AI Video Production: A Comprehensive Guide

Last Updated: 3 months ago

As a team of creatives working in video, we’ve spent a lot of time thinking about where AI fits into what we do, and what it means for the future of our industry. The short version? AI’s not here to replace us. Not yet, and not for some time. Most of these tools still rely on recycled, human-made data, and while they’re clever, they’re not exactly original.

That said, we’re not ignoring it either. AI has become a massive talking point for good reason. Used right, it can simplify parts of the process, free up time, and even help spark new ideas. This guide gets into some fairly technical detail, breaking down the tools we’ve tested (and a few we haven’t), and sharing what we’ve learned along the way.

Online spaces are increasingly flooded with AI-generated content, so standing out means creating work that’s not only efficient, but also thoughtful, well-crafted, and unmistakably human. AI can help with that, but only when paired with real creative direction.

TLDR

AI’s Role in Video Production:

- - AI is transforming video production by handling repetitive tasks and streamlining workflows.
  - It’s a helpful assistant – not a replacement – for creative decision-making and professional oversight.

Pre-Production Benefits:

- - Ideation & Scripting: AI writing assistants (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Deepseek, Grok) kickstart your creative process by generating scripts and refining dialogue. Initial drafts need human input to add a unique creative touch.
  - Storyboarding & Planning: Tools like Storyboard.ai, Boords.com, and Shaicreative.ai turn scripts into preliminary visual storyboards, helping to plan camera angles and shot sequences quickly.

Production Enhancements:

- - AI-Generated Actors & Voiceovers: Solutions such as ElevenLabs, Voicebooking, and Adobe Express AI Voiceover offer realistic digital voices for narration and multilingual content but always require careful review for authenticity.
  - AI Video Generators: Various tools (DeepSeek, Kling AI, CogVideoX-5B, Stable Video Diffusion, SkyReels AI, Runway, Pictory, Synthesia, Pocketful, Hailuo AI) can generate video drafts or concept visuals quickly; however, they are best for ideation or internal demos rather than final client-ready productions.

Post-Production Improvements:

- - Automated Editing & Colour Grading: Tools like InVideo AI, Veed.io, and Color.io help assemble rough cuts and ensure a cohesive visual tone, speeding up initial editing, but detailed finishing always requires a human hand.
  - Sound Design & Music: AI tools such as MusicGeneratorAI.com, Soundraw.io, Lalal.ai, and Cleanvoice.ai can clean up audio, generate custom tracks, and remove unwanted noise.
  - Subtitles & Translations: Tools like Flixier AI Subtitle Generator, Captions.ai, YouTube Automatic Captions, AI Subtitle Translator, and Editingtools.io Translate make content more accessible across languages. Final manual reviews are crucial to catch errors and local nuances.

Ethical and Legal Considerations:

- - Deepfakes & Misinformation: AI’s ability to mimic human appearances can lead to deepfakes, spreading misinformation and impacting media trust.
  - Impact on Creatives: Many AI models train on work by real artists, often without proper consent or compensation. The advice here is clear: whenever possible, hire real artists to maintain originality and support the creative community.
  - Transparency & Bias: It’s vital to disclose AI use to your audience and ensure that the final content is inclusive and diverse by actively managing AI biases.
  - Environmental Impact: AI models can consume huge amounts of energy, contributing to a significant carbon footprint. Being mindful of these implications is important for sustainable practices.
  - Copyright Challenges: AI-generated content faces complex copyright issues since current laws require human authorship for full protection. Always check platform terms and seek legal advice if needed.

Time and Cost Efficiency:

- AI can produce rough drafts in minutes rather than days, but results are inconsistent and typically require substantial human refinement.
- For high-quality, hassle-free videos, professional video production agencies still deliver the best results.

What is AI Video Production?

AI video production is basically using artificial intelligence to give you a hand (or sometimes take over entirely) for certain parts of the video-making process. That could mean helping with script ideas, generating storyboards, editing footage, or even tidying up the final cut. It’s all about making things faster and a bit less overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling a lot of moving parts.

