AI video · Case study
A 24-second drama sample: script, shot decisions and real errors
How a real sample was made from source text, storyboards and generated clips.
Published · Reviewed
The creators published script, storyboard, prompts, eight generated clips and edit records; no reach or revenue data for the sample.
Check this resultWatch the result, then trace a shot back through script, visual plan, storyboard and prompt. Published checks, edit points and audio measurements make decisions inspectable.
Verified material
Watch the 24-second sample
The creators show the vertical film in their repository README.
ZenStory's repository shows a 24-second vertical sample. Its authors say they started from a 20-chapter source, wrote script and visual plans, developed 21 shots and video prompts, generated eight clips for the third scene, then edited this sample.
This is a sample scene from a larger workflow. Its documented result is a watchable finished segment; the repository does not report its views, client orders or revenue.
Sources for this section: ZenStory drama-skills repository
Verified material
One shot from script to motion
The public sample links script, appearance lock, storyboard and video prompt.
The authors use SHOT-EP001-002 as a worked example. The script describes documents being pushed across a desk. A visual plan records appearance, office and prop continuity. The storyboard specifies the start and end while tracing characters, place and props to that plan.
The video prompt condenses appearance into an anchor and spells out observable actions: the paper reaches a fingertip, a cup is lifted, a frown follows and the cup returns to its mark. This is the repository's own shot, not a prompt from Wanyao Tulu Zhuan or a universal recipe.
The original example exposes the full prompt and underlying files. Before reusing a pattern, check model, reference and target length; the useful lesson is how inputs and shot decisions connect.
Sources for this section: Documented real outputs · Open EP001 example
Verified material
What the checks actually caught
The authors show a deliberately damaged sample and errors in an actual run.
In a demonstration, the authors deliberately remove a character from the visual basis and shorten a different shot's prompt duration. Their checker catches a missing reference and a duration mismatch. These are intentional test failures, not production incidents.
A separate actual run log records a caption window beyond a cut, wrong delivery dimensions, loudness missing the target after one pass, and a misheard line in transcription. The authors corrected the edit and output, using transcription only for timing while taking subtitles from the script.
Sources for this section: Documented real outputs · Original sample run log
Verified material
Why this cut starts at two seconds
The edit sheet records in and out points and why they were chosen.
The published CUT-EP001-008 runs from 2.00 to 7.00 seconds of its source clip. The edit sheet says the opening stare repeated the previous beat, so the cut begins as the body leans forward; the voice ends at 6.82 seconds and the shot holds to 7.00 for the movement to complete.
The transferable point is not a fixed timing recipe. Measure the actual footage, then choose which action and sound must remain. The source files make the judgment inspectable.
Sources for this section: Documented real outputs · Original sample edit sheet
Our analysis
What transfers and what remains unknown
The open files help study production; business results need separate evidence.
The repository publishes its code and workflow under MIT, making it useful for studying an inspectable production process. Image, video and voice services may charge and carry separate terms, as may source material and generated media. The repository license does not override those rights.
A manageable trial is one rights-cleared scene: record characters, place and props, make a few shots and keep each input, candidate and rejection reason. Plan distribution and audience testing as a separate phase; completion alone does not show that a work can sell.
Sources for this section: ZenStory drama-skills repository · drama-skills MIT license
Sources and limits
Where the material comes from
- ZenStory drama-skills repositoryCreator's work and projectChecked
24-second sample, end-to-end workflow, installation and project notes.
- Documented real outputsCreator process recordsChecked
Script, visual plan, storyboard and prompt for one shot; actual errors and editing choices.
- Open EP001 exampleOriginal filesChecked
Traceable example script, visual plan and shot files.
- Original sample run logOriginal file in a historical commitChecked
Production, checks and actual errors; the current real-outputs document summarizes it.
- Original sample edit sheetOriginal file in a historical commitChecked
In and out points and reasons for eight clips; the current real-outputs document summarizes it.
- drama-skills MIT licenseRepository licenseChecked
Project file license; external services and source rights require separate checks.