Lock the idea, outline 3–5 scenes, and set a single, consistent voice. inside this approach, you map the idea into a tight script and convert it into visuals you can watch using a technology stack based on AI-assisted workflows. Use existing assets to accelerate the baseline, and test the first pass quickly to validate pacing and clarity.
Choisissez angles and camera cues, set a voix style, and decide on languages to reach new audiences. Based on these choices, the final render will become coherent across languages. This process easily allows you to adapt to different markets and still leaves room for extra exploration; if you need extra iterations, run quick exploration to compare tone and tempo.
To convert ideas into finished clips, reuse existing scripts, voix prompts, and stock visuals. inside the workflow, you can adapt the pacing, remove redundancies, and enhance engagement with concise text and visuals. traditionally, teams relied on long cycles; still, you can run quick tests and evaluate results, refining the final output for the audience. The technology behind this approach is technological in nature, supporting multilingual output and flexible authoring workflows.
Script Preparation for HeyGen
Recommendation: recommend a master script of 120–180 words split into 8–12 shots, each conveying a single idea within a 12–15 second frame. This master script acts as the backbone for those versions, enabling quick adaptation across diverse experiences and audiences.
Phase one focuses on ideation and outlines. Create a two-column outline: left column narrates the shot; right column lists visuals and audio cues. Convert ideas into concrete lines, then label each line with timing benchmarks to ensure pace matches the plan. Then review for flow and concision, ensuring the idea translates into crisp visuals.
Shot planning: for every shot define the idea, the intended shots count, spoken lines, on-screen text, and post-production notes. This clarity helps the review team and those who reuse scripts understand intent quickly.
Versioning and resources: produce at least three versions of the script: concise, descriptive, and punchy. Gather ressources such as a shot list, wardrobe notes, and two audio cues. Store them in a shared folder to support quick iteration, much help, and ease of collaboration.
Quality check: rehearse lines aloud, adjust cadence, trim filler. A 60–90 second read gauge pacing vs. phase expectations and expected results. Record the read-through to catch awkward phrasing and avoid intricate language that slows review.
Post-production plan: note post-notes for color, lighting cues, and audio markers. Link each script segment to a visual cue, making the integration simple and repeatable. This plan can offer consistency across shots and teams, and this helps ensure reliable experiences and results.
Why this helps: a structured approach minimizes rework, improves accuracy, and shortens time-to-publish. The process yields faster iteration, much more predictable results, and a steady workflow across teams. Keep a free library of templates and sample scripts to accelerate preparation and share across colleagues.
Ongoing practice: maintain a living idea bank, diverse shot lists, and a repository of existing scripts. Regularly review post-phase alignment, and solicit quick feedback from a sample audience to refine each phase. Always simplify the path from idea to final script, ensuring ongoing creation quality and a smooth integration into production.
How to format lines, speaker labels, and timestamps for direct import
Export a CSV that uses a header row and four columns: line,speaker,start,end; times must be in HH:MM:SS.mmm; validate via a sample import in the editor to confirm alignment, and adjust any mismatches before production. Additionally, keep line text within quotes if it contains commas.
- Column definitions: line first, speaker second, start third, end fourth; use a consistent order to ensure current parsers read correctly.
- Speaker labels: assign concise IDs (SP01, SP02) or names; keep labels within a single scheme across scenes; diverse identifiers help keep things clear during scouting and postproduction.
- Time format: HH:MM:SS.mmm, zero-padded; End must be greater than Start; allow tiny gaps to reflect cut points.
- Text encoding: UTF-8; escape quotes by doubling them; avoid newline characters inside a single line field; limit to 200–240 chars per line for reliability.
- Line content: each row holds a single spoken segment; if a speaker changes, split into a new row with a fresh Start; avoid combining multiple thoughts in one line.
- Quality checks: run an import preview, verify line counts, ordering, and timestamps; check alignment with the storyboard and adjust accordingly to reduce changes later.
- Sample templates: provide a CSV snippet to share with teammates; this helps learn the format quickly and streamline onboarding; templates made for different project scales become a reference.
- Alternative formats: TSV or JSON may be available; ensure the import tool maps fields consistently; when choosing, consider whether your pipeline prefers tabs or a JSON array for batch processing.
- Planning idea: scout the script in advance; diverse cameras and angles can drive field labels if you plan separate lines per angle; this improves results later in postproduction; predictive pacing may be used to estimate durations ahead of time.