Why Is AI Video Production Getting So Popular?

Lately, AI has become a bit of a buzzword in video circles, and most other areas too. And not without reason. For a lot of creators it can help cut down the legwork: helping with ideas and scripts, cleaning up sound, even generating subtitles in multiple languages. It’s not magic, and it’s definitely not flawless, but it can seriously speed things up, especially for short-form content or internal projects. Just don’t expect it to handle everything on autopilot. You still need someone behind the wheel who knows what they’re doing.

Can I make a video using just AI?

Let’s tackle this one head-on. Can you make an entire video from concept to final cut using only AI? In short… not really. Sure, there are loads of clever tools out there that can help you at different stages, and some of them can even spit out full clips. But if you’re aiming for something polished and professional, you’re still going to need a solid understanding of video production and editing.

We actually put this to the test ourselves, trying to make a brand video for a fictional company using only free AI tools. We wanted to see just how far we could push it. (Spoiler: it got interesting, but yeah, AI still isn’t ready to fly solo.)

Although AI isn’t ready to handle the entire production process on its own, it can certainly be a useful part of the team when used correctly. It’s a way to help you streamline the tedious parts, giving you more time to focus on the creative decisions that truly make a video shine. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how AI tools can assist at different stages of video production, from early planning right through to the final edits.

AI Video Pre-Production

Ideation and Scripting with AI Tools

AI writing assistants don’t just spit out text, they can kickstart your creative process, help structure your scripts, and even polish your dialogue. Modern language models can suggest narrative arcs or character interactions that might slip through the cracks during your initial brainstorming. While the first drafts they produce can sometimes feel a bit generic, they serve as a solid starting point that you can build on and personalise with your own creative flair.

We’ve been testing various AI models to see how they can boost the video production process, and here’s what we found about some popular copywriting tools:

ChatGPT: Sometimes it needs a bit of coaxing, but once you get it going, it delivers comprehensive, useful results.
Claude: Provides multiple format options with extra layout choices, making it easier to tailor the output to your needs.
Gemini: It’s clear, fast, and straightforward, ideal if you’re looking for quick drafts that get straight to the point.
Deepseek: This one is available only to pro users, so it’s a good option if you’re willing to invest in premium tools.
Grok: Tends to struggle with delivering complete replies, so it’s probably not the best fit.

Storyboarding and Planning

Translating ideas into visuals early on is important for any shoot. AI tools can take your script and generate preliminary storyboards, offering a visual roadmap for the team to follow. These tools speed up pre-production, help pitch concepts to clients, and let you refine your ideas on the fly.

Storyboard.ai: Generates storyboard frames directly from script inputs. It’s handy for getting a quick visual layout, but often requires tweaks for pacing, continuity, and style. We found that creating consistent characters was useful, but generating the right sort of costumes for characters was time-consuming and often inaccurate.
Boords.com: A more traditional digital storyboarding platform that now incorporates AI for image suggestions. Strong for team collaboration and pitch decks, with drag-and-drop flexibility.
Shaicreative.ai: Uses AI to suggest shot compositions and visual sequences based on scene descriptions. Good for prototyping dynamic sequences or experimenting with stylistic variations.

AI Video Production

AI-Generated Actors and Voiceovers

AI voice tech has come a long way. These tools can be budget friendly when live actors aren’t viable, particularly for explainer videos, corporate updates, or multilingual content. Still, voices and avatars must be chosen and refined carefully. Tone, clarity, and believability should be reviewed and adjusted by professionals to avoid sounding robotic or inauthentic.

ElevenLabs: One of the most natural-sounding voice AI tools. Offers emotional inflections and custom voice cloning, making it ideal for narrative-driven content, still needs a human pass for nuance. We use this to generate temp voiceovers for our videos before replacing them with professional human voice actors. We’ve even had clients specifically request AI voiceovers because they felt it suited their cutting edge image.
Voicebooking: Combines AI with real voice talent libraries, allowing you to test script deliveries before hiring talent. Great for aligning voice tone with brand personality.
Adobe Express AI Voiceover: Easy-to-use tool that generates clean, automated voiceovers. It works best for short-form or social videos, but lacks deep emotion or dynamic range.

