Use when a completed Shell scenario planning exercise needs to be converted into a TikTok script. Triggers when user says "make a tiktok", "tiktok script", "generate tiktok", or "content from scenario". Requires a completed scenario with narratives, findings, and worldview integration.
Install
npx skillscat add harperreed/dotfiles/scenario-to-tiktok Install via the SkillsCat registry.
This skill converts completed Shell scenario planning exercises into TikTok scripts by reading scenario files to extract hooks, findings, and narrative elements. It solves the problem of translating complex strategic analysis into engaging short-form video content. Developers should use it when a scenario with four or more narratives, clear thesis, and counterintuitive findings needs to be adapted for TikTok's format, particularly when comedic or irreverent angles exist.
Scenario to TikTok
Generate a production-ready TikTok script from a completed Shell scenario planning exercise, with meme integration and visual direction.
When to Use
- Completed scenario with 4+ narratives exists
- User wants short-form video content from the analysis
- Scenario has a clear thesis and counterintuitive findings
When NOT to Use
- Scenario is incomplete (no narratives yet)
- User wants long-form content (blog, report, documentary) — different format
- No comedic or irreverent angle exists
Required Inputs
Read these scenario files to build the script:
- worldview_model.md — The user's original beliefs (this is your HOOK)
- worldview_integration.md — Where beliefs were confirmed/challenged (this is your TWIST)
- predetermined_elements.md — Hard facts and numbers (this is your EVIDENCE)
- critical_uncertainties.md — The 2x2 matrix and axes (this is your STRUCTURE)
- Scenario narratives — Character names and story beats (this is your COLOR)
- strategy_analysis.md — The meta-strategy (this is your CLOSER)
Script Structure
TikTok scripts from scenarios follow a 5-section arc:
HOOK → COMMON BELIEF → COUNTERINTUITIVE FINDING → THE TWIST → CALLBACK + SEQUEL TEASESection Breakdown
| Section | Source | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOOK | worldview_model.md | State the question using the user's original framing | 5-10s |
| COMMON BELIEF | predetermined_elements.md | Present what most people assume (and what's right about it) | 15-25s |
| BODY GOES OFFLINE | context_packet.md, predetermined | The visceral details — numbers, timelines, consequences | 20-30s |
| THE TWIST | critical_uncertainties.md | The single variable that changes everything | 15-20s |
| SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES | worldview_integration.md | The human/social angle people don't think about | 10-15s |
| CLOSER | strategy_analysis.md | The meta-strategy as a one-liner. Sequel tease with scenario names. | 10-15s |
Target total: 2:00-3:00
Writing the Hook
The hook comes from the GAP between what the user originally believed and what the scenario process revealed. Read worldview_model.md and worldview_integration.md together.
Pattern: "Important question. [State the question]. Would you [optimistic extreme] or [pessimistic extreme]?"
Writing the Twist
The twist is ALWAYS the scenario's primary axis — the single variable that matters most. In a good scenario, this is counterintuitive. Frame it as a conspiratorial lean-in: "BUT. If by [term] you mean [expanded definition]..."
Text-on-Screen Moments
Every good TikTok script needs 2-3 text-on-screen moments. These come from the scenario's most quotable findings. Look for:
- Phrases that are funny out of context ("STARVING, BUT WET")
- The thesis condensed to 3-4 words ("WEIRD, BUT SURVIVABLE")
- Specialist one-liners that hit hard
The Sequel Tease
Always end by naming the four scenarios. Scenario names are designed to be memorable and intriguing — they function as sequel bait.
Pattern: "Next I'll do the even more deranged version: [Scenario 1], [Scenario 2], [Scenario 3], and [Scenario 4]."
Meme Integration
After writing the base script, embellish with memes using the meme-rodeo MCP tools.
Sourcing Memes
- Search meme-rodeo for topic-relevant terms (the scenario subject, key themes)
- Search for emotional/tonal terms (chaos, conspiracy, confusion, existential)
- If rate-limited on search, use
random_memesorlist_recentand filter manually - Aim for 12-18 memes total across a 2-3 minute script
Meme Placement Rules
| Placement Type | Duration | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Flash (0.5s) | Subliminal comedy beat | Punctuate a punchline, no caption needed |
| Hold (1-1.5s) | Let audience read caption | When meme + caption overlay = the joke |
| Long Hold (2s) | Biggest laugh, most shareable frame | Max 2-3 per script, save for best moments |
| Callback | Same meme, bookend | Open and close with same meme for structural closure |
Meme Mapping
Map each meme to a specific scenario or finding:
> **[MEME INSERT: Name]** — description of meme. Caption overlay: "text"
> Every meme insert needs:
- Which line it follows
- Duration (flash/hold/long hold)
- Caption overlay text (if any)
- Why it works for this moment
Meme Selection Criteria
Pick memes that work through JUXTAPOSITION with the script content, not literal illustration:
- A jogger past a burning house + "day 18: I feel amazing" (ironic contrast)
- Batman at a dinner table + "you at thanksgiving now" (absurd reframing)
- Tiny cocktail + "this is 15 calories" (scale visualization)
Avoid memes that just illustrate what's being said. The meme should add a layer.
Output Files
Write two files to the scenario's exports directory:
exports/tiktok_script.md— Base script without memes (for reading/editing)exports/tiktok_script_with_memes.md— Full script with meme inserts, timing cues, and production notes
Include a Meme Placement Summary table at the end:
| Timestamp | Meme | Duration | Caption Overlay |
|-----------|------|----------|-----------------|
| Hook | [name] | 0.5s flash | — |
| ... | ... | ... | ... |And Production Notes covering:
- Recommended total video length
- Flash vs hold guidance
- Which meme placement is most important
- Which frame is most shareable
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Script sounds like a report | Rewrite in spoken cadence. Short sentences. Fragments are fine. |
| No visual direction | Add [close-up], [pacing], [sit down], [lean in] cues |
| Memes are literal illustrations | Pick memes that contrast or reframe, not illustrate |
| Missing the twist | The twist is the primary scenario axis. Find it in critical_uncertainties.md |
| Too long | 3 minutes max. Cut the least surprising section. |
| No text-on-screen moments | Find 2-3 quotable phrases from specialist consultations |
| Generic tone | Match the user's voice from the worldview elicitation. Mirror their humor. |
| No sequel hook | Always name the four scenarios at the end |
Tone Calibration
Read the worldview_model.md elicitation notes for the user's communication style. The script should sound like THEM, not like a narrator. If they're irreverent, be irreverent. If they're dry, be dry. The scenario process is serious; the TikTok should be fun.