# Problem-Solution Variant

Relatable problem → product/service/lifestyle solution.

## Theme

**Core idea**: "I had this problem, here's what fixed it"

Show a journey from frustration to resolution. The viewer sees themselves in the problem, then sees the solution work.

## Structure (PAS Framework)

Classic Problem-Agitation-Solution structure:

| Phase | Duration | Purpose | Emotional State |
|-------|----------|---------|-----------------|
| Problem | 3s | Name specific pain point | Recognition |
| Agitation | 5s | Amplify the frustration | Empathy |
| Solution | 7s | Present the answer | Hope |
| Result | 5s | Show transformation | Satisfaction |

**Total**: ~20s core + transitions = 25-30s final

---

## Scene Types

### 1. Pain Point
Visual representation of the problem.
- Person experiencing the frustration
- The "ugh" moment everyone relates to
- Exaggerated but genuine reaction
- Environment that supports the problem

**Examples**:
- Looking at messy closet with frustration
- Examining skin issue in mirror
- Struggling with tangled/frizzy hair
- Tired face, dark circles visible

### 2. Struggle
Attempting old/wrong solutions.
- Trying things that don't work
- Multiple failed attempts (quick cuts)
- Growing frustration
- "This isn't it" expression

**Examples**:
- Trying different products, discarding them
- Outfit changes that don't work
- Scrolling through options endlessly
- Failed attempt at task

### 3. Discovery
Finding the solution.
- Moment of "wait, what about this?"
- Product/solution enters the frame
- Intrigued, curious expression
- Hope begins

**Examples**:
- Picking up the solution product
- Friend recommendation moment
- "Found this" discovery
- Seeing results elsewhere

### 4. Application
Using the solution.
- Clear demonstration of solution in action
- Process visible and understandable
- Confident application
- This feels different

**Examples**:
- Applying the product properly
- Implementing the system
- Following the new routine
- Making the change

### 5. Transformation
Before/after or satisfaction.
- Dramatic contrast to opening
- Visible improvement
- Genuine satisfaction expression
- "This is it" moment

**Examples**:
- Glowing skin vs. earlier frustration
- Organized space vs. mess
- Perfect hair vs. struggle
- Confident pose vs. defeat

---

## What Works

### Relatable Problems
Choose problems your audience actually has:
- **Specific** > vague ("oily skin" > "skin issues")
- **Common** > niche (reach vs. relatability balance)
- **Visual** > abstract (must be showable)
- **Solvable** > permanent (solution must be believable)

### Emotional Journey
- **Recognition**: "That's me!"
- **Empathy**: "I feel that frustration"
- **Hope**: "Wait, there's a solution?"
- **Satisfaction**: "It actually works!"

### Visual Contrast
The before/after must be visually obvious:
- Same framing, different state
- Same person, different energy
- Same environment, different order
- Same angle, different result

### Authenticity
- Real frustration expressions (not over-acted)
- Genuine relief/satisfaction
- Believable transformation timeline
- Solution that makes sense

---

## Problem Categories

### Beauty/Skincare
- Acne, texture, dullness
- Dark circles, puffiness
- Dry/oily skin issues
- Aging concerns
- Makeup that doesn't last

### Hair
- Frizz, tangles
- Flat, lifeless hair
- Damage, breakage
- Styling struggles
- Color maintenance

### Fashion/Style
- "Nothing to wear" overwhelm
- Outfit coordination struggles
- Wardrobe organization
- Finding the right fit
- Style confidence issues

### Lifestyle/Productivity
- Morning routine chaos
- Organization struggles
- Fitness plateaus
- Sleep issues
- Stress/anxiety management

### Home
- Clutter and mess
- Cleaning struggles
- Small space challenges
- Organization systems
- Home aesthetic goals

---

## Example Scene Breakdown

**30-second skincare problem-solution reel (6 scenes)**:

1. **Problem** (3s): Close-up mirror, woman touches face, frustrated expression, visible skin concern
2. **Agitation** (4s): Multiple products on counter, picks one up, puts it down in frustration, "nothing works"
3. **Discovery** (3s): New product enters frame, picks it up curiously, reads label with interest
4. **Application** (5s): Applying solution product, calm confidence, this feels different
5. **Result** (4s): Same mirror angle as scene 1, touches face with satisfaction, visible improvement, genuine smile
6. **Confidence** (3s): Wider shot, walks away from mirror confidently, ready to face the day

**Total**: 22s content = 25-30s final

---

## Hook Options for Problem-Solution

### Problem-First Hooks (Recommended)
1. **The Frustration**: Open on the problem moment, instant recognition
2. **The Question**: "Ever feel like...?" visual with frustrated person
3. **The Failed Attempt**: Show something not working
4. **The Relatable Moment**: Universal "ugh" situation

### Transformation-First Hooks
1. **The Result**: Show the "after" state, then rewind
2. **The Contrast**: Quick before/after flash
3. **The Confidence**: Happy ending, then "let me show you how"

---

## Emotional Beats

**Critical timing for emotional impact**:

| Second | Emotional Beat |
|--------|----------------|
| 0-3 | Recognition: "That's me!" |
| 3-8 | Empathy: "I feel that" |
| 8-12 | Hope: "There's an answer?" |
| 12+ | Satisfaction: "It works!" |

**The 12-second rule**: Be in the "solution" phase at 12 seconds — viewer has invested, now show the payoff.

---

## Music Sync Points

**Problem-solution music arc**:
- Minor key or tension at problem
- Building frustration through agitation
- Shift/change at discovery
- Resolution builds through application
- Satisfying resolution at result

---

## Brief Questions (Variant-Specific)

When gathering requirements, ask:

1. **What problem are you addressing?**
   - Specific pain point your audience relates to

2. **What's your solution?**
   - Product, service, or lifestyle change

3. **Before/After**
   - What does life look like with the problem?
   - What does life look like with the solution?

4. **Your personal connection**
   - Why does this matter to you?

5. **What to avoid**
   - Exaggerations, unrealistic claims

---

## Common Mistakes

1. **Vague problem**: Too general, no recognition
2. **Fake frustration**: Over-acted, not believable
3. **Instant transformation**: No process shown
4. **Missing the agitation**: Jumping to solution too fast
5. **Unclear solution**: What actually fixed it?
6. **No visual contrast**: Before/after not obvious
