Humanitarian Nonprofit Video Script Template (Free)

The 5-Beat Humanitarian Arc

1. Problem (facts + stakes) — orient quickly with a human truth.
2. Person — one protagonist with specific details.
3. Intervention — what your org does; what donors make possible.
4. Transformation — the change, in the protagonist’s words.
5. Call to Action — a clear, immediate next step.

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Copy-Paste Script Template (30/60/90s)

Opening Hook (on-screen text + VO):
“Today, [X people] will [experience problem]. Here’s one story we can change.”

VO/Interview Beat:

• Name (or pseudonym), location, 1 detail that makes them real.
• A moment: “Every morning we…” / “The day the clinic arrived…”

Organization Beat:

• “[ORG] provided [specific solution].”
• Show tactile proof (water flowing, food distribution, clinic queue, AAC device in use).

Transformation Beat (First-person):

• “Now I can…” / “We no longer…” / “My child can…”

CTA (on-screen + VO):

• “Give $X to help a family like [Name] today.”
• URL/QR shortlink; end card with clear button label (“Donate Now”).

Durations:

• 30s: 2–3 shots/problem, 1 line/person, 1 proof visual, CTA card (3s).
• 60s: Add 1–2 beats of context + slow motion proof shot.
• 90s: Add stat + partner/field staff quote.

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Visual Language: Shot List

• Wide: establish environment.
• Medium: action (water pump, clinic, farm work).
• Close: hands, faces, tools—emotional proof.
• Insert: signage, paperwork, maps—credibility boosters.

Ethics & Dignity

• Consent: use trauma-informed, translated forms.
• Safety: protect identities where needed; consider silhouettes/voice alteration.
• Avoid poverty voyeurism: center agency, not suffering.

Captioning & Translation

• Burn-in bilingual subtitles for key regions; maintain line length and timing.
• Keep jargon out; choose easy verbs; make CTAs location-appropriate.

Real-World Use

• Heifer (Honduras): Women farmers’ stories → 163k views in week one.
• Project HOPE: Local clinic profile → clear engagement uptick.
• ACE (climate): Survivor interviews after disasters → hundreds of thousands of paid views; policy conversations sparked.

Download the free script template text above (copy/paste). Want us to customize for your program? Book a quick consult.

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