Master Sora 2 Prompt Engineering
Your complete resource for mastering the art and science of AI video prompt writing. Learn proven frameworks, techniques, and strategies to create stunning videos consistently.
Proven Prompt Frameworks
Choose the right framework for your skill level and project needs
Basic Structure
BeginnerFormula:
Subject + Action + Setting + Style
Best For:
Simple scenes, quick tests, learning basics
Example:
"A chef preparing pasta in a modern kitchen, cinematic style"
Detailed Description
IntermediateFormula:
Subject + Details + Action + Setting + Atmosphere + Camera
Best For:
Specific visions, commercial work, quality outputs
Example:
"A professional chef in white uniform preparing fresh pasta, modern stainless steel kitchen, warm lighting, close-up shot"
Cinematic Formula
AdvancedFormula:
Scene + Technical Specs + Lighting + Camera Movement + Style Reference
Best For:
Film-quality results, artistic projects, portfolio pieces
Example:
"Professional kitchen scene, 4K cinematic, golden hour lighting through large windows, slow tracking shot, directed by Christopher Nolan style"
Layered Approach
ExpertFormula:
Core Scene + Visual Layer + Technical Layer + Emotional Layer + Reference
Best For:
Complex narratives, emotional storytelling, professional production
Example:
"Chef's hands carefully shaping pasta dough, flour particles in air catching light, shallow depth of field f/2.8, meditative atmosphere, shot like Chef's Table documentary"
Essential Prompt Elements
Master these six categories to write comprehensive prompts
Subject & Character
- Physical appearance and clothing
- Age, gender, ethnicity details
- Facial expressions and emotions
- Body language and posture
- Character actions and interactions
Setting & Environment
- Location type and scale
- Time of day and season
- Weather and atmospheric conditions
- Background elements and props
- Spatial relationships and depth
Lighting & Mood
- Light source and direction
- Color temperature (warm/cool)
- Intensity and contrast
- Shadows and highlights
- Overall atmosphere and mood
Camera & Composition
- Shot type (wide, medium, close-up)
- Camera angle (low, high, eye-level)
- Camera movement (pan, tilt, track)
- Depth of field and focus
- Framing and composition rules
Style & Aesthetic
- Visual style (realistic, stylized, artistic)
- Genre references (film noir, sci-fi, etc.)
- Color palette and grading
- Texture and detail level
- Film stock or digital look
Technical Specs
- Resolution and quality
- Frame rate preferences
- Aspect ratio
- Video length
- Post-processing effects
Your Learning Path
Progress from beginner to expert prompt engineer
Beginner
1-2 weeksBasic prompt writing and iteration
Intermediate
3-4 weeksAdvanced techniques and style control
Advanced
2-3 monthsCinematic techniques and professional workflows
Expert Prompt Writing Tips
💡 Start Simple, Add Complexity
Begin with core elements, then layer in details based on results
💡 Use Specific Numbers
Instead of 'a few people', say '3 people' for precise control
💡 Reference Real Styles
Mention film directors, art movements, or photographers for instant aesthetic
💡 Test One Variable at a Time
Change single elements between iterations to understand their impact
💡 Build a Prompt Library
Save successful prompts and patterns for reuse and remixing
💡 Describe Motion Explicitly
Specify speed, direction, and type of movement for dynamic scenes
💡 Balance Detail and Clarity
Too vague gets randomness; too detailed creates confusion
💡 Use Emotional Keywords
Words like 'serene', 'dramatic', 'joyful' influence mood effectively
💡 Specify Time of Day
'Golden hour', 'blue hour', 'midday' dramatically affect lighting
Prompt Engineering FAQs
What makes a good Sora 2 prompt?
A good prompt is specific, descriptive, and structured. It includes clear subject descriptions, setting details, actions, lighting/atmosphere, camera work, and style preferences. The best prompts balance detail with clarity, typically 50-200 words.
How detailed should my prompts be?
Start with essential elements (subject, setting, action) then add layers of detail. Too vague produces inconsistent results; too detailed can confuse the AI. Aim for 3-5 key descriptive elements per prompt, then refine based on results.
Can I use technical cinematography terms in prompts?
Yes! Sora 2 understands professional terms like 'shallow depth of field', 'golden hour lighting', 'tracking shot', and 'bokeh'. Using technical language often produces more precise, cinematic results.
How do I improve prompts that don't work well?
Analyze what's missing or unclear, add specific details, break complex scenes into simpler components, use reference styles (e.g., 'film noir style'), and iterate systematically by changing one element at a time.
Should I mention camera angles in every prompt?
Not necessarily, but specifying camera work when it matters improves results. For character focus, mention angles like 'close-up' or 'medium shot'. For landscapes, specify 'wide angle' or 'aerial view'.
What's the difference between style modifiers and descriptors?
Descriptors specify what's in the scene (objects, characters, actions). Style modifiers define how it looks (cinematic, vintage, anime, realistic). Both are important: descriptors build content, modifiers control aesthetic.
How can I maintain consistency across multiple videos?
Use consistent character descriptions, save successful prompt templates, specify same lighting/camera setups, reference previous results, and document your prompt patterns for reuse.
Are there prompt templates I can use?
Yes! Common templates: '[Subject] [Action] in [Setting], [Style], [Lighting], [Camera]' or '[Scene Description], shot on [Camera], [Film Stock], [Lighting Condition]'. Adapt templates to your needs.
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