We’re always looking for ways to optimize our processes to protect our clients’ resources and provide more value. These days, it’s impossible to ignore the advancements in AI technology, so we’ve been exploring ways to utilize AI in our preproduction process.
Preproduction is often the most lengthy portion of the video production process. As the old adage goes, “measure twice, cut once.” Or in our case, plan as much as you can before you start rolling because it’s better to over-prepare than schedule a reshoot.
While you should always be thorough with preproduction planning, the little things can add up, slowly creeping into your overall project scope. We’ve seen this time and time again with coordinating multiple parties for meetings—two back-and-forths with 10 participants can consume hours of producer’s day. AI calendar assistants can not only tackle tricky scheduling with many participants but also optimize daily schedules to maximize efficiency. Even when unexpected meetings pop up, these programs can help rearrange schedules to ensure it doesn’t throw off the rest of the week.
When the scheduled day finally comes, you can count on virtual meeting programs to offer post-meeting summaries written by AI. Now no one has to jot down notes, miss what was said, catch up, jot down more notes, repeat, repeat. Knowing you’ll have organized, typed-out notes at the end of a meeting means you can stay focused on the conversation and use your brain power for problem-solving and generating ideas in the moment. This is also a great tool for preliminary meetings with potential interviewees—AI can pull out important information, themes, and even quotes about the participant’s story to begin building out the video's message.
Which brings us to the next step: creating scripts or videos outlines. Chatbots can write video scripts using a simple prompt, but users should beware! There’s a lot that AI can do, but capturing your unique brand voice while efficiently conveying a message and utilizing humor, sincerity, and/or wordplay aren’t among its strong suits. Language is a powerful tool for forming human connections, so make sure every word reflects the goal of your message and speaks directly to your target audience.
Instead, it might be better to utilize AI-powered editing programs to review scripts rewritten by your team. These programs can provide great feedback to make your writing more clear and concise. But use your best judgment—language is constantly evolving and what’s grammatically correct could feel too formal or, worse, sterile. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to turn to a trusted professional in the copywriting and editing space.
Once a script is finalized, the next step is finding a location to film. The details of your subject’s surroundings provide contextual information and will impact how the viewers digest your message. Whether you’re setting up in front of the hustle and bustle of a busy office building, the beautiful landscape of a farm, or the simplicity of a solid color backdrop; every choice says something to your audience, so finding the right place is crucial. In the past, scouting locations meant traveling to multiple destinations to physically view a space. With AI location scouting programs, you can search keywords (such as architectural styles, notes on ambiance, natural features such as waterfalls or mountains, etc.) in vast databases to find locations that meet your needs. With photo references and detailed geographical and logistical information, video teams may no longer have to spend resources on an in-person scouting trip.
Lastly, when all the details have been decided, shot lists and shoot schedules can be created and optimized with AI. The Tetris-like puzzles that shoot schedules often present can be very satisfying to crack, but of course, it takes time. Providing all the details—start time, wrap time, participant restrictions, necessary breaks, location changes, etc.—and asking an AI program to provide a few different schedules can get you to the right answer faster.
Even as we celebrate these conveniences, we cannot ignore the ethical concerns regarding artificial intelligence. It’s important for everyone to consider how their use of AI impacts job displacement in the creative industry, the welfare of the environment, and the strength of their legal and privacy policies.
As technology continues to advance, it fuels ongoing innovation—meaning the next advancement will always come sooner than the last.
By keeping an eye on the horizon and anticipating the changing landscape of artificial intelligence, we are able to provide the most efficient services possible to our clients. By staying true to our values, we ensure our projects never lose the human connection that goes the extra mile for our clients’ goals.