Add reference video input analysis workflow

skills/pipelines/animation/proposal-director.md

@@ -22,6 +22,31 @@ Animation proposals have a unique dimension: **animation mode selection**. Unlik
 
 ## Process
 
+### Step 0: Check for Reference Video Context
+
+Before starting proposal work, check if a VideoAnalysisBrief exists for this project.
+
+**When a VideoAnalysisBrief is present — Reference-Aware Animation Concept Design:**
+
+**HARD RULE: No carbon copies.** Each concept option MUST:
+1. Name at least ONE animation element it keeps from the reference (pacing, motion style, narrative structure)
+2. Name at least ONE element it changes (animation mode, visual identity, topic angle)
+3. Explain WHY the change makes the output more engaging or clearer
+
+**Animation differentiation patterns:**
+
+| Pattern | Example |
+|---------|---------|
+| **Same topic, different animation mode** | Reference: stock footage → Ours: Manim mathematical visualization |
+| **Same style, different complexity** | Reference: simple diagrams → Ours: progressive build with layers |
+| **Same pacing, different visual identity** | Reference: corporate blue → Ours: vibrant neon-on-black |
+| **Same narrative, different interactivity** | Reference: linear → Ours: data-driven with animated charts |
+
+**Mandatory Sample Protocol:** After concept approval, produce a 10-15 second sample
+to validate the animation style before full production.
+
+**When no VideoAnalysisBrief is present:** Skip this step and proceed normally.
+
 ### Step 1: Absorb the Research (or Direct Brief)
 
 **If a `research_brief` artifact exists:** Read it thoroughly. Extract:

skills/pipelines/animation/research-director.md

@@ -18,6 +18,40 @@ Animation videos differ from general explainers: the research must cover both **
 
 ## Process
 
+### Step 0: Check for Reference Video Context
+
+Before starting research, check if a VideoAnalysisBrief exists for this project. If it
+does, this is a reference-driven production — the user provided a video they want to
+riff on.
+
+**When a VideoAnalysisBrief is present:**
+
+1. Read it thoroughly. Extract:
+   - `content_analysis.topics` — research these topics for accuracy
+   - `content_analysis.key_claims` — verify these claims via web search
+   - `style_profile` — note the animation style (motion type, color palette, transitions)
+   - `structure_analysis.pacing_profile` — understand the rhythm
+   - `replication_guidance.creative_differentiation_seeds` — these are your concept seeds
+   - `replication_guidance.key_elements_to_replicate` — preserve these in proposals
+
+2. Your research focus SHIFTS:
+   - Standard research: "What topic + animation technique fits?"
+   - Reference-driven research: "What animation approach would DIFFERENTIATE us from the
+     reference while keeping the elements the user loved?" + "What animation techniques
+     exist for this topic that the reference DIDN'T use?"
+
+3. In the research_brief, add a `reference_context` section:
+   - The reference's animation style and technique
+   - What animation modes it used (motion graphics, manim, illustrative, etc.)
+   - Alternative animation approaches we could try instead
+   - What the reference did well vs. where we can improve
+
+4. The `angles_discovered` should explicitly position against the reference:
+   - "The reference used X animation style. We could try Y which is [more engaging/clearer/
+     more novel] because [technique research finding]."
+
+**When no VideoAnalysisBrief is present:** Skip this step and proceed normally.
+
 ### Step 1: Scope the Research
 
 Before searching anything, establish boundaries: