Generative AI Images

Adobe Firefly

For Adobe Firefly, write prompts in simple, direct language built around a clear subject plus descriptors and keywords. Adobe advises using at least three words, avoiding filler verbs like “generate” or “create,” and being specific rather than vague. The system responds well to clean wording rather than long rambling instructions.

Subject + Descriptors + Keywords + Style / Medium + Setting

Nano Banana 2

Build prompts around style, subject, setting, action, and composition, then add production details such as aspect ratio, output format, or exact text in quotation marks when needed. Nano Banana is especially useful when you want accurate text rendering, grounded real-world knowledge, diagrams and localised visuals.

Style + Subject + Setting + Action + Composition + Text / Output Constraints

Midjourney

Short and simple prompts usually work best. Brief prompts let Midjourney’s style engine do more of the creative filling-in. Be precise with words and define subject, medium, environment, lighting, color, and mood. Focus on what you do want, not what you do not want, then use parameters at the end of the prompt for things like aspect ratio and other controls.

Subject + Medium / Style + Environment + Lighting / Colour + Mood + Parameters

Flux

The most important elements should come first: main subject, key action, critical style, then essential context. Medium-length prompts are often the sweet spot, with longer prompts reserved for complex scenes. FLUX does not use negative prompts in the usual way, so describe the desired result positively. For photorealism, specify cameras, lenses, film stocks, and lighting.

Subject + Action + Style + Context

GPT Image

For GPT Image, the best method is structured prompting. OpenAI’s current guidance is to keep a consistent order and to include the intended use, such as ad, UI mockup, infographic, poster, or product image. For more complex jobs, split the prompt into labeled sections rather than one dense paragraph. Be explicit about framing, angle, lighting, layout, and text placement.

Background / Scene + Subject + Key Details + Constraints + Text / Layout

Generative AI Video

Adobe Firefly

Describe the camera perspective and movement first, then the character, what they are doing, where they are, and finally the mood or visual treatment. Camera angles matter Adobe warns that too many subjects can confuse the model, so it is usually better to keep the scene focused.

Shot Type Description + Character + Action + Location + Aesthetic

Google Veo

Veo 3 can generate dialogue and respond to explicit sound design cues, so prompts can describe what is heard. The best prompts usually establish the visual style and tone early, then build the world with sensory detail and clear character actions. Treat the prompt like a miniature director’s brief, not just a visual idea.

Style / Tone + Subject / Character + Setting + Action + Camera Direction + Audio / Dialogue

Kling

Kling simplifies this even further into Subject + Movement, which means the still image already carries most of the visual information and the prompt should focus mainly on motion. Good Kling prompts are concrete, cinematic, and observable: describe what is moving, how the camera behaves, what the environment is, and what kind of light defines the shot.

Subject + Movement + Scene + Camera Language + Lighting

Runway

Start simple, add detail strategically, and use positive, concrete language. Runway separates prompts into visual components and motion components. For text-to-video, describe what we see and how it behaves. For image-to-video, the prompt should focus mostly on motion, camera work, timing, direction, and temporal progression.

Camera / Shot + Subject + Motion / Action + Environment + Temporal Progression

Dream Machine

Prompt as if you are describing the shot naturally to another person. It also encourages iterative refinement using built-in tools such as Modify, Styles, Character Reference, Visual Reference, Camera Motion, Extend, Keyframes, and Loop. A strong workflow is to begin with a broad idea, then make specific changes step by step instead of overloading one prompt.

Subject + Action + Setting + Style / Mood + Camera Motion + Refinement

Graphic Design

Satori Graphics offers high-quality tutorials focused on graphic design basics, current industry trends and creative styles. With so many different subjects from logo design to colour theory to Adobe software hints and tips, there is something for all professionals in the industry. Other notable channels include The Futur and Will Paterson.

Motion Design

Ben Marriott produces high-quality Adobe After Effects tutorials for his YouTube channel. These are designed to help motion designers master animation techniques. He covers the fundamentals of motion design in an easy-to-understand manner as well as advanced techniques. Other useful channels to explore include Evan Abrams and School of Motion.

