---
name: faceless-explainer
description: "turn arbitrary text — an article, notes, a topic, a brief — into a faceless explainer video, up to ~3 min (sweet spot 30-90s), where every visual is invented (typography, abstract graphics, diagrams, data-viz) rather than captured. There is no URL, no website capture, and no real assets. Use this skill for topic explainers, concept breakdowns, how-tos, listicles, and narrative explainers. Do not use it for a product launch/promo (use /product-launch-video), a tour of a real website (use /website-to-video), a GitHub PR (use /pr-to-video), captions on existing footage (use /embedded-captions), or a short unnarrated motion graphic (use /motion-graphics). If the intent is unclear, route through /hyperframes first."
---

# Faceless Explainer to HyperFrames

Use this skill to turn a body of text into an explainer video: pick a design system, plan a teaching story, and build it frame by frame in HyperFrames. **Faceless** means every visual is invented downstream — there is no capture step and no real asset inventory.

> **Confirm the route before Step 0.** You are the orchestrator. Run each step, verify its gate, and only then continue. This skill is for **explaining a topic from text, with no product and no website to capture**. Route other intents elsewhere: a product launch/promo → `/product-launch-video`; a tour of a real site → `/website-to-video`; a GitHub PR → `/pr-to-video`; captions on existing footage → `/embedded-captions`; a short unnarrated motion graphic → `/motion-graphics`. If the user says only "make a video" or the route is uncertain, read `/hyperframes` first.

You are the orchestrator. Work in `videos/<project>/`. Run steps in order and pass each gate before continuing. User-gated steps are Step 0, Step 3, and Step 6. Do every step yourself except Step 5, where you dispatch one sub-agent per frame. Do not put design or motion rules here; those live in the frame-worker sub-agent, `hyperframes-creative`, and `hyperframes-animation`.

Workflow: Step 0 setup → `hyperframes.json`; Step 1 brief → `capture/extracted/`; Step 2 design system → `frame.md`; Step 3 storyboard/script → `STORYBOARD.md` and `SCRIPT.md`; Step 3.1 audio → `audio_meta.json`; Step 4 visual design → enriched `STORYBOARD.md`; Step 5 frames → `compositions/frames/NN-*.html` and `index.html`; Step 6 final render → `renders/video.mp4`.

---

## Step 0: Setup and Brief

Goal: Lock the core video brief and create the HyperFrames project if needed.

Initialize only if `hyperframes.json` is missing. Name `<project>` from the topic in kebab-case, such as `compound-interest-explained`; never use workspace name or timestamp.

`npx hyperframes init "videos/<project>" --non-interactive --skip-skills --example=blank`

**Gate:** `hyperframes.json` exists, and angle, length, aspect ratio, and language are locked.

---

## Step 1: Brief (no capture)

Goal: Fold the user's text into the project as the source of information. There is **no website capture and no real assets** — this is a faceless explainer.

Save the user's full input verbatim, then create the synthetic capture package by hand:

- `capture/extracted/visible-text.txt` — the full article / notes / topic / brief, verbatim. This is the source of **information**, not a story template (Step 3 reshapes it).
- `capture/extracted/tokens.json` — `{ "title": "", "description": "", "colors": [], "fonts": [] }`. Fill `title`/`description` from the brief. Leave `colors`/`fonts` empty unless the user explicitly gave brand colors or fonts — then add them (the design preset supplies a complete palette regardless).

Do **not** run `npx hyperframes capture` (there is no URL). Do not create `asset-descriptions.md` or populate `capture/assets/` — faceless visuals are invented in Steps 4-5, not captured. The one exception: if the user supplied a real image, place it under `public/<basename>` and note it for Step 3.

**Gate:** `capture/extracted/visible-text.txt` and `capture/extracted/tokens.json` exist; you can state the explainer's topic and audience in one clear sentence.

---

## Step 2: Design System

Goal: Choose one shipped frame preset; a script turns it into this video's `frame.md` + caption skin.

You make the one judgment call — **which preset**. Read `../hyperframes-creative/references/design-spec.md` and browse `../hyperframes-creative/frame-presets/`; pick the preset whose look best fits the topic, tone, and audience. Then run:

```bash
node <SKILL_DIR>/scripts/build-frame.mjs --preset <name> --hyperframes .
```

The script does the rest deterministically: copies the preset's `FRAME.md` → `frame.md` and **remixes** it onto any brand tokens in `capture/extracted/tokens.json` (brand colors mapped onto the preset's color keys by role; the preset's display + body fonts swapped for the brand's), copies the preset's `caption-skin.html` verbatim, and self-validates (exits 1 on a broken mapping). Proceed as soon as it exits 0 — no hand-editing of the spec.

A faceless explainer usually has **no brand colors/fonts** (`tokens.json` colors/fonts empty) → the script keeps the preset's own palette, a complete shippable design. Only when the user named brand colors/fonts add them to `tokens.json` before running, and only adjust `frame.md` by hand afterward if a mapping truly needs it.