AI Video Generators

Now let’s talk about AI video generators. The flashy, often over-promised tools that claim to create entire videos with just a few prompts. We’ve tested a bunch of them, and while some are genuinely impressive, none are plug-and-play replacements for proper production. They’re best used for quick drafts, concept visuals, or internal demos, not client-ready work. That said, when you pair them with a solid creative eye and a bit of editing, they can speed things up and help visualise ideas before going all-in on a full shoot.

Based on our testing, here are our observations regarding various AI video models:

DeepSeek: Unfortunately, performance here is on the low side. The output quality and efficiency aren’t great, and it’s locked behind a pro user paywall that requires an upgrade for video output.
Kling AI: The results are hit or miss. While it can create stunning visuals, the process is slow – expect about three hours for a video to be ready. Plus, long queues and errors are pretty common, so it’s not exactly the most reliable option for quick work.
CogVideoX-5B: This one gives consistent results in around 30 minutes, but the interface feels a bit rough around the edges. It can definitely produce solid output, though you may need to tweak things for the best results.
Stable Video Diffusion: Fast and steady, this tool cranks out videos in just 5-7 minutes. However, it’s limited to very short, four-second clips, making it better suited for static visuals rather than full-on narratives.
SkyReels AI: This one is quick – about two minutes for a video – but the quality isn’t top-notch (outputs are watermarked and capped at 720p). Still, it’s a decent option for rapid prototyping or quick internal demos.
Runway: Known for its high-quality outputs, Runway takes about one to three hours to process videos. While the results are impressive with excellent motion control, you’ll need to be patient, as long queue times are common. We’re excited to try the latest version which promises better real-world physics.
Pictory: A fast worker, producing videos in around one minute. However, its template-based approach can sometimes leave the final product lacking a bit of polish and originality.
Synthesia: In about nine minutes, you get a video with digital avatars. However, the avatars can come across as a bit robotic, so it’s not ideal for all types of content, though it does serve its purpose for certain uses like corporate training videos.
Pocketful: A speedy one-minute turnaround time, but it doesn’t exactly shine in the visuals department.
Hailuo AI: The output here tends to feel a little “too AI”, and that’s further reflected in the fact that all videos include a watermark until you upgrade.
VEO3: By far this is the best video generator that we have encountered, with many people online saying that they have been “tricked” by this model already. VEO is quite fast to produce video outputs, taking 3-5 mins to produce a 5-8 sec long clip, which includes audio generation. We think that VEO will soon be replacing the need for stock footage, but personalised and original content will still need to be done by humans.

In short, while these AI video generators can help speed up early production stages, they still need a lot of human input to produce polished, professional content. They’re great for experimenting, brainstorming, or building internal demos, but if you’re aiming for high-quality videos, you’re still going to need some hands-on work from a skilled production team.

Need some help with a video project?
Get in contact! We’d be happy to chat through your ideas with you!

AI Video Post-Production

Automated Editing and Colour Grading

AI-assisted editing is getting better at assembling rough cuts, identifying key scenes, and cleaning up timelines. Similarly, auto-colour grading can balance shots quickly, maintaining a consistent look across edits. These tools are work for speeding up first passes or low-budget content

InVideo AI: This tool uses templates and your uploaded footage to automatically assemble videos. While it can save time, we found that it often resorts to stock footage, which makes the results feel impersonal and cheap. It might be useful for a quick draft but still lacks the finesse needed for a full video edit.
Veed.io: A browser-based tool that offers useful features like AI-powered subtitle generation and automatic cropping for different platforms. If you’re working with multiple video formats or need to add captions quickly, this tool might help streamline your workflow, though the AI features are still best used for simple tasks.
Color.io: This AI tool helps with colour matching across different clips to give your video a cohesive visual tone. It could be a time-saver for quick turnarounds, but for more intricate grading or creative colour choices, you’ll still need to step in manually.

