> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.videngineer.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to read a report

> A practical order for reading Summary, Script, Cuts, Blueprint, Sound, Cast & World, and More.

A report answers: **what should I study first, and what can wait?**

Every teardown is deep, but you do not need to read it top to bottom. Start with the pieces that tell you whether the reference is worth studying, then move into the production details.

*Live example: [Coinbase - "Break The Cycle" teardown](https://videngineer.com/teardowns/cinematic/coinbase-break-the-cycle-manifesto-teardown/).*

## The fast read

<Steps>
  <Step title="Summary">
    Read the logline, premise, format, and thesis. If the reference is not the same kind of communication you are trying to make, do not force it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Script">
    Check the hook, re-hook cadence, beat sheet, CTAs, and voice-over delivery. This is the shortest path to a draftable structure.
  </Step>

  <Step title="The Cuts">
    Watch the shot sequence. The technique titles show what the edit is doing moment by moment.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Blueprint">
    Compare the visual stats: scenes per minute, shot mix, camera angles, text overlay frequency, and palette.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sound and Cast & World">
    Use Sound for music/SFX/voice decisions. Use Cast & World for people, locations, objects, cutouts, and clean plates.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What each tab is for

| Tab           | Use it when you need                                                           |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Summary       | The format call, logline, thesis, audience, and high-level read                |
| Script        | Hook, re-hooks, beat sheet, CTAs, phrases, and voice-over delivery             |
| The Cuts      | Playable shot clips, timing, technique names, downloads, and Cut Blueprints    |
| Blueprint     | Pacing, camera language, visual style, text overlays, scene count, and palette |
| Look & frames | Reference frames and visual inspection points from the source                  |
| Sound         | Music segments, SFX catalog, stems, and Sound Kit                              |
| Cast & World  | Characters, environments, objects, transparent PNG cutouts, and clean plates   |
| More / Export | Exportable context for handoff and production workflows                        |

<Note>
  Scorecard is a report layer, not always a dedicated top-level tab. When a report includes it, treat it as a format-aware execution read that supports the Summary and Script diagnosis.
</Note>

## The decision path

Use this order when you are deciding whether a reference belongs in your brief:

1. **Comparable format:** Is the format close to what you need to make?
2. **Strong hook:** Does the opening create tension, promise, curiosity, or identity quickly?
3. **Clear skeleton:** Can you write the beat sheet in your own words?
4. **Transferable edit:** Are the shot types and pacing realistic for your production?
5. **Usable assets:** Do the cast/world references, cutouts, Sound Kit, or Cut Blueprint help your next step?

## Related pages

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="What it's selling" icon="bullseye" href="/layers/what-its-selling">
    The format and meaning layer behind the Summary read.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Script analysis" icon="chart-line" href="/layers/script-analysis">
    The 7-element narrative skeleton behind the Script tab.
  </Card>

  <Card title="The Cuts" icon="scissors" href="/layers/cuts">
    The real shot sequence and Cut Blueprint workflow.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Your Library" icon="folder" href="/library/overview">
    Save the references and media you want to return to later.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>