Behind the Scenes: How BearJam Builds an AI-Powered Video Workflow

TL;DR:
At BearJam, we use AI tools like Veo 3, Gemini, Midjourney and others to speed up video production, test ideas quickly, and unlock creative flexibility -without losing the human touch. Here’s how our AI workflow works, step by step.

Why We Built an AI Workflow

AI tools have changed what’s possible in video production. But just having access to them isn’t enough. Without structure, it’s easy to waste time or create content that misses the mark.

That’s why we’ve developed a creative-first, AI-powered workflow that helps us move quickly, explore more ideas, and still deliver high-quality branded content.

Whether it’s a full GenAI brand film, a hybrid shoot, or a quick-turnaround concept, this workflow is helping us and our clients create smarter, not just faster.

Our 4-Step AI Video Workflow

1. Start with the Idea

Every project begins with clarity. What are we trying to say? Who is it for? What do we want them to feel or do?

We don’t generate anything until we’ve nailed the thinking. We use Gemini or Claude to explore angles, write early copy, and help crystallise the idea in one strong sentence.

Tools used:

• Gemini or Claude for ideation and copy exploration
  
  
• ChatGPT for tone of voice experimentation and audience rewrites
  
  
• Miro for mapping themes, concepts and campaign pillars
  
  
• Hume AI (selectively) for testing emotional tone or response predictions
  
  

2. Build a Simple Storyboard

Next, we translate the idea into a visual narrative. This might be a quick sketch, a formal animatic, or a frame-by-frame plan for GenAI prompts. For longer pieces or branded content, we often build modular structures that can flex across formats.

Tools used:

• Miro or FigJam for collaborative scene planning
  
  
• Midjourney or Imagine 4 for early look development and moodboards
  
  
• Runway for quick animatic passes or reference sequences
  
  
• Gemini or ChatGPT for turning concepts into scene-by-scene breakdowns
  
  
• Frame.io to share and iterate with clients
  
  

3. Write the Prompts (Scene by Scene)

Now we get into the detail. For each scene, we write a tailored prompt using our prompt framework (based on Google’s Veo structure). This includes subject, action, scene setting, camera direction and audio.

We test and refine each prompt, especially when working with dialogue or specific visual cues. For image-based starts, we sometimes create base frames in Midjourney or Imagine and animate from there.

Tools used:

• Veo 3 (Google) for video generation with native audio
  
  
• Imagine 4 for image-to-video workflows
  
  
• Midjourney for visual exploration or base frames
  
  
• Gemini, Claude or ChatGPT for prompt refinement
  
  
• Eleven Labs or Chirp for custom voiceover testing
  
  
• Runway for edits, style transfer, and video-inpainting
  
  
• Frame.io for WIP reviews and feedback rounds
  
  

4. Final Assembly and Polish

Once the AI outputs are in, we move into post - bringing together all the pieces into something cohesive, branded and fit for channel. We treat AI footage the same as filmed material: edited with purpose, colour graded, and tweaked for tone and rhythm.

Depending on the project, we may also blend GenAI scenes with live-action, stock, animation or motion graphics.

Tools used:

• Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve for editing and grading
  
  
• After Effects for motion design, compositing and end cards
  
  
• Eleven Labs or custom VO for dialogue options
  
  
• Lyria for AI-generated background music
  
  
• Runway for final tweaks or consistency passes
  
  
• Frame.io for final sign-off
  
  
• Hume AI (optional) for assessing emotional alignment in voice and visual performance
  
  

Real-World Use: Where We’re Applying This Workflow

We’re already using this process on real client work, not just experiments. Here’s how:

Full GenAI Brand Videos

We're delivering fully AI-generated films for brands looking to make a statement or explore new formats. These include native audio, stylised visuals, and scripted scenes tailored for web, social and internal use.

Hybrid Video Productions

In some cases, we blend live-action with AI-generated cutaways, environments or illustrative moments - saving time and budget while keeping quality high.

Animatics and Mood Films

AI lets us quickly visualise and pitch ideas before shooting. We use this for internal concept development and to help clients imagine what's possible before signing off on production.

Why Clients Love It

This workflow gives our clients:

• More speed without compromising creativity
  
  
• Personalised content at scale (for regions, audiences or moments)
  
  
• Clarity before commit - seeing ideas early and testing fast
  
  
• A competitive edge as AI becomes more integrated into content marketing
  
  

Thinking About AI Video for Your Brand?

Whether you’re just curious or ready to dive in, we can help you use AI video in a way that fits your goals, your brand and your audience.

We’ll guide you through the tools, write the prompts, and deliver great content—without making it feel robotic.

Want to see how AI video could work for your next campaign?
Learn more about AI Video Production here