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The Master Guide / 07 Video with Seedance · Writing the prompt

Multi-shot formats

One generation can hold several shots, joined by cuts written into the prompt.

One generation can hold several shots, joined by cuts written into the prompt.

The default [proven]: timed blocks joined by written cuts, up to 30 s, one camera idea per shot, must-have beats early.

Form

Use when

One continuous shot: events as stages, with the times inside the sentences ("by about 3 s she…"), never as "Shot 1 (0–3 s)" headers, which the model reads as cuts

One camera idea

Timed shots, each block ending in its cut type

Beats must hit exact times (music, voiceover, a line)

Count-locked: exact shots and cuts, relative lengths

Order and number matter more than seconds

Free b-roll

Exploration only

Choose per generation [best available, not yet validated] and record it in the plan.

  • Say the clip cuts only where written, and end each block with its named cut (HARD, SMASH, MATCH, INSERT, REVERSE or WHIP): the marker makes the cut. Use a fade or dissolve only when the treatment calls for one.

  • Neighbouring shots differ in size, angle and action, or they morph [official guidance].

  • After each cut, restate who is where. Give each shot a BACKGROUND line, and list what each hand holds at each first frame.

  • Put each cut in a gap between lines, not mid-word.

  • If you want an establishing wide, give it a shot of its own, 1–1.5 s long, ending on a hard cut.

  • Slots: a shot of up to 2 s on screen gets a slot twice its screen time, never under 2 s; a longer shot gets its screen time plus 1–2 s; the slots add up exactly to the duration. Typical shot lengths, a guide and not a limit: a one-take 8–15 s; a line that holds 4–7 s; story and dialogue 2.5–4 s; high-energy cutting 1.5–2.5 s.

  • Timecodes are hints; choose in-points from the frames. In 16–30 s clips, restate the anchor, lens and map. A start frame pins only the opening of a multi-shot clip.

Sources

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