Creator Playbook: Professional Strategies for Sora 2

Welcome to the ultimate guide for professional creators looking to master Sora 2 video production. This playbook provides battle-tested workflows, prompt engineering strategies, and cinematic techniques to help you create consistently high-quality videos.

Understanding Professional Workflows
Pre-Production Excellence
Mastering Prompt Engineering
The Five-Phase Production Workflow
Cinematic Techniques
Post-Production Best Practices
Quality Control and Iteration
Professional Templates and Examples

Understanding Professional Workflows

Treating Sora 2 Like a Professional Camera System

The key to professional results with Sora 2 is treating it like a high-end camera system rather than a magic box. This mindset shift transforms how you approach every aspect of video creation:

Core Principles

1. Plan Extensively

Document your vision before generating
Create detailed shot lists and storyboards
Establish acceptance criteria upfront
Build modular workflows for scalability

2. Generate Strategically

Produce multiple takes per shot
Maintain consistent style across sequences
Log issues and successful settings
Focus on reproducibility

3. Maintain Discipline

Follow structured workflows
Document your process meticulously
Iterate based on clear criteria
Separate creative and technical decisions

Setting Realistic Expectations

What Sora 2 Excels At

Realistic Motion: Natural physics and movement
High-Fidelity Visuals: 4K-like detail and clarity
Synchronized Audio: Dialogue, sound effects, and ambient sounds
Multi-Shot Consistency: Maintaining continuity across scenes
Style Versatility: From photorealistic to highly stylized

Current Limitations

Generation Time: Each clip may take 20+ minutes
Length Constraints: Optimal quality at 4-10 seconds per shot
Control Trade-offs: More detail = less creative freedom
Iterative Process: Rarely perfect on first generation

Pre-Production Excellence

Phase 1: Define Your Vision

Project Definition Checklist

Purpose & Goals

Primary objective (brand awareness, education, entertainment)
Key performance indicators (KPIs)
Success metrics and acceptance criteria
Distribution channels and platform requirements

Target Audience

Demographics (age, location, interests)
Viewing context (mobile, desktop, social)
Attention span considerations
Cultural and linguistic requirements

Output Specifications

Aspect ratio (16:9, 9:16, 1:1)
Resolution requirements
Total duration and shot count
File format and delivery specs

Phase 2: Conceptual Development

Story Beats and Narrative Structure

Break your video into clear story beats:

Opening Hook (0-3 seconds)
- Grab attention immediately
- Establish visual style
- Set the tone
Development (3-7 seconds)
- Introduce main elements
- Build narrative tension
- Develop visual interest
Climax/Key Message (7-10 seconds)
- Deliver core message
- Peak visual impact
- Emotional high point
Resolution (10-15 seconds)
- Call to action
- Brand integration
- Memorable closing

Storyboard Creation

Essential Elements per Frame

Shot #: [Number]
Duration: [Seconds]
Description: [What happens]
Camera: [Angle, movement, lens]
Lighting: [Quality, direction, color]
Action: [Subject movement]
Audio: [Dialogue, SFX, music]
Reference: [Similar shots/styles]

Example Storyboard Frame

Shot #: 1
Duration: 5 seconds
Description: Female athlete preparing at starting blocks
Camera: Low angle, slight dolly in, 35mm
Lighting: Soft golden hour, rim light on athlete
Action: Athlete sets hands, focuses forward, muscles tense
Audio: Ambient stadium sounds, crowd murmur, breath
Reference: Blade Runner 2049 cinematography

Phase 3: Style Preset Development

Creating Consistent Visual Language

Develop detailed style presets to maintain consistency across all shots:

Visual Style Components

Color Palette
- Primary colors (3-4 main colors)
- Accent colors (1-2 highlight colors)
- Overall temperature (warm/cool/neutral)
- Saturation level (vibrant/muted/desaturated)
Lighting Approach
- Key light quality (soft/hard)
- Direction (front/side/back)
- Time of day atmosphere
- Color temperature (warm/cool/mixed)
Cinematographic Style
- Lens characteristics (wide/normal/telephoto)
- Depth of field (shallow/deep)
- Camera movement style (static/dynamic/handheld)
- Frame composition rules
Genre and Mood
- Overall aesthetic (cinematic/documentary/commercial)
- Emotional tone (dramatic/upbeat/mysterious)
- Reference films or photographers
- Cultural or period influences

Style Preset Template

PROJECT STYLE GUIDE
-------------------
Name: [Style Name]

