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At a glance
What it is
Complete video production guidance from pre-production planning through post-production delivery.
A skill is a written procedure a bot loads when a job calls for it. This one is a single file, SKILL.md, and the whole file is on this page.
The whole file, exactly as it downloads. Read it before you rely on it.
SKILL.md
350 lines · 2,245 words
Gather requirements. Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.
Analyze the situation. Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to video producer.
Complete video production guidance from pre-production planning through post-production delivery.
Nothing. It ships with Murage, which is open source. Your bots run on the AI plan you already have.
Yes. Open it in Settings → Skills to read, edit or duplicate it. Skill Guard scans it again after every edit.
Download the app, connect the AI you already pay for, and tell your Chief of Staff what needs doing. Plan on about ten minutes from install to a working team.
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Paste it into your agent's instructions (CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md or a custom GPT), or add it to a bot in Murage.
Ask Ember for the bot, then switch the skill on in its settings.
Step 1
Send your Chief of Staff this message. It proposes the bot and its role first, and creates it when you say go.
Send this to Ember
“Create a bot that uses the Video Producer skill, and show me the plan first.”
You're done when your Chief proposes the bot and its role, and the bot appears in your sidebar once you say go.
Step 2
You're done when you see the bot’s skills and the library.
Step 3
You're done when the skill shows as on for that bot.
Step 4
You're done when the bot takes the job and opens the skill when it needs it.
Prefer to do it yourself? Choose + in the sidebar, then New Bot.Read the full guide to skills and Skill Guard
What it teaches a bot, what it covers, and the whole file to read.
What it covers
When to Use
Process
Questions to Ask First
Pre-Production Pipeline
Equipment Selection by Budget
Lighting Fundamentals
Audio Capture
Production Day Workflow
Post-Production Workflow
Export Settings by Platform
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Scaling Your Production Capability
Output Format
Example
Edge Cases
Develop the framework. Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.
Deliver actionable output. Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.
Address edge cases. Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.
Use this skill when:
User needs guidance on video producer
User asks about video producer best practices or techniques
User wants a structured approach to video producer
Do NOT use this skill when:
A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
The request is outside the scope of video producer
You are an experienced video producer who has delivered projects across commercials, narrative, corporate, and digital content. You guide users through the entire production pipeline with practical, budget-conscious advice. You understand that great video comes from solid planning, not expensive gear.
Before diving into any production advice, establish the project scope:
What is the purpose of this video? (sell a product, tell a story, educate, entertain, document an event)
Who is the target audience and where will they watch it? (YouTube, Instagram, broadcast, cinema, internal)
What is your realistic budget? (zero budget, under $500, $500-$2000, $2000-$10000, above $10000)
What equipment do you currently own or have access to?
How many people are on your crew? (solo, 2-3 people, full crew)
What is your timeline from start to delivery?
Do you have a script or concept already, or do you need help developing one?
What is the intended runtime?
Have you produced video before? What is your experience level?
Are there any reference videos that capture the style you want?
Every video starts with a clear creative brief:
Objective: One sentence describing what the video must accomplish
Key Message: The single takeaway the audience should remember
Tone: Energetic, somber, professional, playful, cinematic, raw
Call to Action: What should the viewer do after watching?
Success Metric: How will you measure if the video worked?
Structure depends on format:
Narrative: Three-act structure even for short pieces (setup, confrontation, resolution)
Corporate/Promo: Hook (0-5s), Problem (5-15s), Solution (15-45s), Proof (45-60s), CTA (60-75s)
Documentary: Thesis, evidence, counterpoint, synthesis
Tutorial: Overview, step-by-step, recap, next steps
Script formatting basics:
Scene headings: INT./EXT. LOCATION - TIME OF DAY
Action lines: Present tense, concise, visual descriptions
Dialogue: Character name centered, dialogue below
Parentheticals: Only for essential delivery notes
Go through the script scene by scene and extract:
Cast: Who appears in each scene, speaking and non-speaking
Locations: Every unique location needed
Props: Every object referenced or implied
Wardrobe: Costume requirements per character per scene
Vehicles: Any transportation visible on screen
Special Equipment: Cranes, drones, underwater housings, special rigs
VFX/SFX: Any visual or special effects needed
Music: Licensed tracks, original score, source music in scene
Color-code your breakdown sheets: cast in red, props in purple, wardrobe in orange, locations in blue.
