TL;DR

Create professional full CGI commercials without 3D software, production crew, or Hollywood budgets using Atlabs AI.

The Tools: Atlabs AI + Nano Banana Pro (characters) + Veo 3.1 (animation)

The Project: LEGO-style CGI ad, office worker discovers portal to fantasy worlds

The Result: Photorealistic 3D commercial created entirely from laptop

Cost: Atlabs subscription
Time: 2-3 hours

Start Creating CGI Ads on Atlabs AI

The CGI Revolution: Zero 3D Software Required

What if I told you you can make an entire ad, every frame of it, without 3D software, no creative studio, and a tiny budget?

Traditionally, photorealistic 3D scenes required:

• Maya or Blender expertise

• Creative team of 5-10 people

• Weeks of modeling and rendering

• $50,000-200,000+ budgets

• Expensive render farms

Today with Atlabs AI:

• No 3D software needed

• Solo creator workflow

• Hours, not weeks

• Subscription cost only

• Instant cloud rendering

This is the shift: From "Can we afford this?" to "Can we imagine this?"

Why Use AI for CGI Advertising?

Generative AI fundamentally changes commercial production:

✓ Slash Budgets: No expensive sets or actors
✓ Iterate Quickly: Test concepts in minutes, not days
✓ Democratize 3D: No Maya or Blender expertise required
✓ Unlimited Creativity: Build impossible worlds
✓ Client Approval: Show concepts before full production

The power of generative AI: It allows you to escape reality and execute ideas that were previously impossible due to budget constraints.

The Case Study: LEGO Portal Ad

The Concept: A LEGO figure working a dull, gray office job discovers a portal to vibrant fantasy worlds—a metaphor for the freedom of generative AI.

The Visual Metaphor:

• Gray office = Creative restriction, corporate monotony

• Vibrant fantasy worlds = Creative freedom, unlimited possibilities

• Portal = Generative AI as gateway to imagination

Why LEGO style?

• Simplified character design (easier consistency)

• Nostalgic, universally loved aesthetic

• Clear visual metaphor (building/creating)

• Distinct from live-action ads

• Appeals to broad demographics

Final Edit:

• Runtime: 30 seconds

• Shots: 12+ different scenes

• Production time: 6 hours

• Budget: Atlabs subscription only

Start Creating CGI Ads on Atlabs AI

The 5-Step CGI Workflow

Step 1: Concept & Scripting with ChatGPT

While AI tools assist production, the creative spark must come from you.

The mindset shift: AI doesn't replace creativity, it amplifies it.

Use Atlabs Script Writer to write a detailed script:

Your Input:

I want to create a 30-second LEGO-style CGI ad about discovering creative freedom through AI. The character starts in a gray, sterile office and discovers a portal to colorful fantasy worlds. Help me create a detailed shot list with camera angles, movements, and transitions.

You can also use other LLM's to generate the script like ChatGPT or Gemini.

Output Includes:

• Shot-by-shot breakdown (12+ suggested shots)

• Camera angles (wide, close-up, drone, overhead)

• Lens choices (24mm wide for establishing, 50mm for medium, 85mm for close-ups)

• Camera movements (dolly, crane, orbit)

• Transition suggestions (cut, dissolve, match cut)

• Timing recommendations (3-5 seconds per shot)

• Narrative arc structure

Example Shot Ideas:

• "Bearded LEGO man as sky pirate riding on pirate ship flying through clouds"

• "LEGO man swimming through incredible underwater environment with glowing coral"

• "LEGO knight in medieval castle with vibrant sunset"

• "LEGO astronaut floating in space surrounded by stars"

• "LEGO ninja running across rooftops in ancient Japan"

Pro Tip: Save all suggestions. You'll iterate through these as you generate scenes.

Step 2: Create the Master Character with Nano Banana Pro

The golden rule of AI filmmaking: Create a "Master Image" or "Look Bible."

This single image becomes your character reference for the entire project.

