Issue #75: How AI Video Turns Great Storytellers Into Unfair Competitors

Good morning.

Last month, I watched a client (one-person agency) land a $180K client.

The competition was a 14-person creative studio with Emmy-winning directors, a $1M equipment budget, and 15 years of brand relationships.

Here's how she won:

While the big studio was scheduling pre-production meetings, she sent the prospect three video concepts. Full production quality. Each one told a different story about their product launch.

Concept 1: The founder's journey (emotional hook)

Concept 2: Customer transformation (social proof)

Concept 3: Industry disruption (thought leadership)

Total creation time: 4 hours. Total cost: ~$733 in AI credits.

The prospect called within 20 minutes: "How did you capture our vision so perfectly? And how did you create these so fast?"

Her secret wasn't better AI tools. Everyone has access to the same models.

Her secret was understanding something most businesses miss:

Now that we have flawless AI video, the right story is the only moat that matters.

The studio could make beautiful videos. But they couldn't tell stories that convert.

She could do both. And do it faster, cheaper, and more iteratively than anyone with traditional workflows.

This is the new reality. Technical execution is commoditized.

Anyone can generate professional-quality video in minutes.

But not everyone can craft the stories that make people stop scrolling, start caring, and take action.

Today, I'm showing you how to become one of the few who can.

I’m opening up this regular issue for everyone, free and paid.

— Sam

IN TODAY’S ISSUE 🤖 

• The Story Gap: Why AI just created the biggest competitive advantage of the decade

• The 4 Business Story Frameworks: Proven narrative structures that convert across every industry

• The AI Video Production Stack: From concept to published video in under an hour

• Swipe These Story-to-Video Blueprints: Complete workflows for marketing, sales, and viral content

• The Tools That Scale Stories: Platform recommendations for solo entrepreneurs to enterprise teams

Let’s get into it.

The Story Gap That AI Just Exposed

For decades, great storytelling was expensive to execute.

You could craft the perfect narrative, but bringing it to life required:

• $10K+ video budgets

• 3-4 week production timelines

• Technical teams

• Professional equipment

• Location scouting

• Talent coordination

So most businesses settled for mediocre videos with mediocre stories. The barrier to great execution meant everyone looked the same.

AI video has opened up huge opportunities for any business, at a fraction of the cost.

Now, a compelling story can become a professional video in minutes. For the cost of a coffee.

But this doesn't level the playing field. It creates a bigger gap.

When execution was expensive, mediocre stories could hide behind high production values. Flashy graphics and smooth cinematography covered for weak narratives.

Now that anyone can create Hollywood-quality visuals, story quality is naked and exposed. 

There’s no end to AI video models and tools:

• Genie 3 (Google DeepMind)

  • Genie 3

  • State-of-the-art interactive world model. Generates fully explorable, real-time 3D environments from text, not just videos—move within scenes, simulate physics, prompt changes, and train agents for AGI research. Not yet public, research preview only.
    

• Runway Aleph

  • Runway Aleph

  • Next-gen video-to-video AI model. Enables in-context video editing, such as virtual reshoots, style transfers, object insertion/removal, and advanced cinematic post-production—just by writing prompts. Exclusive to Runway, not Midjourney.
    
    

• Hailuo AI (MiniMax)

  • Hailuo AI

  • Breakthrough text-to-video and image-to-video platform. Noted for Director-level camera control, high-definition (1080p), cinematic effects, physics, and rapid AI-assisted editing right in the browser. Excels at realistic, dynamic visual storytelling.
    

• OpenAI Sora

  • Sora Overview

  • Text-to-video generator specializing in long-form, high-resolution (up to 1080p) videos. Ideal for commercials, film, marketing, and narrative content. Renowned for scene coherence, detail, and longer clips, but basic physics modeling still in development.
    

• Google Veo 3

  • Veo 3

  • Google's cinematic video generator, praised for realism, sound, and physics simulation. Used for enterprise and creative projects, with API access via Google Cloud Vertex AI. Suitable for professional content creators.
    