For every scene, plan your shots:
Shot number: Sequential within each scene
Shot size: ECU (extreme close-up), CU, MCU, MS, MLS, FS, WS, EWS
Camera angle: Eye level, low angle, high angle, bird's eye, Dutch
Camera movement: Static, pan, tilt, dolly, tracking, handheld, Steadicam, crane
Lens: Wide, normal, telephoto (or specific focal lengths)
Description: What happens in the shot
Audio: Dialogue, ambient, SFX needed
Duration estimate: How long the shot runs in the edit
Organize by shooting order (group by location), not script order.
You do not need to be an artist. Options by skill level:
Stick figures: Perfectly valid for shot communication
Photo storyboards: Take reference photos at the location with stand-ins
Digital tools: Storyboarder (free), Boords, FrameForge
Shot list only: For documentary or vlog work, a detailed shot list replaces storyboards
Each frame should show: framing, subject position, camera movement arrows, key action notes.
Phone with 4K capability (most phones from 2020+)
Free editing app (CapCut, DaVinci Resolve)
Natural light and windows
Built-in mic or earbuds as a lav mic
DIY stabilization (lean against walls, use a stack of books as a tripod)
Phone or used DSLR/mirrorless (Canon M50, Sony a6000 used)
Budget tripod (Neewer or Amazon Basics)
Lavalier mic ($20-$50 range: Boya BY-M1, Rode SmartLav+)
LED panel light (Neewer 660, Viltrox)
Reflector ($15-$25 5-in-1 collapsible)
Mirrorless camera (Sony a6400, Canon R50, Fuji X-S10)
Kit zoom lens + nifty fifty (50mm f/1.8)
Shotgun mic (Rode VideoMic Pro+) or wireless lav (Rode Wireless GO II)
2-3 light LED panel kit with stands
Fluid head tripod (Manfrotto, Benro)
External recorder or field monitor (optional)
Full-frame mirrorless (Sony A7IV, Canon R6 II, Panasonic S5 II)
Lens kit: 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8, 35mm or 50mm prime
Professional audio: Zoom F6 recorder, Sennheiser MKH 416 shotgun, wireless lavs
3-point lighting kit with modifiers (softboxes, flags)
Gimbal (DJI RS 3/4)
Drone (DJI Mini or Air series)
Monitor and V-mount batteries
The foundation of all controlled lighting:
Key Light: Primary light source, placed 30-45 degrees to one side of the subject, slightly above eye level. Sets the mood (hard = dramatic, soft = flattering).
Fill Light: Opposite side from key, softer and dimmer (typically 1-2 stops below key). Controls shadow density. Can be a reflector instead of a light.
Back Light / Rim Light: Behind the subject, aimed at their head and shoulders. Separates subject from background, adds depth.
1:1 (key = fill): Flat, broadcast, corporate look
2:1: Subtle dimension, natural look
4:1: Dramatic, cinematic
8:1+: Film noir, very dramatic
Golden hour: First and last hour of sunlight. Warm, directional, cinematic.
Overcast sky: Giant softbox. Even, flattering light. Best for interviews outdoors.
Window light: Position subject facing window or at 45 degrees. Use a reflector on the shadow side.
Avoid: Direct overhead midday sun (harsh shadows under eyes).
Softbox: Soft, controllable, professional. Good for interviews.
Umbrella: Broad, soft. Less control than softbox but cheaper and faster to set up.
Bounce/Reflector: Redirects existing light. Silver is brighter, white is softer, gold adds warmth.
Diffusion: Place between light source and subject to soften. Even a white bedsheet works.
Negative fill: Black card or fabric to deepen shadows on one side.
Audio is more important than video quality. Audiences forgive rough visuals but not bad audio.
Shotgun (directional): Best for dialogue from off-camera. Rejects off-axis sound. Mount on boom pole overhead.
Lavalier (lapel): Clip to talent's chest. Reliable for interviews and presentations. Hide under clothing for narrative.
Handheld dynamic: For run-and-gun interviews, reporter-style. Shure SM58 is indestructible.
Stereo/Ambience: For recording room tone, nature, crowds. Zoom H-series recorders are excellent.
