The landscape of video production has shifted. In 2026, AI video tools are no longer just a novelty; they are practical assets for teams looking to move fast. At Cuecut, we believe in “Smart Creativity”—using the best tools available to tell stories that stick.
If you’re ready to experiment with AI video in-house, here is our simple 10-step roadmap to getting your first project off the ground.
1. Define the Strategic “Why”
Before touching any software, define your goal. Is this a quick internal update, a social media teaser, or a high-stakes investor pitch? AI is a tool, but it still needs a strategic pilot.
2. Scripting with an AI Partner
Use tools like ChatGPT or Claude to draft your narrative. Pro Tip: Don’t just ask for a script. Ask the AI to “act as a creative director” and provide three different tonal variations: professional, emotive, and direct.
3. Visual Prompting & Storyboarding
Use an image generator like Midjourney or DALL-E to create “Style Frames.” This helps you visualize the look and feel of your video before you spend time (or credits) on rendering motion.
4. Choose Your Video Engine
Select an AI video generator based on your needs.
Runway or Sora: For cinematic, high-concept visuals.
HeyGen or Synthesia: For “talking head” style training and internal comms.
5. Generate Your Voiceover
High-quality audio is 50% of the video experience. Use tools like ElevenLabs to create a natural-sounding narration that matches your brand’s personality.
6. The First Render
Input your prompts and style frames into your chosen video engine. Expect to “roll the dice” a few times. AI video often requires multiple iterations to get the movement exactly right.
7. The Hybrid Approach: Stock & B-Roll
Rarely is a 100% AI video perfect. Blend your AI-generated clips with real-world stock footage or your own library of assets. This “hybrid” approach often feels more grounded and professional.
8. Music and Sound Design
Use AI music tools like Udio or Suno to create a custom track. Sound effects (SFX) are the secret to making AI video feel “real”—don’t skip the subtle sounds of a door closing or wind blowing.
9. The Human Edit
Take your clips into a traditional editor (like Premiere Pro or CapCut). This is where you control the pacing, add text overlays, and ensure the “Smart Creativity” shines through. AI builds the blocks; humans build the house.
10. Review for “Hallucinations”
AI can occasionally produce strange visual glitches (hallucinations). Check every frame. Does that person have six fingers? Does the background warp? Quality control is what separates an experiment from a professional asset.
The “Master the Medium” Checklist
Should you do it yourself or call in the experts?
AI has lowered the barrier to entry, but it hasn’t lowered the bar for quality. Use this 5-step checklist to evaluate if your next project is a DIY task or a Cuecut collaboration.
- Risk & Stakes: Is this video for a high-stakes audience (Investors, Government, Board Members)? If the cost of a “glitchy” or amateur look is too high, it’s a job for a production house.
- The “Human” Factor: Does the story rely on genuine human emotion, nuances, or interviews? AI struggles with true empathy. High-impact storytelling often requires a real lens and a human director.
- Infrastructure & Time: Do you have the 20+ hours needed to learn, prompt, and troubleshoot these tools? If your team’s time is better spent on their core roles, outsourcing is the smarter financial move.
- The Quality Ceiling: Does the project need to reflect a premium, broadcast-quality brand? If you’ve reached a “quality ceiling” with your internal attempts, it’s time to bring in nearly two decades of expertise.
- Strategic Application: Do you know how this video fits into your wider digital orchestration? If you need more than just a file—if you need advice, guidance, and a plan—you need a partner.
Ready to make video work for your organisation? Whether you want to explore AI-driven content or need a cinematic film that moves your audience, let’s talk.
