Free video scripts for contractors

Know what to say before you hit record

Pick your trade and the cue card fills in your words, then times each line at your talking pace.

Oak & Hammer

Roof underlayment · 1 roll

roof repair · Austin

0–12sName the problem

Dealing with a ceiling stain after rain? Before you choose the next step, take a look at this. We are Oak & Hammer, and we handle roof repair in Austin.

Film: Owner on camera, then a close view of the sample. Keep the sample label visible.

Reads in 0:54 · target 1:00 · −6s spare

What each script is for

Each one is built in beats. Every beat has a slot on the clock, the words to say, and what to point the camera at. This is how yours break down for roofing.

The one-minute introduction

1:00

For someone meeting your business for the first time.

  1. Name the problem 0–12s
  2. Show one useful detail 12–32s
  3. Make the next step clear 32–44s
  4. Ask for one action 44–60s

Read time: 137 words, 0:54 at 150 wpm

The three-minute explanation

3:00

For a service page or a follow-up after someone asks for help.

  1. Start with their question 0–25s
  2. Explain what you can see 25–60s
  3. Help them prepare 60–95s
  4. Explain the booking conversation 95–130s
  5. Show work that matches the words 130–160s
  6. Give one next step 160–180s

Read time: 340 words, 2:14 at 150 wpm

The customer story interview

1:00

For a customer who agrees to share their own experience.

  1. Introduce the conversation 0–8s
  2. Let them set the scene 8–22s, customer answers
  3. Ask about the experience 22–38s, customer answers
  4. Find a useful detail 38–50s, customer answers
  5. Return to the owner 50–60s

Your lines: 50 words, 0:20 at 150 wpm. The customer’s answers fill the rest.

Time it before you film

A line that runs long gets rushed. Count the words, divide by your pace, and see what spare time is left for the sign-off shot. Spare time shows as a minus. Running over shows as a plus.

Example: the one-minute introduction for Oak & Hammer, roofing, Austin, read at 150 words a minute

BeatSlotWordsReads in+/−
Name the problem12s3012s0s
Show one useful detail20s4618s−2s
Make the next step clear12s3012s0s
Ask for one action16s3112s−4s
Total60s13754s−6s

Working: 137 words × 60 ÷ 150 = 54 seconds, worked out beat by beat and rounded.

Checks for the day you film

Seven checks that keep the video truthful and the shoot safe. Tick them off as you go.

  1. 1

    Match each line to your own service and process. Do not promise a quote or diagnosis from a photo alone.

  2. 2

    Replace the example business and town, and add one contact method your team monitors.

  3. 3

    Keep demos labeled. Use footage of your own jobs only with permission and wording that matches that job.

  4. 4

    Ask customers to answer in their own words. Keep any limits or mixed feedback in context.

  5. 5

    Get permission for the final use. Remove addresses, private paperwork and faces without permission.

  6. 6

    Film from a safe spot with tools set down. Do not climb or handle live equipment for a camera shot.

  7. 7

    Read aloud, time the take and add accurate captions. These lengths are planning targets. They don't promise any result.

Get all three scripts

The 1-minute intro, the 3-minute explainer and the customer story interview, written for Oak & Hammer in Austin. Every beat is timed and tells you what to film. You also get the printable filming guide, free.

All three scripts and the filming guide

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Questions

What is a VSL?

It stands for video sales letter: a short video that explains a problem, shows how you handle it, and asks for one next step.

Do I need a camera crew?

No. A phone on a steady stand, a quiet spot and good light will do. Tape the cue card beside the lens so your eyes stay close to it.

Can I write what the customer says?

No. The customer story gives you questions only. Use their answers in their own words, with their permission to share them.

Why does the timing change when I move the pace?

Read time is your word count divided by your pace. Nothing else goes into it. Set the pace by reading the card out loud once.