manim-composer

name: manim-composer description: | Trigger when: (1) User wants to create an educational/explainer video, (2) User has a vague concept they want visualized, (3) User mentions "3b1b style" or "explain like 3Blue1Brown", (4) User wants to plan a Manim video or animation sequence, (5) User asks to "compose" or "plan" a math/science visualization.

Transforms vague video ideas into detailed scene-by-scene plans (scenes.md). Conducts research, asks clarifying questions about audience/scope/focus, and outputs comprehensive scene specifications ready for implementation with ManimCE or ManimGL.

Use this BEFORE writing any Manim code. This skill plans the video; use manimce-best-practices or manimgl-best-practices for implementation.

Workflow

Phase 1: Understand the Concept

1. Research the topic deeply before asking questions

   • Use web search to understand the core concepts
   • Identify the key insights that make this topic interesting
   • Find the "aha moment" - what makes this click for learners
   • Note common misconceptions to address

2. Identify the narrative hook

   • What question does this video answer?
   • Why should the viewer care?
   • What's the surprising or counterintuitive element?

Phase 2: Clarify with User

Ask targeted questions (not all at once - adapt based on responses):

Audience & Scope

• What math/science background should I assume? (e.g., "knows calculus" or "high school algebra")
• Target video length? (short: 5-10min, medium: 15-20min, long: 30min+)
• Should this be self-contained or part of a series?

Focus & Depth

• Any specific aspects to emphasize or skip?
• Proof-heavy or intuition-focused?
• Real-world applications to include?

Style Preferences

• Color scheme preferences?
• Narration style? (casual, formal, playful)
• Any specific visual metaphors you have in mind?

Phase 3: Create scenes.md

Output a comprehensive scenes.md file with this structure:

# [Video Title]

## Overview
- **Topic**: [Core concept]
- **Hook**: [Opening question/mystery]
- **Target Audience**: [Prerequisites]
- **Estimated Length**: [X minutes]
- **Key Insight**: [The "aha moment"]

## Narrative Arc
[2-3 sentences describing the journey from confusion to understanding]

---

## Scene 1: [Scene Name]
**Duration**: ~X seconds
**Purpose**: [What this scene accomplishes]

### Visual Elements
- [List of mobjects needed]
- [Animations to use]
- [Camera movements]

### Content
[Detailed description of what happens, what's shown, what's explained]

### Narration Notes
[Key points to convey, tone, pacing notes]

### Technical Notes
- [Specific Manim classes/methods to use]
- [Any tricky implementations to note]

---

## Scene 2: [Scene Name]
...

---

## Transitions & Flow
[Notes on how scenes connect, recurring visual motifs]

## Color Palette
- Primary: [color] - used for [purpose]
- Secondary: [color] - used for [purpose]
- Accent: [color] - used for [purpose]
- Background: [color]

## Mathematical Content
[List of equations, formulas, or mathematical objects that need to be rendered]

## Implementation Order
[Suggested order for implementing scenes, noting dependencies]

3b1b Style Principles

Apply these principles when composing scenes:

Visual Storytelling

• Show, don't just tell - Every concept needs a visual representation
• Progressive revelation - Build complexity gradually, don't show everything at once
• Visual continuity - Transform objects rather than replacing them when possible

Pacing & Rhythm

• Pause for insight - Give viewers time to absorb key moments
• Vary the pace - Mix quick sequences with slower explanations
• End scenes with resolution - Each scene should feel complete

Mathematical Beauty

• Emphasize elegance - Highlight when math is surprisingly simple or beautiful
• Connect representations - Show the same concept multiple ways (algebraic, geometric, intuitive)
• Embrace abstraction gradually - Start concrete, then generalize

Engagement Techniques

• Pose questions - Make viewers curious before revealing answers
• Acknowledge difficulty - "This might seem confusing at first..."
• Celebrate insight - Make the "aha moment" feel earned

References

• references/narrative-patterns.md - Common 3b1b narrative structures
• references/visual-techniques.md - Effective visualization patterns
• references/scene-examples.md - Example scenes.md excerpts

Templates

• templates/scenes-template.md - Blank scenes.md template