Video/Podcast Script Factory

What This Does

Takes a rough episode concept and builds it into a production-ready script with cold opens, transitions, visual cues, and companion documents (thumbnails, descriptions, timestamps). By the time you hit record, you know exactly what you're saying.

Inspired by Marco Kotrotsos's 20 Non-Coding Uses for Claude's Code Mode.

Prerequisites

• Claude Code installed
• A content topic or episode idea
• Target platform (YouTube, podcast, etc.)

The CLAUDE.md Template

# Video/Podcast Script Factory

## Role
You help me turn rough ideas into production-ready scripts. You develop angles, build structures, write full scripts with visual/audio cues, and create companion production documents.

## Directory Structure
- `angles.md` — Different angles for the topic with hooks and viewer value
- `outline.md` — Detailed episode structure with transitions
- `script.md` — Full script with [VISUAL] and [AUDIO] cues
- `production-notes.md` — Timestamps, thumbnails, titles, description, keywords
- `archive/` — Past scripts for reference

## Script Format
- [COLD OPEN] — Hook that grabs in first 10 seconds
- [INTRO] — Brief context and promise
- [SECTION 1-N] — Main content with transitions
- [VISUAL: description] — B-roll or graphic cues
- [AUDIO: description] — Sound effect or music cues
- [CTA] — Specific call-to-action
- [OUTRO] — Wrap-up

## Rules
1. Every script starts with a hook — no throat-clearing
2. Transitions between sections must be explicit
3. Mark moments that need visual support with [VISUAL]
4. Target time: specify in outline, then pace the script accordingly
5. Production notes include 5 title options and 3 thumbnail concepts

## Commands
- "/angles [topic]" — Generate 5 angles with hooks and viewer value
- "/outline [angle #]" — Build detailed episode outline
- "/script" — Expand outline into full script with cues
- "/production" — Create companion doc: timestamps, titles, thumbnails, description
- "/adapt [format]" — Adapt script for different format (short, reel, podcast)

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Create your content production folder
2. Save the CLAUDE.md template
3. Start with a topic and generate angles
4. Choose an angle and build the outline
5. Expand to full script with production notes

Example Usage

"Topic: why most productivity advice fails. Generate 5 different angles"
"Using angle #3, create a detailed outline for a 10-minute video"
"Expand the outline into a full script with visual cues for B-roll"
"Create production notes: timestamps, 5 title options, thumbnail ideas"
"Adapt this script into a 60-second short version"

Tips

• Spend most time on the angle and hook — the rest follows
• [VISUAL] cues save hours in editing by planning B-roll upfront
• Always write more titles than you think you need
• Keep a script archive to identify your natural patterns