Visual Aesthetic:
- Genre: Cinematic commercial
- Mood: Energetic, inspiring, modern
- References: Nike commercials, Terrence Malick films

Color Grading:
- Palette: Deep blues, warm oranges, pure whites
- Temperature: Warm shadows, cool highlights
- Saturation: Moderately saturated, realistic

Lighting:
- Quality: Soft, diffused natural light
- Direction: Motivated by environment
- Time: Golden hour, early morning
- Mood: Optimistic, hopeful

Camera Style:
- Lenses: 35mm, 50mm equivalents
- Movement: Slow, deliberate dolly and tracking shots
- Composition: Rule of thirds, leading lines
- Depth: Shallow DOF for subject isolation

Technical:
- Frame Rate: 24fps for cinematic feel
- Resolution: 1920x1080
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9

Phase 4: Reference Collection

Building Your Reference Library

Collect and organize reference materials:

Types of References

Visual References
- Films with similar aesthetics
- Photography that captures the mood
- Existing Sora 2 generations
- Competitor videos
Technical References
- Camera movement examples
- Lighting setups
- Color grading references
- Composition studies
Prompt References
- Successful prompts from similar projects
- Community-shared prompt templates
- Your own prompt library with notes

Reference Organization System

/project-name/
  /references/
    /visual-style/
      - film-stills/
      - photography/
      - color-palettes/
    /technical/
      - camera-movements/
      - lighting-setups/
      - composition-examples/
    /prompts/
      - successful-prompts.md
      - prompt-templates.md
      - notes-and-learnings.md

Mastering Prompt Engineering

The Anatomy of an Effective Sora 2 Prompt

Prompt Structure Framework

A professional Sora 2 prompt follows this structure:

[SHOT TYPE] [SUBJECT] [ACTION] [SETTING] [LIGHTING] [CAMERA] [MOTION] [AUDIO] [STYLE]

1. Shot Type & Framing

Defines composition and perspective
Establishes viewer relationship to subject
Examples: "Close-up", "Wide shot", "Medium shot", "Extreme close-up"

2. Subject Description

Who or what is the focus
Specific details about appearance
Emotional state or expression
Examples: "A determined female athlete", "Sleek red sports car", "Ancient oak tree"

3. Action & Movement

What the subject is doing
Progression of action
Physics and motion quality
Examples: "pushing off starting blocks", "accelerating through corner", "swaying gently"

4. Setting & Environment

Location and context
Environmental details
Atmospheric conditions
Examples: "on outdoor track at dawn", "on winding mountain road", "in misty forest clearing"

5. Lighting Setup

Quality (soft, hard, diffused)
Direction (front, side, back, top)
Color temperature
Mood contribution
Examples: "soft golden hour light", "dramatic side lighting", "cool blue ambient light"

6. Camera Specifications

Lens choice (wide, normal, telephoto)
Camera angle (low, high, eye-level)
Perspective characteristics
Examples: "35mm lens, low angle", "85mm portrait lens", "wide-angle establishing shot"

7. Motion & Physics

Camera movement
Subject motion physics
Speed and timing
Examples: "slow dolly in", "fast tracking shot", "subtle handheld shake"

8. Audio Elements

Dialogue (if any)
Sound effects
Ambient sounds
Music cues
Examples: "heavy breathing, crowd cheering", "engine roar, tire screech", "wind rustling leaves"

9. Style & Aesthetic

Overall visual treatment
Film or photography reference
Color grading notes
Examples: "cinematic, anamorphic flares", "documentary style", "high-fashion editorial look"

Professional Prompt Examples

Example 1: Athletic Commercial

Medium shot of a determined female sprinter in starting position on 
outdoor track, fingers pressed into blocks, muscles tensed and ready, 
focused expression. Early morning setting with soft golden light 
creating rim lighting around athlete's silhouette. Shot on 35mm lens 
from low angle, subtle slow dolly in emphasizing intensity. Natural 
stadium ambience, distant crowd murmur, athlete's controlled breathing. 
Cinematic commercial aesthetic with warm color grading and shallow 
depth of field. 30fps for smooth motion.

Example 2: Product Showcase

Close-up of sleek smartphone rotating slowly on minimal white surface, 
metallic edges catching light as device turns. Pristine studio 
environment with gradient background transitioning from cool blue to 
warm white. Precision product lighting with soft key light from 45 
degrees and subtle fill, creating defined highlights on screen and body. 
Shot on 85mm macro lens, camera on motorized slider moving in perfect 
circular arc. Subtle whoosh sound effect synced to rotation, professional 
studio atmosphere. High-end commercial aesthetic, crisp and clean with 
slight color pop on screen content.

