How to write a video prompt
A video model renders what you describe. A vague prompt leaves the rest to chance. A good prompt saves runs and money.
The five-part formula
Describe, in order: who is in frame, what they do, where, how the camera moves and the light. For Veo 3.1 and Kling 4.0, add sound.
Who
"An old fisherman in a yellow raincoat."
Action
One main action: "pulls a net out of the water."
Where
"A wooden pier at dawn."
Camera
"Slow push-in", "side view", "drone shot."
Light
"Soft morning light", "neon", "rim light."
Sound
For Veo and Kling 4.0: "gulls, waves". Put spoken lines in quotes.
Before and after
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| cat playing | A ginger kitten chases a ball of yarn across a wooden floor, camera at floor level, warm evening light |
| car driving | A red convertible drives a mountain road, drone shot, sunset, long shadows |
Common mistakes
Too many actions in a short scene: five seconds fit one main action. Describing what is already in the photo when animating it: describe only the motion. Contradictions like "night" and "bright sun".