Let’s write a short video script for my audience – freelance creatives.
1. Relatable topics
People love content that makes them feel seen. So, to find relatable topics, I’ll list my audience’s FFWAs:
2. Dive deeper
Then, I’ll ask ChatGPT to dive deeper into “difficult clients.”
3. Surprising setting
Now I have a topic that my audience knows and resonates with. But, when something is too familiar, it becomes boring. (Like “10 signs you’re dealing with a toxic client.”)
So, I want to give my script a fun twist by choosing an unexpected setting.
💡 It’s also a great creative springboard. Wes Anderson once said: “The story grew out of the setting as much as the other way around.”¹
4. Get writing
I try to bring my story to life in different settings. No AI here, just me.
Savannah
Narrator: “And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the elusive creature known as the Client From Hell. This fascinating specimen emerges from its slumber only at night. It is during these nocturnal hours that the CFH suddenly recalls pressing deadlines and imparts his feedback with unwavering urgency.”
Nah, too cliché.
Jail
Prisoner 1: I shot my best friend. And his brother. What you in here for?
Prisoner 2: I’m a client from hell
Prisoner 1: *gasps*
Mmm… too violent.
Hospital
Detective: How is she, doc?
Doctor: Still unconscious.
Detective: Her laptop came back from the lab.
Doctor: Did they find anything?
Detective: There’s something in her inbox. Looks like a brief. It says: “Target audience – everyone. Deadline – yesterday.”
Doctor: Oh, God.
Detective: Incoming calls at 10:30 pm and on weekends. And look at those ads – the logo keeps getting bigger with each version.
Doctor: Did you check her bank account?
Detective: Yes. Nothing. She’s probably being paid in exposure.
Doctor: What a monster.
Detective: Wait, you don’t really think this was –
Doctor: Shh! She’s waking up…
Freelancer: Revisions. More revisions. He kept telling me, “I’m not sure what I want, but I’ll know it when I see it.” Finally, after three weeks, he said…
Detective: What, what did he say?
Freelancer: He said his cousin is a prompt engineer and he will write it for free with Cha…
Suddenly, the steady rhythm of the EKG machine becomes erratic. Nurses rush in. Then silence. The constant tone of the EKG machine is the only sound left.
Doctor: Time of death, 23:47. Cause of death…
Detective: A client from hell.
Ok, not too bad.
4. Formatting
Finally, I want it to look like a real script with screen directions and sound effects.
which has video on one side and audio on the other.
If you prefer the Hollywood-style formatting, ask ChatGPT for a one-column script.