• Runway Gen-3/Gen-4

  • Runway

  • Flagship text-to-video and video editing models. Advanced motion, style, and camera controls for filmmakers, marketers, and creators. Robust API and workflow tools; excels in creative and commercial tasks.
    

• Kling

  • Kling

  • Chinese market leader in motion realism with physics engines. Generates extended, photorealistic clips (up to 2 minutes, 1080p). Used for advertising, synthetic b-roll, and influencer projects.
    

• HeyGen

  • HeyGen

  • Specialized for professional avatar-based videos and digital presenters. Natural voice and facial synthesis, ideal for corporate training, e-commerce, and marketing. Not a general video generator.
    

• Synthesia

  • Synthesia

  • Avatar-based video creation platform specializing in realistic speech, lip sync, and multi-language business presentations.

The bottleneck is not AI models and tools. You have plenty to pick from.

The bottleneck is something else: 

You should learn how to craft narratives that stop scrolling in the first 3 seconds, create emotional connection in 15 seconds, drive action in 30 seconds, and get shared because people want to share them.

This is your opportunity. While your competitors are playing with AI video generators, you're going to master the stories that make those videos unstoppable.

The 4 Business Story Frameworks That Convert

Most high-converting video follows one of four proven narrative structures. 

But business storytelling is about driving specific outcomes that move the needle for online businesses.

Understanding business storytelling means recognizing that your audience is constantly making micro-decisions about whether to trust you, whether to keep watching, and whether to take action. 

Unlike entertainment stories where the goal is engagement, business stories must build credibility fast, create genuine urgency, and simplify complex value propositions into relatable scenarios.

The psychology here matters more than most entrepreneurs realize. B2B buyers make emotional decisions first, then justify them rationally later. 

Your story provides that crucial emotional connection while your features and benefits provide the logical justification they need to move forward.

There's also a positioning element that trips up most business storytellers. 

Your customer needs to be the hero of your story, with you serving as the wise guide who helps them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. 

This psychological positioning is what separates stories that convert from stories that fall flat.

Framework 1: The Transformation Bridge (Marketing Foundation)

Structure: Before State → Catalyst → After State → Invitation

This framework mirrors your customer's mental journey from problem to solution, making their transformation feel both achievable and inevitable. 

It works because people don't buy products. They buy better versions of themselves.

Example Script Template:

"Six months ago, [Customer Type] was struggling with [Specific Problem].

Every day felt like [Emotional Consequence].

Then they discovered [Your Solution/Approach].

Now they're [Specific Better Outcome with Numbers].

Ready to make the same transformation?"

Additional Tactics:

• Use specific numbers: "Increased revenue by 34%" beats "grew their business"

• Include emotional states: "felt overwhelmed every morning" creates connection

• Show time compression: transformation in realistic timeframes

• Match industry context: use customers from the same industry as your prospect

AI Video Prompt:

Create a split-screen video showing the transformation journey. 

Left side: Person looking frustrated while [struggling with problem]. 

Right side: Same person confidently [achieving desired outcome]. 

Bridge the scenes with our product/service in action. 

Style: Clean, professional, hopeful tone. 30 seconds total.

Works For: SaaS onboarding, e-commerce product demos, agency case studies, course marketing

Framework 2: The Authority Accelerator (Sales & Trust)

Structure: Contrarian Insight → Proof → Method → Application

This framework builds credibility by challenging conventional wisdom with superior methods. Prospects are skeptical of sales messages but respect expertise. This framework builds credibility before pitching.

Example Script Template:

"Everyone tells you to [Common Advice].

But here's what they don't mention: [Hidden Problem/Cost].

In my experience with [Credential/Results], the real solution is [Your Method].

Here's exactly how it works: [3-Step Process].
Want to try this yourself?"

Additional Tactics:

• Name the enemy: identify flawed conventional wisdom specifically

• Stack credentials: multiple proof points (results, experience, recognition)

• Simplify method: break complex solutions into 3-4 clear steps

• Soft call-to-action: invite engagement rather than demanding it

AI Video Prompt:

Create an expert-style video with presenter addressing camera. 

