Is Lou Bortone's Simple Video Planner worth it if you’re shopping in Films?
You know that feeling when you hit record, realize you have no idea what you’re going to say, and end up with a 12-minute video that meanders into a void? It’s the digital equivalent of cooking without a recipe. You might get lucky, but more often than not, you’re left with a mess that nobody wants to watch. That’s exactly the problem Lou Bortone’s Simple Video Planner is built to solve. It’s not a 40-page manifesto or a complex production suite; it’s a focused, $27 framework designed to stop the pre-production panic. If you’re tired of videos that gather digital dust because you never defined the goal, this tool promises a clear roadmap by forcing you to answer just six key questions before you ever touch a camera.
Quick answer
| Best for | Creators and solopreneurs who have the content but lack a structured pre-production workflow. |
| Skip if | You need a full production schedule, team-based project management, or you’re happy with ad-libbing. |
| Price | $27 |
| Format | Digital planner (check the live page for specific file types) |
| One-line take | A low-friction way to turn “I need to make a video” into a concrete, executable plan. |
What you’re actually buying
At first glance, a “planner” for video might sound like a waste of time if you think you’re a natural storyteller. But the value here isn’t in the template itself; it’s in the constraint. By limiting the pre-production phase to six key questions, the Simple Video Planner removes the paralysis that usually comes with a blank page. You’re not buying a generic “fill in the blanks” worksheet; you’re buying a decision-making shortcut that forces clarity on your core message before you waste hours on lighting and audio.
The real win is the speed. In a market where attention spans are shrinking, the ability to go from “idea” to “scripted outline” in under 20 minutes is a competitive advantage. This $27 investment is less than the cost of one hour of professional video editing, yet it can save you days of re-shoots and awkward pauses. It’s a tool for people who know they need to make a video but keep getting stuck in the “thinking” phase. By answering those six questions, you’re essentially writing the skeleton of your video, which means the actual recording becomes a matter of execution rather than creation. (Lou Bortone’s Simple Video Planner)
If you’ve ever started a video and realized halfway through that you forgot to mention the call to action, or that the hook was weak, this planner is your insurance policy. It’s a simple, no-nonsense system that prioritizes the “why” and “who” over the “how.” You get a clear roadmap for a video that actually gets results, not just another file sitting in your downloads folder. (Lou Bortone’s Simple Video Planner)
Why it’s on our radar
Most video planning tools are either too heavy (requiring you to map out every second of a 10-minute video) or too vague (just a list of prompts). Lou Bortone’s Simple Video Planner sits in the sweet spot: specific enough to be useful, simple enough to be done in one sitting. The “six questions” approach is a smart psychological trick—it makes the task feel manageable, which is the biggest hurdle for most creators.
It’s also a rare product that doesn’t try to sell you a lifestyle or a “creator economy” dream. It’s a utility. You buy it, you use it to plan your next video, and you move on. That low commitment level is exactly what busy solopreneurs and operators need. It’s not a subscription, it’s not a course, it’s a $27 tool that does one job well. (Lou Bortone’s Simple Video Planner)
What actually matters
Before you hit the buy button, keep these three things in mind to ensure this fits your workflow: (Lou Bortone’s Simple Video Planner)
- Check the file format: The listing mentions a “planner,” but you’ll want to confirm if it’s a PDF, a Notion template, or a spreadsheet. If you’re a Notion user, you might prefer a digital template that integrates into your existing workspace. Check the current options to see exactly what files are delivered.
- Assess your current bottleneck: If your problem is not having enough ideas, this won’t help. If your problem is that you have ideas but they never get finished because you’re stuck in the planning phase, this is a perfect fit. (Lou Bortone’s Simple Video Planner)
- The “Six Questions” promise: The core value is in the specificity of those six questions. Make sure they align with the type of video you’re making (e.g., a YouTube tutorial vs. a LinkedIn short). If the questions are too generic, you might find yourself still stuck. (Lou Bortone’s Simple Video Planner)
Mid-check
If you’re ready to stop ad-libbing and start planning with a clear head, you can View on Gumroad to see the full details and grab your copy.
FAQ
Is this just a PDF? The listing indicates a digital planner, but you should verify the exact file types (PDF, Notion, etc.) on the product page to ensure it matches your preferred workflow.
Do I need to be a professional videographer to use this? No. In fact, this is ideal for beginners and solopreneurs who don’t have a dedicated production team. The simplicity is the point—it’s designed for one person to plan a video efficiently. (Lou Bortone’s Simple Video Planner)
Will this help me with video editing? Not directly. This is a pre-production tool. It helps you plan the content, structure, and goals before you record. Once you have that plan, you’ll likely spend less time editing because you’ll have fewer mistakes to fix. (Lou Bortone’s Simple Video Planner)
Bottom line
If you’re tired of the “idea-to-video” gap and want a simple, low-cost way to add structure to your content creation, Lou Bortone’s Simple Video Planner is a smart buy. It’s not a magic bullet, but it’s a solid $27 investment that can save you hours of frustration and ensure your next video actually has a point. Stop cooking without a recipe—grab the planner and get to work.