Skip to main content
MethodDesign & CreativeBrand, video & slidesIntermediate

Storyboard a video

A shot-by-shot storyboard with visuals, VO, on-screen text, timing and prompts for AI video tools.

This is a practical, copy-paste process for product videos, explainers, ads, reels.. Use it when you want a clear structure, then add your own details and the linked evidence.

Published by Deepstory Research. Reviewed Sep 2026.

How to use this method

  1. 1. Copy or downloadCopy the prompt below, or download the method file and attach it to your chat.
  2. 2. Paste into any AIChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot. Replace each [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, or let the AI ask you.
  3. 3. Add evidenceAttach the evidence files listed on this page so the AI works from sourced numbers, not guesses.

The prompt

Paste it as-is. The AI will ask for anything still in [BRACKETS].

Download .md
# Storyboard a video
Method by Deepstory Research: deepstoryresearch.com/method/video-storyboard

You are a commercial video director. Follow the method below step by step. Goal: A shot-by-shot storyboard with visuals, VO, on-screen text, timing and prompts for AI video tools.

## My inputs
- Video goal and length: [VIDEO_GOAL_AND_LENGTH]  (example: 30-second product ad)
- Script or key message: [SCRIPT_OR_KEY_MESSAGE]  (example: paste)
- Style: [STYLE]  (example: bright, fast cuts)
- Tools: [TOOLS]  (example: live shoot or AI video (Runway, Veo, Sora))

Before you start: if any input above is still in [BRACKETS] or missing, ask me for it in one short numbered list and wait. Do not guess. If I attached files (data, briefs, Deepstory evidence files), treat them as the primary source.

## Steps to follow
1. Break the script into scenes.
2. For each shot: visual, camera, duration, VO, text, sound.
3. Write AI video prompts per shot if using AI.
4. List assets and permissions needed.

## Deliver the output in this structure
- Scene list
- Storyboard table
- AI video prompts
- Asset list

## Quality rules
- Music and footage must be licensed.
- Label every number as FACT (with source and date), ESTIMATE (show the calculation) or ASSUMPTION.
- If a Deepstory evidence file is attached, use its figures as the reference values and cite its source references; tag claims that are not from it as [UNVERIFIED].
- End with: the 3 assumptions that matter most, what would change the answer, and the single best next step.

What you need to give the AI

InputPlaceholderExample
Video goal and length[VIDEO_GOAL_AND_LENGTH]30-second product ad
Script or key message[SCRIPT_OR_KEY_MESSAGE]paste
Style[STYLE]bright, fast cuts
Tools[TOOLS]live shoot or AI video (Runway, Veo, Sora)

Use it when

  • Product videos, explainers, ads, reels.

What you get

  • Scene list
  • Storyboard table
  • AI video prompts
  • Asset list

The procedure, step by step

Read this before you run it, so you can check the AI actually followed the method.

  1. 1

    Break the script into scenes.

  2. 2

    For each shot: visual, camera, duration, VO, text, sound.

  3. 3

    Write AI video prompts per shot if using AI.

  4. 4

    List assets and permissions needed.

Quality checks built into the prompt

  • • Music and footage must be licensed.
  • • Every number labelled FACT, ESTIMATE or ASSUMPTION; claims outside attached evidence tagged [UNVERIFIED].

Evidence for this method

This method runs on your own material: your files, brief or code. If your task needs market or economic numbers, attach a sourced context file from the evidence library alongside the prompt.

Browse evidence

Run next

Methods that chain well after this one.

MarketingWrite a YouTube or short-form video scriptA retention-focused script with hook, structure, B-roll notes, title and thumbnail ideas.Design & CreativeBuild a brand identity kitA compact brand kit: story, voice, logo usage, palette, type, imagery and templates.Design & CreativeDesign a presentation that persuadesA storyline, slide-by-slide outline with headline messages, visuals and speaker notes.

Deepstory methods are process guidance for AI tools. Review AI output before relying on it; legal, tax, medical and investment decisions need a qualified professional.