The Ultimate Template for AI Videos - Complete Guide

Article Summary

The Ultimate Template for AI Videos - Complete Guide

Table of Contents

• Available AI Platforms
• The Complete Template
• Video Parameter Guide
• Motion Library
• Usage Examples
• Technical Tips
• Platform-Specific Adaptations

AI Platforms Available

Overview of the Main Platforms

Google Veo 3 & Veo 3.1

Technical Specifications:

• Resolution: Up to 4K
• Duration: Up to 2 minutes
• Quality: Photorealistic, very high fidelity
• Strengths: Best natural language understanding, realistic physics, temporal coherence

Veo 3 (Standard)

STRENGTHS: ✅ Excellent realism and physics ✅ Natural and fluid movements ✅ Good lighting management ✅ Advanced prompt understanding ✅ Coherence over long durations

WEAKNESSES: ❌ Can be conservative on stylized effects ❌ Requires very detailed prompts ❌ Longer generation time

IDEAL FOR: → Realistic and natural videos → Cinematic portraits → Scenes with complex movements → Productions requiring high fidelity

Veo 3.1 (Improved Version)

NEW vs Veo 3: ✅ Better face preservation ✅ Improved detail coherence ✅ Faster rendering ✅ Better texture handling ✅ Enhanced camera control

RECOMMENDED FOR: → High-quality portraits → Close-ups with facial details → Scenes requiring maximum fidelity → Professional productions

Recommended Syntax for Veo

Preferred structure: Detailed narrative description

• Describe the action in a fluid and natural way
• Specify camera movements explicitly
• Detail the temporal evolution
• Mention object physics

Veo-optimized example: "A cinematic 10-second video showing a man in a black suit slowly turning his head from left to right. The camera remains perfectly still while soft Rembrandt lighting illuminates his face from the left. His expression gradually shifts from serious to a subtle confident smile. Shot in 4K with shallow depth of field, the background is a softly blurred studio setting."

OpenAI Sora

Technical Specifications:

• Resolution: Up to 1080p (currently)
• Duration: Up to 1 minute
• Quality: Very good realism, excellent on style
• Strengths: Creativity, conceptual understanding, surreal effects

STRENGTHS: ✅ Excellent for creative concepts ✅ Very good on artistic styles ✅ Exceptional narrative understanding ✅ Successful surreal and fantasy effects ✅ Good on complex scenes

WEAKNESSES: ❌ Sometimes less realistic than Veo ❌ Can have inconsistencies on details ❌ Physics not always perfect ❌ Limited availability

IDEAL FOR: → Creative and artistic videos → Surreal concepts → Narrative storytelling → Stylized visual effects → Visual experimentation

Recommended Syntax for Sora

Preferred structure: Cinematic narrative

• Think like a screenplay description
• Include the mood and emotion
• Describe the "why" not just the "what"
• Reference styles are helpful

Sora-optimized example: "A moody, cinematic portrait. A man in a noir detective aesthetic stands in the rain, city lights reflecting in puddles around him. As he slowly looks up toward the camera, droplets run down his face. The scene feels melancholic yet determined, with deep shadows and neon reflections creating a blade runner atmosphere. Film grain, anamorphic lens flares."

Runway Gen-3 & Gen-4

Technical Specifications:

• Resolution: 1080p to 4K depending on version
• Duration: 5-10 seconds (extendable)
• Quality: Good balance of creativity/realism
• Strengths: Speed, rapid iteration, advanced controls

Gen-3 Alpha

STRENGTHS: ✅ Very fast generation ✅ Intuitive interface ✅ Good for rapid iteration ✅ Motion brush control ✅ Varied styles

WEAKNESSES: ❌ Limited duration (5-10s) ❌ Sometimes less realistic ❌ Can lack coherence

IDEAL FOR: → Rapid prototyping → Social media content → Short special effects → Experimentation → Volume production

Gen-4 (More Recent)

IMPROVEMENTS: ✅ Better facial realism ✅ Smoother movements ✅ Better coherence ✅ More precise controls

RECOMMENDED FOR: → Fast professional production → Short high-quality content → Iterative workflows

Recommended Syntax for Runway

Preferred structure: Direct and precise description

• Short, impactful sentences
• Focused on the main action
• Mention the visual style
• Specify camera movement

Runway-optimized example: "Man in black leather jacket. Slow motion. Walking confidently toward camera. Urban night setting. Neon lights. Camera tracking backward. Cinematic. 4K. Shallow depth of field."

Luma Dream Machine (Luma AI)

Technical Specifications:

• Resolution: 1080p
• Duration: 5 seconds (standard), extendable
• Quality: Good quality/speed compromise
• Strengths: Speed, accessibility, price

STRENGTHS: ✅ Very fast (30-second generation) ✅ Very accessible (limited free tier) ✅ Simple interface ✅ Good for beginners ✅ Decent results

WEAKNESSES: ❌ Lower quality than leaders ❌ Very limited duration ❌ Less precise control ❌ Can be inconsistent

IDEAL FOR: → Quick tests and prototypes → Learning → Limited budgets → Simple content → First iteration

Recommended Syntax for Luma

Preferred structure: Simple and direct

• Short prompts (2-3 sentences max)
• Clear and simple action
• Style in one word

Luma-optimized example: "Cinematic portrait of a man. He slowly turns his head and smiles. Studio lighting. Professional."

