AI made the first draft easier. It didn’t make client decisions easier

In the past, video projects would begin almost from scratch. However, today, clients can provide a rough direction and an AI can quickly generate a first script, revise it, and present a concrete version. While the first draft became easier, the decision-making process did not become simpler. Clients often struggle to articulate what they want the video to look or feel like.

To clarify, the reporter often begins by asking if there is a reference video or image. If not, several examples are provided to gauge what feels right and what does not. As the direction becomes clearer, the conversation also becomes more specific, moving from general ideas to decisions about the script, visual style, characters, scenes, and ultimately the storyboard.

This sequence of concrete choices narrows what the production team must interpret independently, making the entire process more efficient. However, even after the initial draft, the conversation continues, and another layer of uncertainty can emerge later. Sometimes, a change in the decision later on can lead to rework, as multiple parts of the project may depend on the earlier choice.

While faster generation makes replacing work easier, the change still has to be communicated back through the team, adding complexity. As a result, more of the reporter's attention is now spent on understanding the client's requirements, collecting feedback, and ensuring the production aligns with the agreed direction. Despite handed-over tasks like storyboarding, image generation, video generation, and editing, the reporter remains crucial in interpreting the client's intent, gathering feedback, and checking the final product against the agreed direction.

If a new version is produced, it can clarify the conversation, but if the client remains unclear about the desired outcome, the reporter may have advanced to a less-than-optimal solution. The key takeaway is that while AI can expedite the creation process, it does not necessarily simplify the decision-making process.