Example 3: Lifestyle Content

Wide establishing shot of young couple walking hand-in-hand through 
autumn forest trail, golden and orange leaves falling around them, 
laughing naturally as they walk toward camera. Late afternoon with 
warm sunlight filtering through trees creating god rays and dappled 
light on path. Shot on 24mm lens, camera mounted on stabilized gimbal 
following subjects at medium pace, slight vertical bounce for organic 
feel. Natural forest sounds, crunching leaves underfoot, gentle breeze, 
soft laughter. Warm, nostalgic color grade with lifted shadows and 
golden tones, dreamy lifestyle aesthetic inspired by autumn editorials.

Prompt Engineering Best Practices

1. Specificity vs. Creative Freedom

High Specificity (Predictable Results)

Use when: Brand guidelines require consistency
Length: 80-150 words
Detail: Precise descriptions of all elements
Trade-off: Less unexpected creativity

Moderate Specificity (Balanced)

Use when: Professional but flexible projects
Length: 50-80 words
Detail: Key elements defined, room for interpretation
Trade-off: Controlled creativity

Low Specificity (Maximum Creativity)

Use when: Exploring concepts, experimental work
Length: 20-40 words
Detail: Essential elements only
Trade-off: Unpredictable but potentially innovative

2. Cinematic Language

Camera Movement Vocabulary

Static: Locked-off, no movement
Pan: Horizontal rotation
Tilt: Vertical rotation
Dolly: Camera moving forward/backward
Track/Truck: Camera moving left/right
Crane/Boom: Camera moving up/down
Handheld: Organic, natural shake
Steadicam: Smooth, floating movement
Gimbal: Stabilized, dynamic movement

Shot Size Terminology

Extreme Wide Shot (EWS): Establishing, shows full environment
Wide Shot (WS): Subject in context of surroundings
Medium Wide (MWS): Subject and immediate environment
Medium Shot (MS): Subject from waist up
Medium Close-Up (MCU): Subject from chest up
Close-Up (CU): Subject's face or detail
Extreme Close-Up (ECU): Isolated detail, high impact

Lens Characteristics

16-24mm (Ultra-wide): Dramatic perspective, exaggerated depth
24-35mm (Wide): Natural perspective, good for context
50mm (Normal): Human eye perspective, neutral
85-135mm (Portrait): Flattering compression, subject isolation
200mm+ (Telephoto): Strong compression, distant perspective

3. Lighting Descriptions

Quality

Soft/Diffused: Gentle, flattering, minimal harsh shadows
Hard: Defined shadows, dramatic contrast
Motivated: Appears to come from logical source
Natural: Mimics real-world lighting conditions

Direction

Key Light: Primary light source, defines form
Fill Light: Reduces shadows, controls contrast
Back Light: Separates subject from background
Rim Light: Edge lighting for definition

Color Temperature

Warm (2700-3500K): Golden, sunset, cozy
Neutral (4000-5000K): Daylight, natural
Cool (5500-7000K): Blue, clinical, night

4. Action and Physics

Plausible Physics

Describe actions that obey real-world physics
Specify speed and timing clearly
Include cause-and-effect relationships
Consider gravity, momentum, and inertia

Examples:

✅ Good: "Athlete explodes from starting blocks, powerful leg drive propelling forward, arms pumping rhythmically"

❌ Avoid: "Athlete flies from starting blocks, instantly at full speed, floating above track"

✅ Good: "Water droplet falls from leaf, accelerating downward, splashing on surface below"

❌ Avoid: "Water droplet hovers, then suddenly disappears, then reappears moving upward"

Advanced Prompt Techniques

Multi-Shot Sequencing

For creating coherent sequences, treat each shot as a distinct block:

Shot 1 (Establishing):

Wide shot of modernist café exterior, early morning, soft blue hour 
lighting, slow tilt up revealing building. 24mm lens, static to slow 
upward crane movement. City ambience, distant traffic.

Shot 2 (Transition):

Medium shot through café window, barista preparing espresso machine, 
focused expression. Warm interior lighting contrasting cool exterior. 
50mm lens, static camera. Equipment sounds, gentle music.

Shot 3 (Detail):

Close-up of espresso pouring into white cup, rich crema forming, steam 
rising. Soft overhead lighting highlighting liquid texture. 85mm macro 
lens, subtle dolly in. Rich audio of coffee extraction, satisfying 
pour sounds.

