George Blackman – The YouTube Scriptwriter’s Playbook V2

That’s where this Playbook steps in – to transform the way you write for YouTube. ‍

Whether you’re a budding YouTuber or a seasoned scriptwriter, the struggle with the scriptwriting process is real. But what if it could be… simpler?

This Playbook isn’t just a collection of tips and tricks. It’s a comprehensive journey through the art and science of writing an engaging YouTube video script.‍

Take a look At the Course Modules
YTSP guides you through a step-by-step, systemised approach to scriptwriting. Take a look at the five key modules:

Module 1:
Scriptwriting Foundations

Choose your scriptwriting format from the updated templates I’ve created (now available in Notion, Docs and Sheets).

Then, create an audience avatar, and I’ll show you why this is the secret weapon that’s going to make every single script 10x easier to write.

Lesson list:

• 1.1 – Welcome
• 1.2 – Choose a Scriptwriting Format
• 1.3 – Introduction to Audience Avatar
• 1.4 – Demographics and Psychographics
• 1.5 – Complete Your Audience Avatar

Module 2:
Brainstorm The Idea

Learn how to come up with hundreds of video ideas in under an hour, before taking one of these concepts forward for the rest of the course.

You’ll learn how to frame, package and brainstorm the video using simple frameworks and checklists.

Lesson list:

• 2.1 – Ideation
• 2.2 – Framing / Grand Payoff
• 2.3 – Title and Thumbnail
• 2.4 – Initial Script Brainstorm
• 2.5 – Use AI to Find Gaps

Module 3:
Create The Structure

You’ll create the structure for your script using the information in your brainstorm and everything you’ve learned about your audience as guidance.

‍Lesson list:

• ‍3.1 – Introduction to Script Structure
• 3.2 – Target Your Avatar
• 3.3 – The 3 Levels of Scripting
• 3.4 – Basic Structure (Level 1 Script)
• 3.5 – Setup, Tension, Payoff (Level 2 Script)

Module 4:
Write The Script

You’ll craft a killer hook using tried and tested frameworks.Then, with your overall structure already built, join the dots to create a retention-optimised script.

‍Lesson list:

• 4.1 – Write The Hook
• 4.2 – Advanced Hook Writing
• 4.3 – First Draft (Level 3 Script)
• 4.4 – Ending
• 4.5 – Call-To-Action

Module 5:
Optimise The Script

Through a series of simple “trim tests”, learn how to cut your script down like a fine diamond (yeah, I said it) until you’re left with only the best bits.Then, you’re ready to film.

Lesson list:

• ‍5.1 – Audiovisual Storytelling (B-Roll, Music)
• 5.2 – Revise the Hook
• 5.3 – Basic Cuts
• 5.4 – Progression Cuts
• 5.5 – Pacing Cuts

Let’s be real. this stuff ain’t easy.

Over the last several years, I’ve somehow managed to work my way from sitting in a call centre to sitting on calls with some of the best and brightest creators on YouTube. 

But it wasn’t easy (and definitely wasn’t always fun).

When I started scriptwriting, my workflow involved long nights, countless revisions, and taking a mental battering from every script I penned.

The result was satisfying… but the process of getting there was exhausting.

That’s because YouTube isn’t just a platform; it’s a dynamic, ever-evolving world ruled by new, innovative and unbelievably creative minds. Which is awesome if you’re just there to watch some good videos, but a nightmare if you’re trying to sharpen your skills.
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Too many people believe that being a good scriptwriter means keeping up with every new popular video trend. But in reality, writing something incredible isn’t a case of understanding what’s trending – it’s about understanding attention and how we can make our ideas and stories engaging, no matter what shape the story takes.

Yes, packaging is important, but once they’re IN your story… you need to make sure they STAY IN and COME BACK.

The only way to improve your chances of both of those things is to understand the nuts and bolts of why videos work (or don’t).

Learning how to write better scripts is the best way to gain increased creative control over your output.

Most people think this is too hard, or too time-consuming.

And most of them aren’t wrong – this took me years to figure out. Years of working with the best and brightest on the platform and suffering through those long nights.

Exciting YTSP Features

YTSP includes a full stack of additional features and resources to make scriptwriting feel as effortless as possible.

Templates

Write high-quality scripts that resonate using adaptable templates

Use my go-to script templates and audience analysis tools, set up to be adaptable to your unique style. Keep track of script progress using the YTSP Script Engine. Use my scriptwriting template to streamline the writing process (now available in Notion, Docs and Excel). Map out your audience avatar with an ultra-handy template to help you create more compelling content, faster.

Exercises

Action your learnings with practical exercises to hone the most important scriptwriting techniques

Go beyond the theory and put your newfound scriptwriting understanding into practice with functional exercises and bona fide case studies. Consolidate your knowledge about hook writing, video structure and more – then apply it to your own script to amplify viewer retention.

Trim Tests

Learn my framework for editing scripts to improve progression for high-retention videos

“Should I cut this? Does my audience care? Am I rambling?” Trimming your script down can be exhausting. Simplify the editing process with series of ‘trim tests’ designed to ensure a highly-optimised script where every sentence deserves to be there. Sentence passed the test? Keep it. Sentence failed the test? Bye bye. Ensure every sentence has purpose to take the audience on the intended journey from A → B.