Navigate to: Atlabs AI → Image → Nano Banana Pro

Generate the Base Character

Copy This Exact Prompt:

A LEGO minifigure man with a full brown beard, wearing a gray business suit jacket, white shirt, and black tie. Baseball cap facing backwards (brim at the back of the head). Black rectangular-framed glasses. Neutral expression. Standing in a minimalist gray office environment with computer screens visible in background. Screens are turned ON showing content. Photorealistic CGI rendering, 3D render quality, Pixar-level detail, crisp textures, studio lighting. 16:9 aspect ratio.

Critical details in the prompt:

• "Baseball cap facing backwards" (specific orientation prevents errors)

• "Black rectangular-framed glasses" (specific shape)

• "Screens are turned ON" (learned from iteration—blank screens look wrong)

• "Photorealistic CGI rendering" (targets the right aesthetic)

Why Nano Banana Pro excels at CGI:

• Exceptional texture rendering (LEGO plastic looks perfect)

• Best-in-class editing capabilities (iterate feature)

• Maintains style consistency across generations

• Handles 3D render aesthetics naturally

• Understands "Pixar-level" quality cues

The Iterate Feature: Nano Banana Pro's Secret Weapon

This is where Nano Banana Pro truly shines over other models.

If first result isn't perfect, click Iterate (not regenerate, this preserves your base).

Common iterations needed:

Problem: Baseball cap facing forward
Solution: "Turn the baseball cap around so the brim is at the back of the head"

Problem: Glasses wrong shape
Solution: "Change glasses to black rectangular frames, not round"

Problem: Suit too light
Solution: "Make the suit jacket darker gray, almost charcoal"

Problem: Computer screens blank
Solution: "Turn on the computer screens showing work content"

Problem: Hat orientation keeps reverting
Solution: Be more specific: "Baseball cap worn backwards with MLB logo facing forward"

Keep iterating until every detail is perfect. This saves hours later.

Upscale for Maximum Quality

Once you have the perfect Master Character:

1. Select your final image

2. Click Upscale → 4x

3. Wait 60-90 seconds

4. Download as "Master_Character_Final.png"

This becomes your character bible. Every single scene will reference this.

Create Your Master Character on Atlabs AI

Step 3: Build Complete Storyboard with Atlabs

Critical workflow principle: Never jump straight to video.

Build a complete visual storyboard first. This lets you see the full narrative before spending time on animation.

Navigate to: Atlabs AI → Script to Video → Storyboard

Using the Storyboard Feature

Step 1: Create blank storyboard

Step 2: For each shot, generate image in Nano Banana Pro using Master Character as reference

Step 3: Apply generated images to storyboard slots

Result: Visual representation of entire ad before animating anything.

Why this workflow is essential:

• See the complete visual narrative

• Spot pacing problems early

• Ensure visual consistency across all shots

• Make structural changes before expensive video generation

• Share with clients/stakeholders for approval

Scene Generation Strategy

For every scene, upload Master Character, then customize prompt:

Scene 1: Office Exterior

Wide establishing shot. Gray, sterile corporate office building exterior. Overcast sky. Minimal color. The LEGO man from reference image visible through window. Photorealistic CGI, 3D render, cinematic composition. 16:9.

Scene 2: At the Desk (Close-Up)

Close-up of the LEGO man from reference sitting at gray desk typing on computer. Fluorescent overhead lighting. Computer screens ON showing spreadsheets. Dull, corporate atmosphere. Photorealistic CGI. 16:9.

Scene 3: Portal Discovery

The same LEGO man standing shocked, facing a large swirling magical portal on the office wall. Portal glowing with vibrant purple, blue, and gold energy. Dramatic contrast between gray office and colorful portal light hitting his face. Photorealistic CGI. 16:9.

Scene 4: Levitation Moment

The same LEGO man being lifted off the ground by mysterious force, arms outstretched, floating toward the portal. Magical energy swirling around him. Office environment in background. Dramatic lighting. Photorealistic CGI. 16:9.

Scene 5: Head Contact with Portal

Extreme close-up of LEGO man's head making contact with glowing portal surface. Sparks and magical particles exploding at contact point. Portal surface rippling like water. Dramatic moment. Photorealistic CGI. 16:9.

