NanoFlick — Shot-by-Shot Video Guide
Save-the-Cat Movie
Use this guide to quickly create a video for TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, etc.
15 shots 02:30 NanoFlick
😼About This Video Story
Make your own movie using Blake Snyder’s structure (google it). This is setup as one 10-second shot per beat. Add/extend shots as needed.
How to Make a Great Video
Shoot each of the shots and keep the duration to the bare minimum. We've included instructions for each shot to create a short, fast-moving video your friends and followers will love. When you're finished shooting, just combine all the shots and you're done.
Find this template in the free NanoFlick app.
Video Shot List
ShotDescriptionLength
1
Opening Image
00:10Set the tone of your movie and get the ball rolling. This is the “before” of the movie.
2
Theme Stated
00:10Have the main character state the theme in passing...they have no awareness that it’s the Big Deal of the story.
3
Set-Up
00:10Set the groundwork for what’s going to happen; introduce the key players
4
Catalyst
00:10Something shakes up the status quo - some big piece of news or disruptive change.
5
Debate
00:10The hero agonizes over whether to respond to the disruption; whether to take the risk and make the hero’s journey.
6
Break Into Act 2
00:10The hero decides to proceed. We now enter the new reality of their newly upside-down world.
7
B Story
00:10Add the subplot that emphasizes the theme; often a romantic interest or some personal development.
8
Fun & Games
00:10This is where “hijinks ensue.” Have fun with the setup and let the viewers empathize with the characters.
9
Midpoint
00:10Back to the action as the stakes are raised and new twists create additional complications for our hero.
10
Bad Guys Close In
00:10Bad news all around: Conflicts between the hero and their allies, AND the bad guys are tightening their grip
11
All is Lost
00:10Some crushing setback for the hero - an ally dies or some other major defeat.
12
Dark Night of the Soul
00:10The hero has fully lost hope and is filled with regret, in search of some path forward out of an impossible situation
13
Break into Act 3
00:10A fresh idea pops up (potential from the B-story or love interest), giving the hero renewed hope, purpose and energy.
14
Finale
00:10The hero blends together who they are...with what they’ve learned or become...to prevail. The triumph only comes from growth and transformation.
15
Final Image
00:10This should tie back to the opening image and show the transformation of the hero and the status quo.
Top Video Tips
Keep it short...
...then cut it even shorter. Usually under 90 seconds for a serious video; under 30 for a fun one.
Keep it moving
Make sure each shot has a point...and get to it fast! No fluff or filler.
Tell a story
Stories need structure. Make sure you've got a beginning, middle and end.
Know the audience
Family will watch a 2:00 video. Everyone else gets bored after 45 seconds.
Focus on people
Go easy on transitions, filters, etc. The best content is people relating.
Time passages
Use transitions like Dissolve or Dip-to-Black to indicate passage of time
Multiple angles
Using multiple short shots with different angles is better than one longer shot.
Start wide...
...then move closer on subsequent shot for the scene.
Video Timeline
Timeline
This story template (and hundreds more) is built into the free NanoFlick iOS app. Download now for the fastest, easiest way to get this done. It'll coach you through every shot and automatically assemble your video for instant sharing — no editing required.