Scene 1: Show the 'wrong way' everyone does it (visual metaphor).

Scene 2: Present speaking directly with confident authority.

Scene 3: Demonstrate the 'right way' with clear steps.

Style: Professional but approachable, thought-leader aesthetic.

Works For: Consulting services, high-ticket offers, B2B sales, premium positioning

Framework 3: The Attention Magnet (Viral & Shareability)

Structure: Pattern Interrupt → Curiosity Hook → Payoff → Loop Back

The attention economy has made stopping the scroll the most valuable skill in marketing. This framework breaks through the mental autopilot that makes people skip past most content.

Example Script Template:

"The [Surprising/Counterintuitive Opener].

You're probably thinking [Expected Response].

But here's what's actually happening: [Unexpected Truth].

And once you see this, you can't unsee it: [Mind-Shift Moment].

Now watch this again and notice [New Detail]."

Additional Tactics:

• Contradictory opener: start with something that seems wrong but isn't

• Pre-empt objections: address what viewers are thinking

• Revelation structure: build to a moment of understanding

• Rewatch value: include details that reward multiple viewings

AI Video Prompt:

Create a hook-driven video that starts with unexpected visual.

Open with: [Describe surprising visual that contradicts expectations]

Then reveal: [The actual truth/explanation]

Include: Text overlays with key insights, fast-paced editing

Style: Energetic, curiosity-driven, social media optimized

Works For: Social media content, brand awareness, community building, thought leadership

Framework 4: The Social Proof Stack (Conversion & Trust)

Structure: Similar Customer → Their Challenge → Your Solution → Their Results → Social Validation

People trust peer recommendations more than company claims, which makes this framework incredibly powerful for conversion-focused content. The key is demographic and psychographic matching—the customer in your story should mirror your prospect as closely as possible.

Example Script Template:

"Meet [Customer Name], [Customer Type just like prospect].

They came to us because [Specific Challenge].

Here's exactly what we did: [Solution Process].

The result? [Specific Outcome with Numbers].

But don't take our word for it: [Additional Social Proof]."

Additional Tactics:

• Demographic matching: use customers similar to your prospect

• Challenge specificity: address exact pain points your prospect faces

• Process transparency: show how the solution actually works

• Quantified results: include specific metrics and timeframes

• Third-party validation: add external recognition or awards

AI Video Prompt:

Create a customer success story video showing:

Scene 1: Customer in their environment facing the challenge

Scene 2: Solution being implemented (screen recording or process)

Scene 3: Customer celebrating results with specific metrics

Include: Text overlays with key numbers, testimonial quotes

Style: Documentary-style, authentic, results-focused

Works For: Case studies, testimonials, sales presentations, service-based businesses

Your AI Video Production Stack

The difference between businesses that succeed with AI video and those that struggle is in how they think about the workflow. 

Most entrepreneurs approach AI video like traditional video production: 

Start with tools, then figure out what to create. 

The most successful entrepreneurs flip this completely.

They start with story strategy, then select tools that amplify their narrative strengths.

This means building a production stack that flows naturally from idea to published video, with each layer designed to enhance rather than complicate the creative process.

The Story Development Layer

Claude Projects (Free - $20/month) Before you generate a single frame of video, you need a system for developing stories that convert. 

Claude Projects becomes your story architect, but not like most people use AI assistants. 

You're building a consulting relationship with an AI that understands your business context, audience psychology, and conversion goals.

Create a project called "Video Story Engine" with this system prompt:

You are a video story consultant specializing in business narratives that convert. 

