Cinematic AI image/video prompting framework

A detailed 5-layer framework for crafting cinematic AI image prompts and an 8-layer approach for video, with before/after examples and tool-specific tips.

🤖 Works with: Any

The Prompt

Copy and paste — replace anything in [brackets].

Young woman, late 20s, sharp jaw, oversized vintage denim jacket, leaning against a wall arms crossed, looking slightly down — guarded. Rain-soaked Tokyo alley, 2:30 AM, neon reflections on wet asphalt, steam from a manhole, orange vending machine glowing behind her. Hard side-light from a neon sign to her right, Rembrandt shadow across half her face. Shot on 35mm Kodak Portra 400, visible grain, muted greens and deep blues. Blade Runner 2049 meets Wong Kar-wai. 9:16.

What it’s good for

Generate cinematic, professional-quality AI images or videos by structuring prompts like a film crew brief, avoiding generic outputs.

How to use it

1. Copy the prompt template and replace placeholders with your specific subject, setting, lighting, and style details.
2. For video, adapt using the 8-layer structure, specifying camera moves, lens, pacing, and mood.
3. Adjust based on your AI tool (e.g., use comma-separated keywords for Midjourney, full sentences for ChatGPT).

Curated from the community via Reddit.