Pika Labs

Technical Specifications:

• Resolution: 1080p
• Duration: 3 seconds (extendable by segments)
• Quality: Creative, stylized
• Strengths: Creative effects, unique controls

STRENGTHS: ✅ Powerful creative effects ✅ Unique "Expand canvas" ✅ Precise motion control ✅ Good for animation ✅ Varied artistic styles

WEAKNESSES: ❌ Very short duration ❌ Less photorealistic ❌ Requires extensions for duration ❌ Sometimes unstable

IDEAL FOR: → Creative special effects → Stylized transitions → Artistic content → Animation-style videos → Visual experimentation

Kling AI (Kuaishou)

Technical Specifications:

• Resolution: Up to 1080p
• Duration: Up to 2 minutes (pro version)
• Quality: Very good, competitive with Veo
• Strengths: Realistic physics, long durations

STRENGTHS: ✅ Excellent object physics ✅ Long durations possible ✅ Good realism ✅ Competitive pricing ✅ Fluid movements

WEAKNESSES: ❌ Less well-known/tested ❌ Interface sometimes in Chinese ❌ Limited support ❌ Availability varies by region

IDEAL FOR: → Long videos → Scenes with complex physics → Alternative to Veo/Sora → Optimized budgets

Comparison Table

Platform Selection Guide

For a High-Quality Professional Portrait

1ST CHOICE: Veo 3.1

• Best facial preservation
• Maximum realism
• Detail coherence

2ND CHOICE: Veo 3

• If Veo 3.1 unavailable
• Excellent realism

3RD CHOICE: Runway Gen-4

• If budget is limited
• If speed is needed

For a Creative/Artistic Video

1ST CHOICE: Sora

• Best creativity
• Surreal effects
• Narrative understanding

2ND CHOICE: Pika Labs

• Unique special effects
• Artistic style

3RD CHOICE: Runway Gen-3

• Rapid iteration
• Varied styles

For Social Media Content

1ST CHOICE: Runway Gen-3/4

• Fast
• Adapted short format
• Good quality/time ratio

2ND CHOICE: Luma AI

• Very fast
• Accessible
• Free for testing

3RD CHOICE: Pika Labs

• Eye-catching effects
• Creative

For Cinematic Production

1ST CHOICE: Veo 3.1

• Maximum quality
• Cinema-grade realism
• Long duration possible

2ND CHOICE: Sora

• Strong cinematic style
• Visual narrative

3RD CHOICE: Kling AI

• Quality alternative
• Competitive pricing

Multi-Platform Tips

Optimal Workflow

PHASE 1 - PROTOTYPE (Luma AI / Runway Gen-3) → Quick concept tests → Idea validation → Multiple iterations

PHASE 2 - REFINEMENT (Runway Gen-4 / Pika) → Concept refinement → Style testing → Adjustments

PHASE 3 - FINAL PRODUCTION (Veo 3.1 / Sora) → High-quality generation → Final version → Professional export

Budget Strategy

LIMITED BUDGET:

• Prototyping: Luma (free)
• Production: Runway Gen-3
• Final touches: Selected Gen-4

MEDIUM BUDGET:

• Tests: Runway Gen-3
• Production: Runway Gen-4 / Kling AI
• Key moments: Veo 3

PREMIUM BUDGET:

• Everything in Veo 3.1 or Sora
• Multiple iterations
• Maximum quality throughout

The Complete Video Template

[BASE INSTRUCTION] use my image in, keep face and skin tone [PERCENTAGE]% unchanged

[VIDEO TYPE] [GENERAL STYLE] video of [MAIN SUBJECT]

[TEMPORAL PARAMETERS]

• Duration: [seconds]
• Frame rate: [fps]
• Speed: [normal, slow motion, time-lapse]
• Timing: [start, middle, end of action]

[SUBJECT DESCRIPTION]

• Starting appearance: [initial state]
• Face preservation: [face details]
• Hair: [style, movement]
• Body: [body type, initial posture]
• Clothing: [clothes, fabric movement]
• Accessories: [objects, interaction]

[SUBJECT ANIMATION]

• Main action: [main action]
• Body movement: [body movement]
• Facial expression evolution: [expression change]
• Gesture progression: [gesture evolution]
• Hair/clothing dynamics: [natural movement]
• Eye movement: [gaze direction]
• Breathing: [visible breathing]
• Micro-movements: [subtle details]

[CAMERA MOVEMENT]

• Camera movement type: [static, tracking, orbit, etc.]
• Movement speed: [slow, medium, fast]
• Movement direction: [forward, backward, lateral, etc.]
• Camera path: [trajectory]
• Stabilization: [stable, handheld, gimbal]
• Focus transition: [rack focus, follow focus]

[DYNAMIC COMPOSITION]

• Starting frame: [initial composition]
• Ending frame: [final composition]
• Shot evolution: [framing evolution]
• Aspect ratio: [16:9, 9:16, 21:9, 1:1]
• Depth layers: [depth planes]
• Rule of thirds movement: [movement within the grid]

[LIGHTING AND EVOLUTION]

• Primary lighting: [main lighting]
• Lighting changes: [light evolution]
• Light direction shift: [direction change]
• Time of day transition: [passage of time]
• Light intensity variation: [intensity variation]
• Color temperature shift: [temperature change]
• Shadow movement: [shadow displacement]

[DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT]

• Location: [location]
• Background movement: [background movement]
• Environmental changes: [environmental changes]
• Weather evolution: [weather evolution]
• Atmospheric elements: [atmospheric elements]
• Foreground dynamics: [moving foreground]
• Depth parallax: [parallax effect]

[TEMPORAL EFFECTS]

• Speed ramping: [speed changes]
• Slow motion sections: [slow-motion parts]
• Time-lapse segments: [time acceleration]
• Freeze frames: [frame freezes]
• Reverse motion: [reverse playback]
• Loop points: [loop points]

[DYNAMIC VISUAL EFFECTS]

• Particle effects: [moving particles]
• Light effects: [light effects]
• Atmospheric effects: [fog, smoke, rain]
• Motion blur: [motion blur]
• Depth of field shift: [depth change]
• Color grading evolution: [grading evolution]
• Lens effects: [lens effects]

[AUDIO/SUGGESTED AMBIANCE]

• Sound environment: [sound ambiance]
• Music style: [music style]
• Rhythm/tempo: [suggested rhythm]
• Audio cues: [audio cues]

[TRANSITION AND FLOW]

• Entry transition: [entry transition]
• Exit transition: [exit transition]
• Flow style: [flow style]
• Cut timing: [cut timing if multi-shot]

[CINEMATIC STYLE]

