Scripting with AI
In this part of the guide we will walk you through the most relevant AI tools for scriptwriting, compare their strengths and limitations, and share practical tips to improve your results.
- ChatGPT is currently the most versatile tool. It is ideal for storytelling, branding, commercials and creative content.
- If you’re working on a film or commercial script, Claude is also worth considering because of its strength in long-form writing, consistent tone of voice and thematic depth.
- For scripts that rely on factual accuracy or up-to-date information, such as news-style media scripts or explainer videos, Gemini is your best option as it offers clarity and relevance.
- Microsoft Copilot is generally not recommended for creative use, since it is not designed for everyday language action-oriented language.
- DeepSeek is still relatively new and untested in creative contexts, but it shows promise for technical, multilingual or structured corporate videos, particularly in English-Chinese scenarios.
Tool | Best for | Limitations | Unique feature | Use case |
ChatGPT | Conversational tone, context-aware replies, customizable with system prompts | May hallucinate facts | Can act as a persona/character | Brainstorming, story outlines, dialogue writing, multi-language support |
Claude | Long-form storytelling | Less real-time data integration | Great memory and coherence (can handle large scripts/documents) | Long-form content, thematic consistency, ethical storytelling. |
Gemini | Strong on facts and real-time info | Shorter context window | Integrated with Google Search | Factual content, educational videos, quick research-driven scripts. |
Microsoft Copilot | Tech-heavy scripts | Not designed for creative prose | Code-aware suggestions | Code-related video scripts. |
DeepSeek | Bilingual or multilingual scripting (especially Chinese-English), technical accuracy | Still relatively new, less widely tested in creative workflows | Strong performance on technical + multilingual prompts | Multilingual educational content, technical explainers, cross-cultural scripts |
Note: The information about these tools is based on their state as of June 2025. Features, limitations, and availability may change as the tools continue to evolve.
Writing a great script with AI isn’t just about pressing a button, it’s about asking the right things in the right way. The results you get from tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini depend heavily on the clarity, structure, and context of your prompts. In this chapter, you’ll learn how to craft better prompts, give AI meaningful context, and collaborate effectively with your virtual co-writer.
Prompt engineering basics
A good prompt is like a clear briefing. The more guidance you give, the more tailored the script will be. Here are three essential techniques:A good prompt is like a clear briefing. The more guidance you give, the more tailored the script will be. Here are three essential techniques:
Be specific
Bad prompt:
“Write a script about climate change.”
Better prompt:
“Write a 60-second script for a TikTok video about climate change aimed at teenagers. Use a casual tone, ask engaging questions, and end with a strong call to action.”
Why it works: You're giving the AI clear info about audience, tone, platform, and length.
Use roles
Telling the AI who it is helps it adopt the right voice and context.
Prompt example:
“You are a screenwriter for Netflix. Write the opening scene of a young adult drama about a girl who discovers she can control the weather.”
Why it works: Role-based prompting activates relevant language patterns and genres making the result feel more intentional.
Structure you request
Give the AI a clear format or script structure to follow.
Prompt example:
“Write a 90-second product video script using the following format: [1] Intro, [2] Problem, [3] Solution, [4] Call to Action.”
Or for educational content:
“Write a video script explaining blockchain in three parts: [1] Simple definition, [2] Real-world analogy, [3] Pros and cons.”
Why it works: Structure keeps the output organized and aligned with your goals.
Iterate and refine
The first result is rarely the best and that’s okay. Treat AI like a collaborative writing partner you can edit and steer.
Ask for changes
Example prompts:- “Can you rewrite this in a more playful tone?”
- “Make this more concise, cut it to 30 seconds.”
- “Add a line that references Gen Z culture.”
- “Change the ending to include a call to download our app.
Pro tip: Use follow-up prompts like:
“Now give me three alternative openings”
or
“Rewrite paragraph two with more emotional impact.”You can even ask: “What’s the most cliché part of this script and how would you replace it?”
Try meta prompts
Meta prompts are prompts where you ask the AI to reflect on, evaluate, or critique its own output instead of just generating new content. You’re no longer asking it “What should I write?”, but rather “How good is what you just wrote and how can it be better?”
Meta promps they …
- Help you spot clichés, tone issues, or missed opportunities.
- Push the AI to think more critically and creatively.
- Are a great way to simulate feedback loops, especially if you’re working solo.
Don’t just ask the AI to write, ask it to critique or evaluate its own output. This often reveals weak spots you can improve.
Example prompts:
- “Act as a jury of advertising professionals. What parts of this script would they say fall flat?”
- “What are the weaknesses in this script?”
- “If this script were entered in a contest, what feedback might the judges give?”
- “How could this be improved to make it more emotionally engaging or persuasive?”
- “Act like a creative director. Would you approve this script? Why or why not?”
- “If this were a TV ad, what feedback might the client give?”
Use context and examples
The more examples you provide, the better AI can match your tone, pacing, and intent.
Paste previous scripts
Prompt example:
“Here’s a script I wrote for a previous campaign. Please match this tone and format for a new video about sustainable fashion.”
[Insert past script]
“Now write the new script.”
Use formatting cues
Tell the AI how to structure the output.
Screenplay format:
“Write a short video script in screenplay format about a teenager discovering a hidden talent.”
[Insert past script]
“Now write the new script.”
Example output:
Bullet point format:
Tell the AI how to structure the output.
“Write a 1-minute video script in bullet points about why people should drink more water.”
Example output:
- Intro: “Did you know that 75% of people are chronically dehydrated?”
- Benefit 1: “Water boosts your energy and focus.”
- Benefit 2: “It improves skin health and helps digestion.”
- CTA: “So grab that glass—your body will thank you!”
Why it works: AI tools respond well to instructions that shape the final format, especially when writing for video.
If you’re using ChatGPT Plus, you can create your own version of ChatGPT tailored to your style, brand, or client.
How to set up a Custom GPT:
- Go to chat.openai.com/gpts
- Click “Create a GPT”
3. Fill in the system prompt with detailed instructions, for example:
“You are a scriptwriter specialized in short-form video content. You write in a punchy, confident tone, often using rhetorical questions and short, rhythmic lines. Your structure is: Hook – Problem – Solution – Call to Action. Always write for the ear, not the eye.”
- Upload sample scripts or documents (PDFs, TXT, DOCX) as references.
- Test your custom GPT with different topics and adjust instructions as needed.
Why it’s great:
- It remembers tone and structure across multiple conversations.
- You can use it as a personal writing assistant, ready to match your style every time.
- Perfect for agencies or creators working with multiple clients. Just make a GPT per brand.
In the search bar, you can also find many trained GPTs from other people already. These are useful if, for example, you want to write for a particular format such as social media
