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ImagineScenes
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WORKFLOW NOTE 01

How to Keep an AI Character Consistent Across Scenes

Imagine Scenes Published Updated 2 min read
A fictional character shown consistently across rain-lit cinematic scenes

Guide AI character consistency with appearance and motion references. Assign input roles, simplify each shot, and check faces and clothing for drift.

Separate appearance from motion guidance

Use a clear character image to guide face, hair, clothing, and proportions. On a model that accepts footage, use a motion clip for a specific action or rhythm. Name those roles instead of asking both inputs to define everything.

Keep the setting and camera instructions separate from appearance details. Reference roles help clarify the brief but do not create an identity lock; inspect the person across the complete result.

Prepare one recognizable appearance source

Choose an unobstructed image with a visible face and consistent clothing. Avoid conflicting hairstyles, accessories, or several different people in a source intended to define one character. Upload only material you have permission to use.

List a few visual anchors you can actually compare: face shape, hairstyle, glasses, jacket color, or distinctive markings. Use those anchors in the prompt and in the review, without assuming every detail will remain identical.

  • Do not request a different age, hairstyle, or outfit in the same shot.
  • Do not upload several portraits as an unlabelled moodboard.
  • Watch the complete clip; continuity can fail after the first second.

Match the reference workflow to the supported inputs

Open Video to Video when a compatible clip should guide movement, or use the appropriate image-reference mode for a still source. Select the model first, check upload slots, assign the displayed reference tags, and review the cost before submission.

EXAMPLE DIRECTIONUse the portrait as the character reference. Keep the character recognizable, including the short black jacket and silver pendant. Use the video only for the walking rhythm and slow forward camera movement. Place the character in a rain-lit night market. Medium shot, restrained hand-held camera, reflections on wet pavement.

Create separate shots with a stable brief

Reuse the same appearance source and anchors for separate scenes. Change one setting or action per submission, then compare faces, body proportions, clothing, and camera framing across the resulting clips.

Keep reviewed versions as comparison points in My Creations. A consistent prompt and source can still produce differences; finish a sequence only after reviewing every shot and any transitions in your editing workflow.