How to make a short film with AI

AI removes the cost of cameras, locations and actors. It does not remove the need for a story. A simple idea, told clearly, will always beat an expensive-looking film with nothing to say.

1. Keep the story small

Good short films are about one moment of change. Use one or two characters, one main location and a single turning point. Try this sentence: “A [character] wants [something], but [obstacle], until [change].”

2. Write it out

Write a short treatment or a script. Keep dialogue minimal. Films that rely on images and music are easier to generate, and often more powerful.

3. Define the look

Decide on one style, one palette and one kind of light, and stick with them. See our cinematic guide for the words to use.

4. Lock in your characters

Create a strong image of each character and use it as a reference. This is what makes it feel like one film. Our consistent characters guide shows how.

5. Generate a short version first

Try a one-minute version. It will show you whether the story works before you spend more.

6. Render the film

Choose your final length. On Pro you can make a single video of up to 20 minutes, though most stories work better at 2 to 5 minutes.

7. Finish it

Add a title and credits in an editor, trim any slow moments, and be open about your use of AI when you enter festivals or publish.

Where AI films go wrong

• Too many characters.
• Stunning images without a story.
• Every shot the same length.
• A narrator explaining what we can already see.