Join AI Film Academy

Guide · updated 2026-10-29

How to make an AI short film

To make an AI short film, write a one-sentence story, plan 4–8 shots, lock your characters and set with reference images, generate a still for each shot, animate each still with one action in Veo 3.1, add voices and sound, then edit and caption it in DaVinci Resolve. A beginner can finish a 30-second film in about 7 days.

What do you need to make an AI short film?

A browser, a Google account for Google Flow (Nano Banana Pro for images, Veo 3.1 for video; free daily credits are enough to start), ElevenLabs for voices (free tier available), and DaVinci Resolve (free) for editing.

The 8 steps

  1. Write one sentence. Say who wants what and what stands in the way. For The Brass Lock: a woman finds a locked chest in a ruin, and a stranger knows its secret.
  2. Turn it into 4–8 shots. List each shot with its size (wide, medium, close-up), the action, and one line of sound. Short films live or die on this plan.
  3. Lock your characters. Make a reference sheet for each character (front, three-quarter, full body) in Nano Banana Pro, and paste the same description into every prompt.
  4. Lock your place. Make 2–4 reference images of your set from different angles so the walls, light and props stay the same.
  5. Make the keyframes. Generate one approved still per shot, attaching the character and set references. Fix details with edits instead of starting over.
  6. Animate one action per clip. In Google Flow, start Veo 3.1 from each still and describe one action that ends in a still moment. Keep clips 4–8 seconds.
  7. Add voice and sound. Record or design voices in ElevenLabs, then add room sound, effects and music.
  8. Edit, caption and post. Cut on action in DaVinci Resolve, mix to about -14 LUFS, add captions, and label it as AI-made when you post.

How long does it take?

About 7 days at 30–45 minutes a day for a 30-second narrated film. A 60-second film with talking characters takes about two weeks for a beginner.

Why do AI characters change between shots, and how do I stop it?

Each generation starts from scratch, so anything you don't pin down drifts. Attach the same reference images every time, paste the same description word for word, and add a lock line: "Keep exactly the same face, hair and costume as the reference image." Full guide to consistent characters →

How long can one AI video clip be?

Veo 3.1 clips are short, typically up to about 8 seconds. Films are built from many short shots cut together, which is also how live-action films work.

Do I have to label AI films?

Yes, where platforms ask. YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook each have an AI or altered-content label for realistic AI video. Labelling builds trust with your audience.

Written by Asad Syal, founder of Join AI Film Academy. Based on our own productions, including The Brass Lock.

Make your first film with us

The Lite course walks you through every step above in 7 days. Your first 4 weeks are $11.99.

Get 70% off your first 4 weeks · $11.99
70% off your first 4 weeksStart · $11.99