Film Studio makes one video clip at a time, with sound, from a shot you describe. Clips are the building blocks of your film: make one per storyboard frame, then cut them together in the film editor.
Choose the model and length
| Model | Resolution | Clip length |
|---|---|---|
| Seedance 2.5 | 720p or 1080p | 4 to 30 seconds |
| Seedance 2.0 | 720p, 1080p or 4K | 4 to 15 seconds |
Describe the shot in beats
The structured editor splits the shot into a Setting, timed Beats, a Style and Sound. Beats are what happens, in order; each can have a camera move.
- Set the sceneOne line in Setting: where and when.
- Write the beatsThree beats suit a 15-second clip. Use Add beat for more (up to six) and Spread times evenly to share out the time.
- Add a camera move to each beatOptional, but it makes a big difference.
- Describe the look and the soundSound is generated with the clip: ambience, effects, dialogue or music.
- Setting
- A coastal radio station at night, rain on the windows
- 0–5 s
- Mara lifts her head as static breaks into a voice · Camera: slow dolly in
- 5–10 s
- She turns up the gain; the voice says the name of a boat · Camera: close-up on her hands
- 10–15 s
- She turns toward the window as the lighthouse beam crosses her face · Camera: hold
- Style
- 35mm film, cool blue-grey palette, amber console light
- Sound
- Rain, radio static, a faint distorted voice calling for help
Setting: A coastal radio station at night, rain on the windows. 0-5s: Mara lifts her head as static breaks into a voice. Camera: slow dolly in. 5-10s: She turns up the gain; the voice says the name of a boat. Camera: close-up on her hands. 10-15s: She turns toward the window as the lighthouse beam crosses her face. Camera: hold. Style: 35mm film, cool blue-grey palette, amber console light. Sound: Rain, radio static, a faint distorted voice calling for help.
This is exactly what's sent. Switch to Plain text to edit it directly, and back to Structured to see it as beats again.
| Camera move | What you'll see |
|---|---|
| slow dolly in / push in | The camera moves closer; tension builds |
| dolly out / pull back | Reveals the space around the subject |
| pan left / pan right | The camera turns to follow or reveal |
| tilt up / tilt down | Looks up to or down from the subject |
| handheld | A slight shake that feels urgent and close |
| crane up | Rises above the scene |
| hold / static | No movement; lets the action play |
Start frames and references
A Start frame is an image the clip opens on exactly, then continues from. It's the best way to make a clip match your storyboard. Character, Environment and Object references keep people, places and props consistent, just as they do for images. References are free.
- Start frame
- Your image of Mara at the console
- Beats
- The three beats above
- Result
- The clip's first frame is your image; then Mara lifts her head and the shot plays out
Price and timing
- Choose Review credit priceThe exact price is shown and held for five minutes.
- Choose Create clipThe credits are reserved, not spent.
- Wait 3 to 8 minutesYou can leave the page; the result page shows the time so far.
- The clip is savedOnly now are the credits spent. If it fails, they're returned.
| Model and settings | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Seedance 2.5, 720p | 5 seconds | 369 credits ($3.69) |
| Seedance 2.5, 720p | 15 seconds | 1,069 credits ($10.69) |
Example prices at the time of writing. Higher resolutions cost more; the price on screen is the price you pay.
Tips for better clips
- One shot per clip. Cut between shots in the film editor rather than inside one clip.
- Three beats for 15 seconds is plenty. Crowded beats make rushed action.
- Name the camera move in every beat.
- Describe the sound. Silence is a choice; say so if you want it.
- Keep to three characters or fewer in a shot.
- Use a start frame when the clip has to match a storyboard frame.
- You can run two generations (images or clips) at a time.
Quick answers
How long does a clip take?
Usually 3 to 8 minutes. You can leave the page and come back.
A clip failed. Was I charged?
No. Reserved credits are returned when a clip can't be completed.