# Write a timed video script

AI Content Creation | Module 12: Plan and edit short videos

## Your goal

Match spoken words to visible actions.

A short video needs a sequence of moments. Give each moment a time range, a visual, and the words the viewer hears or reads. Avoid describing a scene that cannot be made with your available tools.

Estimate speaking time, then read the script aloud with a timer. A word-count estimate cannot account for pauses or demonstration time.

Use a notebook close-up, a view of the supplied materials, and an information card. If you use generated visuals, keep them clearly illustrative and review for misleading details.

## Source pack

FICTIONAL PRACTICE BRIEF: Green Bench is a student repair club. It runs a free notebook-cover repair workshop on Saturday, 14:00 to 16:00, in Room B. There are 12 places. Learners bring one worn notebook; tools and scrap card are provided. Register using the club form. No date, form URL, access arrangements, impact figures, or testimonials have been supplied. Ask the organiser about missing details before publishing. This is a creative exercise, not a real event.

## Worked example

Write a three-beat script for a roughly thirty-second workshop invitation.

### Opening beat

Seconds zero to six: close-up of a worn notebook. Voice: Torn notebook cover? Bring it to our free workshop.

### Middle and ending

Seconds six to twenty: show notebook and scrap card. Seconds twenty to thirty: show the time, room, and registration action on a readable card.

### Timing review

Read the voiceover aloud and leave room for pauses. Shorten the script if it covers the visuals too quickly.

## Your work

Write a three-beat script for a roughly thirty-second workshop invitation.

### Opening beat

Write at least 8 words.


### Middle and ending

Write at least 8 words.


### Timing review

Write at least 8 words.

## Review your work

- [ ] Every beat includes a visual and message.
- [ ] The shots are feasible.
- [ ] I included a real timing check.

Completeness checks do not assess creative quality or factual accuracy. Review the actual work yourself or with a mentor.

## Quiz

1. How should you confirm a script fits its duration?
   A. Assume every word takes the same time.
   B. Remove all pauses.
   C. Read it aloud with a timer.

2. Your timed read takes fifty seconds for a thirty-second slot. What should you do?
   A. Assume the editor will fix it automatically.
   B. Shorten the script and time it again.
   C. Speak too quickly to understand.

## Quiz explanations

1. C: Spoken pacing and visual demonstrations need time.

2. B: A realistic script leaves room for clear delivery and pauses.

## Further reading

[Anthropic: prompt engineering overview](https://platform.claude.com/docs/en/build-with-claude/prompt-engineering/overview)