Podcast Summary: AI Explored

Episode: AI Video Mastery: Creating Videos That Sell
Host: Michael Stelzner
Guest: Eve Whitaker — AI consultant & educator, ex-Hollywood producer
Date: February 24, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode is a deep dive into the practicalities of creating high-quality AI-powered video content for marketers, creators, and business owners. Michael Stelzner discusses with Eve Whitaker—AI video consultant, educator, and ex-Hollywood producer—how AI can democratize video production and make compelling, sales-driving videos accessible to anyone, regardless of their technical background. Eve shares her unique three-part framework (pre-production, production, post-production), offers practical tips from her TV background, and discusses the game-changing capabilities of AI video tools like Sora.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Eve Whitaker's Journey Into AI Video (02:28–05:36)

• Eve transitioned from a Hollywood producing career (Dr. Phil, Sony Pictures) to marketing and AI, initially using tools like Midjourney and ChatGPT as creative "toys."
• She began teaching AI marketing techniques, ultimately focusing on AI video as technology improved rapidly.
• Quote:

  “It just kind of right place, right time, with my background. … My offer is really about AI Video because I just absolutely love it.” (04:41, Eve)

Debunking Myths About AI Video (08:13–08:43)

• Misconception: People believe AI video requires technical expertise.
• Reality: AI video tools are extremely user-friendly; the tech barrier is lower than ever.
• Quote:

  “What AI has done is really take away the need to be tech savvy. It is ridiculously easy.” (08:23, Eve)

The Major Upsides of AI Video (08:59–10:26)

• Efficiency Savings: Dramatically reduces time and costs compared to traditional video.
• Marketing Power: Video remains "king" in content; effective videos can boost engagement and reach.
• Real-World Success: Example of a student in furniture sales who, after learning Eve's approach, saw an explosion in online attention and customer interest.
• Quote:

  “He messaged me and he was like, Eve, my business is blowing up because people are seeing my stuff online. ... I’m having so much fun doing this and my kids think I’m really cool.” (09:47, Eve)

Eve Whitaker’s 3-Part Framework for AI Video Creation

1. Pre-Production: Nailing Your Message & Story (10:40–18:36)

• Importance: Pre-production is essential—clarity prevents editing headaches later.
• Customer Focus: The video message should revolve around the audience’s problem, not the business itself.
• Use specific frameworks (customer's journey, hero's journey) to target benefits and transformations.
• Practical Example:
  Furniture store owner ties videos to current viral trends (Super Bowl, Macy’s Parade, snowstorms) and unique selling points (stain-resistant upholstery) for shareable, topical content.
• Quote:

  “Everyone wants to cast this really wide net and I say, you're casting a wide net, so now you're talking to no one.” (14:19, Eve)

Timestamps

• Explaining pre-production: 10:40–12:15
• How to shift message from self to client: 12:37–13:46
• Digging deeper on ‘problem’ and ‘offer’: 14:19–16:25

2. Production: Using AI Tools (Focus on Sora) to Envision Your Video (19:23–39:56)

• Tool of Choice: Sora (by OpenAI). Especially intuitive for newcomers due to its timeline-based, "storyboard" style prompting.
• How to Prompt:
  • Use timecodes to break down scenes.
  • Specify camera movements, character actions, type of animation or realism, mood, music, and sound effects.
  • Incorporate reference images and custom "cameos" (avatars) for product or character consistency.
  • Be highly specific for best results; reprompt as necessary, since each render can vary in output quality.
• Multi-Render Workflow:
  Create multiple versions of a scene for flexibility in editing, mirroring the real-life process of filming several takes.
• Quote:

  “Sora is for, in my opinion, the common man’s prompting, because it really just wants stuff done in a timeline, which is ... how we would do stuff in regular production.” (19:23, Eve)

• Interesting Moment:
  Eve describes using public cameos (e.g., Mark Cuban or Gary Vaynerchuk) and customizing avatars in Sora—a cutting-edge capability. (27:49–29:34)

Timestamps

• Sora’s prompting process: 21:27–24:12
• Using avatars/reference images: 26:07–29:45
• Importance of reprompting: 38:56–39:56

