1. **Research the topic** deeply before asking questions - Use web search to understand the core concepts - Identify the key insights that make this topic interesting
Workflow
Phase 1: Understand the Concept
Research the topic deeply before asking questions
Use web search to understand the core concepts
Identify the key insights that make this topic interesting
Find the "aha moment" - what makes this click for learners
Note common misconceptions to address
Identify the narrative hook
What question does this video answer?
Why should the viewer care?
What's the surprising or counterintuitive element?
Phase 2: Clarify with User
Ask targeted questions (not all at once - adapt based on responses):
Audience & Scope
What math/science background should I assume? (e.g., "knows calculus" or "high school algebra")
Target video length? (short: 5-10min, medium: 15-20min, long: 30min+)
Should this be self-contained or part of a series?
Focus & Depth
Any specific aspects to emphasize or skip?
Proof-heavy or intuition-focused?
Real-world applications to include?
Style Preferences
Color scheme preferences?
Narration style? (casual, formal, playful)
Any specific visual metaphors you have in mind?
Phase 3: Create scenes.md
Output a comprehensive scenes.md file with this structure:
# [Video Title]
## Overview
- **Topic**: [Core concept]
- **Hook**: [Opening question/mystery]
- **Target Audience**: [Prerequisites]
- **Estimated Length**: [X minutes]
- **Key Insight**: [The "aha moment"]
## Narrative Arc
[2-3 sentences describing the journey from confusion to understanding]
---
## Scene 1: [Scene Name]
**Duration**: ~X seconds
**Purpose**: [What this scene accomplishes]
### Visual Elements
- [List of mobjects needed]
- [Animations to use]
- [Camera movements]
### Content
[Detailed description of what happens, what's shown, what's explained]
### Narration Notes
[Key points to convey, tone, pacing notes]
### Technical Notes
- [Specific Manim classes/methods to use]
- [Any tricky implementations to note]
---
## Scene 2: [Scene Name]
...
---
## Transitions & Flow
[Notes on how scenes connect, recurring visual motifs]
## Color Palette
- Primary: [color] - used for [purpose]
- Secondary: [color] - used for [purpose]
- Accent: [color] - used for [purpose]
- Background: [color]
## Mathematical Content
[List of equations, formulas, or mathematical objects that need to be rendered]
## Implementation Order
[Suggested order for implementing scenes, noting dependencies]
3b1b Style Principles
Apply these principles when composing scenes:
Visual Storytelling
Show, don't just tell - Every concept needs a visual representation
Progressive revelation - Build complexity gradually, don't show everything at once
Visual continuity - Transform objects rather than replacing them when possible
Pacing & Rhythm
Pause for insight - Give viewers time to absorb key moments
Vary the pace - Mix quick sequences with slower explanations
End scenes with resolution - Each scene should feel complete
Mathematical Beauty
Emphasize elegance - Highlight when math is surprisingly simple or beautiful
Connect representations - Show the same concept multiple ways (algebraic, geometric, intuitive)
Embrace abstraction gradually - Start concrete, then generalize
Engagement Techniques
Pose questions - Make viewers curious before revealing answers
Acknowledge difficulty - "This might seem confusing at first..."
Celebrate insight - Make the "aha moment" feel earned