Style Anchoring

Use unique descriptive anchors to maintain consistency:

Visual Anchors:

"Shot like a Wes Anderson film"
"Inspired by Annie Leibovitz photography"
"Blade Runner 2049 aesthetic"
"Vogue editorial style"

Technical Anchors:

"Anamorphic lens with characteristic flares"
"ARRI Alexa color science"
"Film grain texture, 35mm"
"RED Dragon sensor dynamic range"

Mood Anchors:

"Nostalgic, warm memory"
"Tense, thriller atmosphere"
"Uplifting, inspirational"
"Mysterious, contemplative"

/project-name/
  /01-preproduction/
    - creative-brief.md
    - storyboard.pdf
    - style-guide.md
    - shot-list.xlsx
  /02-prompts/
    - shot-01-prompt.txt
    - shot-02-prompt.txt
    - master-prompts.md
  /03-generation/
    /shot-01/
      - variant-01.mp4
      - variant-02.mp4
      - variant-03.mp4
    /shot-02/
      - variant-01.mp4
  /04-selects/
    - selected-clips/
    - metadata.xlsx
  /05-post-production/
    - edited-sequence/
    - final-output/
  /06-delivery/
    - final-video.mp4
    - specs.txt

Acceptance Criteria Definition

Before generating, establish clear acceptance criteria:

Technical Criteria:

Resolution meets spec (e.g., 1920x1080)
No visual artifacts or glitches
Proper aspect ratio maintained
Audio sync is accurate
Frame rate is consistent

Creative Criteria:

Subject clearly recognizable
Action is plausible and smooth
Lighting matches style guide
Composition follows storyboard
Mood and tone are appropriate

Brand Criteria:

Aligns with brand guidelines
No unintended brand elements
Appropriate for target audience
Legal and compliance standards met

Phase 2: Generation Strategy

The Director's Prompt Approach

Treat each shot as a directed scene with a comprehensive "director's prompt":

Director's Prompt Template

SHOT [NUMBER]: [Brief Title]
--------------------------------
STORY BEAT: [What this shot accomplishes narratively]

PRIMARY PROMPT:
[Your detailed Sora 2 prompt here - 80-120 words]

TECHNICAL PARAMETERS:
- Duration: [4-10 seconds]
- Aspect Ratio: [16:9 / 9:16 / 1:1]
- Resolution: [1920x1080 / 1080x1920]
- Model: [Standard / Pro]
- Quality: [High]

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA:
- Must show: [Specific required elements]
- Must avoid: [Known issues or unwanted elements]
- Success threshold: [2 out of 5 variants acceptable]

REFERENCE IMAGES:
- [Link to reference materials]

GENERATION NOTES:
- Generation 1: [Notes on results]
- Generation 2: [Adjustments made]

Batch Generation Strategy

Generate Multiple Variants

For each shot, generate 3-5 variants with different approaches:

Variant 1: Exact Prompt

Use your detailed director's prompt as-is
Provides baseline for comparison

Variant 2: Adjusted Emphasis

Modify word order to emphasize different elements
Test what changes based on prompt structure

Variant 3: Simplified

Remove some details for more creative freedom
May yield unexpected but valuable results

Variant 4: Enhanced Detail

Add more specific details
Test limits of control

Variant 5: Alternative Style

Swap style references
Explore creative variations

Iteration Limits

Maintain Momentum

First Pass: Generate all shots with 3 variants each
Review: Evaluate against acceptance criteria
Second Pass: Regenerate only shots that didn't meet criteria
Final Pass: Last attempt before moving to post-production workarounds

When to Move On

Don't get stuck in infinite iteration:

If 2/5 variants are acceptable → Use best and move on
If 0/5 variants work → Adjust prompt fundamentally or plan post-production fix
Document issues for future reference
Remember: Perfect is the enemy of done

Fine-Tuning Prompts

Motion Refinement

Provide specific motion instructions:

Instead of: "Camera moves toward subject"
Use: "Slow dolly in, 0.5 meters over 3 seconds, maintaining center frame composition"

Instead of: "Person walks forward"
Use: "Subject walks at natural pace (1.2 m/s), right foot leading, confident stride"

Instead of: "Car drives by"
Use: "Vehicle passes left to right, accelerating smoothly from 30 to 50 mph, slight engine roar"

Lighting Refinement

Be precise about light quality and direction:

