Cinematic Prompt Guide
A clear prompt says what happens, how the camera moves, and how the scene is lit. Here is how to write one.
Lead with subject and action
Open with who or what is in frame and what they are doing. A single clear action reads better than a list of unrelated details.
Name the setting briefly, then move on. The model fills in texture once the core action is unambiguous.
Describe the camera
Camera language does a lot of the work. Terms such as wide establishing shot, medium close-up, slow push-in, or handheld tracking tell the model how to move.
Pick one movement per clip. Combining several competing camera moves in a single short shot tends to produce muddled motion.
Set lighting and mood
Lighting words such as golden hour, overcast, neon-lit, or single soft key give the render a consistent look.
Add one or two mood words at the end. Keep the list short, since every additional descriptor competes for attention.
Prompt writing FAQ
How long should a prompt be?
One to three sentences is usually enough. Cover subject, action, camera, and lighting, then stop.
Should I write in English?
English prompts tend to be the best supported by current video models.
Why did my clip ignore part of the prompt?
Short clips have limited room for detail. Remove descriptors until the core action is clear, then add detail back one at a time.
Does the prompt affect the credit cost?
No. Cost depends on clip length and resolution, not prompt length.