1. The “One Tool, One Need” Challenge

Inspired by: Mei’s focused approach of mastering just one tool for her immediate visualization need.

Exercise:

• Identify a single, specific visual challenge in your current or upcoming project
• Research and select just one AI tool most suited to that challenge
• Give yourself a time limit (Mei took 6 hours) to learn the basics and create a simple version
• Document what worked, what didn’t, and what you learned

Example Prompt: “Create a 10-second transition showing a city street transforming from present day to 50 years in the future with increased climate effects.”

2. AI Tool Decision Matrix

Inspired by: Zach’s simple slide categorizing each tool by its specialty.

Exercise:

• Create a personal decision matrix with these columns: Tool Name | Best Used For | Learning Curve | Cost | Project Application
• Research 5-7 AI video tools and fill in each category
• Add notes about which of your typical project needs each tool might address
• Use this as your personal guide for tool selection

3. Prompt Library Development

Inspired by: Mei’s realization about the importance of specific prompts.

Exercise:

• Start a “prompt library” document organized by visual categories (characters, environments, lighting styles, etc.)
• Experiment with 5 different prompts for the same visual element, noting how slight changes affect the output
• Develop a template format for your prompts that produces consistent results
• Create a “prompt bible” for your specific project to maintain visual consistency

Example Template: “[Time period], [location], [weather/lighting condition], [camera angle], [film style reference], [color palette]”

4. Before & After Visualization Series

Inspired by: Mei’s transformation of the Indonesian village over time.

Exercise:

• Select a location familiar to you (your street, a local landmark, etc.)
• Create a series showing its transformation across 3-5 time periods
• Start with a photograph as reference, then use AI tools to show:
  • The past (historical version)
  • Present day (matching your reference)
  • Near future (subtle changes)
  • Far future (dramatic transformation)
• Focus on maintaining consistent perspective and key elements while changing time-specific details

5. AI Filmmaker’s Journal

Inspired by: Mei’s workflow document she created after her breakthrough.

Exercise:

• Keep a structured journal of your AI tool experimentation
• For each session, document:
  • The specific goal/need
  • Tool(s) used
  • Prompt variations attempted
  • Results (with screenshots)
  • Things to try next time
• Review this journal monthly to track your progress and identify patterns in what works

6. Collaborative Prompt Workshop

Inspired by: Zach’s workshop that helped Mei overcome her initial hesitation.

Exercise:

• Find 2-3 other creators interested in AI tools
• Each person brings one specific visual need from a project
• Take turns workshopping prompt language and tool selection as a group
• Experiment with each other’s prompts, providing feedback and suggestions
• Document the evolution from initial prompt to final result

7. The “Three Versions” Challenge

Inspired by: Mei’s iterative approach to refining her visualization.

Exercise:

• Select a single scene or visual you need for a project
• Create three distinctly different versions using AI tools:
  • Version 1: Quick and rough (30 minutes maximum)
  • Version 2: Refined with more detailed prompts (1-2 hours)
  • Version 3: Highly polished with multiple tools in combination (3+ hours)
• Analyze the time/quality tradeoffs and determine which level of refinement is necessary for different project elements

8. AI Integration Storyboard

Inspired by: Mei integrating her AI visualizations with her documentary footage.

Exercise:

• Create a storyboard for a 1-2 minute sequence that combines:
  • Traditional footage you already have or can easily capture
  • AI-generated elements that would be difficult or impossible to film
  • Transitions between real and AI-generated content
• Focus on making the integration seamless by matching lighting, color grading, and perspectives

9. “Explain It To A Beginner” Video

Inspired by: Mei helping another filmmaker at the end of her journey.

Exercise:

• After completing any of the above exercises, create a short (2-3 minute) tutorial video
• Explain your process as if teaching someone with no AI experience
• Include specific examples of before/after results
• Share common pitfalls you encountered and how to avoid them
• This reinforces your own learning while building community knowledge

10. Weekly AI Tool Time Block

Inspired by: Mei’s transformation from skeptic to confident AI user.

Exercise:

• Schedule a recurring 2-hour block each week dedicated solely to AI tool exploration
• Alternate between:
  • Learning a new tool
  • Mastering advanced features of a familiar tool
  • Combining multiple tools in a workflow
  • Refining your prompt techniques
• Track your progress monthly, noting how tasks that once seemed impossible become routine

Remember Mei’s insight: “The technology hadn’t changed; her relationship to it had.” These exercises are designed to transform your relationship with AI video tools from intimidation to confident collaboration.