Instead of: "Good lighting"
Use: "Soft key light from camera left at 45 degrees, subtle fill from right at 50% intensity, practical window light visible in background"

Instead of: "Sunset lighting"
Use: "Golden hour sun low on horizon camera right, warm 3200K color temperature, long soft shadows, slight rim light on subject's edge"

Settings Documentation

Maintain a Success Database

Track what works:

SUCCESSFUL GENERATION LOG
-------------------------
Date: 2025-01-14
Shot: Product rotation
Model: Sora 2 Pro

Prompt: [Full prompt text]

Settings:
- Duration: 5 seconds
- Resolution: 1920x1080
- Aspect: 16:9
- Quality: High

Result Quality: 9/10
Generation Time: 18 minutes
Variants Generated: 4
Usable Variants: 3

Success Factors:
- Specific rotation speed (30 degrees/second)
- Detailed lighting setup
- Precise camera movement description

Issues Encountered:
- First attempt had motion blur
- Second attempt fixed by adding "smooth, controlled rotation"

Learnings:
- Product shots benefit from technical precision
- Audio description enhanced final result
- Pro model worth it for this type of shot

Phase 4: Quality Assurance

Review Workflow

Three-Pass Review System

Pass 1: Technical Review

Check resolution and aspect ratio
Verify no glitches or artifacts
Confirm audio sync (if applicable)
Validate frame rate consistency
Duration matches requirements

Pass 2: Creative Review

Does it match storyboard intent?
Is the mood and tone appropriate?
Does action flow naturally?
Are composition and framing correct?
Does it maintain style consistency?

Pass 3: Strategic Review

Does it serve the project goal?
Is it appropriate for target audience?
Does it meet brand guidelines?
Is it legal and compliant?
Does it work in sequence with other shots?

Metadata Capture

Essential Metadata for Each Clip

CLIP METADATA
-------------
Filename: shot-03_variant-02.mp4
Generation Date: 2025-01-14
Shot Number: 03
Variant: 02

Technical:
- Duration: 6.2 seconds
- Resolution: 1920x1080
- File Size: 48.3 MB
- Codec: H.264

Prompt: [Full prompt used]

Settings:
- Model: Sora 2 Pro
- Quality: High
- Seed: [if available]

Quality Ratings (1-10):
- Technical: 9
- Creative: 8
- Overall: 8.5

Status: SELECTED FOR EDIT

Notes:
- Best variant for this shot
- Slight motion blur in middle acceptable
- Audio particularly good

Phase 5: Post-Production Integration

Treating Sora 2 as Source Camera

Post-Production Philosophy

Think of Sora 2 outputs as "camera negative" or "raw footage":

Don't expect perfection: Plan for color grading, editing, effects
Shoot for the edit: Consider how clips will cut together
Audio layering: Plan to enhance or replace audio
VFX opportunities: Identify where additional effects can elevate quality

Color Management Workflow

Maintain Consistency

Baseline Correction
- Import all clips into color grading software
- Apply consistent exposure baseline
- Match white balance across clips
- Neutralize any color casts
Style Application
- Apply LUT or color grade matching your style guide
- Ensure consistency with brand colors
- Maintain proper skin tones (if applicable)
- Preserve highlight and shadow detail
Shot Matching
- Match adjacent shots in sequence
- Smooth transitions between different lighting conditions
- Maintain continuity across scenes
Final Polish
- Subtle vignetting for focus
- Selective color enhancement
- Film grain or texture (if appropriate)
- Output color space conversion

Emphasizing stability and strength
Documentary or testimonial style
Letting action unfold naturally
Building tension through stillness

Prompt Examples:

"Static locked-off shot from tripod, no camera movement, subject 
centered in frame..."

Dynamic Movement

Dolly/Track Shots

Creates smooth, professional movement:

"Slow dolly in from 3 meters to 1 meter over 5 seconds, maintaining 
center composition on subject's face, smooth motorized movement..."

Crane/Boom Shots

Reveals environment or changes perspective:

"Crane shot starting low at ground level, slowly rising to 6 feet high 
over 6 seconds, revealing city skyline behind subject..."

Tracking Shots

Follows subject dynamically:

"Smooth tracking shot on gimbal, following subject from left side as 
they walk forward at natural pace, maintaining 2 meter distance, 
matching subject speed..."

Handheld Style

Adds energy and documentary feel:

"Handheld camera with subtle natural shake, following subject loosely, 
slightly unstable framing adding urgency and realism to scene..."