• Film reference: [film reference]
• Director style: [director style]
• Genre aesthetic: [genre aesthetic]
• Era influence: [era influence]

[TECHNICAL PARAMETERS]

• Resolution: [1080p, 4K, 8K]
• Codec/quality: [render quality]
• Color space: [color space]
• Bit depth: [color depth]
• Motion interpolation: [motion interpolation]

[VISUAL NARRATIVE]

• Story beat: [narrative moment]
• Emotional arc: [emotional arc]
• Visual progression: [visual progression]
• Key moments: [key moments]

[FINAL INSTRUCTIONS]

• Loop: [perfect loop yes/no]
• Seamless: [seamless transition]
• Focus on: [element to highlight]
• Avoid: [elements to avoid]
• Priority: [main priority]

Video Parameter Guide

1. TEMPORAL PARAMETERS

Optimal Duration by Type

VERY SHORT (1-3 seconds)

• Facial reactions
• Quick transitions
• Short GIFs/loops
• Impactful moments

SHORT (3-6 seconds)

• Simple actions
• Dynamic portraits
• Social media content
• Perfect loops

MEDIUM (6-15 seconds)

• Narrative scenes
• Complex actions
• Short storytelling
• YouTube Shorts/TikTok clips

LONG (15-30+ seconds)

• Complete cinematic scenes
• Elaborate narratives
• Demonstrations
• Short films

Frame Rate (Frames Per Second)

24 FPS - Cinematic, traditional film

• Classic cinema look
• Natural motion blur
• Professional aesthetic

30 FPS - Standard video

• Television, streaming
• Balance of fluidity/naturalness
• General use

60 FPS - High fluidity

• Sports, fast action
• Gaming content
• Very smooth movements

120+ FPS - Slow motion

• Quality slow-motion
• Detail capture
• Dramatic effects

Speed and Tempo

SLOW MOTION (0.25x - 0.5x)

• Elegant movements
• Subtle details
• Dramatic moments "Captured in cinematic slow motion at 0.5x speed"

NORMAL SPEED (1x)

• Natural movement
• Realistic pace "Real-time natural movement"

FAST MOTION (1.5x - 3x)

• Increased energy
• Temporal compression "Slightly accelerated at 1.5x for dynamic energy"

TIME-LAPSE (10x - 1000x+)

• Passage of time
• Transformations
• Atmospheric movements "Time-lapse showing transformation over time"

2. CAMERA MOVEMENTS

Fundamental Movements

STATIC

Camera locked on tripod, no movement, stable frame

• For dialogue, static portraits
• Focus on subject's action

PUSH IN (Dolly Forward)

Slow push in toward subject, gradually closer

• Emotional intensification
• Detail reveal
• Tension building

PULL OUT (Dolly Back)

Smooth pull back revealing environment

• Context revealed
• Subject isolation
• End of sequence

TRUCK/TRACKING (Lateral)

Camera moves horizontally left/right, parallel to subject

• Action tracking
• Progressive reveal
• Lateral dynamism

PEDESTAL (Vertical)

Camera moves up or down vertically

• Height reveal
• Perspective change
• Elegant movement

ORBIT (Rotation)

Camera circles around subject at [X] degrees

• 360° for full exploration
• 180° for dramatic change
• 90° for new perspective

CRANE

Sweeping crane shot, rising/descending with arc

• Majestic movements
• Epic transitions
• Establishing shots

DOLLY ZOOM (Vertigo Effect)

Simultaneous zoom and dolly in opposite directions

• Vertigo effect
• Moment of realization
• Psychological impact

Stylized Movements

HANDHELD

Slight handheld shake, documentary feel, organic movement

• Raw realism
• Urgency, intimacy
• Documentary style

GIMBAL/STEADICAM

Smooth gimbal-stabilized movement, flowing

• Professional fluidity
• Complex movements
• Dynamic tracking

DRONE

Aerial drone movement, sweeping over landscape

• Aerial views
• Sweeping movements
• Epic perspective

WHIP PAN

Rapid horizontal camera whip, motion blur transition

• Dynamic transition
• Abrupt change
• Intense energy

DUTCH TILT

Camera tilted at [X] degrees, off-kilter frame

• Psychological tension
• Disorientation
• Artistic style

3. SUBJECT ANIMATION

Facial Movements

EXPRESSION TRANSITION:

• From neutral to smile
• From serious to surprised
• From calm to intense
• Gradual emotion evolution

EYE MOVEMENT:

• Eyes shifting from camera to [direction]
• Slow blink, maintaining gaze
• Eyes following off-screen object
• Intense stare to camera

HEAD MOVEMENT:

• Subtle head tilt left/right
• Slow head turn [X] degrees
• Nod up and down
• Head shake side to side
• Hair flowing with movement

MOUTH/LIPS:

• Slight smile forming
• Lips parting to speak
• Subtle expression change
• Natural breathing visible

Body Movements

POSTURE TRANSITION:

• From standing to walking
• Sitting to standing up
• Leaning to upright
• Relaxed to alert stance

ARM/HAND GESTURES:

• Hand rising to adjust hair/collar
• Arm movement in gesture
• Hands in pockets to out
• Natural gesticulation
• Reaching toward camera

WALKING/MOVEMENT:

• Walking toward camera confidently
• Striding away, back to camera
• Walking across frame left to right
• Turning while walking

FULL BODY DYNAMICS:

• Weight shift from leg to leg
• Shoulders rolling
• Torso slight rotation
• Natural sway and balance

Clothing Movements

FABRIC DYNAMICS:

• Coat/jacket flowing with movement
• Tie swaying gently
• Shirt/fabric natural wrinkles
• Sleeves moving with arms
• Realistic cloth physics

HAIR DYNAMICS:

• Hair moving with head turn
• Strands falling naturally
• Wind-blown effect
• Settling after movement

4. DYNAMIC LIGHTING

Light Evolution

STATIC LIGHTING: Consistent lighting throughout, no changes

GRADUAL SHIFT: Lighting slowly transitions from [warm to cool/bright to dim]

