📽️Let's talk about basic Filmmaking Scene Coverage for AI Films Now that the technology is improving exponentially, I think it's time to improve our discipline. I came from traditional filmmaking, and creating a shotlist was tedious but necessary. You want to make sure you get proper coverage to tell... your story. I'll break down the various shot types and the "whys" in the comments. Tools used: ChatGPT // for shot design and world building Runway Gen-4 and Veo // for image-to-video Higgsfield // for Explosion shots and dynamic Broll Dreamina or Omnihuman // for Lipsync Magnific // for shot upscaling Premiere Pro // for Editing and Sound Davinci Resolve // for color Film Convert // grain and halation emulation Elevenlabs // for voice to voiceshow more

Establishing Shot-- Why it’s used: To ground the audience in a specific location or time What it adds: Context and continuity and can carry thematic weight (e.g., dark skies over a prison set the mood) I cut this shot, because it felt more dramatic to start on a close up.

Two-Shot-- Why it’s used: To frame two characters together, usually during a conversation or moment of connection/conflict What it adds: Visual storytelling of a relationship Highlights balance, tension, or intimacy Keeps both reactions in frame, showing simultaneous emotion

Over-the-Shoulder (OTS)-- Why it’s used: To place the audience into the perspective of a character Ideal for dialogue scenes where reactions matter What it adds: Creates a feeling of involvement—you’re eavesdropping, part of the conversation Shows power dynamics—whomever’s shoulder we’re over often has the narrative edge

Close-Up (CU)-- Why it’s used: To isolate emotion, draw attention to a specific detail (a tear, a flickering eye, a ticking watch) What it adds: Intimacy—lets the audience see what a character may be hiding Focus and emotion—we’re not distracted by the world, we’re inside a moment Can shift the emotional weight of a scene instantly

Hero Action Shot (aka Set-Piece or Money Shot)-- Definition: A hero action shot is a stylized, high-impact moment that showcases spectacle, danger, or power. It’s often choreographed for maximum cinematic effect, featuring explosions, gunfire, stunts, or a character performing a physically or emotionally intense action. Why it’s used: To elevate stakes and energize the audience especially for trailer moments (sometimes referred to as the trailer shot) To showcase skill, chaos, or consequences

Dave, I appreciate when you and other experienced producers drop gems like this. It speaks volumes about your respect for the craft and at the same time, admonishes others to do the same — especially when you could easily only share this kind of knowledge with paying customers.

Thanks brother. My main goal is to lift the entire community. We need to show the world that this here is real.

Cool stuff, Dave

Thank you for sharing these with the rationale! This would benefit a lot of people on this platform that want to make AI films.

Thanks Heather! Yes that is my goal. So many talented AI artists on here, but many may not have come from traditional filmmaking, but they have incredible ideas. Want to make sure they have the same information to tell the best stories!

Thanks Dave, appreciate this post. Good job btw it looks and sounds great.

Real quick question, do you think people wanna see a 30-45 mins AI movie or shorts like this? Not longer than 3 mins?

This has improved by leaps and bounds since I last checked in months ago. Crazy! Hopefully once it understands human emotions and interactions better (the eyes!) it’ll feel more viable as a long-format solution for indie creators.

Agree! A year from now its game time

How are you maintaining character consistency??

This is mostly ChatGPT! A little Midjourney and Photoshop love. But 90% ChatGPT image generation.

@Scobleizer Great thread!

Scene geography is so important

This is a new market. Education the average man on art to train hobbiests.

Composed super well, but god the actual visuals are still so bad (which ofc is not a knock on you) Despite that I see how the shotlist really elevates the story telling.

Thanks for sharing, I’m definitely going to try some of this in my next short. My current effort:

How did you use GPT for shot design/world building? To create the prompts to use in Runway?

My question is - you seem to have a certain template on how you build out your sound. Particularly in this case I'm referencing the vocal dialog. I can hear the ambient noise but what do you do to draw the closeness (how is it so consistent) in your projects. To me, it draws my interest and makes it easy to focus on the scene at hand (sound wise) but the close shot of course aligns with it.

thank god for you.... I'm a retarrd with shot creation!

if you're an aspiring (or established) filmmaker looking to package your next project effectively...Let's connect.