script-hook-framework

name script-hook-framework description Write YouTube scripts using George Blackman's Target-Transformation-Stakes hook + Setup-Tension-Payoff body structure. Mini-payoffs every 60-90 seconds. Use when scripting any video. argument-hint [video topic, title, and key points to cover] Script Hook Framework Write a script for: $ARGUMENTS Hook: Target-Transformation-Stakes (George Blackman) The first 30 seconds determine everything. Structure: Target (3 sentences, raising stakes and clarity) Who is this for? Why should they care RIGHT NOW? What's the specific context that makes this urgent? Transformation (1 sentence) What specific, tangible outcome will the viewer get? Must be measurable or visual — not vague ("you'll understand X" is weak; "you'll save $500/month" is strong) Stakes (1 sentence) Choose ONE: Bold statement that provokes Thought-provoking question Controversial opinion Unique insight nobody else is sharing First 30 Seconds Rules Deliver on the title's promise IMMEDIATELY — no preamble Cut ALL filler that delays payoff Leading with the key insight improves retention by 15-20 percentage points Pattern interrupt at 25-35 seconds (camera angle change, music drop, graphic) MrBeast: show the viewer what they gain or lose in first 5 seconds, or retention collapses Establish purpose using "By the end of this video, you'll know..." 0-30 Second Beast Hook Timing Use this when the video is browse/suggested-driven and needs immediate visual momentum: Time Job What It Should Do 0-3 sec Concept as image Show the core idea visually before explaining it 3-8 sec Stakes State what is won, lost, proven, broken, or exposed 8-15 sec Visual preview Flash the best result, biggest problem, or most surprising moment 15-30 sec Action starts Begin the challenge/tutorial/test with no biography or setup padding Do not open with "today we're going to talk about..." if the viewer can see the value instead. Body: Setup-Tension-Payoff Structure Every 60-90 seconds, complete one cycle: Setup (10-15 seconds) Alert viewers to what's coming in the next segment. Create anticipation. Tension (40-60 seconds) Build toward the promise. Add complexity, stakes, obstacles, or surprising details. Payoff (10-15 seconds) Deliver the information satisfyingly. This is a dopamine hit — the viewer feels rewarded. Then immediately start the next Setup. The payoff of one section transitions into the setup of the next. Ali Abdaal's HIVE Framework (Structure) H ook: First 10-30 seconds. Spend 10-20 minutes thinking about ONLY the first 10 seconds. Best hooks: enticing b-roll, question, transformation, provocative fact, quick tip I ntro: Categorize the video: Discoverable (hooks new viewers via search/browse) Community (deepens existing subscriber relationships) Sales (drives a specific action) V alue: Core content — the main message. Use Setup-Tension-Payoff cycles throughout. E nd Screen: Last 10 seconds = pitch to another video on a correlating topic. Always end with a specific CTA. Film Booth's 4-Beat Structure Cold Open : Give context + convince viewer to stay with an enticing moment Intro : Explain the concept creatively, build stakes, explain why it's hard Concept in Action : Compelling narrative including false hope moments Golden Moment : Core idea realized and presented Scripting Rules Words to AVOID (George Blackman) imagine, streamline, realm, game-changer, unlock, discover, skyrocket, abyss, vast, revolutionize Also avoid: metaphors, antithesis phrases, purple prose, AI-speak Structure Rules Never state conclusions upfront — build tension first Never include self-defeating statements in hooks ("this is complicated" = viewer leaves) Focus on emotional connection when transitioning between segments Mini-payoffs every 60-90 seconds (dopamine throughout, not just at end) Escalating stakes — tension builds continuously (MrBeast) Every 3-5 minutes needs a re-engagement moment: new constraint, twist, reveal, format break, escalation, or unexpected failure. Sound Design Notes Voice dominates; music sits 5-25dB quieter Change music when story shifts (new chapter = new cue) Brief silence before major reveals Calm: 60-80 BPM. Energy: 100-120 BPM. Output Format ## Script: "[Video Title]" **Type** : Discoverable / Community / Sales **Target Length** : [X] minutes **Retention Strategy** : [which cutting pattern — Progressive Rhythm / Contrast / Narrative Loop / Hybrid Tempo / Anchor] ### HOOK (0:00-0:30) **Target** : [3 sentences] **Transformation** : [1 sentence] **Stakes** : [1 sentence] **Pattern Interrupt at 0:25** : [what changes] ### SEGMENT 1: [Topic] (0:30-2:00) **Setup** (0:30-0:45): [what you're promising] **Tension** (0:45-1:45): [the build] **Payoff** (1:45-2:00): [the reward] ### SEGMENT 2: [Topic] (2:00-3:30) [same structure] [Continue for each segment...] ### END SCREEN (last 10 seconds) **CTA** : [specific next video to watch] **Line** : "[exact words to say]" ### Production Notes - B-roll needed: [list] - Graphics/text overlays: [list] - Music cues: [when to change tracks] - Pattern interrupts: [timestamp + what changes]