• Golden hour to blue hour
• Day to night transition
• Interior to exterior

DRAMATIC CHANGE: Sudden light change at [timestamp], from [state] to [state]

• Lightning flash
• Door opening to bright light
• Switch flip effect

MOVING LIGHT SOURCE: Light source moving [direction] across subject

• Sun rays sweeping across
• Spotlight following
• Car headlights passing

FLICKERING/PULSING: Pulsing neon lights, rhythmic intensity variation

• Club/bar atmosphere
• Emergency lights
• Screen light flicker

Dynamic Shadows

SHADOW MOVEMENT: Shadows shifting as [light source] moves

• Venetian blind shadows sliding
• Tree shadows swaying
• Person's shadow moving

SHADOW PLAY: Dramatic shadow casting, noir aesthetic

• Silhouette transitions
• Shadow reveals
• Chiaroscuro evolution

5. DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT

Atmospheric Elements

FOG/MIST:

• Rolling fog moving through scene
• Mist parting as subject moves
• Atmospheric haze drifting "Drifting fog moving slowly left to right"

RAIN:

• Rain falling at [intensity]
• Droplets hitting surfaces
• Wet surfaces reflecting light "Heavy rain, droplets visible, wet sheen on surfaces"

SMOKE:

• Smoke billowing and dissipating
• Colored smoke swirling
• Cigarette/incense smoke curling "Thick smoke drifting upward, slow dissipation"

PARTICLES:

• Dust motes floating in light beams
• Floating embers/sparks
• Snowflakes drifting down
• Leaves/petals falling "Golden particles floating, catching light"

WIND EFFECTS:

• Trees/plants swaying
• Fabric/flags fluttering
• Papers/debris blowing
• Hair and clothing moving "Strong wind, visible in all fabric and hair movement"

Dynamic Background

CROWD MOVEMENT: People moving in background, natural flow, out of focus

TRAFFIC: Cars/vehicles passing, light trails, urban movement

NATURAL ELEMENTS:

• Water flowing/rippling
• Clouds moving across sky
• Waves crashing
• Fire flickering

TIME PASSAGE:

• Shadows moving across scene
• Lighting changing
• Weather transitioning

6. TEMPORAL VISUAL EFFECTS

Speed Ramping

RAMPING UP: Starting slow motion, accelerating to normal speed at [timestamp] "Begins at 0.25x, ramps to 1x at 3-second mark"

RAMPING DOWN: Normal speed, slowing to dramatic slow motion at [moment] "1x speed, slows to 0.5x as subject reaches peak action"

MULTI-RAMP: Complex speed changes throughout "Variable speed: slow (0-2s), fast (2-4s), slow again (4-6s)"

Time Effects

FREEZE FRAME: Action freezes at [timestamp] for [duration], then continues "Freeze at 4s for 1 second, then resume"

REVERSE: Section plays in reverse from [time] to [time] "4-6 second segment plays backward"

STUTTER EFFECT: Rhythmic frame repeats, glitch aesthetic "Subtle stutter every 2 seconds"

LOOP TRANSITION: Seamless loop, ending connects to beginning "Perfect loop, last frame matches first"

7. DYNAMIC DEPTH OF FIELD

Focus Transitions

RACK FOCUS: Focus shifts from [foreground] to [background] at [timestamp] "Focus transitions from subject to background at 3s"

FOLLOW FOCUS: Focus follows subject as they move through scene "Continuous sharp focus on subject throughout movement"

SELECTIVE FOCUS: Different elements in focus at different times "Face sharp (0-2s), then hands (2-4s), then environment (4-6s)"

BLUR TRANSITION: Starts sharp, gradually blurs, then sharpens on new element

8. EVOLVING COLOR GRADING

Color Transitions

GRADUAL GRADE SHIFT: Color palette transitions from [style] to [style] "Warm golden tones fading to cool blue tones throughout"

MOOD TRANSITION: Color changes reflecting emotional shift "Bright saturated colors desaturating as mood darkens"

TIME-BASED GRADING: Color matching time of day progression "Golden hour warmth transitioning to twilight blues"

FLASH/FLICKER GRADING: Rhythmic color pulses matching music/action "Neon colors pulsing with beat"

9. TRANSITION TECHNIQUES

Entries

FADE IN: From black, gradually revealing scene WIPE: Geometric wipe revealing frame ZOOM IN: Starting tight, zooming out to reveal BLUR TO SHARP: Starts blurred, sharpens to clear LIGHT REVEAL: Darkness to light transition

Exits

FADE OUT: Gradually fading to black WHIP TO BLACK: Fast whip transition ending ZOOM OUT: Pulling out to white/black BLUR OUT: Sharpness dissolving to blur LIGHT FLASH: Overexposure to white

Perfect Loops

SEAMLESS LOOP: Last frame matches first, perfect continuity "Ending position identical to starting position"

MOTION LOOP: Repeating action that cycles naturally "Walk cycle returning to start pose"

ENVIRONMENT LOOP: Background elements cycling seamlessly "Particles, fog, rain in perfect loop"

Video Style Library

Cinematic Styles

Film Noir

Cinematic black and white video, high contrast lighting, dramatic shadows moving across face, venetian blind patterns, slow camera push in, mysterious atmosphere, 1940s aesthetic, smoke drifting through scene, 24fps cinematic motion

Cyberpunk

Neon-soaked night scene, holographic interface glitches, rain-slicked surfaces reflecting colored lights, camera tracking through dystopian cityscape, volumetric fog with light beams, purple and cyan color palette, futuristic movement

Music Video

Dynamic cutting rhythm, color grade pulsing with beat, multiple speed ramps, creative camera angles, lens flares, high energy movement, stylized lighting changes, artistic transitions, 60fps smooth motion

Documentary

Handheld camera slight shake, natural lighting evolution, authentic movements, real-time pacing, observational style, environmental sounds suggested, candid moments, 24fps natural motion blur