3. Post-Production: Editing for Impact (40:31–44:46)

• Editing Tools: Eve uses Final Cut Pro and teaches CapCut (affordable, user-friendly); alternatives include Descript and others.
• Workflow:
  • Lay out all AI-generated clips in a timeline (sequence).
  • Choose music that fits the desired mood—Eve prefers to add this in post rather than let AI choose.
  • Layer in additional sound effects and transitions sparingly; avoid overusing visual transitions for a professional feel.
  • Ruthlessly edit: Cut down the runtime to maintain audience attention (ideally under 30 seconds), using family or friends’ reactions as a ‘boredom’ gauge.
  • Add final branding—logo, URL, and call-to-action at the end ("end slate").
• Quote:

  “When people are first in the editing world, they see all these cool transitions. … Stop. … Unless there’s a reason to have that transition, don’t have a bunch of transitions.” (44:19, Eve)

Timestamps

• Post-production step overview: 40:31–41:22
• Approach to music & sound effects: 41:22–42:42
• Transition advice: 44:19–44:46

Hollywood Tips Adapted for AI Video (30:35–39:56)

• Cut on Action: For natural flow, always cut to the next shot while motion is in progress.
• Shot Variety Matters: Mix medium shots (waist up) with close-ups and wide establishing shots for visual interest.
• Cutaways/B-Roll: Record or generate additional close-ups or details (“spray the set”) as ‘insurance’ for smooth edits.
• Best Practice: Plan realizing you’ll assemble separate, short clips rather than prompt a perfect 30–60 second AI video all at once.
• Quote:

  “Most people ... stay at a medium shot ... and that gets very flat and boring.” (32:38, Eve)
  “I say start with an establishing shot ... cut to a car, medium shot ... cut to close up, hands gripping the steering wheel, very, very tight.” (33:09, Eve)

Memorable Quotes & Standout Moments

• On the myth of technical barriers:

  “You don't need to be tech savvy to do anything with AI video.” (08:23, Eve)

• On wide-net messaging:

  “Now you're talking to no one … with AI video, you can make several of these videos. So let’s start getting very specific.” (14:19, Eve)

• On post-production ruthlessness:

  “Make it 60 seconds. Now make it 30 seconds. Now make it 15 seconds. Because what you think is so important, the audience doesn't need to see.” (31:24, Eve)

• On Sora’s impact:

  “Sora is just changing the game ... you can take your product ... it could even be your logo.” (26:52–27:09, Eve)

Actionable Resources & Further Learning

• Eve’s Custom GPT – "Seed Scene":
  A free prompt-builder for Sora. Reach out via Facebook (Eve Whitaker-AI) and mention the podcast to receive access.
• Eve’s School:
  Video Spark (find with "neon" branding).
• Key AI Tools Mentioned:
  • Sora (OpenAI)
  • CapCut (editing)
  • Suno (music creation)
  • Audio Jungle (music library)
  • Others: Runway, Google’s v03, Descript

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Eve’s AI origin story: 02:28–05:36
• Biggest AI video myths: 08:13–08:43
• Framework Level Overview: 10:40–11:45
• Pre-production deep dive: 12:37–16:25
• Production & Sora tips: 19:23–29:45
• Hollywood techniques for AI video: 30:35–39:56
• Post-production/editing tips: 40:31–44:46
• Resource sharing / how to connect to Eve: 47:05–48:44

Practical Takeaways

• Get hyper-specific in your messaging: Zero in on a single, relatable audience problem or desire.
• Storyboarding is crucial: Use Sora’s timeline approach to plan each scene or shot, incorporating both visual and audio details.
• Expect multiple drafts: Rendering multiple times is standard practice—each output may surprise you.
• Embrace the edit: Final video quality is determined in post-production—don’t rely solely on AI tools for the finished product.

Where to Connect & Learn More

• Eve Whitaker:
  Socials: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube @EveWhitakerAI
  School: Video Spark (look for neon branding)
• Custom "Seed Scene" GPT:
  DM Eve on Facebook with a reference to ‘AI Explored’ to receive the free Sora prompt-builder.
• AI Business World Event:
  Eve will be speaking in person—details at aibusinessworld.live

In the Words of the Guest

“AI is not going to do it in one prompt... You’re going to do 75% of it using the AI video tool, and then you need to take it into an editing tool.” (30:35, Eve)

“If you don’t have a roadmap to what you’re doing, it makes the next two phases extremely difficult.” (10:40, Eve)

For full show notes and resources:
Social Media Examiner’s AI Podcast Show Notes

End of Summary