For each video concept I share, provide:

1. STORY AUDIT: Which of the 4 frameworks (Transformation, Authority, Attention, Social Proof) fits best and why

2. NARRATIVE STRUCTURE: Break down the story beats with specific timing

   - Hook (0-3 seconds)
   - Development (3-15 seconds)  
   - Climax/Revelation (15-25 seconds)
   - Call to Action (25-30 seconds)

3. EMOTIONAL JOURNEY: Map the viewer's emotional state through each beat

4. CONVERSION OPTIMIZATION: Identify the specific psychological triggers and how to amplify them

5. MULTI-FORMAT ADAPTATION: How to adapt this story for different platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, email)

Always include specific dialogue suggestions and visual descriptions.

The key is feeding this system with context about your business, your customers' language patterns, your successful campaigns, and your competitive landscape. 

Over time, it becomes genuinely helpful at spotting story opportunities and suggesting narrative improvements.

The Video Generation Layer

Once you have compelling stories, you need platforms that can bring them to life without requiring film school expertise. 

Different tools excel at different narrative approaches.

OpenAI Sora - Premium Quality Text-to-Video

Access Requirements:

• ChatGPT Plus ($20/month): Up to 50 videos at 480p, 720p available with fewer videos

• ChatGPT Pro ($200/month): 10x more usage, up to 1080p resolution, 20-second duration

Sora is pretty decent but not the best video model out there. Still, it’s worth experimenting with.

The platform works best when you think like a director rather than just typing random prompts.

Step-by-Step Workflow:

1. Access Sora: Visit sora.com and log in with your ChatGPT credentials

2. Craft Your Prompt: Write detailed scene descriptions including:

   • Setting and environment

   • Character actions and emotions

   • Camera movements and style

   • Duration preference (5-20 seconds)

3. Choose Format: Select aspect ratio (widescreen, vertical, square)

4. Generate: Submit prompt and wait 1-3 minutes for processing

5. Use Advanced Features:

   • Storyboard Mode: Create multi-scene videos by planning individual frames

   • Remix Feature: Modify existing videos with new prompts

   • Blend: Combine elements from multiple videos

Best Practices:

• Include specific visual details: lighting, colors, textures

• Describe camera movements: "camera follows behind," "close-up on face"

• Specify style references: "cinematic," "documentary-style," "corporate"

• Keep prompts under 500 characters for best results

HeyGen - Business-Focused Avatar Videos

Platform Overview:

• Free plan: Basic text-to-video and avatar creation

• Creator Plan ($29/month): 15 minutes of video credit, premium avatars

• Business Plan ($89/month): 30 minutes, custom avatars, advanced features

• Enterprise: Custom pricing with API access

HeyGen was specifically designed for business use cases, which shows in features like multi-language support, brand kit integration, and API access for automation.

Step-by-Step Avatar Creation:

Step 1: Account Setup

Step 2: Create Your First Avatar Video

1. Navigate to Dashboard: Click "Create Video" from main interface

2. Choose Avatar Type:

   • Stock Avatars: 250+ pre-made professional presenters

   • Instant Avatar: Upload your photo for photo-to-video conversion

   • Custom Avatar: Record yourself for personalized avatar (paid plans)

Step 3: Photo-to-Video Avatar (Most Popular)

1. Upload Image: High-quality headshot, 512x512px minimum, well-lit

2. Select Voice:

   • Voice Library: 250+ voices in 70+ languages

   • Voice Cloning: Upload 30-second audio sample (premium feature)

   • AI Voice Generation: Describe desired voice characteristics

3. Input Script: Paste your story script (up to 5,000 characters)

4. Configure Settings:

   • Enable "More Expressive Motion" for natural gestures

   • Choose background (solid color, custom image, or greenscreen)

   • Adjust avatar size and positioning

Step 4: Advanced Features

• Avatar Turbo: 3-4x faster rendering for quick iterations

• Multi-language: Translate existing videos while maintaining lip-sync

• Product Integration: Add product images alongside avatar

• Brand Kit: Upload logos, colors, fonts for consistent branding

Step 5: Generation and Export

1. Preview: Review script and settings

2. Generate: Processing takes 2-5 minutes depending on length

3. Download: Export in MP4 format, up to 4K resolution (plan dependent)

Runway Gen-4 - Creative Control & Consistency

Platform Access:

• Basic Plan ($15/month): 125 credits, standard generation

• Standard Plan ($35/month): 625 credits, upscaling features

• Pro Plan ($76/month): 2250 credits, priority generation

• Unlimited Plan ($152/month): Unlimited standard generations

Runway serves businesses that need creative control and visual consistency across multiple scenes.