Action

High-speed camera work, rapid movements, motion blur on fast actions, 60-120fps for slow-mo moments, dynamic tracking shots, intense lighting, sharp cuts, adrenaline-fueled pacing

Director Styles

Christopher Nolan

IMAX-quality framing, practical in-camera effects, time manipulation elements, cool color grading, stable but dynamic camera moves, epic scale sense, non-linear time suggestions, realistic physics

Wes Anderson

Perfectly symmetrical framing, centered subject, slow deliberate camera movements, flat plane compositions, pastel color palette, whimsical character movements, precise blocking, quirky gestures

Michael Bay

Circular orbiting camera around subject, golden hour lighting, lens flares, slow motion hero moments, dynamic low angles, high contrast, sunset backlight, explosive energy

Wong Kar-wai

Step-printed motion blur, saturated colors, slow motion romantic moments, neon-lit environments, intimate framing, emotional character movements, cigarette smoke, rain

Denis Villeneuve

Wide establishing shots slowly pushing in, minimalist camera moves, symmetrical compositions, cool desaturated palette, atmospheric fog/dust, slow deliberate pacing, epic scale, human smallness in vast environments

Video Usage Examples

Example 1: Simple Cinematic Portrait

use my image in, keep face and skin tone 100% unchanged

Cinematic portrait video in slow motion, dramatic lighting.

TEMPORAL PARAMETERS:

• Duration: 6 seconds
• Frame rate: 60fps for slow motion playback at 0.5x
• Timing: Smooth continuous action

SUBJECT DESCRIPTION:

• Starting: Facing slightly left, eyes down, serious expression
• Wearing: Black turtleneck sweater
• Hair: Neat, professional styling
• Preservation: Exact facial features maintained throughout

SUBJECT ANIMATION:

• Slow head turn from left to right (30 degrees total)
• Eyes lift to meet camera at 3-second mark
• Subtle expression shift from serious to slight confident smile
• Hair moving naturally with head turn
• Breathing visible in shoulders
• Natural micro-movements in face

CAMERA MOVEMENT:

• Static locked frame on tripod
• No camera movement, all motion from subject
• Focus locked on eyes throughout

COMPOSITION:

• Medium close-up (head and upper shoulders)
• Eye-level angle
• Centered composition
• 16:9 cinematic aspect ratio
• Shallow depth of field (f/1.4), background softly blurred

LIGHTING:

• Rembrandt lighting from camera left
• Soft key light at 45 degrees
• Subtle rim light on right side for separation
• Light stays consistent throughout
• Warm color temperature (3200K)
• Shadows moving across face as head turns

ENVIRONMENT:

• Dark studio background
• Single warm practical light visible in soft bokeh
• Minimal distractions, focus on subject
• Atmospheric slight haze

VISUAL EFFECTS:

• Slight film grain texture
• Natural motion blur on fastest movements
• Subtle vignette
• Warm color grading with deep blacks

STYLE:

• High-end fashion/editorial aesthetic
• Vogue/GQ style cinematography
• Timeless, elegant mood
• Professional cinematic quality

TECHNICAL:

• 4K resolution
• 24fps playback (60fps slowed to 0.5x)
• Cinematic color space
• Professional color grading

MOOD:

• Confident and magnetic
• Intimate yet powerful
• Sophisticated elegance
• Cinematic drama

OUTPUT:

• Seamless continuous shot
• No cuts or transitions
• Natural beginning and end

Example 2: Dynamic Action with Camera Movement

use my image in, keep face and skin tone 100.999% unchanged

Dynamic action video, cinematic camera movement, urban setting.

TEMPORAL PARAMETERS:

• Duration: 10 seconds
• Frame rate: 60fps for smooth motion
• Speed: Normal speed with one slow-mo section

SUBJECT DESCRIPTION:

• Starting: Standing still, facing camera
• Wearing: Black leather jacket, dark jeans, white sneakers
• Hair: Styled with texture, will move with action
• Face: Exact features preserved, intense expression

SUBJECT ANIMATION: 0-3s: Standing confident, slight sway 3-6s: Begins walking toward camera, strong stride 6-8s: Reaches hand up to adjust collar (SLOW MOTION 0.3x) 8-10s: Continues walk, passes close to camera

• Walking: Confident, purposeful stride
• Jacket: Flowing naturally with movement
• Hair: Subtle movement with walk
• Expression: Intense gaze locked on camera
• Hand gesture: Smooth, natural collar adjustment
• Full body coordination: Athletic, controlled

CAMERA MOVEMENT:

• Starts wide, slowly pushing in (0-3s)
• Transitions to tracking shot moving backward (3-8s)
• Camera matches subject's walking speed
• Slight gimbal sway for organic feel
• Ends with camera moving past subject (8-10s)

COMPOSITION:

• Starting: Full body wide shot
• Middle: Transitions to medium shot
• Ending: Close-up as subject approaches
• 21:9 anamorphic aspect ratio
• Subject centered throughout
• Depth of field: Medium (f/2.8)

LIGHTING:

• Urban night lighting
• Streetlights creating rim light from behind
• Blue hour ambient light
• Neon signs providing color accents (pink/blue)
• Light changing as subject walks past sources
• Moving shadows on ground

ENVIRONMENT:

• City street at night
• Wet pavement reflecting lights
• Blurred background of buildings and neon signs
• Light bokeh from street lamps
• Atmospheric fog at ground level
• People blurred in far background

VISUAL EFFECTS:

• Atmospheric haze with volumetric lighting
• Lens flare from street lights
• Rain/moisture in air catching light
• Motion blur on background during movement
• Anamorphic horizontal lens flares
• Slight chromatic aberration

SPEED RAMPING: 0-6s: Normal speed (1x) 6-8s: Slow motion (0.3x) for collar adjustment 8-10s: Back to normal (1x)

COLOR GRADING:

• Cool cyan and blue tones dominant
• Warm orange/amber accent from street lights
• Slightly desaturated for cinematic look
• High contrast, crushed blacks
• Blade Runner aesthetic

STYLE:

• Neo-noir urban cinematic
• Music video quality
• High-fashion commercial aesthetic
• Cyberpunk influences
• Professional film production

TECHNICAL:

• 4K resolution
• Cinematic color space (Rec.709)
• Gimbal-stabilized smooth movement
• Professional color grading
• Film grain overlay subtle

MOOD:

• Cool, confident, powerful
• Urban nocturnal energy
• Mysterious yet approachable
• Cinematic swagger

AUDIO SUGGESTION:

• Urban ambience (distant traffic, city sounds)
• Footstep sounds emphasized in slow-mo
• Subtle electronic music undertone
• Atmospheric soundscape

Example 3: High-Fashion Editorial Portrait

use my image in, keep face and skin tone 100% unchanged

High-fashion editorial video, studio environment, creative lighting.