Depth of Field Control

Shallow Depth of Field

For Subject Isolation:

"Shot on 85mm f/1.4 lens, extremely shallow depth of field, subject's 
eyes in sharp focus, background softly blurred into bokeh, beautiful 
subject separation..."

Deep Depth of Field

For Environmental Context:

"Shot on 24mm f/8 lens, deep depth of field, foreground subject and 
distant background both in sharp focus, showing full environment detail..."

Lighting Scenarios

Golden Hour

"Late afternoon golden hour light, sun low on horizon camera right 
creating warm 3000K glow, long soft shadows, golden rim light on 
subject's profile, warm magical atmosphere..."

Blue Hour

"Blue hour twilight, soft diffused blue light from overcast sky, cool 
5500K color temperature, even gentle illumination, peacefulcalm mood..."

Dramatic Hard Light

"Strong directional hard light from window camera left, creating defined 
shadows and high contrast, beam of light cutting through dark interior, 
dramatic chiaroscuro lighting reminiscent of Caravaggio paintings..."

Soft Studio Light

"Professional soft box lighting, large diffused key light from 45 degrees 
camera left, gentle fill light from right, subtle hair light from above-
behind, clean commercial beauty lighting, flattering and professional..."

Composition Techniques

Rule of Thirds

"Subject positioned on right vertical third line, eyes at upper horizontal 
third intersection point, balanced composition with negative space on 
left, following rule of thirds..."

Leading Lines

"Railroad tracks in foreground leading eye toward subject in distance, 
strong perspective lines converging at subject, guiding viewer's attention 
through composition..."

Framing Within Frame

"Subject framed through doorway in foreground, creating natural frame 
within frame, doorway edges creating dark borders focusing attention on 
illuminated subject beyond..."

Symmetry

"Perfectly symmetrical composition, subject centered, architectural 
elements mirrored on left and right, one-point perspective creating 
balanced formal composition inspired by Wes Anderson..."

Import all selected clips
Arrange in storyboard order
Trim to approximate timing
Check overall flow and pacing
Identify gaps or issues

Fine Cut

Phase 2: Refinement

Precise timing adjustments
Add transitions (if appropriate)
Remove any unwanted frames
Optimize pacing and rhythm
Ensure audio continuity

Picture Lock

Phase 3: Final Edit

Locked edit approved by stakeholders
All timing finalized
Ready for color grading
Ready for audio finishing
Frame-accurate version saved

Audio Enhancement

Dialogue and Voiceover

Optimization Steps:

Cleanup
- Remove background noise
- Reduce pops and clicks
- Normalize levels
Enhancement
- EQ for clarity
- Compression for consistency
- De-essing if needed
Spatial Placement
- Reverb for environment
- Delay for depth
- Stereo imaging

Sound Effects

Layering Strategy:

Sora-Generated Audio: Use as base layer
Additional SFX: Layer complementary sounds
Foley: Add subtle details
Ambience: Create environment

Music Integration

Best Practices:

Ducking: Lower music when dialogue is present
Mixing: Balance music with other audio elements
Transitions: Smooth music edits at visual cuts
Emotional Support: Use music to reinforce mood

Color Grading

Professional Color Workflow

1. Technical Correction

- Exposure baseline
- White balance
- Contrast adjustment
- Black/white point setting

2. Shot Matching

- Match adjacent shots
- Smooth lighting transitions
- Maintain continuity

3. Creative Grade

- Apply LUT or style
- Enhance mood
- Brand color integration
- Artistic vision

4. Finishing Touches

- Vignetting
- Film grain
- Selective adjustments
- Final polish

Export Settings

Delivery Specifications

High-Quality Master

Format: H.264 or ProRes
Resolution: 1920x1080 or higher
Frame Rate: Match source (typically 24/30fps)
Bitrate: 20-50 Mbps
Audio: 320 kbps AAC stereo
Color Space: Rec. 709

Social Media Optimized

Instagram Feed (Square)

Resolution: 1080x1080
Aspect Ratio: 1:1
Format: H.264
Bitrate: 8-12 Mbps
Duration: 60 seconds max

Instagram Stories/Reels (Vertical)

Resolution: 1080x1920
Aspect Ratio: 9:16
Format: H.264
Bitrate: 8-12 Mbps
Duration: 60 seconds max

YouTube

Resolution: 1920x1080 or 3840x2160
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Format: H.264
Bitrate: 15-35 Mbps (1080p), 35-68 Mbps (4K)
Audio: 320 kbps AAC stereo

TikTok (Vertical)