Generative AI

Curious Refuge presents the latest news and updates from the world of AI, predominantly the use of Generative AI in video production and photography, including the use of Midjourney, Runway, Kaiber and Luma Labs Dream Machine to name a few. For a more broad coverage of Generative AI see Matt Wolfe. Theoretically Media is also worth a look.

UI/UX and Web Design

Flux Academy is a resource for web designers and UX/UI designers. The channel covers software from Figma to Framer to Adobe Illustrator as well as design techniques, hints and tips and web design trends. DesignCourse covers similar topics whilst providing a unique take on learning software, developing techniques and understanding design trends.

Traditional Animation

Toniko Pantoja’s channel provides a wealth of knowledge and experience from the founder of Brushtail Works Studios. He provides guidance and assistance for animators looking to develop and establish their animation style whilst also highlighting common challenges. A useful companion to this channel is Draw Like A Sir which focusses upon drawing characters.

Film Making

Watching videos from the Standard Story Company is both entertaining in terms of delivery and informative. Topics include videos on writing compelling stories, finding locations for your next shoot or producing short films within a specific genre. StudioBinder is another channel worth exploring, particularly for its ‘Advanced Filmmaking Techniques’ series.

Photography

Whilst it is possible to find videos on the basics of digital photography, many photography channels lean towards individual expression, style and advanced techniques. Mango Street provides a useful array of topics including editing in Adobe Lightroom, creating images with your iPhone and lighting techniques. The Photographic Eye is also worth a look.

Character Animator

Finally, lets take a look at Adobe’s Character Animator software with Okay Samurai’s detailed guide. This channel provides a wealth of inspirational examples, guidance and tutorials on how to get the best from Adobe Character Animator along with a few other Adobe software hints and tips. See Simcoemedia’s Character Animator music video.

1. Legal Requirements For Drones

It is crucial that you understand the guidelines and rules to ensure you remain within the law. Where operators may decide to take their drone abroad, you must ensure you are compliant in those countries too. This may involve registering your drone with the aviation authority, taking relevant drone tests and confirming that your insurance covers operation in the relevant location.

According to the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), as of 2 April 2025, the basic guidelines are as follows:

If your drone has a camera (unless it is a toy) or weighs 250g or more then you need to register with the CAA. You need to renew this registration every year. This is a registration of you as the operator rather than the drone itself. Anyone flying a drone weighing 250g or more needs to pass a test and get a flyer ID from the CAA. This is free and online. Regardless of whether you legally need a flyer ID we strongly recommend that you do the learning and test as it gives you valuable information on flying your drone safely. If you already have a flyer ID that is still valid, you don’t need to re-do the test until it expires, although you are required to keep up to date with the new regulations. You can register, get your flyer ID and find more information at register-drones.caa.co.uk

There are however some other rules you must follow should you decide to purchase and fly a drone for business or pleasure:

• Airspace & Permissions: Ensure that you do not fly into restricted areas and no-fly zones (e.g., airports, urban areas, military zones etc). A useful website highlighting restricted airspace for drones within the UK can be found on the NATS website.
• Insurance: Public liability insurance is mandatory for commercial operations (providers like Coverdrone or FPV are examples of popular insurers). According to the CAA’s drone code

There is no distinction between flying commercially and flying for pleasure or recreation. This means that an approval just to operate commercially is not required. However, all commercial drone flights require valid insurance cover.

2. Developing A Business Strategy

• Target Audience: Identify sectors with potential to generate revenue, including real estate, construction, surveying, weddings, events or tourism for example. Each sector poses unique challenges for a drone operator.
• Pricing Strategy: As with any other business model, consider pricing based on hourly rates, project-based pricing or larger packages. Any cost analysis shouldl include travel, recording and editing of the video. Remember that you need to cover the costs of setting up your business in the first place – the drone, insurance and CAA fees.
• Competitive Analysis: Research competitors and determine how to differentiate yourself in the marketplace. Creating a showreel of your best work including your own signature video movement and composition combined with striking photography will ensure you stand out.