TEMPORAL PARAMETERS:

• Duration: 8 seconds
• Frame rate: 120fps for ultra-smooth slow motion
• Playback: 0.25x speed (ultra slow motion)
• Real action duration: 2 seconds stretched to 8

SUBJECT DESCRIPTION:

• Wearing: Oversized designer coat (camel color), textured fabric
• Under: White collared shirt, visible
• Accessories: Statement watch, minimalist jewelry
• Hair: Perfectly styled, windblown effect
• Face: Features preserved exactly, editorial makeup

SUBJECT ANIMATION:

• Coat thrown dramatically over shoulder
• Fabric billowing in slow motion
• Hair floating with movement
• Head turning slightly with coat throw
• Expression: Fierce, confident model gaze
• Eyes: Sharp focus on camera
• Micro-expressions: Jaw tension, brow intensity
• Fabric physics: Realistic cloth simulation

CAMERA MOVEMENT:

• Slow orbital movement around subject (45 degrees arc)
• Camera circles from left to right
• Slight dolly in during orbit (10% closer)
• Gimbal-smooth motion
• Ending slightly right of center

COMPOSITION:

• Three-quarter body shot
• Low angle (15 degrees below eye level) for power
• Subject slightly off-center following rule of thirds
• 9:16 vertical format for social media
• Depth: Shallow (f/1.4), studio background blur

LIGHTING:

• High-key studio lighting
• Large softbox key light camera left
• Fill light camera right at 50% intensity
• Strong backlight for hair separation
• Practical light behind for bokeh effect
• Even, fashion photography lighting
• Color: Neutral white 5500K

ENVIRONMENT:

• Clean white studio cyc wall
• Minimalist background
• Single practical light creating bokeh circles
• Professional studio setup
• No distractions from subject

VISUAL EFFECTS:

• Wind machine effect on fabric and hair
• Particles/dust visible in light beams (subtle)
• Motion blur on fastest coat movement
• Sharp focus on face throughout
• Bokeh lights twinkling in background
• Slight depth of field shift keeping face sharp

COLOR GRADING:

• High-key, bright, clean aesthetic
• Slightly desaturated for editorial look
• Warm skin tones preserved
• Coat color rich and saturated
• White background pure, not blown
• Vogue/Harper's Bazaar style grading

STYLE:

• Luxury fashion editorial
• Vogue Hommes/GQ style
• High-end commercial quality
• Aspirational beauty
• Museum-quality production

TECHNICAL:

• 8K resolution capture
• 120fps high-speed camera
• Professional color space
• Ultra-detailed rendering
• Pristine quality

TRANSITIONS:

• Entry: Fade in from white
• Exit: Hold on final frame for 1s, then fade to white

MOOD:

• Powerful, commanding presence
• High-fashion confidence
• Luxury and sophistication
• Artistic expression
• Editorial excellence

LOOP:

• Not looped, linear progression
• Clear beginning and end

AUDIO SUGGESTION:

• Whoosh of fabric
• Subtle fashion runway ambience
• Possibly elegant instrumental
• High-end production sound

Video Technical Tips

1. Timing and Rhythm

The 3-Second Rule

MINIMUM VIABLE: 3 seconds

• Long enough to understand the action
• Short enough to maintain attention
• Ideal for social media

SWEET SPOT: 5-8 seconds

• Time to develop the action
• Complete storytelling
• Optimal engagement

Video Narrative Structure

3-ACT STRUCTURE (even for short videos):

SETUP (0-30%): Introduction, initial situation ACTION (30-70%): Development, main movement PAYOFF (70-100%): Resolution, highlight moment

6-second example: 0-2s: Character establishment 2-4s: Main action 4-6s: Highlight/resolution

2. Movement Coherence

Matching Speeds

CAMERA vs SUBJECT:

• Slow camera + Fast subject = Contrasted dynamism
• Fast camera + Slow subject = Increased energy
• Both slow = Contemplative moment
• Both fast = Intense action

BEST PRACTICE: "Camera slow push in, subject turning naturally at normal speed" vs "Camera rapid tracking, subject in slow motion" (Different impact)

Directional Continuity

SCREEN DIRECTION:

• Subject moves to the right → Camera follows from left
• Consistent movement throughout
• Don't cross the 180° line

"Subject walking screen right, camera tracking left to right, maintaining consistent direction throughout"

3. Depth and Layers

Layered Construction

FOREGROUND:

• Blurred elements for framing
• Particles, smoke
• Out-of-focus objects

SUBJECT (Main Plane):

• Sharp, in focus
• Main movement
• Attention focus

MIDGROUND:

• Secondary context
• Slightly blurred
• Enrichment

BACKGROUND:

• Very blurred (bokeh)
• General ambiance
• Depth

Example: "Foreground: Out of focus neon signs | Subject: Sharp focus walking | Background: Soft bokeh of city lights"

4. Video-Specific Lighting

Moving Light

MOVING KEY LIGHT: "Key light source moving with subject, maintaining consistent highlight on face throughout action"

CHANGING RATIOS: "Lighting ratio shifts from 2:1 to 4:1 as subject moves into shadow"

PRACTICAL LIGHTS: "Practical neon signs in background, flickering rhythmically, casting colored light on subject as they pass"

5. Troubleshooting Video Issues

Problem: Jerky movement

Solution:

