# Script Hook Framework

> 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.

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

---


# 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

1. **Cold Open**: Give context + convince viewer to stay with an enticing moment
2. **Intro**: Explain the concept creatively, build stakes, explain why it's hard
3. **Concept in Action**: Compelling narrative including false hope moments
4. **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

```markdown
## 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]
```