A Simple Guide To Script Writing & Story Structure for Your Fandom Content & Video Marketing!
Joe Piddington’s simple guide to learning script writing and story structure for fandom brands and pop culture content creators. ©Ocean View Studios Ltd
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why the right story structure
is crucial for content creation
and video production
If you want to keep your audience engaged, keep retention and drive sales, storytelling is essential. Without a clear script or structure, your content is like a D&D campaign with no quest, viewers get confused and drop out.
But if you can nail your scriptwriting, suddenly your videos flow, your viewers stay hooked, and your content feels professional. A solid story structure can turn casual viewers into loyal fans.
Before you start writing that script, and long before you hit “record”, you need to understand the foundations. It’s not just about having a script, but how you structure your story. As the saying goes, a little planning goes a long way.
Curious who’s behind this blog?
Hi, I’m Joe P, a creative director, producer, and lifelong fandom nerd. I’m on a mission to help fandom creators and businesses stand out with scroll-stopping video marketing that actually connects.
If you want the full backstory (from painting Marvel shoes to blowing up thanks to WrestleMania), check out The Origin Story of Ocean View Studios to see how it all started.
Now that we’re friends, let’s dive in.
Ocean View Studios helping geek culture and pop culture brands create better video marketing content. Learn how to tell your story with professional script writing and story structure. Photography: ©Optop
step one: script writing tips
for fandom content creators
and video marketers
Writing a script, even a simple one can be the difference between forgettable footage and a shareable video. Let’s break down the key basics on how to start scripting you next video.
1. Don’t Wing It: Always Start with a Script or Outline
Improvised videos often ramble or miss key points. Even a short outline keeps your content creation on track. Write down your goal, main points, and a closing message. Whether you’re filming a tabletop games product demo or a cosplay reveal, having a script ensures you cover what matters. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, bullet points for each scene or segment can do wonders in keeping your video focused and engaging.
Joe P’s Top Tip: Even if you think you’re a natural improviser, never underestimate the power of a quick outline. I've saved countless hours (and reshoots) by spending just five minutes jotting down the key points and a simple message for each video.
Want your visuals to match your storytelling? Check out my simple guide to choosing the right camera to learn how to bring your fandom content to life on screen.
2. The Hook: Grab Your Audience from the Start
Attention spans are short, especially online. For social media adverts and content, you have mere seconds to grab viewers. Begin with a bang, a striking visual, a bold statement, or an intriguing question. In traditional ads (like a 30-second TV spot) you still need a hook, but you might set a scene for a few seconds first. The bottom line, never save the best for last, lead with it!
Joe P’s Top Tip: When scripting a social media video, put your most exciting moment or line in the first 3 seconds. Grab attention before viewers scroll away. For a traditional ad or longer video, you can build up slightly more, but don’t take too long to get to the point. A strong hook is key in scripting for social media content.
3. Traditional vs Social: Tailor Your Story to the Platform
Not all platforms are equal. A scripted YouTube video or feature film might allow for a 10 minute to 3-hour narrative arc, while an Instagram or TikTok clip might only give you 30 seconds or less.
Traditional Video Script: From feature films to TV adverts, depending on your video type, traditional video sticks with a more standard story structure. You might introduce a problem, show a solution and finally end with an outcome or a call-to-action.
Social Media Script: With the scroll feed never ending you need to stand out right away. Jump straight into the action or key message you’re trying to tell. Keep language super clear and concise, utilising on screen caption and text, as most people scroll on mute.
Joe P’s Top Tip: Always keep your platform in mind first. A good script for a TikTok or Instagram reel should immediately showcase your best moment, no buildup needed! For YouTube or longer-form videos, give yourself room to breathe and build anticipation, but don't delay too long before getting to the core message. Know your viewer’s scrolling habits, and script accordingly.
4. Call to Action: Keep One Clear Message & End with a Call to Action
Beginner scriptwriters often try to cram too much into one video. Instead, focus on a single clear message or theme.
Are you showcasing a new pop culture business product like a limited-edition collectable? Stick to how it solves a problem or brings joy to fans, save other topics for another video. Too many ideas will muddy the water.
Once you’ve delivered that message, always wrap up with a simple Call to Action (CTA). What should the viewer do next? It could be “Visit your website”, or “like and subscribe for more fandom content”. A strong CTA gives your story a purpose and gives your viewer an action to take.
Joe P’s Top Tip: Think of your ad or video like a mini story arc, you’ve got seconds to hook your viewer, guide them through the quest, and land that final moment.
But a great video needs great lighting. For more advice on how to get started check out my simple guide to perfecting lighting.