AI-Powered Sound Design and Music

Sound can make or break a video. AI has made some serious strides in assisting with audio production. AI tools can clean up audio, remove background noise, balance levels, and even generate custom soundscapes or background tracks. Here’s a closer look at some of the AI models that can help with sound design and music:

MusicGeneratorAI.com: This tool creates royalty-free music based on specific mood, genre, and tempo inputs. It’s great for quickly generating background tracks or audio beds for your videos, but the results can sometimes feel a bit generic unless you add your own tweaks.
Soundraw.io: Offering a more interactive experience, Soundraw lets you customise AI-generated music in real time. You can adjust the length, structure, and instrumentation, giving you more control over the final track.
Lalal.ai: This tool specialises in vocal and instrumental separation, making it a great choice for refining audio from existing recordings. If you’re working with a track that has both vocals and music, Lalal.ai can help you isolate the parts you need, like cleaning up dialogue or creating karaoke-style tracks.
Cleanvoice.ai: If you’re dealing with voice-heavy content, Cleanvoice.ai is a lifesaver. It automatically removes filler words, stutters, and background noise from voice recordings. If you’re editing podcasts, voiceovers, or interviews, this tool can save a lot of time by streamlining the cleanup process.

Adding Subtitles and Translations with AI

Subtitles are essential for accessibility, and they can also help your video reach a wider, global audience. With AI tools improving speech-to-text and multi-language translations, adding accurate subtitles is no longer a hassle. These tools can save time while ensuring your content is more accessible. But, like with any AI-generated task, human intervention is needed to ensure accuracy, especially when it comes to regional expressions and local dialects. Let’s take a look at some of the AI tools that can help with subtitles and translations:

Flixier AI Subtitle Generator: This tool detects speech and automatically adds timed subtitles to your videos. It also gives you the ability to customise the layout, so you can tweak the look of your subtitles to fit your brand style.
Captions.ai: A solid choice for quick social media edits, Captions.ai auto-generates subtitles with a little extra flair. It adds motion effects to the subtitles and allows for minor edits before exporting, making it ideal for content that needs to be polished and ready for social sharing in no time.
YouTube Automatic Captions: YouTube’s built-in subtitle feature is a decent starting point for automatic captions, especially if you’re working with English-language content. While it’s not perfect, it can save you a lot of time, particularly for basic content where high-level precision isn’t crucial..
AI Subtitle Translator: If you’re looking to take your content global, AI Subtitle Translator can help by converting your existing subtitles into multiple languages. It’s helpful for repurposing content and expanding to global audiences.
Editingtools.io Translate: A helpful tool for those working with prepared subtitle files (.srt), Editingtools.io efficiently translates entire subtitle files. If you’ve already got your subtitles ready and just need them in another language, this is a fast solution to get the job done.

AI Video Ethical Considerations

As AI continues to make changes to how we interact with the world, it feels pertinent to touch on and to keep in mind the ethical challenges that come with these tools. While AI offers exciting possibilities, we must be cautious about how it’s used. Here’s a closer look at some of the biggest ethical concerns surrounding AI in video production:

Deepfakes and Misinformation

One of the most alarming issues with AI in video production is its ability to mimic human appearances and voices, leading to the creation of deepfakes (manipulated videos that can spread misinformation or create harmful content). While this technology can be used creatively, it’s also increasingly used for malicious purposes, posing significant risks. Deepfakes can be used to deceive audiences, leading to a breakdown in trust and even affecting the credibility of media in general. The ability to distort reality to the point that the general public can be convinced that falsehoods are reality is something we should all be aware of. This alone highlights the importance of ethical guidelines in the use and development of such technology.

Impact on Creatives

One of the most pressing concerns with AI in video production is how many AI models are trained using data sourced from artists and creatives, often without their consent or proper compensation. This practice not only raises ethical issues but also threatens the livelihoods of those in our industry. AI can’t replace the true creativity, passion, and nuance that a real artist brings to a project. Whenever possible, hire real artists who deserve to be recognised and compensated for their work. By doing so, you’re supporting the creative community and ensuring that your content maintains a level of originality and authenticity that AI simply can’t replicate. Creatives like us put heart and soul into their craft, and they deserve to be at the forefront of the creative process. Let’s not forget the importance of human talent in a time where people are increasingly being replaced in the name of cost and efficiency.

