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Turn a film-class scene into a 4-shot Sora previz

  • For College students
  • You practice Asking for a format you can use
  • Time about 5 minutes

About this exercise

For your film class you're making a previz of your short's opening with Sora. Get Claude to write the Sora prompt as a first line stating 2.39:1 and 12 seconds, then exactly 4 numbered shots, each with its duration in seconds, a shot size (wide, medium, close-up or insert) and a camera move, adding up to 12 seconds. Plain text, under 170 words. The character is Mara as described in the script, and there is no dialogue and no text.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Keeping the 20-second pace. The AI spreads the scene over more time and more shots. Try: Add: "Exactly 4 numbered shots totaling 12 seconds."
  • No shot sizes. The AI describes action but not framing, so it's not useful previz. Try: Add: "Use one wide, one medium, one close-up, one insert, each with a camera move."
  • Losing the aspect ratio. Without 2.39:1, you get a standard frame. Try: Start with: "2.39:1, 12 seconds."
  • Text and lookalikes. The AI shows the phone's clock and gives Mara a famous actress's look. Try: Add: "No dialogue, no text, no readable phone screen. Mara as scripted."
  • Screenplay formatting. The AI writes headings and bold sluglines. Try: Add: "Plain text, under 120 words."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Sets the frame and length
  • Asks for 4 numbered shots
  • Names shot sizes
  • Gives each shot a duration
  • Rules out dialogue and text

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