Before you dive into lighting, let’s wrap up the storytelling and scriptwriting essentials.
Joe Piddington explaining basic script writing tips for geek culture and fandom content creation. Script outline, hook your audience, traditional vs social platforms and call to action. ©Ocean View Studios Ltd
step two: understanding story structure
for your fandom video and
geek culture content
Now that you’ve got the scripting basics down, let’s talk story structure. A good structure is the backbone of engaging storytelling, even in short videos. Three popular frameworks you can use (or mix) are the Three-Act Structure, the Hero’s Journey, and Save the Cat. What does this mean, and which should you use? Let’s break them down:
1. The Three-Act Structure
The classic storytelling format with a beginning, middle, and end.
Act 1: You set the scene and introduce a conflict or goal.
Act 2: Raises the stakes or shows the struggle to resolve the conflict.
Act 3: Delivers the resolution or payoff.
Think of it as Setup / Confrontation / Resolution. It’s simple, straightforward, and widely used from Hollywood films to marketing videos.
Three-Act Structure Example:
Let’s say you’re a fandom business owner making a 30-second advert for your new Dungeons and Dragons RPG accessory.
Act 1 – The Problem: A scene of a frustrated dungeon master struggling with messy piles of accessories.
Act 2 – The Solution: Show your product, an organiser box in action, magically tidying up the table.
Act 3 – The Resolution: Reveal the happy games master now playing Dungeons and Dragons smoothly. Finally, a tagline appears “Game on, without the mess!” with a website link on where to buy it from.
Pros:
Simple & Familiar: Audiences intuitively understand this format, since almost every fairy tale, movie, or comic has a beginning, middle, and end.
Easy to Plan: Great for beginners, it gives you a clear roadmap without overcomplicating things.
Versatile: Works for video marketing pieces, tutorials, vlogs, any content that needs structure.
Cons:
Can Feel Predictable: If you stick too rigidly to it, your story might feel boring “I saw that ending coming a mile away!”
Limited Depth: Some bigger narratives might outgrow the simplicity of three act structure, needing additional sub-acts or twists to keep things interesting.
Joe P’s Personal Take: The Three-Act Structure is perfect for short-form marketing ads, product promos, and how-to videos. Anytime you need to convey a story quickly, intro the viewer to a scenario, show a transformation or action, and conclude with a result, three acts have got you covered. It forces discipline on your scriptwriting, so you don’t forget a beginning or leave the ending hanging.
Joe Piddington explaining the three act structure for script writing and story structure, covering Act 1 the problem, Act 2 the solution and Act 3 the resolution for filming fandom content for geek culture and pop culture brands. ©Ocean View Studios Ltd
2. The Hero’s Journey
A mythic story pattern made famous by Joseph Campbell. It’s the idea of a hero going on an adventure, facing a crisis, winning a victory, and returning transformed.
In modern content, the Hero’s Journey often translates to following a character’s personal journey through challenges. There are typically 12 stages from “Call to Adventure” to “Return with the Elixir”. But in simple terms your hero leaves their comfort zone, overcomes something big, and comes back wiser or successful.
This structure is fantastic for narrative-driven content where you want viewers to emotionally invest in a character or cause.
The Hero’s Journey Example: Imagine you run a wargaming shop and you’re creating a short documentary to promote your business to the local community. You could structure it as a Hero’s Journey.
Stage 1 – Ordinary World: A newbie Warhammer player is intrigued but completely overwhelmed by the hobby. Paints, rules, miniatures... it all feels like a lot to take in.
Stage 2 – Call to Adventure: They come across your local game store or spot a flyer for a “Beginner Paint Night”, and something clicks. Curiosity starts to build.
Stage 3 – Refusal of the Call: Doubt sets in. “I’m not good enough,” they think. “What if I mess it up?” They’re not quite ready to take that step just yet.
Stage 4 – Meeting the Mentor: Then someone steps in, maybe you or one of your team, offering a warm welcome, some reassurance, and an invite to give it a go.
Stage 5 – Crossing the Threshold: They take the plunge, pick up their first Warhammer miniature, and head to the event. That’s the moment they properly enter the world of wargaming.
Stage 6 – Tests, Allies and Enemies: They meet others just like them, learn the ropes, and hit a few bumps along the way. Dodgy brush strokes, glue disasters, or rulebook confusion are all part of the journey.
Stage 7 – Approach to the Inmost Cave: They decide to take on their first Warhammer painting competition or public game night. It’s a big step and the nerves kick in.
Stage 8 – Ordeal: Something goes wrong. Maybe the paint spills, they forget their gear, or they lose badly. It’s rough, and for a moment they think about giving up.
Stage 9 – Reward (Seizing the Sword): But they don’t quit. They push through, finish the mini, or win a game. They come out the other side buzzing with pride and confidence.
Stage 10 – The Road Back: Now they’re a regular. They join weekly Warhammer games, share their progress, and maybe even rope in a friend or two to join the fun.
Stage 11 – Resurrection: They’ve changed. The nerves are gone. They’re now a confident hobbyist who knows their way around a paintbrush and a battlefield.
Stage 12 - Return with the Elixir: Best bit? They start helping others begin their own Warhammer journey, passing on that same encouragement they once needed themselves.
Pros:
Emotional & Relatable: We all love rooting for a hero. This structure pulls viewers into a character’s arc, great for engagement and emotional impact.
Epic Feel: Even if used in a short video, it can give a grand, inspiring vibe. Perfect for fandom stories, think the journey of a cosplayer preparing for Comic-Con, or a gamer training for a tournament.
Proven Formula: It underpins many beloved films and books, so when done well, it feels satisfying and meaningful.
Cons:
Complex for Short Content: With many stages, a full Hero’s Journey is hard to squeeze into a 1-2 minute video. You’ll need to use a simplified version.
Not Always Necessary: Not every video needs a hero. A quick product review or tutorial might not have a grand journey and forcing one could feel over-the-top.
Overused in Some Genres: If every piece of content tries to be a hero’s epic, it can become cliché. Use it when it suits the story, not just because you can.
Joe P’s Personal Take: The Hero’s Journey is perfect for mini-docs, origin stories, or any content where you want to show real growth. It adds an emotional thread that viewers can connect with. In my own film, Miniature Wargaming The Movie, I used elements of the Hero’s Journey to follow real people in the wargaming scene, to show how the hobby impacted their lives. I didn’t stick to every beat of the classic structure, but the heart of it was there, showing transformation, challenge, and community.
Joe Piddington explaining the Hero’s Journey by Joseph Campbell, covering the 12 stages from “Call to Adventure” to “Return with the Elixir”. Script writing and story structure advice for fandom content, geek and pop culture brands. Image: ©Ocean View Studios Ltd / Author: ©Joseph Campbell
3. Save the Cat (Beat Sheet)
Save the Cat is a popular screenwriting method by Blake Snyder. It lays out a 15-step “beat sheet” that helps structure your story from start to finish. Beats include moments from the “Opening Image” to the “Finale Image”. It’s basically a more detailed take on the three-act structure and is brilliant for keeping stories pacey and focused.
What is a beat? In simple terms, a "beat" is a key moment in your story. Think of it as a checkpoint or turning point that moves the narrative forward. Each beat represents a shift or event that affects your character, builds tension, or reveals something important. By following specific beats, you can shape your video’s story so it flows naturally and keeps your audience engaged.
It works especially well for mid and long form content, where you want to build tension, deliver twists, and give your story a proper arc without losing your audience.
Save the Cat (Beat Sheet) Example: Imagine you're a creator telling a true story about how you started a Pokémon TCG shop, in a 20-minute YouTube video. Here’s how the beat sheet could play out:
Beat 1 – Opening Image: A shot of your Pokémon TCG shop. You’re smiling, surrounded by merchandise. Everything looks polished (but we know that wasn’t always the case.)
Beat 2 – Theme Stated: You say something like, “I’ve always loved Pokémon, but I never imagined it would become my full-time job.” This sets up the message of the story, that following your passion can pay off.
Beat 3 – Set-Up: You flash back to the beginning. Collecting Pokémon cards as a kid, working a boring job, feeling stuck. Introduce any important characters like friends, family, or a business partner, and show the current problem. You’re not doing what you love.
Beat 4 – Catalyst: The big turning point. You lose your job. It’s a gut-punch moment that forces you to consider what’s next.
Beat 5 – Debate: You wrestle with the decision. Do you play it safe or go all in on your Pokémon passion? Show your doubts and fears. This makes the eventual win feel earned.
Beat 6 – Break into Two: You take the leap. Maybe it’s launching an online store, starting a Pokémon podcast, or setting up your first market stall. A new chapter begins.
Beat 7 – B Story: This is usually where another storyline or relationship supports the main one. Maybe a friend helps you build the site, or your partner cheers you on. It adds heart and depth.
Beat 8 – Fun and Games: Now we see the dream in action. You’re at events, doing your first big sales, connecting with customers. This is the reason we clicked the video. To see your passion turn into something real.
Beat 9 – Midpoint: Something big happens that changes the game. You sell out at a convention, or your shop gets featured online. It feels like a win but also raises the stakes.
Beat 10 – Bad Guys Close In: Things start to get tricky. Stock delays, stress, competitors. Maybe you question if you can keep going. Tension builds.
Beat 11 – All Is Lost: Everything crashes. A massive order falls through. A negative review goes viral. You’re crushed and start wondering if this was a mistake.
Beat 12 – Dark Night of the Soul: This is the emotional low. You reflect and maybe even say, “I don’t know if I can keep doing this.” A quiet moment where it feels like the journey might end here.
Beat 13 – Break into Three: A realisation hits. You remember why you started. Maybe someone reminds you of the impact you’ve had. A fresh idea or new angle gives you hope again.
Beat 14 – Finale: You pull everything together. Relaunch the store. Tweak your product line. Start filming content again. The pieces click into place, we see you back in action, wiser and stronger than before.
Beat 15 – Final Image: Call back to the opening, but now you’ve earned it. The shop is thriving. You’re confident. The audience sees the transformation. Not just of your business, but of you.
Pros:
Step-by-Step Clarity: You get a full roadmap for building your script from beginning to end.
Keeps Viewers Hooked: Each beat adds emotion, tension, or payoff. Perfect for audience retention.
Flexible Format: You can scale it to fit anything from a 10-minute YouTube video to a 3 hour feature film.
Cons:
Too Much for Short Videos: It’s not ideal for ads or snappy reels.
Can Feel a Bit ‘Hollywood’: If used too rigidly, it might make your content feel overly structured or predictable.
Needs Some Prep: You’ll need to learn the beats or keep a cheat sheet handy before it becomes second nature.
Joe P’s Personal Take: Save the Cat is one of my favourite tools when I’m working on anything with a bit of narrative weight. I don’t always use all 15 beats, but picking six to eight helps me keep my story emotionally solid. It’s especially good for creators and fandom businesses telling real stories, like how a passion became a career or how a community project came to life. Think of it as your storytelling sat nav. It won’t write the script for you, but it will stop you getting lost halfway through.
Joe Piddington explaining Save the Cat beat sheet by Blake Snyder, covering the 15 beats for script writing and story structure. Helping fandom creators, geek and pop culture brands. Image: ©Ocean View Studios Ltd / Author: ©Blake Snyder
step three: reviewing and buying guide
top script writing tools for
fandom content and video marketing
If you’re ready to take your storytelling and video production to the next level, the resources below are here to help. I’ve hand-picked three fantastic books and two useful tools that’ll boost your creativity, improve your scripts, and keep your projects on track. Whether you're just starting out or want to sharpen your skills, these picks work well for content creators, fandom brands, and anyone making video magic.
1. Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder
A light-hearted but powerful guide to story structure. This book breaks storytelling into 15 easy-to-follow beats, making it ideal for video marketers and content creators.
Release Year: 2005
Price Range: £12 – £27 / $11 – $28
View Save the Cat on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4j4sGDI
Pros:
Clear and simple: structure for beginners.
Filled with film examples: that translate well to content creation.
A beat sheet: Gives you a guide for scripting, from start to finish.
Cons:
Written with film in mind: Needs tweaking for short-form videos.
Too structured: Some find it a little too formula-based.
Joe P’s Review: This was the first book that got me to actually plan my videos properly. Think of it as your storytelling coach in paperback form. A must have for anyone new to scripting.
Joe Piddington talks about his top pick for a script writing and story structure book Save the Cat, for fandom and geek culture brands and content creators. Image: ©Ocean View Studios Ltd / Author: ©Blake Snyder
2. Story by Robert McKee
A deeper dive into the art and theory of storytelling. If you’re ready to understand why stories work, this is your go-to book.
Release Year: 1997
Price Range: £20 – £40 / $20 – $40
View on Amazon: https://amzn.to/43d9e1t
Pros:
Comprehensive breakdown: Narrative structure and storytelling.
Richer development: Inspires richer character development and meaningful stories.
Useful across different formats: Can be used across film, content creation, ads, and more.
Cons:
Heavier read: Especially for beginners.
Less about templates: More about principles.
Joe P’s Review: This one made me slow down and rethink everything. Yes, it’s dense, but packed with gold. When I want a reminder of what makes storytelling powerful, I open this book. Great for anyone ready to go deeper with their scripting.
