A practical method
- Separate must-have story events from preferences such as lighting.
- Limit visual requirements to details the audience could actually notice.
- Explain which requirement takes priority if two requests conflict.
An example brief to adapt
Plan a 30-second fictional story set inside one bakery before sunrise. One adult baker, one tray and one window are essential. Use a warm animation look, English narration and 9:16 framing. No written signs or other characters. If the short running time makes the ending unclear, simplify the middle.
Review before moving on
- Are requirements observable in the rendered film?
- Are essential facts distinct from stylistic preferences?
- Have competing instructions been resolved?
Record a concrete observation beside each check: a line in the treatment, a source passage or a timestamp in the downloaded film. If you cannot inspect an item yet, leave it open. A request in a brief is an intention; the result is what must be reviewed.
Download this guide’s editable text worksheet
What to avoid
Long lists of negative instructions can obscure the central action. State the scene you want first, then a few exclusions that protect the story.
Sources and scope
The method and fictional brief are original editorial guidance for planning and review. They do not establish a measured performance gain or guarantee a particular render. Product statements follow Kleo’s public pages, checked on 2026-09-23; official platform guidance is linked where relevant.
- Kleo FAQ — Product capabilities and limitations; reconfirm before production.
- Kleo pricing — Current starter offer, product conditions and quoted credit costs.
See the published Kleo examples to inspect actual showcased work. Example films may reflect a different production setup; check the current offer for your own job.