From image to video: testing Midjourney, Runway and HeyGen

The session distinguishes generating an image, animating a character and preparing an avatar presentation. These tasks are related but produce different results. Before starting, define the piece's role in your video or publication.

A short asset accompanying an explanation needs a clear visual idea. You do not need a short film to check whether the asset works. Define the framing, approximate duration and message it should reinforce.

During the image test, we compare several character versions. Some retain the features better and others drift from the intended result. We also discuss how a face that is too small in the reference can make the test harder.

Use your own or authorised materials, selecting references that clearly show what matters. Keep alternatives and compare the face, proportions and consistency with your intention. A striking image is not necessarily the best one to animate.

In the demonstration, we animate an image using a performance reference. Reviewing the gestures reveals a problem: overly strong transfer can distort the image. We therefore test variants and observe the differences.

Review the entire clip, not only its first frame. Check edges, hands, the face and abrupt shape changes. If something fails, reduce movement or change the reference before trying to fix everything in the final edit.

I also show examples created from my own image and voice. This opens up formats but requires review of the script and representation. Visual resemblance does not guarantee natural voice, pronunciation or messaging.

When publishing, explain that content is generated or modified if it could be mistaken for a real recording. Work with the represented person's permission and check that the result does not attribute unapproved messages to them.

The class mentions tool plans and costs at recording time. Those amounts are not current references: features, limits and usage depend on the product and plan available when you work.

As an editorial exercise, prepare a piece lasting a few seconds and record how many attempts you need for a usable version. That record helps assess time, review and resources. The goal is a use that fits your content, not effects for their own sake.