**Gate:** `build-frame.mjs` exited 0 — `frame.md` exists from a named preset, and (when the preset ships one) `caption-skin.html` is at the project root.

---

## Step 3: Storyboard and Script

Goal: Turn the text into an approved frame-by-frame teaching plan.

Read `references/story-design.md`, `../hyperframes-core/references/storyboard-format.md`, and `../hyperframes-core/references/script-format.md`. Use them to write `STORYBOARD.md` and, when narration is needed, `SCRIPT.md`.

Use `story-design.md` for the explainer structure (concept / how-to / listicle / story), hook strategy, clarity techniques, emotional beats, the type-enum mapping, and `VO_MODE`. The video's sequence comes from **narrative design, not the input text's paragraph order** — reorder, merge, omit, compress. Faceless visuals are invented downstream, so frames do **not** carry an asset inventory: leave `asset_candidates` empty unless the user supplied a real `public/<basename>` image. Use the exact required fields from the storyboard and script references.

After drafting, show a frame-by-frame summary. In that same message ask the user two things: (a) to approve or request changes, and (b) whether they want a live preview of the storyboard scaffold (`npx hyperframes preview`) — open it only on a yes. Iterate until approved, and carry the preview choice to Step 6.

**Gate:** `STORYBOARD.md` exists, every frame has the required narrative fields, `SCRIPT.md` exists when narration is needed, and the user approved the frame-by-frame plan.

---

## Step 3.1: Audio

Goal: Generate narration, word timings, music, and audio metadata from the approved script.

Start audio after Step 3 approval. Run it in the background, then continue to Step 4.

`node <SKILL_DIR>/scripts/audio.mjs --script ./SCRIPT.md --storyboard ./STORYBOARD.md --hyperframes . --out ./audio_meta.json &`

The audio script handles narration, word timings, BGM lookup from HeyGen's music library, and timing metadata. BGM mood comes from the storyboard's `music:` field. This uses the HeyGen Audio API for retrieval, not generation, and the same `~/.heygen` credential as TTS. For provider details, read `../hyperframes-media/references/tts.md`.

If there is no narration and no `SCRIPT.md`, skip voice generation. BGM may still run if the storyboard has a music mood.

**Gate:** audio job has started, or the project is marked silent.

---

## Step 4: Frame Visual Design

Goal: Add the visual direction, layout intent, and motion choices to each storyboard frame.

Edit `STORYBOARD.md` in place. Do not create another storyboard. Use `frame.md` as the source of truth for color, type, layout feel, and style.

Read `references/visual-design.md`, `references/composition.md`, `references/motion-language.md`, and `../hyperframes-animation/`. Use `visual-design.md` for required frame fields and the required `## Video direction` block. Use `composition.md` for layout, hierarchy, focal points, and the invented-visual treatment. Use `motion-language.md` and `../hyperframes-animation/` for valid effects and blueprint IDs. Do not invent effect names or blueprint IDs.

For every frame, add required visual and motion fields, including `effects` and `focal` and/or `roles`. Because the explainer is faceless, `focal`/`roles` describe **invented visual elements** (a hero word, a diagram node, a data-viz series), not captured assets. Add one video-wide `## Video direction` block for overall visual direction, motion style, pacing, and design rules.

Do not change story, script, `transition_in`, or the source text. Do not write HTML in this step. There is **no asset-staging step** — faceless visuals are built by the workers in Step 5. If the user supplied a real `public/<basename>` image, reference it by path in the relevant frame's `focal`/`roles`; otherwise nothing to stage.

**Gate:** every frame has `effects` plus `focal` and/or `roles`; `## Video direction` exists.

---

## Step 5: Build Frames

Goal: Build every storyboard frame as an HTML composition and assemble the playable video.

Wait for Step 3.1 audio to finish if audio was started. Then sync durations and fetch SFX; skip both if silent.

`node <SKILL_DIR>/scripts/audio.mjs sync-durations --audio-meta ./audio_meta.json --storyboard ./STORYBOARD.md`

`node <SKILL_DIR>/scripts/audio.mjs fetch-sfx --storyboard ./STORYBOARD.md --hyperframes .`

Duration sync is mechanical: real voice duration wins; silent frames keep estimates; never hand-edit synced durations.

Before dispatch, read `sub-agents/frame-worker.md` and `../hyperframes-core/references/subagent-dispatch.md`. Dispatch one sub-agent per frame, in parallel if possible; otherwise run workers in waves. Each worker gets exactly one frame.

Each worker context must include `PROJECT_DIR`, `frame_id`, canvas size, caption status and keep-out band if captions are enabled, and `ANIM_DIR` as the absolute path to `../hyperframes-animation/`. Each worker reads `frame.md`, its own `## Frame N` block from `STORYBOARD.md`, and the recipe body for each cited effect or blueprint ID. Each worker writes only `compositions/frames/NN-*.html`. Workers must never edit `STORYBOARD.md`.

