook — "10,000 teams already [outcome]"
- Demonstration Hook — Show impressive result immediately
Video Length Guidelines
| Duration | Type | Goal | Key Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-15s | Micro-content | Awareness, virality | Shares, engagement |
| 15-30s | Social ads | Traffic, interest | CTR, view-through |
| 30-60s | Product teasers | Demo requests | Click rate |
| 60-90s | Explainers | Understanding | Watch time |
| 90-180s | Full demos | Trial signups | Conversion rate |
| 3-10min | VSL sales videos | Purchase decisions | Sales |
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 emphasize4. 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:
- Focus on copy, messaging, and conversion strategy
- Provide visual direction but not technical specs
- Include timing guidance but not frame-by-frame details
- Emphasize WHY each scene exists (narrative + conversion)
- 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 CTAProduct Explainer (60-90s)
Formula: Context → Demo → Benefits → CTA
Scene 1 (0-5s): Relatable problem hook
Scene 2 (5-15s): Why existing solutions failMore from ncklrs
Use this skill in a project
Open any RiverX project, search the Skills panel for ncklrs/startup-os-skills/vsl-storyboard-writer, and install it in one click.