Cheatsheets

Your simplified handbook to the components of high-retention YouTube scriptwriting

Move past the decision fatigue and over-thinking that accompanies the scriptwriting process with a host of meaty, easy-to-use cheatsheets. Crafted in response to overwhelming demand from YTSP V1, these cheatsheets gather a tonne of real-world examples that you can literally just steal from. From hooks and curiosity gaps to objection-busting and sponsor integrations, there are 100+ examples from high-performing videos.

Frameworks

Beat decision fatigue with super simple, easy-to-use scriptwriting frameworks

YTSP’s scriptwriting frameworks give you a reliable “formula” to write almost any part of your script. This isn’t about taking the creativity out of YouTube. It’s about giving you a bunch of structural “fallbacks” to help you write (even when you’re struggling).

But from the forge (eventually) emerges the YouTube Scriptwriter’s Playbook

So when I say “figured out”, what do I actually mean?

Well, as James Clear says, “you do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

And I realised that, ultimately, the hardest part of scriptwriting wasn’t understanding the nuts and bolts of how stories worked or how to capture people’s attention. It was forcing myself to begin this process from scratch, staring at a blank page, every time I wanted to write a script.

So the big epiphany I had that lit the spark for the YTSP was that there were things I could do that would make creativity and crafting a compelling, engaging script effortless every time. 

And it wasn’t about working harder. It wasn’t about routinely unlocking some hyper-focused state where I had a thousand good ideas at my fingertips every time I sat down to write.

It was about creating systems that did this work for me. 

And that’s what I’m going to share with you. But more on that later.

Okay, But Who Am I?

Hey!  I’m George Blackman, and my journey to becoming a YouTube scriptwriting expert took a bunch of commitment, study and analysis – and a bit of serendipity. Here’s a little about me and how I became a go-to person for YouTube scriptwriting:

I went from working in a call centre three years ago to writing scripts for Ali Abdaal, who at the time had 3m subscribers.

From over 100+ candidates, I got one of four writer positions.

The videos I wrote averaged over 1m views each.

I went on to write for creators like Mike Shake, Noah Kagan and Creator Booth, and to work with the team of writers behind creators like Thomas Frank.

I’ve worked with real estate agents, laser eye surgeons and even child prodigy violinists to kickstart/optimise how they write their videos, and to create a sales funnel for their businesses.

I’ve been featured in Business Insider and interviewed on Creator Science.

I’ve spent months studying dozens of retention graphs across 40+ niches and shared all my findings for free.

And while I’m still learning, I do feel confident saying that I’ve spent more time thinking about scriptwriting on YouTube than almost anyone else.

Not sure how many cool points that gets me, though.

So, how do I actually level up my scriptwriting?

Good question. Inside the YouTube Scriptwriter’s Playbook, I’ll give you all of the things I personally use every time I sit down to write a YouTube video script.

1.
Overcome Decision Fatigue Through Systemized Process and Checklists

Say goodbye to the overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to start. I’ll share systemised processes and comprehensive checklists to guide you through each step of creating a banger script, to simplify the decision-making on your plate and boost your efficiency.

2.
Enhance Your Script Quality for Better Viewer Retention

I’ll share all of the insights I’ve gained from my thousands of hours of scriptwriting in the form of proven principles you can apply to your scriptwriting. You’ll get practical frameworks you can follow to ensure that your scripts aren’t just “good”, but that they’re optimised for viewer retention so you can keep your audience engaged from start to finish.

3.
Systemise Tailoring Scripts to Different Styles and Audiences

I’ll give you a bunch of customisable script templates and audience analysis tools for you to add into your arsenal. These are designed to be adaptable to your style and to your audience. The aim here is for you to be able to consistently capture the unique voice you’re writing in, while ensuring your scripts resonate with the people watching.

4.
Apply Everything Practically – And Learn From Practical Application

As with anything in life, becoming an elite-level scriptwriter isn’t just about theory, it’s about putting what you learn into practise and iterating as you go. You’ll get access to a bunch of hands-on exercises and real world case studies from successful YouTubers to give you an inside look at what works and why – and sharing heaps of practical tools you can apply to your own scripts.

So who exactly is this for?

The YouTube Scriptwriter’s Playbook isn’t just a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s designed to cater to a diverse range of YouTubers and scriptwriters, each with their unique needs and aspirations. Here’s who will benefit the most from joining:

• Aspiring YouTubers Seeking to Make an Impact: If you’re at the start of your YouTube journey, feeling overwhelmed by the idea of scriptwriting, this Playbook is your springboard. I’ll teach you the ropes of crafting engaging scripts that resonate with audiences.
• Experienced YouTubers Aiming for the Next Level: For those who’ve been in the game but want to enhance their scriptwriting skills, this Playbook offers advanced techniques and insights to refine your content and increase viewer retention.
• Content Creators Facing Scriptwriting Burnout: If you’re tired of the scriptwriting grind and looking for a more systematic, less overwhelming approach, this course will give you the creative boost to reinvigorate your process and reignite your passion for content creation.
• Professionals Exploring Scriptwriting as a Side Hustle: Whether you’re a writer looking to break into YouTube scriptwriting or a professional seeking a creative outlet, the Playbook provides the structure and guidance you need to succeed.
• Teams and Businesses Focused on YouTube Growth: If you’re approaching YouTube as a business and you want to train writers or streamline their content creation process, the Playbook can function like a training manual you give to any incoming writer you want to bring up to speed quickly.

The YouTube Scriptwriter’s Playbook can function like a training manual you give to any incoming writer you want to bring up to speed quickly.