As each worker returns, the orchestrator marks that frame as `animated` in `STORYBOARD.md`.

After audio timings exist, build captions in the background and assemble the index:

`node <SKILL_DIR>/scripts/captions.mjs build --storyboard ./STORYBOARD.md --audio-meta ./audio_meta.json --hyperframes . --out ./caption_groups.json &`

`node <SKILL_DIR>/scripts/assemble-index.mjs --storyboard ./STORYBOARD.md --hyperframes .`

`captions.mjs` uses the project's `caption-skin.html` (copied in Step 2) as the caption look, injecting brand tokens from `frame.md`; with no skin present it renders the built-in default pill. `captions: skipped (<reason>)` is valid. Continue without captions when explicitly skipped.

**Gate:** every frame is marked `animated`, `index.html` exists, and captions are built or explicitly skipped.

---

## Step 6: Finalize

Goal: Verify the assembled video, get user approval, and render the final MP4.

Inject transitions, run checks, pause for review, then render.

`node <SKILL_DIR>/scripts/transitions.mjs inject --storyboard ./STORYBOARD.md --hyperframes .`

`node <SKILL_DIR>/scripts/transitions.mjs verify --storyboard ./STORYBOARD.md --index ./index.html`

`npx hyperframes lint`

`npx hyperframes validate`

`npx hyperframes inspect --strict-layout`

`npx hyperframes snapshot --at <frame-midpoints>`

If a command fails, surface stderr and stop. Do not pile on recovery commands. If a gate names a frame, fix `compositions/frames/NN-*.html` with the cheapest safe fix: edit the frame HTML for a local issue; re-dispatch the frame worker only when the whole shot must be rebuilt.

After checks pass, pause for user review. The video is assembled, viewable, and editable in Studio. Manage preview only once across Step 3 and Step 6: open it if the user asked earlier, offer it if they declined earlier, and do not ask again if they are already reviewing in Studio.

Preview: `npx hyperframes preview`

Render only after user approval:

`npx hyperframes render --quality high --output renders/video.mp4`

Do not rerun `lint`, `validate`, `inspect`, or `snapshot` after rendering unless the user asks.

**Gate:** `lint`, `validate`, and `inspect` passed before render; user approved at the review pause; `renders/video.mp4` exists. Final reply states MP4 path and final duration.

---

## Quick Reference

**Formats:** landscape `1920x1080` by default; portrait `1080x1920`; square `1080x1080`. Set the format once in the storyboard frontmatter.

**Faceless deltas vs a captured-asset workflow:** no Step 1 capture (synthetic `tokens.json` + `visible-text.txt`); no `asset-descriptions.md` and no `capture/assets/`; no asset-staging in Step 4; `asset_candidates` empty by default; every visual is invented by the Step 5 workers (typography / abstract graphics / diagrams / data-viz). A user-supplied `public/<basename>` image is the only real asset path.

**Background scripts:** the workflow ships only these under `scripts/`: `build-frame` for adopting + brand-remixing a frame preset into `frame.md` (+ caption skin); `audio` for TTS, transcription, BGM, SFX, and duration syncing; `captions`; `transitions` for inject and verify; and `assemble-index`. Everything else is the `hyperframes` CLI.

| Read                                                                                                         | When                                          |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------- |
| `[../hyperframes-creative/frame-presets/](../hyperframes-creative/frame-presets/)`                           | Step 2: choose and adopt a frame preset.      |
| `[../hyperframes-creative/references/design-spec.md](../hyperframes-creative/references/design-spec.md)`     | Step 2: apply brand tokens correctly.         |
| `[references/story-design.md](references/story-design.md)`                                                   | Step 3: plan the explainer story.             |
| `[../hyperframes-core/references/storyboard-format.md](../hyperframes-core/references/storyboard-format.md)` | Step 3: write `STORYBOARD.md`.                |
| `[../hyperframes-core/references/script-format.md](../hyperframes-core/references/script-format.md)`         | Step 3: write `SCRIPT.md`.                    |
| `[../hyperframes-media/references/tts.md](../hyperframes-media/references/tts.md)`                           | Step 3.1: choose or understand TTS providers. |
| `[references/visual-design.md](references/visual-design.md)`                                                 | Step 4: enrich the storyboard visually.       |
| `[references/composition.md](references/composition.md)`                                                     | Step 4: judge composition.                    |
| `[references/motion-language.md](references/motion-language.md)`                                             | Step 4: judge motion language.                |
| `[../hyperframes-animation/](../hyperframes-animation/)`                                                     | Step 4: cite effect and blueprint IDs.        |
| `[sub-agents/frame-worker.md](sub-agents/frame-worker.md)`                                                   | Step 5: dispatch per-frame workers.           |
| `[../hyperframes-core/references/subagent-dispatch.md](../hyperframes-core/references/subagent-dispatch.md)` | Step 5: dispatch sub-agents safely.           |
