cgallic Produce platform-optimized video scripts and clipping plans. Hook-first, algorithm-aware.
Phase 0: Load Product Context
Check if MARKETING.md exists in the project root (same directory as CLAUDE.md, README.md, package.json).
If it exists: Read it — skip product discovery questions. It has the product name, ICP, value prop, monetization, brand voice, current channels, and competitive landscape.
If it does NOT exist: Auto-explore the codebase to create it in the project root (next to CLAUDE.md). Do NOT ask the user what the product is. Read CLAUDE.md, README.md, PROJECT.md, package.json, landing pages, and any project files. Search for email/ad/analytics config. Then create MARKETING.md using the template from /kai-email-system. Present draft to user for confirmation.
Phase 1: Video Discovery
Read from MARKETING.md. Only ask about things not covered there:
- Topic/product — what's the video about?
- Platform(s) — TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reels, YouTube long-form?
- Format — talking head, screen recording, b-roll, animation?
- Length — short-form (15-60s) or long-form (5-15min)?
- Goal — awareness, education, conversion, engagement?
- Existing content — any blog posts or scripts to adapt from?
Phase 2: Script Production
Load these before writing:
knowledge/playbooks/video-content-creation.mdknowledge/channels/tiktok-algorithm.md(if TikTok)knowledge/channels/youtube.md(if YouTube)knowledge/channels/instagram.md(if Reels)
Short-Form Script Structure (15-60 seconds)
# [Title]
> **Kai root note:** `knowledge/`, `harness/`, and `scripts/` paths in this skill live in the Kai install, not the user's project. Resolve them against the first ancestor directory of this SKILL.md that contains a `knowledge/` folder (the Kai plugin root, `~/.claude/kai`, or the kai-cmo-harness repo). `MARKETING.md`, `memory/`, and any output files live in the current project. If a referenced `scripts/` command is not available in this install, say so, skip it, and continue with the file-based guidance — never fabricate its output.
**Platform:** TikTok / Reels / Shorts
**Length:** [X] seconds
**Format:** [talking head / screen / b-roll]
## HOOK (0-3 seconds)
[Pattern interrupt — question, bold claim, or visual surprise]
[This is the most important part. 80% of viewers decide here.]
## BODY (3-45 seconds)
[Main content — one idea, one takeaway]
[Visual direction notes in brackets]
## CTA (last 3-5 seconds)
[What should they do? Follow, comment, visit link, share]
## On-Screen Text
- [0s]: "[text overlay]"
- [3s]: "[text overlay]"
- [15s]: "[text overlay]"
## Hashtags
[Platform-appropriate, 3-5 relevant tags]
## Trending Audio
[Suggest trending sound if applicable, or "original audio"]
Long-Form Script Structure (5-15 minutes)
# [Title]
**Platform:** YouTube
**Length:** [X] minutes
**Format:** [format]
## HOOK (0-30 seconds)
[Preview the payoff — what will they know/be able to do?]
[Pattern interrupt opening]
## INTRO (30s-1min)
[Brief context, establish credibility, promise the structure]
"In this video, I'll show you [3 things]..."
## SECTION 1: [Topic]
[Content with visual direction]
## SECTION 2: [Topic]
[Content with visual direction]
## SECTION 3: [Topic]
[Content with visual direction]
## RECAP + CTA
[Summarize key points]
[Clear CTA — subscribe, link in description, comment]
## TIMESTAMPS
- 0:00 Hook
- 0:30 [Section 1]
- X:XX [Section 2]
- X:XX [Section 3]
- X:XX Recap
## THUMBNAIL CONCEPT
[Title text (3-5 words max), facial expression, key visual element]
Hook Formulas (use different ones across videos)
| Hook Type | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Question | "Did you know [surprising fact]?" | "Did you know 73% of leads call after hours?" |
| Bold claim | "[Contrarian statement]" | "Cold email is dead. Here's what replaced it." |
| Problem | "If you're struggling with [X]..." | "If your landing page converts under 3%..." |
| Result | "We went from [bad] to [good] in [time]" | "We went from 2% to 11% conversion in 3 weeks" |
| List | "[Number] [things] that [outcome]" | "5 emails every SaaS needs on day one" |
Quality Gates (per script)
- Hook in first 3 seconds (no intros, no "hey guys", no logos)
- One idea per short-form video (don't cram)
- Zero banned words / AI slop
- CTA present (but not forced — natural close)
- Visual direction included (not just words)
- Platform-appropriate length
Phase 3: Clipping Plan (long-form → short-form)
If the user has long-form content, generate a clipping plan:
Load: knowledge/playbooks/video-clipping-automation-workflow.md
Load for any transcript, caption, podcast, webinar, or third-party source: harness/references/transcript-video-research-rules.md
| Clip # | Timestamp | Hook | Platform | Length | Script Adaptation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2:30-3:15 | [hook] | TikTok | 45s | [adapt for vertical] |
| 2 | 5:00-5:30 | [hook] | Reels | 30s | [adapt for IG] |
| 3 | 8:15-9:00 | [hook] | Shorts | 45s | [adapt for YT] |
Clip Scoring
Score each candidate before scripting:
| Factor | Score | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Hook | 1-5 | Does the first 3 seconds create a clear reason to keep watching? |
| Standalone clarity | 1-5 | Can the viewer understand the moment without the full source? |
| Proof | 1-5 | Does it include a concrete example, result, quote, or demo moment? |
| Tension | 1-5 | Does it contain contrast, surprise, objection, stakes, or a reveal? |
| Source safety | 1-5 | Is the claim attributable and cleared for use? |
Use clips scoring 18/25+ for production candidates. Put lower-scoring clips in workspace/video/clipping-plan/_kill-list.md with the reason.
Every clip row must include a source timestamp or file locator. If the source is a guest, customer, or third-party show, mark approval status before export. Generate clip plans as a dry run first; publishing or upload requires approval.
Phase 4: Output
workspace/video/
├── _video-plan.md # Overview of all scripts
├── short-form/
│ ├── tiktok-script-1.md
│ ├── tiktok-script-2.md
│ ├── reels-script-1.md
│ └── shorts-script-1.md
├── long-form/
│ └── youtube-full-script.md
├── clipping-plan/
│ └── clips-from-[source].md
└── _quality-report.md