The Ultimate AI Video Editing Post Production Guide
AI video editing is the use of artificial intelligence to assist or automate tasks in post-production. This ai video editing post production guide explains how generative AI tools are integrated into non-linear editing (NLE) software, not to replace them, but to enhance the workflow of the editor. Filmmakers can use these tools to generate or refine footage, bridging the gap between a creative vision and the current capabilities of the technology. The process often involves using AI to get a shot approximately correct before finalizing it with traditional video editing techniques.
Core Workflows in AI Video Editing Post Production
AI assists in video editing by automating decisions like shot breakdowns and using generative AI to create new clips or extend existing ones directly within editing software. According to AI filmmaker Austin Zartman, creator of the AI film series ASHES, AI platforms try to "automate as much of the decision making as possible." However, he notes that there is often an "accuracy gap" between what the AI produces and what the creator wants.
To manage this, Zartman advocates for the "80% rule." This workflow involves using an AI video tool to generate clips that are about 80% of the way to the desired outcome. The final 20% is then achieved using the tools within a traditional editing program. He states, "the things that you can do with different um editing programs, uh in terms of like reframing, speeding up, slowing down clips, um it it just gives you a lot more versatility." This hybrid approach allows filmmakers to leverage the speed of AI generation without needing to create a perfect clip from the start. Standard video editing techniques are still essential to finalize the shot.
Generative AI Features in Video Editing Software
Video editing software like CapCut includes built-in generative AI features, such as an integrated model called Dreamina, which can generate new clips or modify existing ones to fix specific details. This allows for powerful revisions directly within the editing timeline without needing to go back to a separate generation platform. These integrated tools can often solve problems that standalone generators cannot, making the post-production process more efficient.
Austin Zartman provides a specific example from his work on ASHES. He needed a shot of a character's boots running away, but his primary generation tool, Layline, kept producing "modern boots with track design." After many failed attempts, he brought the project into CapCut. Zartman explains, "in Dreamina, I was able to" generate the correct old-fashioned boots. This demonstrates how in-editor AI can provide a crucial function for fixing stylistic inconsistencies or generating specific assets that are difficult to prompt elsewhere. CapCut also allows users to extend existing clips, adding another layer of AI-assisted flexibility during the edit.
How to Generate Clips for Easier Post-Production
To make AI video editing easier, you should generate clips based on simple, concrete actions rather than complex or incomplete movements. Current AI video models struggle with nuanced or multi-part actions, which can lead to inconsistent results and long generation times. Focusing on clear, singular actions produces more reliable clips that are easier to edit together in post-production.
Zartman advises that "half actions or the incomplete things" are difficult for AI to handle. He gives an example of a complex scene: a character gently pushes someone who recovers, then pushes them again. He notes that generating each of those beats would take "probably like 10 to 12 seconds." A simpler, cleaner line of action, such as "he pushes her, she falls off the cliff," is much easier for the AI to generate and saves significant time. The recommendation is to focus on one concrete action per clip and save character reactions for separate shots at the beginning or end of the action.
Using AI for Audio Post-Production
Yes, AI tools can be used for sophisticated audio post-production tasks like voice changing, voice isolation, and dialogue replacement, though achieving perfect results remains a challenge. Platforms like ElevenLabs offer voice changer tools that can take an existing vocal performance and alter the voice while preserving the original cadence and speed. This is a powerful feature for any AI video workflow.
However, Zartman notes that consistency is the primary challenge. He describes trying to use an ElevenLabs voice changer to apply a new character voice to a pre-existing recording. While he needed to maintain the exact timing of the original speech, he "found it very hard to create an exact replica of it." For practical editing, he offers a solution for syncing new AI-generated audio. When replacing dialogue, he advises editors to "lay the original, the original down and then you can go in and fix it." By keeping the original audio track in the timeline, you can use its waveform as a precise visual guide to align the new AI voice, which helps overcome lip-sync issues.
Recommended Software for AI Video Editing
For AI filmmaking, recommended editing software includes DaVinci Resolve, a powerful and complex free program, and CapCut, a more user-friendly option with built-in generative AI features. Choosing the right software is a critical step in any ai video editing post production guide because it defines the tools available to you.
Austin Zartman uses DaVinci Resolve, noting that the free version is exceptionally robust. He says, "I've been using it for the last eight months and I haven't found a need to use the paid version." While it has a steeper learning curve, its core functions are similar to other editors. For newer users, Zartman suggests CapCut is "a really good program to dive into." He describes it as a "lighter program" that is less intimidating.
Here is a breakdown of the two options:
- DaVinci Resolve
- Best for: Experienced editors who need a powerful, industry-standard suite for free.
- Key Features: Advanced color correction, audio post-production (Fairlight), and visual effects (Fusion) all in one application.
- Considerations: Has a significant learning curve due to its extensive feature set.
- CapCut
- Best for: Newer users or creators who want a streamlined workflow with integrated generative AI.
- Key Features: Built-in AI tools like Dreamina that link to an online platform, allowing for clip generation from within the software.
- Considerations: A "lighter program" that may not have all the advanced features of DaVinci Resolve.
Frequently asked questions
What is the '80% rule' in AI video editing?
The '80% rule' is a workflow principle where you use AI to generate a video clip that is about 80% of what you need. The final 20% is achieved using traditional video editing techniques like reframing, color correction, or speed adjustments to perfect the shot.
Can AI fix mistakes in generated video clips?
Yes, some AI tools within editing software can fix mistakes. AI filmmaker Austin Zartman gives an example of using CapCut's Dreamina AI to generate period-appropriate boots for a character after another platform repeatedly created modern ones with track designs.
How does AI help with audio dialogue replacement?
AI tools like ElevenLabs can generate new dialogue in a different voice while attempting to match the cadence of an original recording. For syncing, editors can use the original audio's waveform as a visual guide to align the new AI-generated voice in post-production.
Is it better to generate simple or complex actions with AI?
It is better to generate simple, concrete actions. Complex sequences with "half actions" are difficult for current AI models to create accurately and can take significant time, with Austin Zartman noting a single beat could take 10-12 seconds to generate.
Are there free editing programs with AI features?
Yes, CapCut is a lighter editing program with built-in generative AI features suitable for newer users. DaVinci Resolve is another powerful option with a highly capable free version, though its most advanced AI features are part of the paid Studio version.
Keep learning
This guide is part of the Editing and Sound Design masterclass lesson.
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