Resolution: 1080x1920
Aspect Ratio: 9:16
Format: H.264
Bitrate: 8-12 Mbps
Duration: 60 seconds max

Blurry movement
Jerky motion
Inconsistent frame rate feel

Solutions:

Specify "smooth, controlled motion" in prompt
Describe exact speed: "moving at [X] meters per second"
Use phrases like "sharp clear motion" or "crisp movement"
Try shorter duration clips for better motion quality

Prompt Adjustment:

Before: "Subject walks forward"
After: "Subject walks forward at natural pace, smooth steady movement, 
crisp sharp motion without blur, clear detail maintained throughout 
movement"

Issue: Inconsistent Lighting

Symptoms:

Lighting changes mid-clip
Unnatural light sources
Inconsistent shadows

Solutions:

Be more specific about light sources
Describe light as "consistent throughout shot"
Specify time of day precisely
Mention practical light sources visible in frame

Prompt Adjustment:

Before: "Well-lit scene"
After: "Consistent soft overcast daylight from above, even diffused 
illumination maintaining same quality throughout shot, stable lighting 
conditions, no light changes"

Issue: Composition Drift

Symptoms:

Subject moves out of frame
Framing changes unintentionally
Composition inconsistency

Solutions:

Specify "maintaining composition" or "locked framing"
Describe subject's position in frame throughout
For static shots, emphasize "no camera movement"
For moving shots, describe how framing adjusts

Prompt Adjustment:

Before: "Camera follows subject"
After: "Camera tracks alongside subject on gimbal, maintaining subject 
centered in frame throughout movement, consistent framing with subject 
always occupying center third of composition"

Issue: Unrealistic Physics

Symptoms:

Objects moving unnaturally
Floating or hovering elements
Impossible actions

Solutions:

Describe physics explicitly: "obeying gravity", "natural weight"
Specify speed and acceleration realistically
Describe cause and effect clearly
Reference real-world physics

Prompt Adjustment:

Before: "Ball bounces"
After: "Ball drops from hand under gravity, accelerating downward, 
bouncing on floor with natural physics, each bounce lower than last, 
realistic weight and momentum"

Iteration Strategy

When to Iterate

Iterate if:

Technical criteria not met (artifacts, glitches)
Creative vision significantly off
Brand guidelines violated
Critical elements missing or wrong

Don't iterate if:

Minor imperfections that can be fixed in post
Already have one acceptable variant
Three attempts made with no improvement
Deadline pressure requires moving forward

How to Iterate Effectively

Systematic Approach:

Identify Specific Issue
- What exactly is wrong?
- Is it consistent across variants?
- Is it prompt-related or random?
Make Targeted Changes
- Adjust only the problematic element
- Don't rewrite entire prompt
- Test one change at a time
Document Results
- What changed?
- Did it improve?
- New issues introduced?
Learn and Apply
- Add learnings to your knowledge base
- Update prompt templates
- Share with team

Professional Templates and Examples

Shot List Template

PROJECT: [Name]
DATE: [Date]
TOTAL DURATION: [Length]

---

SHOT 001: OPENING HOOK
Duration: 5 seconds
Aspect: 16:9

Description:
[What happens in this shot]

Prompt:
[Full Sora 2 prompt]

Technical:
- Model: Sora 2 Pro
- Resolution: 1920x1080
- Quality: High

Reference:
[Link to reference materials]

Status: [ ] Not Started [ ] In Progress [ ] Generated [ ] Selected

---

SHOT 002: [Title]
[Repeat structure]

Style Guide Template

PROJECT STYLE GUIDE
===================

Project: [Name]
Date: [Date]
Created by: [Name]

---

VISUAL IDENTITY
--------------

Aesthetic:
- Genre: [Cinematic/Commercial/Documentary/etc.]
- Mood: [Descriptive mood keywords]
- References: [Films, photographers, brands]

Color Palette:
- Primary: [Color codes or descriptions]
- Secondary: [Color codes or descriptions]
- Accent: [Color codes or descriptions]

---

CINEMATOGRAPHY
-------------

Preferred Lenses:
- Wide: [24-35mm for establishing]
- Normal: [50mm for neutral perspective]
- Portrait: [85mm for subject isolation]

Camera Movement:
- Style: [Static/Dynamic/Mixed]
- Motivation: [Always motivated by action/story]
- Speed: [Slow and deliberate/Quick and energetic]

Composition:
- Rules: [Rule of thirds/Centered/Symmetrical]
- Negative Space: [Generous/Minimal]
- Depth: [Layered/Flat]

