Reference & editing workflows

AI Video Character Reference Guide

Character consistency is a continuity problem, not just a prompt-length problem. Repeat a compact identity anchor and let pose, expression and camera change naturally.

Identity anchor

Face, hair, age range, body proportions and recurring accessories.

Wardrobe anchor

Repeat only garments or colors that must persist.

Screen direction

Keep travel/gaze direction coherent between connected shots.

Last frame

Use a clean previous ending as the next starting reference when possible.

A practical reference workflow

  1. Identify the exact role of every reference: identity, product, environment, motion, start frame, end frame or edit target.
  2. Write down the elements that must remain unchanged before describing motion or edits.
  3. Describe one primary change at a time: action, camera, lighting, background, style or continuation.
  4. End with a stable target state that can be reviewed, edited or used as the next clip reference.