3. Equipment And Technical Considerations

• Drone Selection: Choose drones that meet your business needs and legal requirements. For example, drones in the sub-250g category, while compromising on quality to a degree, have significantly less restrictions than those over 250g.
• Camera Capabilities: There are a variety of drones available, each with their own capabilities in terms of camera quality, automation (such as Point Of Interest and Precision Landing) and battery life. Ensure that you check out examples of video footage and photography via reviews from reputable sources on video platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo to gauge camera quality and ease of use.
• Accessories: You will likely need accessories for your drone so invest in extra batteries, ND filters, SD cards, a landing pad, and a controller with a bright screen for use in direct sunlight where necessary.

4. Footage Post-Production

• Editing Software: Software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro are suitable for video; Lightroom or Photoshop are common editing tools for photographs. Some drones, such as the DJI Mini 4 Pro for example, are capable of creating High Dynamic Range images.
• Stabilisation and Grading: High-end drone footage may require colour correction LUTs and stabilisation software prior to delivering the final product.

5. Scalability Of Drone Services

• Additional Services: Drones are also capable of mapping, 3D modeling (photogrammetry), thermal imaging and cinematography for film/TV. You are likely to require an upgrade to your existing hardware and software to cater for these highly specialised services.

Useful Links

• See the Simcoemedia aerial video and photography page for more details about the service offered.
• For legal requirements and rules on drone use within the UK see the CAA Drone Code.
• Register your drone with the Civil Aviation Authority.
• Check where you can fly your drone with this regularly updated map – NoFlyDrones.
• Follow the The Drone Creative on YouTube for information about drones including hints and tips on operating DJI products.

Simcoemedia Aerial Drone Footage

Final Comments

As mentioned in the first paragraph, this article is designed to provide an overview of the general rules and guidelines associated with owning a drone and operating it commercially. If you are considering adding aerial video and photography to your business then please ensure you follow the drone code.

Applying Styles to 360 Photography Using Midjourney and Magnific

This tutorial examines how AI can transform 360-degree images by applying image styles using Midjourney and Magnific AI. If you are looking to enhance architectural shots, landscapes, or abstract environments, this guide can assist you step by step through the process, enabling you to enhancce immersive photography using AI-driven tools.

Introduction to Creating AI-Generated Music Videos

AI is revolutionising the way music videos are produced, enabling artists and filmmakers to bring visual storytelling to life without the need for expensive production crews or complex computer graphics. This free tutorial provides a brief history of music videos, explores the potential of AI-generated visuals, and provides practical examples of how Runway Gen 3, Kaiber, and other AI platforms can be used to create unique and engaging music videos.

Creating 360 Images Using Midjourney and Magnific AI

For those interested in creating immersive 360-degree images, this tutorial provides a complete workflow using AI tools. From generating high-quality panoramic scenes to ensuring seamless stitching for a flawless 360 experience, this tutorial guides you through the techniques required to create visually stunning, AI-enhanced environments.

The Future of AI in Creative Media

The fusion of AI and creative media opens up a new world, offering new tools for artists and designers looking to streamline the production of creative work. As AI tools continue to evolve, they provide new methods for expression, allowing creatives to push the boundaries of storytelling, photography, and digital artistry. Check out the full range of tutorials at the Simcoemedia Shop.

How Might AI Affect Creative Industries?

Creative industries rely on the skills and experience of people from a variety of backgrounds, including graphic design, video production, 3D VFX, and film production, among others. Some content creators have been exploring AI technologies to streamline their workflows and gain a creative edge over their competition. AI has already started reshaping these fields, offering new ways to generate, edit, and enhance content with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

One of the most immediate impacts has been on image generation and digital art. Platforms like Midjourney, Magnific AI, and Adobe Firefly have provided artists with tools that can generate highly detailed illustrations, concept art, and even photorealistic imagery in seconds. Traditional methods that once took hours or even days—such as sketching, refining, and coloring—can now be automated, allowing artists to iterate rapidly. Photoshop’s Generative Fill, introduced in 2023, further revolutionized workflows by enabling users to manipulate images with simple text prompts. This has led to a democratisation of creative tools, allowing individuals with little to no formal training to create professional-looking visuals. However, it has also raised concerns about originality and the potential devaluation of artistic skills.