This platform excels when you have existing visual assets (like product photos, brand imagery, or footage) that need to be transformed or integrated into narrative videos.

Step-by-Step Generation Process:

Step 1: Project Setup

1. Access Dashboard: Log into runwayml.com

2. Select Gen-4: Choose from available models in the interface

3. Choose Input Method:

   • Text-to-Video: Pure text prompts

   • Image-to-Video: Animate existing images

   • Video-to-Video: Transform existing footage

Step 2: Crafting Effective Prompts

1. Structure Your Prompt:

   • Subject and action (first 20 words most important)

   • Setting and environment

   • Style and mood descriptors

   • Camera movement instructions

2. Use Runway's Prompt Guide:

   • Specific motion verbs: "walking," "turning," "gesturing"

   • Camera techniques: "close-up," "wide shot," "tracking shot"

   • Style references: "cinematic," "documentary," "commercial"

Step 3: Advanced Settings

• Motion Control: Adjust how much the scene moves (1-10 scale)

• Camera Control: Specify zoom, pan, tilt movements

• Style Strength: How closely to follow style references

• Seed Control: For consistent results across multiple generations

Google Veo 3 - Audio-Integrated Generation

Access Methods:

• Gemini Ultra Subscription: Integrated into Google's ecosystem

• Vertex AI: Enterprise API access through Google Cloud

• Google Flow: Filmmaking tool interface (limited preview)

Key Capabilities:

• Generates video with synchronized audio

• Supports up to 1080p at 24-30 fps

• Strong narrative understanding from complex prompts

• Integrated sound effects and dialogue generation

The Workflow Automation Layer

The most successful online businesses build systems that connect story development to video generation to distribution across multiple platforms.

Zapier/Make ($20-$99/month) Connect your story development to video generation:

Basic Automation Workflow:

1. Trigger: New row in Google Sheets with video brief

2. Action 1: Send brief to Claude for script generation

3. Action 2: Format script for chosen video platform

4. Action 3: Submit to video generation API

5. Action 4: Save completed video to Google Drive

6. Action 5: Notify team via Slack when ready

Advanced Integration Examples:

• CRM Integration: Auto-generate personalized sales videos for new leads

• Content Calendar: Scheduled video creation based on marketing calendar

• Multi-Platform Distribution: Generate one video, format for multiple social platforms

• Performance Tracking: Connect video metrics back to source content

Swipe These Story-to-Video Blueprints

These blueprints represent approaches that online businesses are using right now to generate measurable results.

Each combines specific storytelling frameworks with tactical implementation steps, showing you exactly how successful entrepreneurs are turning stories into videos that drive business outcomes.

Blueprint 1: The Authority Video System (B2B/SaaS)

• Story Framework: Authority Accelerator

• Purpose: Build thought leadership and trust

• Platform: LinkedIn, YouTube, email newsletters

This system works by consistently positioning you as someone who thinks differently about industry challenges. 

One client of mine runs a cybersecurity consultancy and was competing against firms with 10x his resources. 

Instead of trying to out-budget the competition, he built an authority video system that challenges conventional wisdom while presenting superior methods.

His breakthrough video challenged the common advice that small businesses should focus on antivirus software, arguing instead that employee training was 5x more effective at preventing breaches.

The video generated 40,000 views and directly led to 12 qualified leads, including two enterprise clients worth about $150K in annual contracts.

Implementation Process:

1. Identify Contrarian Insight: Find one piece of conventional wisdom in your industry that's flawed or incomplete

2. Structure with Claude: Use the Authority framework prompt to create a compelling script

3. Generate Video: Use Sora for high-quality presentation or HeyGen for consistent avatar-based content

4. Optimize for Platform: Add captions and create platform-specific thumbnails

5. Publish with Strategy: Share with engagement-focused captions that start conversations

Claude Prompt for Script Generation:

Create an Authority Accelerator script about [Your Industry Insight].

