How do I write YouTube scripts FASTER?

To make scriptwriting faster…

1. Write hooks, setups and payoffs word-for-word (nothing else).
2. Increase or decrease the amount you script to make filming easier.
3. Use a simple hook formula (target, transformation, stakes // character, concept, stakes).
4. Write “Blob Scripts” to maintain momentum.
5. Templatize and reuse script segment structures.
6. Know your audience to prevent overthinking.
7. Set a timer so you have no excuses.

If you’re a busy bee, that’s all you need to know this week.

Or, read on for more detail…

Full Video Explainer (12 min)

I talk in detail about these strategies in a video I recently posted in my scriptwriting community:

Click To Watch

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If you prefer to read the info, here’s an expanded summary of all 7 points:

1/ Write hooks, setups and payoffs word-for-word (but nothing else).

• Don’t feel obligated to script every word. Do always write hooks, setups, and payoffs in full (and use bullet points for the rest).
• The hook is important for obvious reasons (more on writing these below).
• Plot your payoffs first… then it’s easy to write your setups.
• See 4 examples of setups and payoffs in action here.

2/ Increase or decrease the amount you script to make filming easier.

• “Fully scripted” or “totally unscripted” are not your only two options.
• Treat your script like a dial - if 90% riffing felt too hard, dial the scripting up.
• If it felt stilted or “not how you’d really say it”, dial the scripting down.
• More time scripting will save you time when filming and editing... but it's a balance. If spending 10 hours scripting saves you 1 hour when filming... is it worth it?

3/ Use a simple hook formula.

• Write the components of your hook first... and only then try to combine them into a hook.

4/ Write “Blob Scripts” to maintain momentum.

• Don’t get stuck searching for the perfect word.
• Write a "blob script" instead (and fix it later):

5/ Templatize and reuse script segment structures.

• Once you've structured your script's first segment, re-use that structure across the entire video.
• Simple example of how easy + effective this is here.

6/ Know your audience.

• The #1 source of analysis paralysis is not knowing who you're talking to in your script.
• So get to know your audience... what they like, what they want to achieve, and why they watch you.
• Now, you’re no longer second-guessing every sentence.

• You already signed up to my YouTube Scriptwriter's Compass email course, so you're ahead of the game here 👊

7/ Set a timer.

• Ideally, do this with a buddy.
• Look each other dead in the eye and promise... "I WILL have written a YouTube script when this timer runs out."
• I do 2-hour sessions (with a 5 min break in the middle), but do whatever suits you.

That's all for this week.

Next week, I'm opening up about pricing, and the nuances of how much to charge/pay in different scenarios.

Any questions, just let me know!

Speak soon,
George 👋