- Validation: test with a small set; verify outcomes within the editor; the exercise reveals potential issues before publishing; this saves costs and avoids rework.
Within the same file, optional columns such as scene_id and camera_id can be added to capture variations across angles; these additions stay within the import schema, enabling predictive pacing and streamlined postproduction. Additionally, this approach opens possibilities beyond the core field set, supports diverse cameras, and reduces costs.
CSV example:
- line,speaker,start,end
- “Hello and welcome”,”SP01″,”00:00:01.000″,”00:00:03.200″
- “Proceed to topic two”,”SP02″,”00:00:03.300″,”00:00:05.000″
How to write camera, background, and prop cues that the platform recognizes

Begin by composing a cue sheet that lists CAMERA, BACKGROUND, and PROP cues on separate lines, placed before spoken lines to ensure alignment. This approach makes localization smoother for marketers and their teams, increasing the impactful effect of each shot and supporting their ability to deliver consistent, scalable content.
Adopt a fixed cue format such as: [CAMERA: close-up, eye-level], [BACKGROUND: neutral office, soft daylight], [PROP: notebook, pen], [VOICE: warm, confident]. Each cue ties directly to a short line of dialogue, keeping pace tight and facilitating localization across markets and their teams.
Define location and lighting conditions clearly: [CONDITION: natural light, overcast], [LOCATION: studio A]. These details prevent misinterpretation when teams work across locations and time zones, and they ensure the shot matches the intended mood.
Before scriptwriting, create a shot list: 1) intro close-up, 2) medium shot in location B, 3) closing wide. This reduces back-and-forth, accelerates learning, and improves their ability to produce scripts quickly, with concise cues that map to the spoken lines.
Then run a quick check on a draft to verify cue recognition; adjust wording to improve accuracy and reduce misfires that affect the final result, which saves edits and speeds delivery.
These conventions unlock artistic uses and invaluable possibilities across multiple locations. The impact is measurable: faster turnarounds, smaller revision cycles, and greater consistency across scripts; localization improves, and marketers can offer targeted messages that resonate. For teams that want to scale content across locales, this framework delivers increasing enhancements and lasting impact, then sustains momentum across future projects.
How to break scenes into shots for accurate timing and transitions
Start by outlining the scene’s core beat, then map it to 8–12 shots for precise timing and smooth transitions. This approach is powerful for ensuring consistency across takes and improves efficiency in planning.
Create a shot list that identifies subjects and actions per beat. This equips your team to decide framing and camera moves early, thereby speeding up decisions and ensuring coherence.
Structure shots into micro-sets: setup, action, reaction, and wrap. Each set should tell a part of the scene’s experiences, preserving artistry, and integrating sound and effects to heighten impact.
Choose shot lengths with natural pacing in mind: quick cuts for tension, longer takes for dialogue; then increasing tempo as the scene unfolds.
Use diverse framing: wide establishing, mid shots for interaction, close-ups for emotion. Align these with filming capabilities and available gear; this plan reduces costs.
Plan transitions with clear rules: cuts for tempo shifts, crossfades for emotional breathing, and motion-based transitions when subjects move.
Keep a quick log per shot: shot number, subjects, duration, camera move, and intended effect; this uses structure to inform editing.
Review before filming: run a fast read-through, adjust based on feedback, and decide final order.
During production, environmental sound and on-location ambience impact natural feel; ensure the plan supports their moments.
Post (upload) process: after filming, check timing against the audio track, thereby delivering a coherent flow; the result improves experiences and lets you tell your story clearly.
Let the process teach you to adjust decisions quickly; increasing flexibility lets you adapt to subjects and locations.
How to annotate emotion, pacing, and emphasis for AI voice rendering
Tag every sentence with a compact trio: emotion, pacing, emphasis, then feed these markers into a central editor so the AI can render a consistent speech tone before export.
Currently, teams are learning from patterns by using a shared template that captures tags per script, reuse settings, and generate new versions fast, effortlessly, requiring minimal manual edits.
For pacing, assign per-sentence tempo values: [pace: brisk], [pause: 250ms], [breath: short]. This dynamic approach keeps the narration engaging and helps the engine adjust to content changes, preserving viewers’ attention as scenes shift. This tagging also expands capabilities across the content stack.
Map emotion to context: [emotion: surprise] for twist, [emotion: warmth] for close dialogue, [emphasis: strong] on critical nouns. This helps viewers sense intent even when the speech is automated.