Structure:

- Hook: Challenge the conventional wisdom that [Common Belief]

- Credibility: Reference my experience with [Your Background]  

- Method: Introduce the better approach of [Your Framework]

- Proof: Include the result of [Specific Example]

- Application: Give viewers [3 specific steps]

Keep it conversational but authoritative. 90 seconds max.

Include visual cues for AI video generation.

Expected Results:

• 3x higher engagement than text posts

• 40% increase in profile visits

• 25% more inbound leads

Blueprint 2: The Product Demo That Sells (E-commerce/Physical Products)

• Story Framework: Transformation Bridge

• Purpose: Show product value through customer transformation

• Platform: Product pages, social ads, email campaigns

Another client, operating a chain of handmade jewelry businesses, was struggling to differentiate in a crowded marketplace. 

They developed a product demo system using the Transformation Bridge framework that shows jewelry and  the transformation that happens when someone wears it. 

Instead of focusing on product features, their videos focus on how the jewelry changes how women feel about themselves.

This approach generated a ~60% increase in conversion rates on product pages and reduced cart abandonment by ~35%. 

More importantly, it allowed them to command premium pricing because customers were buying transformation experiences rather than just jewelry.

Production Process:

1. Script Development: Use the Transformation Bridge template focusing on emotional journey

2. Visual Planning: Map out before/after scenes showing customer transformation

3. Video Generation: Create split-screen showing transformation or use avatar to tell the story

4. Integration: Embed on product pages and use in retargeting ads

HeyGen Workflow:

1. Create avatar that matches your brand personality

2. Input transformation script with emotional delivery notes

3. Generate multiple versions (30s, 60s, 90s) for different platforms

4. A/B test different avatars and delivery styles

Runway Gen-4 Alternative:

Video Prompt: "Split screen comparison showing customer before and after using [product]. 

Left side: Customer struggling with [problem] - frustrated expression, messy environment. 

Right side: Same customer successfully using [product] - confident, organized, happy. 

Smooth transition between scenes. Professional lighting, modern aesthetic."

Expected Results:

• 60% higher conversion on product pages

• 35% lower cost per acquisition in ads

• 50% increase in cart completion rates

Blueprint 3: The Viral Insight Engine (All Businesses)

• Story Framework: Attention Magnet

• Purpose: Build brand awareness and social following

• Platform: TikTok, Instagram Reels, Twitter

Rachel is not a client but a dear friend. She runs a productivity coaching business in a market (attorneys and lawyers) saturated with generic time management advice. 

Instead of adding to the noise, she built a content system around finding and sharing genuinely surprising insights about productivity that challenge common assumptions.

Her breakthrough came from realizing that most productivity advice actually makes people less productive because it increases anxiety about time usage. 

Her most successful video challenged the idea that successful people wake up early, revealing research showing that matching work schedules to natural energy patterns produces better results.

This video generated ~900K views and led to ~$340K in coaching program sales. A lot of views from people who were not the target market, but enough views from those who are.

Content System:

1. Research Phase: Scan industry news and studies for pattern interrupts

2. Insight Development: Use Claude to craft Attention Magnet hooks

3. Video Creation: Generate content with fast-paced editing and strong visual hooks

4. Content Multiplication: Turn one insight into multiple video angles

Content Multiplication Strategy:

• One core insight becomes 5 different videos

• Same framework, different angles:

  • The mistake version ("Everyone does X, but...")

  • The secret version ("Here's what they don't tell you...")

  • The prediction version ("This is about to change everything...")

  • The behind-scenes version ("Here's what really happens...")

  • The contrarian version ("Unpopular opinion: X is wrong...")

