Creatives can utilize AI tools at both the post-production and pre-production stages. In pre-production, this technology can generate inspiration, break down tasks, and improve ideas.
A vital part of the video-making process – a thorough pre-production phase creates direction, team cohesion, a greater bond with your client and a smooth journey onward. While pre-production tasks are often inspiring and fun, there are an equal number of tasks that are tedious and stunt the creative process. But by incorporating new AI tools, we can streamline the experience and bring our ideas to life sooner. As with any AI software, using the technology with intention and as a tool rather than a replacement will maximise it’s benefits. Here we’ll discuss some of the ways AI can support creatives at this stage:
Capture ideas with AI
One of AI’s greatest benefits is its ability to shorten the gap between a creative spark and it’s realisation – AI-driven concept development. Instead of spending time trying to explain a glimpse of that brilliant idea you just had and letting the details slip away – you can immediately show people what you mean. With generative AI art tools, not only does your idea stay fresh, but it can swiftly build momentum with others bouncing their ideas around just as quick. Keep in mind however that AI’s ability to generate fully polished images shouldn’t limit brainstorming. Repeatedly building on an idea through collaboration with your client will bring out the best of it, with all the personalised insights and important details which make it something special.
Script & copy
AI also supports creatives when it comes to breaking down a script. While automation software such as Final Draft has been reformatting scripts for almost two decades, AI has branched out the ways in which a tool can finalise your script. On the organisational side, AI such as Filmustage can effortlessly generate the number of costumes, actors, locations and props you need, saving you plenty of time. While other tools such as ScriptBook AI can analyse your script and offer predictive insights, such as how the audience may react or what the most emotive moment is. Equally, AI-driven scriptwriting in pre-production can be an amazing benefit. With the insight these AI tools bring, you can spend more time writing and less time getting stuck of the technicalities.
AI Governance
Assessing legal risks, scouting out actors and finding the right location for your production can all be done with the help of AI too. The script breakdown software Filmustage can also advise you on any preparation you may need, such as stunt information or whether you need copywriting clearance in a certain scene. When you need to quickly compare a few locations to see which is the most viable, AI can help. But as the tech still struggles with new information, make sure to fact check and see if there’s been any recent changes before you get your sights set on a place. Casting is another area being revitalised by AI, with tools such as Casting Droid and Largo matching you with actors based on their experience. While the final decision should never be up to AI, the technology can serve as another avenue for your casting search, expanding your choices to people you may not have connected with otherwise.
When it’s time to visualise your script with storyboards and shot lists, AI can help you get the initial structure up and running. As ShotListAI puts it, “what if you start with a draft that is 80% there, and is beautifully formatted too?” For their tool to work, all you need to do is upload your script and you’ll get a written list of clearly defined shots in return. By combining that list with the storyboarding AI tool Boords, you can immediately build up a clear image of your finished production as soon as your script is complete. With the latter tool generating storyboards in a limited amount of styles however, AI should be used to see if your idea itself works. That way, you can spend more time clarifying a unique style, mood and atmosphere.
AI can have a part to play at all stages of the video production process. If you would like to learn more about AI video production and the ways in which creatives can collaborate with AI at the pre-production stage, feel free to contact us at [email protected]
As a journalist specialising in video content, Emily possesses expertise across all facets of the industry, from emerging trends to innovative communication strategies that empower brands to effectively tell their stories.