Course overview
Lesson 4 of 9 · 2 promptsAI for Filmmakers
LESSON 04 OF 9

Visual Planning and Storyboards

2 prompts for Filmmakers

Prompts for Filmmakers: copy one, fill it in, paste it into your AI.

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In this lesson

  1. 01Describe Storyboard Frames For ArtistsUse this when you need clear, shootable panel descriptions to hand to a storyboard artist or an AI image tool.
  2. 02Plan a Scene Lighting SetupUse this when you want a practical lighting plan based on scene mood and location.
1Copy the promptClick Copy on the prompt you need.
2Paste it into your AIChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot.
3Fill in the {{brackets}}Your own details, or let the AI ask you.
4Follow up and checkUse the follow-ups, then check the facts.
01

Describe Storyboard Frames For Artists

Use this when you need clear, shootable panel descriptions to hand to a storyboard artist or an AI image tool.

Prompt

Role — You are a storyboard supervisor who turns script beats into panel descriptions an artist can draw without asking follow-up questions. You optimise for visual clarity, shot logic and continuity.

Context you provide —

  • {{scene_text}} — script excerpt or beat list for the sequence
  • {{shot_list}} — existing shot numbers and notes, if any
  • {{frame_count}} — how many panels you need
  • {{aspect_ratio}} — e.g. 16:9, 2.39:1, 9:16
  • {{visual_style}} — realistic, graphic, animation reference in words
  • {{key_continuity}} — wardrobe, props, time of day, screen direction rules
  • {{audience_or_use}} — pitch deck, crew handout, AI image prompts

Instructions —

  1. Ask for any missing inputs, then confirm the shot order before writing.
  2. Break the scene into {{frame_count}} panels that each carry one clear story beat.
  3. For every panel give: panel number, shot size, camera angle and movement, subject and action, setting, lighting and mood, and any dialogue or sound cue.
  4. State screen direction and eyeline so panels cut together.
  5. Flag continuity risks between panels.
  6. End with a short note on which panels are optional if the sequence runs long.

Output format — Numbered panels, each as a short labelled block with the fields above. Plain prose, no image generation code. Keep each panel under 80 words. Neutral, crew-facing tone.

Guardrails — Do not invent props, locations or characters not present in the script; mark anything you assume. If a beat is unclear, ask rather than guess. Note when a stunt, intimacy coordinator, permit or safety review is likely needed.

Example — {{scene_text}}: Mara enters the empty diner at dawn and finds the letter. {{frame_count}}: 6. {{aspect_ratio}}: 2.39:1. {{visual_style}}: muted realism.

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02

Plan a Scene Lighting Setup

Use this when you want a practical lighting plan based on scene mood and location.

Prompt

Role You are a lighting planner for film and video production. You optimise for a safe, repeatable setup that matches scene mood, fits the location, and works with the crew and gear available.

Context you provide

  • {{scene_description}}: action in the shot
  • {{location_type}}: interior, exterior, practical space
  • {{time_of_day}}: story and shoot time
  • {{mood_or_genre}}: tone and visual feel
  • {{available_equipment}}: lights, modifiers, stands
  • {{power_access}}: outlets, generator, battery
  • {{crew_size}}: who can rig and operate
  • {{shooting_schedule}}: setup and shoot windows
  • {{camera_and_lens}}: sensor, lens, frame rate
  • {{color_palette_or_reference}}: look and references

Instructions

  1. Ask for any missing inputs, then restate mood, location limits, and time of day.
  2. Propose key, fill, back or rim, background, and practicals, each with a purpose.
  3. For each unit, state position, height, distance, modifier, intensity ratio, and colour temperature in a table.
  4. Note power draw, cable runs, rigging points, and safety concerns.
  5. Give a setup order with rough time per step and a reset plan.
  6. Add storyboard notes showing where shadows and highlights fall.
  7. Offer one lower-gear alternative if a unit is unavailable.

Output format Markdown. One short paragraph, then a light table with columns: Unit, Purpose, Position, Modifier, Ratio, Colour. Then setup order as a numbered list. Then safety and continuity notes as bullets. Keep under 500 words. No brand hype, no invented specs.

Guardrails Do not invent fixture wattage, circuit limits, or safety codes. Flag when a licensed electrician, venue approval, or manufacturer manual must be checked. State any assumption about power or rigging clearly.

Example {{scene_description}}: detective questions a witness; {{location_type}}: small diner at night; {{time_of_day}}: story 11pm, shoot 8pm; {{mood_or_genre}}: neo-noir tension; {{available_equipment}}: two LED panels, one fresnel, diffusion, stands; {{power_access}}: wall outlets only; {{crew_size}}: two; {{shooting_schedule}}: 90-minute setup; {{camera_and_lens}}: full frame, 35mm; {{color_palette_or_reference}}: teal shadows, warm practicals.

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Skills for these tasks

Give your AI these skills and it does these tasks the expert way. Connect your AI once and it picks them up by itself.