• Increase frame rate
• Use appropriate motion blur
• Slow down camera movement
• Add "smooth gimbal stabilization"

Problem: Action too fast

Solution:

• Capture at high FPS
• Slow down in post
• "Shot at 120fps, played at 0.5x speed"

Problem: Lack of dynamism

Solution:

• Add camera movement
• Introduce speed ramping
• Vary depth of field
• "Dynamic camera movement, speed ramps from 1x to 0.5x"

Problem: Unstable focus

Solution:

• Specify "follow focus on subject's face throughout"
• Increase depth of field
• "f/4 aperture, maintaining sharp focus"

Quick Video Formulas

Simple Portrait

[Duration]s + Medium close-up + Static camera + Rembrandt lighting + Subject [simple action] + Slow motion 0.5x + 4K

Dynamic Action

[Duration]s + Tracking shot + Subject walking + Urban night + Neon lighting + Gimbal smooth + Speed ramp + 60fps

High Fashion

[Duration]s + Slow motion 0.25x + Studio lighting + Orbital camera + Fabric billowing + High-key + Editorial style + 8K

Emotional Cinematic

[Duration]s + Slow push in + Natural lighting + Expression evolution + Shallow DOF + Warm color grade + 24fps cinematic

Video Checklist

Before finalizing your video prompt:

Duration specified in seconds Frame rate defined Subject action detailed Camera movement specified Playback speed (normal/slow-mo) Lighting and its evolution Start and end composition Atmospheric effects Cinematic style Final resolution Transitions if needed Narrative coherence Mood and ambiance Face preservation maintained

Blank Video Template

use my image in, keep face and skin tone ___% unchanged

___ [type] video of ___

TEMPORAL:

• Duration: ___ seconds
• Frame rate: ___ fps
• Speed: ___

SUBJECT:

• Starting: ___
• Animation: ___
• Expression: ___

CAMERA:

• Movement: ___
• Path: ___
• Speed: ___

COMPOSITION:

• Shot type: ___
• Angle: ___
• Aspect ratio: ___

LIGHTING:

• Setup: ___
• Evolution: ___

ENVIRONMENT:

• Location: ___
• Dynamics: ___
• Effects: ___

EFFECTS:

• Visual: ___
• Temporal: ___

STYLE:

• Reference: ___
• Mood: ___

TECHNICAL:

• Resolution: ___
• Color space: ___

Quick Reference Table Video Type Duration FPS Speed Camera Movement Simple Portrait 3-6s 60 0.5x Static/Slow push Action 8-15s 60 1x + ramps Tracking/Orbit Fashion 5-8s 120 0.25x Orbit/Slow move Cinematic 10-20s 24 1x Crane/Dolly Social Media 3-6s 30 1x Dynamic/Handheld

Platform-Specific Adaptations

Same Concept, Different Prompts

Concept: Portrait of a man turning toward the camera

For Veo 3/3.1 (Detailed and Structured)

A cinematic 8-second portrait video in 4K resolution. A man in his early 30s wearing a charcoal grey suit and black turtleneck stands against a minimalist dark studio background. The camera remains perfectly stationary on a tripod throughout the shot.

Starting position: The man faces 30 degrees to the left, eyes looking down pensively. His expression is serious and contemplative.

Action (0-8 seconds): He slowly and smoothly turns his head from left to right, his gaze lifting to meet the camera at the 4-second mark. As his eyes connect with the lens, his expression gradually softens into a subtle, confident smile. The movement is natural and fluid, taking the full 8 seconds to complete.

Lighting: Professional Rembrandt lighting from camera left at 45 degrees creates a classic triangle of light on his right cheek. A soft fill light from the right reduces shadows to a 3:1 ratio. A subtle hair light from behind provides separation from the background.

Technical details: Shot on a Canon EOS R5 with RF 85mm f/1.2 lens at f/2.8 aperture. Shallow depth of field renders the background in soft bokeh. The lighting remains constant throughout, with shadows moving naturally across his face as he turns. Filmed at 60fps and played back at 24fps for a subtle slow-motion effect (0.4x speed).

Color grading: Warm, cinematic color palette with slightly desaturated tones. Deep blacks and well-preserved highlights. Professional editorial style similar to GQ or Vogue Hommes photography.

For Sora (Narrative and Atmospheric)

An intimate, cinematic portrait. A contemplative man in a refined charcoal suit slowly emerges from his thoughts, turning his head toward the camera with dawning recognition. The moment feels like a character introduction in a prestige film—serious at first, then warming into subtle confidence.

Dark studio. Single shaft of Rembrandt light sculpts his features as he turns. His movement is deliberate, almost cinematic slow motion. When his eyes finally meet ours, there's an unspoken understanding, a slight smile.

Shot on vintage cinema glass—beautiful bokeh, creamy depth of field. The lighting is painterly, shadows and highlights dancing across his face like a Caravaggio painting. Warm amber tones. Film grain texture. 8 seconds that feel both timeless and immediate.

Professional fashion editorial aesthetic. The kind of portrait that could hang in a gallery or open a luxury brand campaign.

For Runway Gen-4 (Direct and Precise)

Cinematic portrait. 8 seconds. 4K.

Man in charcoal suit, black turtleneck. Head slowly turns left to right. Eyes lift to camera at midpoint. Expression: serious to subtle smile.

Camera: Static. Tripod locked. Lighting: Rembrandt from left. Warm. Background: Dark studio. Bokeh.

Shot: 85mm f/2.8. Shallow DOF. Style: GQ editorial. Professional. Motion: Smooth, natural. Slight slow-mo feel.

High-end fashion cinematography.

For Luma AI (Simple and Essential)

Professional portrait of a man in a suit. He slowly turns his head from left to right and makes eye contact with camera. Slight smile. Studio lighting. Cinematic. 4K.

For Pika Labs (Creative and Stylized)

Man in sharp suit. Dramatic head turn. Eyes lock with camera. Confident smile emerges. Dark moody studio. Single dramatic light. Cinematic slow motion. Fashion film aesthetic. Professional. Deep shadows and highlights.

