Define the story promise
State the central question, audience, point of view, and ending. Remove subplots that do not fit the target duration. This protects pacing before generation begins.
Translate prose into visible beats
Separate narration from action. For each beat, identify a visual subject, change, location, emotional purpose, and transition. Exposition that cannot be shown may need a different line or graphic.
Lock recurring elements
Approve character sheets, locations, palette, costume changes, props, pronunciation, and narration style. Record when an element is intentionally allowed to change.
Review as an editor
Watch without sound for visual clarity, listen without picture for narrative logic, then review the complete piece for rhythm. Check facts, captions, permissions, and synthetic-media disclosures before release.