---

LIGHTING
--------

Quality:
- Primary: [Soft/Hard/Mixed]
- Direction: [Front/Side/Back/Top]
- Motivation: [Natural/Artificial/Mixed]

Color Temperature:
- Primary: [Warm/Cool/Neutral]
- Range: [Consistent/Varied]

Time of Day:
- Preferred: [Golden hour/Blue hour/Day/Night]

---

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
-----------------------

Format:
- Aspect Ratio: [16:9/9:16/1:1]
- Resolution: [1920x1080/1080x1920]
- Frame Rate: [24fps/30fps]

Audio:
- Style: [Natural/Enhanced/Stylized]
- Music: [Genre/Mood]
- SFX: [Subtle/Prominent]

---

PROMPT STRUCTURE
---------------

Standard Prompt Template:
[Your base prompt structure]

Key Phrases:
- [Repeated phrases for consistency]
- [Specific terminology]
- [Style anchors]

---

BRAND GUIDELINES
---------------

Must Include:
- [Required brand elements]
- [Logo placement requirements]
- [Color restrictions]

Must Avoid:
- [Prohibited content]
- [Competitive references]
- [Sensitive topics]

Generation Log Template

GENERATION LOG
==============

Date: [YYYY-MM-DD]
Project: [Name]
Operator: [Name]

---

SHOT: [Number/Title]
-------------------

Attempt #1
Time: [HH:MM]
Model: Sora 2 [Standard/Pro]
Duration: [X] seconds

Prompt:
[Full prompt text]

Settings:
- Resolution: [1920x1080]
- Aspect: [16:9]
- Quality: [High]
- Seed: [If available]

Results:
Variants Generated: [X]
Generation Time: [X] minutes

Variant 1: [Rating 1-10] - [Brief notes]
Variant 2: [Rating 1-10] - [Brief notes]
Variant 3: [Rating 1-10] - [Brief notes]

Best Variant: [Number]
Selected: [ ] Yes [ ] No

Issues Encountered:
- [List any issues]

---

Attempt #2 (if needed)
Time: [HH:MM]

Changes Made:
- [What was adjusted in prompt or settings]

[Repeat results section]

---

LEARNINGS:
- [Key takeaways from this shot]
- [What worked well]
- [What to avoid]

NEXT STEPS:
- [ ] Shot complete, move to next
- [ ] Needs one more iteration
- [ ] Escalate to post-production workaround

Prompt Library Template

PROMPT LIBRARY
==============

Category: [Action/Product/Lifestyle/etc.]
Last Updated: [Date]

---

TEMPLATE: [Name]
---------------

Use Case:
[When to use this template]

Base Prompt:
[Template with [VARIABLES] marked]

Variables:
- [SUBJECT]: [Description]
- [ACTION]: [Description]
- [SETTING]: [Description]
- [etc.]

Example 1:
[Filled-in prompt with real variables]
Result: [Rating, notes]

Example 2:
[Another filled-in example]
Result: [Rating, notes]

Notes:
- [Tips for using this template]
- [Common adjustments needed]
- [Known issues or limitations]

Success Rate: [X]% ([Y] uses)

---

[Repeat for each template]

Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Treat Sora 2 as a Professional Tool
- Plan extensively before generating
- Maintain disciplined workflows
- Document everything systematically
Master Prompt Engineering
- Be specific yet allow creative freedom when appropriate
- Use cinematic language effectively
- Iterate based on clear criteria
Embrace the Process
- Generation is one step in a larger workflow
- Post-production is essential for polish
- Quality takes time and iteration
Build Your Knowledge Base
- Document what works
- Learn from each generation
- Share insights with community
Focus on Storytelling
- Technology serves the story
- Emotional impact over technical perfection
- Audience experience is paramount

Continuing Education

Stay Current:

Follow Sora 2 updates and new features
Engage with creator communities
Experiment with new techniques
Share your learnings

Resources:

SoraPrompt.site documentation
OpenAI Sora 2 cookbook
Creator community forums
Professional cinematography references

Practice Projects:

Personal creative experiments
Client work with clear feedback
Skill-specific exercises
Style exploration

Get Started

Ready to put these strategies into practice?

Download our templates (coming soon)
Explore our prompt library → Browse Prompts
Read the complete guide → Sora 2 Complete Guide
Join the community to share your work and learn from others

This playbook is continually updated based on community insights and emerging best practices. Last updated: January 14, 2025

Contents