Transparency and Disclosure

When incorporating AI into video production, it’s important to be transparent with your audience. Disclosing when AI has been used ensures that your viewers understand which parts of the production process were assisted by AI, and which were driven by human creativity. This level of transparency not only builds trust with your audience but also helps maintain the integrity of the content. It’s also a step towards ensuring that AI remains a tool for enhancing our creativity, rather than replacing it.

Bias in AI Models

AI systems are trained on large datasets, and often these datasets contain biases, as we live in a biased world. This can lead to AI-generated content that is one-dimensional or perpetuates harmful stereotypes. It’s essential to test the outputs of AI systems, tweak the prompts, and ensure that the final content is inclusive, diverse, and accurate. It’s important that we remain responsible, ensuring that content reflects a wide range of perspectives.

The Environmental Impact of AI

Beyond the ethical implications in content creation, there’s also a growing concern about the environmental impact of AI. The models behind these tools require immense computational power, which means they consume significant amounts of energy. Training large AI models can result in a substantial carbon footprint, contributing to global warming and environmental degradation. As AI continues to advance, it’s vital that we, as creators and users, are mindful of the environmental consequences of using these tools. Some companies are starting to implement more energy-efficient methods, but it’s up to all of us to consider the broader impact and make informed decisions about how we incorporate AI into our workflows.

Copyright in AI Video

When it comes to copyright and AI-generated content, things can get a bit murky. Who actually owns the final product? The answer isn’t always cut and dry, and it largely depends on who’s behind the work and what the terms say.

Who Owns the Content?

Different platforms have different rules. Some claim rights over anything the AI generates, while others let you keep full ownership. It’s super important to read the fine print before you hit that publish button.

Copyright and Human Authorship

In both the UK and the US, a piece needs a human touch to qualify for copyright protection. If it’s completely generated by AI, it usually can’t be copyrighted as a creative work. However, if you add your own creative flair and edit it with your personal touch, you might be able to claim copyright on the parts that you’ve actually contributed.

Evolving Legal Landscape & Getting Advice

The rules around AI and copyright are still being hashed out, with lots of debates on how to balance the rights of creators versus the contributions of AI tools. If you’re planning to use AI-generated content in your projects which you would like to copyright, it’s wise to consult a legal expert who can help you navigate your rights and responsibilities.

How Efficient is Using AI for Video Production Really?

Time and Cost Comparisons with Traditional Production:
When it comes to cutting costs and speeding things up, AI video production can make a splash compared to traditional methods. You can have a rough draft video in minutes instead of days, which sounds amazing…until you realise most models still need plenty of human tweaks and multiple rounds of adjustments, and even then the results can be pretty hit-or-miss.Here’s our (completely unbiased, of course) advice: if you really want a video made with minimal hassle and maximum quality, your best bet is to get in touch with a professional video production agency. And hey, if you’re interested, feel free to drop us a line right here.

Conclusion

AI is a powerful tool for video production. It handles routine tasks and offers new creative possibilities, but it requires constant human oversight. The creative vision remains a human domain, ensuring that video production is not only efficient but also rich in emotion and artistry. Think of AI as a sidekick, not the director. It still needs oversight, taste, and creative intent to produce work that connects.



Author Bio

Adam Neale is the CEO and Creative Director of Bold Content Video, a London-based video production agency specialising in strategic, story-driven films for global brands. With over two decades of experience in the video industry, and more than 1100 videos filmed in 43 countries, Adam has led award-winning productions across branded content, documentary, and corporate storytelling.

His work has been recognised with a Vimeo Staff Pick, a Webby Award, and honours from international film festivals, reflecting his commitment to creative excellence and innovation in visual storytelling.

Under Adam’s leadership, Bold Content Video has produced campaigns for leading organisations including Coca-Cola, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and Google. He is passionate about helping brands communicate with authenticity and purpose through the power of film.

Table of Contents: