Video Production: How AI Tools are Revolutionizing Pre-Production

Pre-preproduction and AI, a new tool for the future

The impact of AI in video production is undeniable. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape creative industries, video production is undergoing a profound transformation—starting in pre-production, well before the first frame is captured, and before the cameras even start rolling. 

Pre-production is a vital step for any successful video production. It is the step where ideas are born and logistics are mapped out, and the ideas are organized and solidified. AI is rapidly becoming an indispensable collaborator. From scriptwriting and concept development to storyboarding, casting, and location planning, intelligent tools are helping filmmakers streamline workflows, enhance creativity, and make data-driven decisions. What once took days or weeks—outlining plot structures, generating visual references, or organizing shot lists—can now be accelerated with AI assistance, freeing up time for deeper creative exploration. This shift isn’t just about working faster; it’s about reimagining what’s possible in the earliest stages of storytelling. As AI becomes more accessible and intuitive, it’s lowering barriers for indie creators and empowering large-scale productions alike to visualize, refine, and pitch their projects with unprecedented clarity and speed.

The tools that can help

Already, several AI tools have been made to help with the pre-production process, and can be very useful for creators or teams that need ideas, or want to streamline difficult processes such as storyboarding or concept art. There are many tools in the market nowadays. These include, but are not limited to:

• Boords – A streamlined platform for creating storyboards with AI-assisted script syncing and shot planning, ideal for previsualization and team collaboration.

• Storyboard Hero – Allows users to generate storyboard frames from text prompts, helping filmmakers visualize scenes quickly without manual drawing.

• Midjourney and DALL·E – AI image generators that produce high-quality visuals from descriptive prompts, useful for building mood boards and visualizing shot ideas.

• Runway ML – Offers text-to-image and text-to-video capabilities, enabling users to create conceptual visuals and short animated sequences for scene planning.

• DeepStory – An AI-powered story development tool that assists in generating plot ideas, character arcs, and scene structures, perfect for narrative brainstorming.

These tools are not only useful, but can help during creative blocks or in shaping a vision. When used in tandem with human creativity, they can be very powerful tools that can create brilliant results.

In addition to storyboarding and concept art creation, AI is increasingly being used to streamline one of the more tedious aspects of pre-production: script formatting. Traditional screenwriting requires adherence to strict industry standards—ranging from character cues and dialogue spacing to slug lines and transitions. AI-powered writing tools are now able to handle these formatting requirements automatically, allowing writers to focus on storytelling rather than layout. Platforms like WriterDuet, Final Draft (with AI enhancements), and ScriptAI offer smart formatting features that recognize elements such as scene headings, character names, and action lines in real time. Some tools can even convert raw story text into properly formatted screenplays with minimal input, making them especially useful for new writers or teams working on fast turnarounds. By reducing the friction of formatting, AI helps ensure that scripts are not only readable but also production-ready.

The Advantages

One of the most significant advantages of using AI in the pre-production phase is the dramatic boost in time efficiency. Tasks that once consumed days or even weeks—such as outlining scripts, generating storyboards, or building shot lists—can now be completed in a matter of hours with AI assistance. Tools equipped with natural language processing and image generation capabilities can quickly translate creative ideas into visual and structural assets, accelerating the entire planning process. This speed doesn’t just save time; it opens up room for iteration, allowing creators to explore more concepts without being bogged down by repetitive tasks.

Equally important is the reduction in mental workload. Pre-production involves juggling multiple layers of creative and logistical decisions, from shaping a compelling story to planning resources and schedules. AI helps offload routine or cognitively demanding tasks—like formatting scripts, organizing scene data, or visualizing settings—so teams can focus on higher-level creative thinking. By automating the more mechanical aspects of the process, AI not only enhances productivity but also helps prevent burnout, making the pre-production experience more manageable and creatively fulfilling.

The most effective use of AI in pre-production comes from striking a balance—letting the technology handle the heavy lifting while human creators steer the vision with originality, and precision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AI is revolutionizing the pre-production phase of video production by enhancing efficiency, reducing mental workload, and empowering creators to focus more on the creative aspects of their projects. From scriptwriting and storyboarding to visualizing shots and managing logistics, AI tools are enabling filmmakers to streamline complex tasks, save time, and unlock new creative possibilities. However, as powerful as these tools are, it’s important to remember that they are just that—tools. The unique vision, emotional depth, and creative flair that human filmmakers bring to the table are irreplaceable. When used in harmony, AI can be a valuable assistant, but human creativity and attention to detail remain the driving forces behind truly exceptional storytelling.

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, now is the perfect time for filmmakers, writers, and creators to experiment with these innovative tools. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, tools like Boords, Runway ML, and DeepStory offer exciting opportunities to streamline your pre-production process. Take the time to explore these resources, conduct research, and find the tools that best fit your creative workflow. By integrating AI into your process thoughtfully, you’ll not only save time but also elevate your storytelling to new heights.