In video production, AI-assisted tools like Runway, Kaiber, and Luma Labs’ Dream Machine have begun blurring the lines between live-action footage and AI-generated sequences. Filmmakers and content creators can now generate complex animations, enhance video footage, and even automate tedious editing processes. For instance, Runway’s text-to-video feature allows users to create short film sequences without the need for expensive equipment or extensive VFX expertise. While this is a boon for indie filmmakers and small production teams, some professionals fear it could reduce demand for traditional post-production roles.

AI’s role in music production has also seen growth. Suno and Udio are among the leading AI-driven music generators that can create fully composed tracks from simple prompts. These tools can generate music that mimics various genres, from orchestral scores to Electronic Dance Music (EDM). This has opened doors for independent creators who lack access to professional musicians or studio space. It has also sparked debates around copyright, authenticity, and the ethical implications of AI-generated music competing with human composers.

Hollywood Is Dead?

Popular YouTube channels such as Matt Wolfe and Curious Refuge frequently discuss how generative AI video could signal the end of traditional filmmaking. Some argue that AI-generated content will make professional studios and production crews obsolete because film producers can now create high-quality clips from a simple text prompt. However, I’m not convinced Hollywood level production is a risk. AI video tools like Runway Gen-3 have made impressive strides in generating short clips with minimal effort. However, generative AI still struggles with consistency, coherence, and the ability to tell complex stories. While AI-generated content may prove disruptive in areas like advertising, social media content, or even indie filmmaking, the idea that AI alone could replace blockbuster films, nuanced performances, and the artistry of cinematography seems far-fetched—at least for now.

This situation mirrors the evolution of gaming and computer-generated imagery (CGI). As a design and technology student, I remember discussions about how gaming would be indistinguishable from reality around the year 2030. While modern graphics engines like Unreal Engine 5 have brought us photorealistic visuals, the human eye can still detect the difference between computer-generated environments and footage shot in the real world. The same applies to AI-generated video—despite its rapid improvements, it remains fundamentally different from real-world cinematography. Take the early days of CGI in Hollywood as a case in point. When Tron (1982) experimented with computer graphics, it was groundbreaking, but clearly recognisable as artificially generated. Over time, computer generated imagery evolved into a powerful filmmaking tool, enhancing films rather than replacing traditional production. AI-generated video is likely to follow a similar path: not as a complete replacement for Hollywood, but as a tool for filmmakers to augment their craft, streamline workflows, and explore new creative possibilities.

The real question is not whether AI will kill Hollywood, but how filmmakers will adapt. Just as green screens, motion capture, and CGI didn’t erase practical effects but reshaped them, AI will challenge traditional production methods while offering exciting new possibilities. The future of film will likely be a hybrid—where AI tools assist in everything from pre-visualisation to special effects, but the heart of storytelling remains human.

AI Slop

You may have heard the derogatory term AI Slop. AI Slop is the content creators equivelant to spam email from automated bots and refers to low quality, low effort, unwanted content that is appearing online including images on social media, AI generated video content on YouTube and even entire websites. In a recent video YouTuber PenguinZ0 / Charlie (reknowned on the web for his sharp, insightful commentary) described the demise of a YouTuber known by the name Kwebbelkop as a result of using AI platforms designed to automatically generate content. The problem was that this content was perceived by his audience as lazily produced and lower quality…essentially AI Slop. As a result his audience began to lose interest, his reputation and brand permanently damaged with negative consequences in terms of income and reach. Content producers be warned.

360 Video

360 video can be viewed in a Virtual Reality headset such as Meta Quest 3 and, when uploaded to platforms such as YouTube, is also available on a desktop or mobile device. The viewer interacts with the content within a VR headset by moving their head or on a desktop by ‘clicking and dragging’ to change the point of view using an input device such as a mouse. It is also possible to achieve similar interactions using the gyro technology on a mobile phone or a screen with touch capability. YouTube can display interactive 360 video in VR, on desktop and mobile.