Luma Dream Machine Workflow:

1. Start with stock footage or simple screen recording

2. Use "Modify with Instructions" to transform style

3. Add text overlays with key insights

4. Create multiple variations for testing

Blueprint 4: The Case Study Conversion Machine (Agencies/Services)

• Story Framework: Social Proof Stack

• Purpose: Convert prospects through customer success stories

• Platform: Sales presentations, website, proposals

One of my clients, a digital marketing agency (mostly paid ads) was tired of competing on price with overseas competitors. 

They built a case study system that demonstrates strategic thinking and measurable results that justify premium pricing. 

Rather than generic before-and-after comparisons, they create complete customer journey stories that prospects can easily imagine themselves experiencing.

Their signature case study video follows a SaaS founder struggling with customer acquisition, showing their specific challenge, my client’s strategic analysis, the changes his team implemented, and the results: 340% increase in trial conversion and $2.2M in additional annual revenue.

Production System:

1. Client Interview: Document the complete customer journey with specific challenges and outcomes

2. Story Structure: Use Social Proof Stack framework to organize narrative

3. Video Production: Create documentary-style content with real client testimonials

4. Multi-Use Integration: Repurpose for sales presentations, website content, and social proof

Additional Integration:

• Create industry-specific versions for different prospect types

• Build interactive video experiences where prospects choose their path

• Use in email sequences for warm leads

• Present during sales calls for immediate credibility

The Tools That Scale Stories

Different business models and content strategies require different technological approaches.

For Solo Entrepreneurs

• Recommended Stack: Claude + Sora + Basic Automation

• Monthly Cost: ~$50

• Capability: 20-30 professional videos per month

Solo entrepreneurs benefit from a lean stack focused on speed and simplicity. This combination can produce videos that would previously require thousands of dollars and weeks of traditional production time.

For Small Teams (2-5 people)

• Recommended Stack: Claude + HeyGen + Zapier + Runway

• Monthly Cost: ~$200

• Capability: 100+ videos per month across multiple formats

Small teams benefit from adding workflow automation and multi-platform capabilities. This setup enables teams to test more content variations, respond to market opportunities faster, and maintain consistent brand presence across all channels.

For Agencies/Publishers

• Recommended Stack: Full multi-platform approach with automation

• Monthly Cost: ~$500

• Capability: Unlimited video production with team workflows

Agencies need enterprise-grade capabilities with API access, custom integration options, and volume pricing. These implementations often pay for themselves within weeks by enabling agencies to offer video services to clients.

The Mindset Shift That Makes a Huge Difference

The fundamental missing piece about AI video is strategic. 

Most entrepreneurs approach these tools like traditional video production, focusing on the mechanical aspects of creation rather than the narrative elements that drive results.

If all you do is think about what model, what tool, and what prompt to use, you’re not going to make it.

Traditional video creation forced a compromise between story quality and production efficiency. 

You could have compelling narratives or fast turnaround times, but rarely both. 

AI video inverts this. Technical execution becomes effortless, making story quality the primary differentiator.

This creates huge opportunities for businesses that understand narrative psychology, but it also exposes companies that have been hiding weak stories behind high production values. 

Your role shifts from video coordinator to story architect. 

Instead of managing production schedules, you're designing narratives that convert. 

Instead of optimizing for production efficiency, you're optimizing for emotional impact.

AI video can be a lot of fun and games. It’s easier than ever to prompt and edit your way to flawless product shot videos, B-roll, explainer videos, and anything you want.

But it’s getting harder and harder to capture and keep attention. 

Focus on learning that skill first, and making AI videos that convert gets easier.

Every business thinks they need better video tools.

What they actually need are better stories.

AI video has exposed that most businesses have nothing compelling to say.

Professional-quality visuals can no longer disguise weak narratives or hide unclear value propositions.

In a world where anyone can create Hollywood-quality videos, the stories matter more than ever.

While your competitors are prompt-engineering their way to mediocrity, you're architecting narratives that stop thumbs, change minds, and drive action.

The tools are ready. The frameworks are available. The market is hungry for stories worth telling.

Start building your story advantage today.

Until next time,
Sam Woods
The Editor