# Video Director

> Reference bank for writing cinematic scene-by-scene video direction. Contains curated scene examples across 13 visual categories plus mandatory rules for UI mockups and maps.

- Skill: `outscal/video-director` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 16 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add outscal/video-director`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/outscal/video-director/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: outscal (https://skillmd.com/u/outscal)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/outscal/video-director

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## When to use

Load this skill whenever you are writing or reviewing scene-by-scene video direction JSON. Use the example files to calibrate the expected level of phased detail, physical metaphor, and visual richness for each scene.

## How to use

### Contextual examples (read 0-N based on the script)

Analyze the script first, then read ONLY the example files whose category matches the visual patterns your scenes will need. Most scripts match 2-4 categories. Do NOT read every file.

| Category | Read when the script involves... | File |
|----------|----------------------------------|------|
| Hook scenes (ALWAYS for Scene 0) | Every video has a hook | [references/examples/hook-scenes.md](references/examples/hook-scenes.md) |
| UI Mockups | Apps, websites, dashboards, phone screens, checkout forms, product pages, game interfaces | [references/examples/ui-mockup-scenes.md](references/examples/ui-mockup-scenes.md) |
| Data & Statistics | Charts, gauges, bar graphs, line graphs, data panels with axes and labels | [references/examples/data-stats-scenes.md](references/examples/data-stats-scenes.md) |
| Process & Flow | Step-by-step processes, "how X works", pipelines, circular tracks, node-to-node traversals | [references/examples/process-flow-scenes.md](references/examples/process-flow-scenes.md) |
| Comparisons | "vs", "compared to", before/after, side-by-side, contrasting two alternatives | [references/examples/comparison-scenes.md](references/examples/comparison-scenes.md) |
| Metaphor & Physics | Abstract concepts shown through physical metaphors -- weight, gravity, orbits, growth, pressure | [references/examples/metaphor-physics-scenes.md](references/examples/metaphor-physics-scenes.md) |
| Cinematic & Atmospheric | Dramatic reveals, science phenomena, nature events, cosmic events, large-scale transformations | [references/examples/cinematic-atmospheric-scenes.md](references/examples/cinematic-atmospheric-scenes.md) |
| Text & Typography | Text-dominant scenes, kinetic typography, word-by-word reveals, editorial corrections | [references/examples/text-typography-scenes.md](references/examples/text-typography-scenes.md) |
| Multi-Element Layouts | Grids, radial arrangements, many items needing spatial organization without overlap | [references/examples/multi-element-layout-scenes.md](references/examples/multi-element-layout-scenes.md) |
| Simple Statements | Short punchy text, bridge transitions, emotional asides, big number reveals, outros | [references/examples/simple-statement-scenes.md](references/examples/simple-statement-scenes.md) |
| Object Interaction | Physical objects moving, morphing, emitting signals, connecting, mechanical interaction | [references/examples/object-interaction-scenes.md](references/examples/object-interaction-scenes.md) |
| Screen Fill & Reveal | Many identical elements flooding the screen then a dramatic peel/sweep/clearing effect | [references/examples/screen-fill-reveal-scenes.md](references/examples/screen-fill-reveal-scenes.md) |
| Narrative & Story | Mini-stories within a scene -- setup, event, outcome. A visual narrative arc | [references/examples/narrative-story-scenes.md](references/examples/narrative-story-scenes.md) |

### Mandatory rule files (read on demand)

- [references/ui-mockups.md](references/ui-mockups.md) -- MUST read before writing ANY scene that depicts an app screen, website, dashboard, phone screen, checkout, or game interface.
- [references/maps.md](references/maps.md) -- MUST read before writing ANY scene that involves a world map, country map, geographic distribution, travel route, or location highlight.

## Script-to-category matching examples

- "How payment processing works" -> Process & Flow, UI Mockups, Data & Statistics
- "Why most startups fail" -> Metaphor & Physics, Simple Statements, Multi-Element Layouts
- "The speed of light explained" -> Cinematic & Atmospheric, Comparisons, Metaphor & Physics
- "Best mobile app designs of 2025" -> UI Mockups, Multi-Element Layouts, Comparisons
- "How trains changed the world" -> Object Interaction, Narrative & Story, Process & Flow
- "The water cycle explained" -> Process & Flow, Cinematic & Atmospheric, Screen Fill & Reveal