Joe Piddington talks about his top pick for a script writing and story structure book titled Story, for fandom and geek culture brands and content creators. Image: ©Ocean View Studios Ltd / Author: ©Robert McKee
3. The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler
A modern take on Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. It breaks mythic storytelling into bite-sized stages perfect for vloggers, mini-documentaries, and narrative content.
Release Year: 2007
Price Range: £17 – £24 / $11 – $28
View on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mgOqim
Pros:
Simplifies the Hero’s Journey: Into a usable framework.
Deep understanding: Encourages emotional storytelling and character growth.
Hero’s Journey: Great for any creator telling a journey-based story.
Cons:
Not script writing: Focuses more on character than script formatting.
Can be repetitive: If you’re already familiar with story theory.
Joe P’s Review: This helped me shape Miniature Wargaming The Movie. I love how it turns everyday people into heroes. If your content follows any kind of transformation or growth, this book is gold.
Joe Piddington talks about his top pick for a script writing and story structure book, The Writer’s Journey Mythic Structure For Writers. Perfect for fandom and geek culture brands and content creators. Image: ©Ocean View Studios Ltd / Author: ©Christopher Vogler
4. Lined Index Cards
A classic storyboarding tool that lets you visually map out your scripts.
Price Range: £6 – £10 / $9 – $12
View on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3H94baT
Pros:
Story beats: Great for laying out story beats and rearranging scenes.
Visualising: Helps visual thinkers get their ideas out fast.
All rounder: Brilliant for creators planning video series, ad sequences, or scene breakdowns.
Cons:
Physical Product: Easy to lose or mix up cards if you’re not careful.
Not digital: May not suit everyone who are full digital.
Joe P’s Review: Old-school but brilliant. I colour-code mine for different video types and move them around until the flow clicks. Cheap, tactile, and effective.
Joe Piddington talks about his top lined index cards for a script writing and story structure, that lets you visually map out your fandom and geek culture scripts. Image: ©Ocean View Studios Ltd / Photography: ©Amazon Basics
5. Moleskine Classic Notebook (Hardcover, Ruled)
A quality notebook for jotting down ideas, outlines, and quick scripts on the go.
Price Range: £13 – £22 / $15 – $28
View on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GW1Tw0
Pros:
Great all rounder: Durable and portable for daily writing.
Simple and effective: Encourages free-thinking and creative flow.
Physical product: Makes your script ideas feel more real than a screen sometimes can.
Cons:
Cost: Pricier than a regular pad.
Easy to lose: Will need to back up key notes when possible.
Joe P’s Review: I’ve filled loads of these over the years. It’s where I scribble early script ideas, sketch silly thumbnails, or draft narration on the go. If you like writing by hand, this one feels special.
Joe Piddington talks about his top Moleskine Classic Notebook for script writing and story structure, that lets you visually map out your fandom and geek culture scripts. Image: ©Ocean View Studios Ltd / Photography: ©Moleskine
choosing the perfect story structure
for your fandom content
Now that you understand the basics of great story structure, “it’s time” to put that knowledge to work! Whether you’re planning a short gaming ad or a full-on fandom documentary, the advice, tools and techniques above will help shape your next script taking your videos to the next level.
Grab What You Need: If any of the tools or books above caught your eye, now’s the time to grab them. Using the links supports the blog at no extra cost to you, which helps me keep sharing tips like these.
Joe P’s Free Script Template: Not quite ready to pick up a book or writing aid just yet? No problem. Here’s a free scriptwriting template I use for marketing and social media content. Just copy it straight from below:
Hook: Grab attention fast (within 3 seconds)
Problem: Show the current issue or challenge
Solution: Present your product or message as the fix
Transformation: Highlight the result or payoff
CTA: End with a clear action such as click, buy, follow or subscribe
Stick to this framework and you’ll have a sharp mini-script ready to go. No fluff, just focused storytelling that works.
Joe Piddington shares his go to free story structure and script writing template. Created to help map out fandom content and geek culture scripts for video production and marketing. ©Ocean View Studios Ltd
Already using a story structure or script writing workflow that works for you? I’d love to hear about it. Drop it in the comments and let’s swap ideas to help each other improve.
Now that you’ve got your script sorted, it’s time to think about how to film it. Need help choosing the right camera setup? Head over to my Camera Blog to find your perfect match.
Meet Joe Piddington a creative director, producer, and lifelong fandom nerd. Helping geek and pop culture brands with video production and social media marketing. ©Ocean View Studios Ltd
Don’t forget to check back regularly for new tips, tricks, and video production advice tailored for creators, streamers, and pop culture businesses.
Catch you in the next one. Happy scripting! - Joe Piddington