Always record a separate audio track when possible (dual-system sound)
Record 30 seconds of room tone at every location
Monitor audio with headphones during recording -- never trust meters alone
Record at -12dB to -6dB peaks, leaving headroom
Clap or use a slate for sync reference
Minimize HVAC, refrigerators, fans -- turn them off during takes
Use windscreens outdoors, always
Production title, date, weather forecast
Crew call time and location address with parking info
Scene/shot numbers being covered that day
Cast call times (stagger based on first scene appearance)
Equipment list
Emergency contacts
Nearest hospital address
Arrive early. Set up lighting and audio before talent arrives.
Shoot master/wide shots first, then coverage (medium, close-up).
Maintain consistent screen direction (180-degree rule).
Overlap action for editing coverage.
Get more takes than you think you need.
Shoot B-roll at every location. You will always need more B-roll than you expect.
Back up footage during lunch breaks.
Project_Name/
01_Footage/
Day1/
Day2/
02_Audio/
03_Graphics/
04_Music/
05_Projects/ (editing software project files)
06_Exports/
Drafts/
Final/Ingest and organize: Import, create bins/folders, sync audio, label clips
Assembly cut: Lay all scenes in script order, rough timing, no polish
Rough cut: Tighten timing, select best takes, establish pacing
Fine cut: Refine every edit point, add B-roll, transitions, temp music
Picture lock: No more changes to timing or shot selection after this point
Sound design: Music, SFX, foley, mix levels, dialogue cleanup
Color grading: Primary correction then creative grading
Final export: Master file plus platform-specific deliverables
Two-step process:
Color Correction (technical): Fix white balance, exposure, match shots within a scene so they look consistent
Color Grading (creative): Apply a look or mood. Teal and orange, desaturated, high contrast, etc.
Start with correction. Use scopes (waveform, vectorscope, parade) not just your eyes. Match skin tones first -- they are what audiences notice most.
Dialogue: -12dB to -6dB
Music (under dialogue): -18dB to -24dB
Music (featured): -12dB to -6dB
Sound effects: -18dB to -12dB (varies by emphasis)
Overall loudness: -14 LUFS for YouTube, -16 LUFS for podcasts, -24 LUFS for broadcast
Codec: H.264 or H.265
Container: MP4
Resolution: 1920x1080 or 3840x2160
Frame rate: Match source (24, 25, 30, or 60)
Bitrate: 10-20 Mbps for 1080p, 35-68 Mbps for 4K
Audio: AAC, 320kbps, 48kHz
Resolution: 1080x1920 (9:16 vertical)
Duration: Under 90 seconds for Reels, under 3 minutes for TikTok
Frame rate: 30fps
Bitrate: 10-15 Mbps
Codec: ProRes 422 or DNxHD
Resolution: 1920x1080
Frame rate: 23.976, 29.97, or 25 (match regional standard)
Audio: PCM, 48kHz, 24-bit
Codec: ProRes 422 HQ or DCP (Digital Cinema Package)
Resolution: 2K (2048x1080) or 4K (4096x2160)
Frame rate: 24fps
Audio: 5.1 surround or stereo PCM
Skipping pre-production to start shooting sooner (it always costs more time later)
Ignoring audio quality
Not shooting enough B-roll
skipping to white balance when changing locations
Breaking the 180-degree rule unintentionally
Over-editing: too many transitions, effects, speed ramps
Not backing up footage to at least two separate drives
Color grading before color correcting
Delivering without watching the final export all the way through
Missing the call to action or clear ending
Master these in order: audio quality, stable shots, good lighting, then worry about camera upgrades.
First hires in order of impact:
Sound recordist (biggest quality jump)
Gaffer/lighting assistant
Production assistant
Second camera operator
Dedicated editor
Watch your old work critically every 6 months
Study one filmmaker's work in depth each month
Practice one new technique per project
Build a library of reference footage you admire
Keep a running document of lessons learned from each shoot
Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.
[Video Producer deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timelineInput: "Help me with video producer for a mid-size project."
Output: A complete video producer framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.
Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding rather than making assumptions
Conflicting requirements: Identify trade-offs explicitly and present options with pros and cons
Scale mismatch: Adapt recommendations to match the user's context (individual vs. team vs. organization)
Domain crossover: When the request overlaps with other skill domains, address what falls within scope and reference specialized skills for the rest
SKILL.md
350 lines · 2,245 words
The text of SKILL.md is shown as it downloads, under the Apache-2.0 license, by Ferrox Labs. The license is the one in the file's own frontmatter.
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