<!-- SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT -->
<!-- SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2025-2026 Marcus Quinn -->

# Founder Video Brief

> For filming yourself or an executive as the face of the brand.

## Objective

- **Type:** Origin Story / Product Explainer / Direct Response / Myth-Buster / FAQ / Announcement
- **Goal:** [Primary action viewers should take]

## Script

- **Hook (0-5s):** [Opening line — most important]
- **Body (5-25s):**

  ```text
  [Main message]
  1.
  2.
  3.
  ```

- **Proof (25-35s):** [Social proof, results, credentials]
- **CTA (35-45s):** [Clear call to action — URL: ]

## Technical Setup

- **Camera:** iPhone/tripod · Webcam · Mirrorless/DSLR · Professional
- **Framing:** Medium shot (chest up) or close-up (head/shoulders) · Eye line at lens or slightly above
- **Audio:** Lav mic · Shotgun · AirPods · Built-in (backup only)
- **Environment:** Quiet room · No echo
- **Lighting:** Natural window (soft) · Ring light · Key+fill · Professional
- **Lighting tip:** Light in front of you, not behind
- **Background:** Home office · Company office · Neutral/branded wall · Blurred
- **Include:** Subtle brand elements, books, plants
- **Avoid:** Clutter, distractions

## Outfit

- **Do:** Solid colors · Colors that pop against the background · Natural, put-together look
- **Don't:** Thin stripes/small patterns (moiré) · All white/black · Busy logos · Sloppy casual

## Delivery

- **Tone:** Conversational · Energetic · Calm/authoritative · Passionate
- **Pacing:** Slightly faster than normal conversation · Natural pauses OK · Not rushed, not slow
- **Script method:** Teleprompter (sounds scripted) · Bullet points (more natural) · Memorized key lines + improv
- **Tips:** Record a practice take first · Talk like you're telling a friend · Keep rolling through mistakes · Use hand gestures · Smile at least once

## Shot List

- **Must capture:** Full talking head (multiple takes) · Key lines said 2-3 different ways · Reaction shots
- **B-roll:** Product in use · Working at desk · Team interaction · Product close-ups · Logo/branding

## Format

- **Primary:** 9:16 (Reels/Stories)
- **Secondary:** 1:1 or 4:5 (Feed)
- **Backup:** 16:9
- **Tip:** Frame loose to allow cropping to different ratios

## Post-Production

- **Editor adds:** Captions · B-roll cutaways · Lower thirds/text · Music · Brand elements
- **Provide to editor:** All takes (labeled) · B-roll footage · Script/key quotes · Brand assets (logo, colors)

## Self-Review Checklist

- [ ] Message clear in first 5 seconds
- [ ] Audio clean
- [ ] Lighting flatters face
- [ ] Background appropriate
- [ ] Sounds natural, not read
- [ ] Key points covered
- [ ] CTA clear
- [ ] Multiple takes for key moments