Video is recorded with a camera utilising a series of wide angle lenses designed to capture the surrounding environment. It is stitched together using compatible software which may be provided by the manufacturer such as Insta360 Studio or by a third party such as Mistika VR.

360 video is usually recorded in the same equirectangular format as 360 photography. Current cameras record video of at least 6 – 8K which results in Gigabytes of data per minute with the Insta360 Titan recording 11K (10K in 3D). The challenges posed in producing 360 video, such as hiding microphones, lights and other equipment, has led to a decline in use during recent years in favour of 3D VR180 video. However the format remains popular in real estate, tourism and journalism where a view of the entire environment is important.

VR180 Video

VR180 uses half the horizontal viewing angle of 360 video with just the front facing 180 degrees available. It is designed to be consumed within a VR headset, viewed on a screen with active glasses or converted to anaglyph for viewing with red / cyan glasses. Whilst there are only 180 degrees of recorded content, most VR headsets have a viewing angle of around 90 degrees which provides a realistic sense of immersion.

Content is typically recorded using 2 wide angle lenses covering a 180 degree viewing angle. Both of these lenses face the same direction with the centre of each lens placed at approximately the same distance as human eyes. When converted for use within a VR headset, the video provides realistic depth. HumanEyes Technologies released the Vuze XR in 2018 which had two 4K cameras which could be used in VR180 mode or 360 capture mode. A recent addition to the VR180 camera market is the CALF 3D VR180.

This format is used in vlogging and entertainment such as storytelling. However, as mentioned in the previous section, 360 video is still used when it is useful to see an environment in its entirety.

Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual Reality experiences are designed to facilitate interaction where location, physicality and changes to the environment have meaningful consequences. They are usually viewed within a VR headset such as Vive XR Elite or Meta Quest 3 using controllers or hand tracking. However, platforms such as Spatial and Horizon Workrooms allow users access via a desktop environment as a ‘window’ to the virtual world. The user is able to shape the narrative and environment by their choices which may involve changing the state or position of physical objects within a space. Many VR applications are created with software such as Unity or Unreal Engine.

Examples of immersive VR applications range from as simple as the simulation of fairground games within Nvidia’s VR Funhouse, production of 3D art using Google Tilt Brush or involve the complexity associated with piloting an aircraft in Flight Simulator. Other examples may be found on Meta’s App Store.

The term ‘Virtual Reality‘ was first used by American academic Jaron Lanier in the 1980’s as a title for his research project. He is considered to be the ‘father of VR’ because of his groundbreaking work in the field.

Ambisonic Audio

Ambisonics is an audio technology that uses hardware and software capable of rendering spatial audio in Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality. As few as 4 audio channels can be used to represent sound within a virtual space. As the viewer’s head changes direction or objects emitting sound move within a space the audio is adjusted in a realistic manner to reflect the effect of these movements on the perceived sound. It is also possible to experience ambisonic audio in a limited manner when viewing 360 video on a desktop PC or mobile device by moving the point of view. The use of 4 audio channels to simulate spatial sound is referred to as First Order. However, it is possible to use more than 4 channels to enhance the effect in a similar way to improvements of 7.1 surround sound over 5.1.

For more information on ambisonics, see this excellent summary of ambisonic audio from Waves.com

Olfactory

Olfaction or olfactory sense is the sense of smell. There are devices capable of stimulating the olfactory sense as part of an immersive experience. One example is the Smell Engine described as “a system for artificial odour synthesis in virtual environments”

Gustatory

Gustatory perception refers to the taste sense. It is possible to trick the human brain to into thinking that food is being consumed using stimulation by computer controlled plates placed upon the tongue. In 2013 digital lollipop was created by researchers at the University of Singapore that stimulated sweet, sour, salty and bitter tastes.

Summary

Immersive digital media has the potential to elevate and enhance the process of storytelling, communicating research ideas, developing products and in the provision of training. The last 10 years has seen rapid growth of hardware and software technologies at both professional and consumer levels increasing the number of creators and immersive content. Despite these advances, many challenges remain including the size, weight, cost and uptake of VR headsets, the cost and quality issues associated with 360 and VR180 cameras and the technical complexities of generating spatial audio. There are also positive signs too – the release of the Apple Vision Pro, camera releases from manufacturers such as Insta360 and continued support for immersive content in Adobe’s Creative Cloud.

