How to make your first AI short drama: a beginner's guide

What you'll make

A 30 to 60-second vertical drama with one or two characters, made of short AI video clips. This guide walks through the whole process, from the first line of the script to the finished video.

1. Start small

• One or two characters, one location, one twist.
• 30 to 60 seconds — about 4 to 8 clips.
• End on a question or a reveal, so people want the next episode.

2. Write the script

Write one moment per line, in Name: line format, with actions in parentheses. See how to format a script for AI video.

3. Make a character sheet for each character

A character sheet is one image that shows the same person from every side: expressions, angles, full-body outfits and close-up details. It's the single most important step for keeping faces the same across clips.

Use the free character sheet prompt maker: fill in the blanks, copy the prompt, and paste it into ChatGPT, Gemini (Nano Banana), Grok, Higgsfield or Midjourney.

A good sheet has:

• A large front portrait
• 4–5 expressions you'll actually use in the story
• Front, three-quarter, side and back views
• Full-body shots in each outfit
• Close-ups of the face, eyes, hair and signature props

Don't ask the AI to write names or labels on the sheet — the letters usually come out broken.

4. Keep faces consistent

1. Attach the character sheet as a reference image for every clip.
2. Give each character one signature prop, like headphones or a watch, that appears in every shot.
3. Paste the same character line into every prompt. The sheet maker writes it for you.
4. For the same location, use a frame from the previous clip as the start image.

5. Plan the cuts

Paste your script into Cut Maker. It splits the script into clips that fit your model, and marks each one Fits, Tight or Over before you spend a credit. Not sure which length to pick? See Seedance vs Kling clip lengths.

6. Write the clip prompts

Each clip needs the exact dialogue in quotes, who says it, and the actions in order. Cut Maker's Prompts button builds these for you. More tips in how to write dialogue prompts.

7. Generate and check

• Is the face the same as the sheet?
• Does the line finish, without rushing?
• Does the lip sync match?

Regenerate only the clips that fail. Planning the cuts first is what keeps this number low.

8. Edit and post

• Put the clips in order and add the SRT subtitles from Cut Maker.
• Add a hook on the first frame — see how to write hook text.
• Keep text inside the safe zones so buttons don't cover it.

Checklist

1. Script in Name: line format
2. One character sheet per character
3. Cut plan with no Over cuts
4. Prompts with the character line in every cut
5. Subtitles and hook inside the safe zones