YouTube scripts · Documentary · Explainers
Scripts that keep people watching.
Documentary and explainer scripts of ten to thirty minutes, researched from primary sources and written to be read aloud, with b-roll notes and source links for the editor. Head writer for Moon since 2025, and before that Versed Media and BeAmazed.
How a documentary script is built
A 20-minute documentary script runs to about 3,000 words at a natural narration pace. Before any of it is written I agree the premise and the angle with you, build the research from primary sources (papers, archive footage, court records, interviews where the channel does them) and map the structure. A cold open, the question the video exists to answer, three to five chapters that each raise and settle a question of their own, and an ending that sets up the next video. Then the draft, written to be read aloud, with b-roll notes and source links in the margin so the editor and the fact-checker work from the same document.
Keeping a viewer to the end card
The first thirty seconds decide average view duration more than anything that follows, so the cold open states the stakes and withholds the answer. Each chapter ends on an unresolved point. Any claim that could be challenged in the comments gets a visible source on screen, which protects the channel and keeps the thread civil. If you share retention data, I read the drop-offs against the script and adjust the pacing on the next one.
Briefs, retainers and samples
Turnaround is agreed at the brief and kept to, and on a retainer I can hold a regular schedule. I can take ideation and titles, and on Moon I also review and edit other writers' scripts so the channel keeps one voice. Most scripts go out under NDA and the channel's name, so samples are shared privately.
Subjects I've scripted
Space, AI, engineering, natural phenomena, history and the science behind everyday subjects, for Moon, Versed Media and BeAmazed.
Sam is definitely a cut above the rest! The quality of his work always exceeded my expectations in terms of creativity and originality.
YouTube channel owner, review on Upwork
His ability to never lose the quality of his writing, even with a new story every day, has been an absolute testament to his knowledge and his craft.
Editorial lead, AI news publisher, review on Upwork
Scale
Moon, Versed Media and BeAmazed
Scripts I've written have been watched by tens of millions of people. Some of the videos run past two hours and keep most of their audience to the end.
Talk about your channel →Questions people ask
Questions about script writing
What kind of YouTube scripts do you write?
Long-form documentary and explainer scripts, usually ten to thirty minutes, on science, technology, history, space and the future. Head writer for Moon since 2025, and before that BeAmazed.
How long does a YouTube script take?
It depends on the research. We agree a date at the brief and I keep to it, and on a retainer I can hold a regular schedule.
Do you write for retention?
Yes. A hook in the first thirty seconds, open loops that pay off, and an ending that makes the next video the obvious click. If you have retention data, I'll use it.
Can you help with ideation and titles?
Yes. For Moon I'm involved in ideas, titles and thumbnail text as well as the scripts.
Can I see a sample?
Most scripts are under NDA and go out under the channel's name, so I share samples privately. Tell me your subject and I'll send the closest match.