AI School

I’ve recently been exploring the use of Midjourney and Magnific.ai to create highly detailed 12K 360 images such as the example shown above (note this example has been enhanced with audio and lens flare using Pano2VR). After working out the most appropriate workflow through a series of experiments, a course was published on Eventbrite designed to impart this knowledge and experience to interested parties in the AI and virtual tour communities. In addition to Midjourney and Magnific, the process involves Photoshop and Pano2VR (or equivelent editing software tools) to edit the nadir and zenith (directly below and above the viewer) along with ensuring the vertical seam blends. This is to ensure objects and textures on the left side of the image fit seamlessly with the right when assembled in the final 360 form.

You can see a variety of images produced using this method by visiting the 360 image section of the Simcoemedia Shop or on my Facebook feed.

AI Workshop Details

The workshops have been designed to cater for 360 enthusiasts, immersive media artists and virtual tour producers looking to enhance their 360 workflow using AI tools. The 90 minute session includes the following activities:

• Creating equirectangular images in Midjourney by using appropriate commands, parameters and descriptive keywords
• Ensuring the image does not warp in 360 view by aligning the horizon correctly
• Resolving stitching problems and nadir issues using Photoshop and Pano2VR (or equivelent) to ensure the best interactive experience
• Using Magnfic to upscale and add detail to images whilst retaining a reasonable level of creative control
• Resolving metadata issues + testing images to ensure they are ready for publication
• Discussion of how these tools have developed and evolved in recent months

A reference page has been set up on this site at www.simcoe.co.uk/ai-school/ reminding participants of the key processes highlighted during demonstration and discussion. So far these sessions have been useful and enjoyable for those taking part with some returning for the second in the series which examines transfering image styles to existing 360 tour photography. For more information on upcoming events see Peter Simcoe’s Eventbrite page.

Related topics: Find out more about how Generative AI creates video and images by reading ‘What Is Generative AI and Is It Useful In Film Production?’

Google kindly gave me access to their Google Earth Studio platform a few months back. I recently used it to create a variety of videos including a 2D 360 interactive video tour of my home city of Chester in England amongst other tours including London and Snowdonia National Park.

Familiar Tools And Techniques

Google Earth studio is relatively easy to work with if you are familiar with video editing or animation software. Camera controls including field of view, location, tilt and roll all have similarity to the type of keyframing you would find in Adobe software such as After Effects, Premier Pro and Character Animator. It’s fairly easy to create animated sequences and produce some interesting videos using areas of the map where 3D data is available. Google have only recently released 3D data for Chester…as its a beautiful city and familiar territory, this made a great focal point for some further exploration of the tool. In addition, I added some ‘tilt shift’ effects to Birmingham and Barcelona sequences to create a ‘miniature’ effect.

Exporting Videos

Once you have established the camera path for your sequence using the keyframing tools, it is possible to export traditional video or equirectangular video suitable for upload to YouTube – this process is either completed in the cloud (via Google servers) or by export as individual jpeg frames (which at 50fps is time consuming). Note that the limit per day for processing frames is around 15000. Having uploaded, YouTube then translates the data into a 360 video capable of being controlled with a mouse or TV remote.

Render Quality

Having uploaded 360 videos to YouTube the first things you notice are clarity, resolution and aliasing issues. Essentially, the 3D render contains moire patterns and flicker on buildings with lack of definition on hard edges. This reduced the quality of the viewing experience considerably. However, using Topaz’s video enhancement software it was possible to upscale the rendered video to 8K. When re-uploaded to YouTube the conversion was much sharper with improvements in antialiasing and fine detail.

Notes

• Not all of Google’s coverage features 3D photogrammetry data. The major cities of the world and sites of interest are covered, but there are still many locations with 2D imagery only
• If you’re interested in alternativeS then maybe try Geolayers, a plugin for After Effects. It allows more advanced visual techniques for animating maps with After Effects suite of effects and camera attributes such as depth of field.
• See my previous Google Earth Studio experiments