Write one shot
Most AI video clips last a few seconds. One clear action in one shot works far better than a whole story. Need a story? Make one prompt per shot and edit the clips together.
What to describe
- The action, start to finish. "A chef sets down a plate, then sprinkles sugar on top."
- The camera move. See the list below.
- The setting and the light. "A busy restaurant kitchen, warm overhead lights, steam in the air."
- The look. Cinematic, documentary, animated, old film.
- The pace. Slow and calm, or fast and energetic.
- Length and shape. "5 seconds, wide 16:9" or "tall 9:16" for phone videos.
Camera moves in plain words
| Say this | What it does |
|---|---|
| Slow push in | The camera moves closer. Builds focus and tension. |
| Pull back | The camera moves away to reveal more of the scene. |
| Pan | The camera turns left or right from one spot. |
| Orbit | The camera circles around the subject. |
| Drone shot | A high, sweeping view from above. |
| Handheld | A little shaky, close and personal, like a phone video. |
| Locked off | The camera does not move at all. |
Before and after
Before
ocean waves
After
Waves roll in and crash against dark volcanic rocks at sunrise, throwing white spray into the air. The camera starts low near the waterline and slowly pushes forward, then rises to reveal the sun breaking over the horizon. Warm orange and pink light glows through the mist. Realistic and cinematic, slow and powerful. 8 seconds, wide 16:9.
Tips that save tries
- Keep it simple. One subject, one action, one camera move. Complex scenes often come out strange.
- Describe people the same way every time. If a character appears in several clips, reuse the exact same description.
- Never fake real people. Videos that show real people saying or doing things they did not do can hurt them and break the rules of every major tool.