Platform-Specific Technical Adaptations

Specifying Duration

Veo 3/3.1

✅ "8-second video" ✅ "Duration: 8 seconds" ✅ Mention internal timing: "at the 4-second mark"

Sora

✅ "8 seconds" (at the beginning or end) ✅ Less critical, focus on the narrative

Runway

✅ Selection via interface (5-10s) ✅ Still worth mentioning: "8 second clip"

Luma

✅ Interface set to 5s ❌ Don't mention in prompt

Specifying Camera Movement

Veo (Very Precise)

✅ "Camera remains perfectly static on tripod" ✅ "Slow dolly push in at 10cm per second" ✅ "Gimbal-stabilized tracking shot moving left to right" ✅ "Orbital camera movement, 90-degree arc over 10 seconds"

Sora (Descriptive)

✅ "The camera slowly glides forward" ✅ "A stationary frame" ✅ "Tracking alongside" ✅ "Circling around"

Runway (Simple)

✅ "Static camera" ✅ "Slow push in" ✅ "Tracking shot" ✅ "Orbit"

Luma/Pika (Basic)

✅ "Still camera" ✅ "Moving camera" ✅ More control via interface settings

Face Preservation

Veo 3.1 (Best)

✅ "use my image in, keep face and skin tone 100.999% unchanged" ✅ "Preserve exact facial features throughout" ✅ Best native fidelity

Veo 3

✅ "use my image in, keep face 100% unchanged" ✅ "Maintain facial identity precisely"

Sora

✅ "Preserve the exact face from the reference image" ✅ "Keep facial features identical" ⚠️ May interpret more freely

Runway

✅ Use "Director Mode" for better control ✅ "Keep face exactly as reference" ⚠️ May vary between Gen-3 and Gen-4

Others

⚠️ Variable fidelity ✅ Test with "exact face preservation" ✅ May require multiple generations

Platform-Specific Optimizations

For Veo - Maximizing Quality

RECOMMENDED STRUCTURE:

1. Technical intro (duration, resolution)
2. Subject description (detailed)
3. Chronological action (with timestamps)
4. Lighting setup (very detailed)
5. Camera specifications (precise)
6. Style and mood (clear references)

LENGTH: 200-400 words OK DETAILS: More = Better STRUCTURE: Organized paragraphs TECHNICAL: Precise terms (f-stop, focal length, etc.)

For Sora - Maximizing Creativity

RECOMMENDED STRUCTURE:

1. Evocative opening
2. Action with emotional context
3. Poetic visual details
4. Cinematic style
5. Ambiance and feeling

LENGTH: 100-250 words DETAILS: Balance description/evocation STRUCTURE: Narrative flow TECHNICAL: Mix of technical + artistic

For Runway - Maximizing Efficiency

RECOMMENDED STRUCTURE:

1. Format + duration
2. Main subject
3. Concise action
4. Camera
5. Style in a few words

LENGTH: 50-100 words MAX DETAILS: Essentials only STRUCTURE: Bullet points OK TECHNICAL: Simple and direct

For Luma - Maximizing Clarity

RECOMMENDED STRUCTURE:

1. Shot type
2. Subject
3. Simple action
4. General style

LENGTH: 20-50 words DETAILS: Bare minimum STRUCTURE: 2-3 sentences TECHNICAL: Basic vocabulary

Multi-Platform Use Cases

Scenario: Product Marketing Video

Budget & Time: Limited

WORKFLOW:

1. Luma AI (3-5 quick free tests) → Validate general concept

2. Runway Gen-3 (2-3 versions) → Refine the look

3. Runway Gen-4 (final version) → Production

TOTAL COST: $5-20 TIME: 2-4 hours

Budget & Time: Medium

WORKFLOW:

1. Runway Gen-3 (concept tests) → 5-10 variations

2. Kling AI or Runway Gen-4 (production) → 3-5 finalizations

3. Selection and export

TOTAL COST: $30-100 TIME: 1 day

Budget & Time: Premium

WORKFLOW:

1. Runway Gen-4 (prototypes) → 10+ tests

2. Veo 3.1 (final production) → 5 high-quality versions

3. Select the best

TOTAL COST: $200-500 TIME: 2-3 days

Scenario: Creative Short Film

Creative Approach

WORKFLOW:

1. Sora (key narrative scenes) → Emotional moments → Strong storytelling

2. Pika Labs (creative transitions) → Stylized effects

3. Veo 3 (realistic scenes) → Reality-grounded moments

4. Runway (special effects) → Final touches

USE: The best of each platform TIME: 1-2 weeks

Common Pitfalls by Platform

Veo ❌ Prompts too vague → Average results ❌ Forgetting timestamps → Random timing ❌ Lacking lighting details → Flat lighting ✅ SOLUTION: Over-detail your prompt

Sora ❌ Too technical → Loses the magic ❌ Lacking context → Cold result ❌ Robotic description → No soul ✅ SOLUTION: Think like a film screenplay

Runway ❌ Prompts too long → Ignored ❌ Too many details → Confusion ❌ Complex vocabulary → Misunderstood ✅ SOLUTION: Keep it simple and direct

Luma ❌ Expectations too high → Disappointment ❌ Complex prompts → Random results ❌ Complicated movements → Failed ✅ SOLUTION: Simple concepts only

Quick Decision Matrix

What I Want... Which Platform? Need Platform Why Most realistic possible Veo 3.1 Best fidelity Preserve a face exactly Veo 3.1 Best preservation Something very creative Sora Best creativity Quickly test an idea Luma AI Fastest/free Content for TikTok/Reels Runway Gen-4 Optimal short format A stylized special effect Pika Labs Unique effects A long video (60s+) Veo 3 or Kling Supported durations Iterate 50 versions Runway Gen-3 Speed + cost A high-end cinema look Veo 3.1 or Sora Maximum quality Small budget Luma → Runway Gen-3 Accessibility

Happy filming! 🎬✨