Before regional adaptation, keep a master script with stable markers and a log of changes. Scriptwriting teams can compose variations, and editors can tell differences, which lets you adjust cadence and emotion before finalizing the draft.
Export the annotated script as a structured file (JSON or CSV) so editors can access everything in the automation pipeline. Save templates, maintain versions, and ensure teams can access the latest markers before production day. This saves time and delivers a coherent line delivery for viewers, while allowing you to tell the overall story clearly and compose future edits.
Using HeyGen’s Script-to-Video Workflow
Begin by creating a shot list based on subjects, angles, and tone. Map each scene to a frame and outline the corresponding voiceovers and on-screen text based on the audience’s needs. This keeps everything coherent and ensures you generate assets based on a clear plan before you render anything. Cinematographers can use this as a basis for lighting and lens decisions.
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Pre-production mapping: Based on the script, define subjects, establish a few core angles (wide, mid, tight), and lock the overall pacing. Maintain a shared notes sheet to track music cues, captions, and transitions. This lowers risk of mid-sequence edits and speeds up execution.
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Asset and voiceovers setup: Prepare voiceovers in the target language with a consistent cadence. When possible, source free, high-quality assets and align them with the tone of each subject. Preload fonts and a frame-based color palette to ensure coherence across scenes. This gives you a solid base to become faster in production and always support viewers with clear narration.
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Generation and framing: Generate initial frames using the tool. Focus on frame composition and camera angles–wide, medium, and close-ups. Produce several variants for each scene and compare side-by-side to pick the strongest framing. Keep the total frame count tight to maintain readability on mobile and desktop alike, enabling fast iteration.
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Edits and refinements: After first renders, refine timing, adjust audio levels, and apply color corrections. Use concise edits to tighten pacing and reinforce the narrative arc. Document every update so teammates can review and reuse assets later.
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Delivery and review: Export at the chosen resolution and aspect, validate on target devices, and gather feedback from stakeholders. Iterate quickly on any requested edits, then finalize assets for distribution. Look for opportunities to reuse assets in future campaigns and formats, often.
How to import a script file and choose import settings
Upload a plain script file (TXT or DOCX) first, and enable language auto-detect to ensure global compatibility. This quick step keeps your workflow simple and fast.
Plan the mapping: keywords organize topics; templates offer ready frames; cast identifies actors; shots define scene blocks; angles shape perspective; background fits mood; sounds set ambience.
Define the structure: insert scene breaks, indicate still frames for pauses, and set tone to match your brand.
Choose an import preset that aligns with your artistic goals: simple, cinematic, or artistic. Presets adjust color, pacing, and background layers, making the setup easy.
Review in quick preview: understand how lines convert to visuals, adjust the mapping to ensure accuracy, and refine keywords for better searchability.
Save your choices as a global profile; share notes with their cinematographers and cast; extra features such as generators allow rapid iteration.
Tips: ensure your script uses clear keywords, avoid ambiguity, keep background distinct from foreground, and test various angles to verify pacing.
| Import setting | Description | Valeurs recommandées |
|---|---|---|
| Format de fichier source | Types de fichiers que vous pouvez importer, tels que TXT ou DOCX | TXT, DOCX |
| Langue | Sélecteur ou détection automatique pour les règles linguistiques et la terminologie | Anglais, espagnol, français ou automatique |
| Structure mapping | Comment les lignes se rapportent aux scènes, aux actes ou aux chapitres | Scènes, Chapitres |
| Mots-clés | Termes qui déclenchent des visuels, des actions ou des paramètres | usez vos propres termes ; alignez-vous avec les visuels |
| Modèles | Présablos pour les chronologies, les trames et le rythme. | Simple, Cinématique, Artistique |
| Cast | Noms liés aux lignes ou aux actions dans des scènes | List acteurs ou marqueurs d'emplacement |
| Instantanés | Nombre et type de prises par scène | Par scène, réglable |
| Angles | Perspectives de caméra pour chaque plan | Large, Moyenne, Gros plan |
| Contexte | Couleur d'arrière-plan, image ou paramètres de dégradé | Couleur ou image, cohérente avec l'ambiance |
| Sons | Ambiance, effets sonores et styles musicaux | Ambient, cinematic, light ambience |
| Timecodes | Activer ou désactiver les marqueurs basés sur le temps | On ou Off |
| Enregistrer/profil | Profil global persistant pour réutilisation | Global |
Création de vidéos par IA – Script-to-Vidéo avec HeyGen — Guide pas-à-pas" >