Scene 6: Pirate Ship Fantasy

Show the bearded LEGO man from reference as a sky pirate riding on the side of an incredible pirate ship flying through clouds. Wearing pirate hat. Vibrant blue sky, golden sunlight, dramatic and adventurous atmosphere. Entirely built of LEGO. Photorealistic CGI. 16:9.

Scene 7: Underwater World

The bearded LEGO man from reference swimming through incredible underwater environment. Glowing bioluminescent coral reef, tropical fish, shafts of sunlight from surface. Vibrant blues and greens. Magical atmosphere. Photorealistic CGI. 16:9.

Scene 8: Medieval Knight

The LEGO man from reference wearing knight armor, standing on medieval castle battlements. Stone walls, banners, distant mountains, dramatic sunset sky. Epic fantasy atmosphere. Vibrant colors. Photorealistic CGI. 16:9.

Scene 9: Space Astronaut

The LEGO man from reference as astronaut floating in space. Earth visible in background. Stars, nebula. Space suit with transparent helmet showing face. Sense of wonder. Photorealistic CGI. 16:9.

Scene 10: Flying Plane

The LEGO man from reference piloting a vintage biplane through clouds. Goggles on forehead, wind in beard. Blue sky, white clouds. Adventurous mood. Photorealistic CGI. 16:9.

Scene 11: Ancient Japan Ninja

The bearded LEGO man from reference running across rooftops in ancient Japan. Cherry blossom trees, traditional architecture. Dynamic action pose. Vibrant scene made of LEGO. Photorealistic CGI. 16:9.

Scene 12: Portal Return

The LEGO man from reference back in gray office, portal closing behind him. Slight smile on face. Office looks slightly improved with cherry blossom branch on desk. Hopeful atmosphere. Photorealistic CGI. 16:9.

The Consistency Challenge: Baseball Cap Problem

Real production issue encountered: The baseball cap kept appearing facing the wrong direction in fantasy scenes.

Why this happens: When prompting "dressed as pirate" or "dressed as ninja," the model interprets costume changes and may alter character elements.

The solution:

1. Don't prompt costume changes that cover defining features

2. Instead: "The bearded man running across rooftops in ancient Japan" (no ninja costume)

3. Keep Master Character's signature elements visible (beard, glasses, backwards cap)

4. If something reverts, iterate that specific image: "Turn baseball cap backwards"

Lesson learned: Be specific about what stays consistent vs. what changes.

Build Your Storyboard on Atlabs AI

Step 4: Animate with Veo 3.1

Static storyboard complete. Time to bring scenes to life.

Navigate to: Atlabs AI → Video → Veo 3.1

Critical choice: Use Image-to-Video (Frames to Video), NOT Text-to-Video.

Why Image-to-Video is Superior for Commercial Work

The Veo 3.1 Animation Workflow

Step 1: Select Start Frame (Required)

Select the storyboard image from the Story created

Step 2: Optional - Add End Frame for Transitions

Select a second image to create a transition between two scenes

Example: Close-up shot → Wide establishing shot
Veo 3.1 creates smooth camera movement between them

Step 3: Write Movement Prompt

Veo 3.1 Prompt Examples

For Pirate Ship Scene:

The pirate ship soars majestically through the clouds. Dramatic and cinematic scene. Camera slowly pulls back to reveal epic scale of ship and sky.

For Underwater Scene:

The bearded man swims through the incredible underwater environment. Camera follows smoothly. Fish swim past. Coral glows. Gentle, magical movement.

For Portal Discovery:

Camera slowly pushes in toward the LEGO man's shocked face as the portal swirls behind him. Portal light flickers dramatically across his face. Cinematic reveal moment.

For Levitation:

The LEGO man is lifted slowly off the ground by invisible force, floating upward toward portal. Dramatic, magical atmosphere. Slow, smooth motion.

For Head Contact:

Camera zooms in as head makes contact with portal surface. Explosion of sparks and magical particles at contact point. Portal ripples. High-energy moment.

For Space Float:

The astronaut floats gently in zero gravity, rotating slowly. Earth visible in background. Stars twinkling. Peaceful, weightless motion.

Simple Prompts Work Best:

• Focus on one main action

• Describe camera movement if needed

• Let Veo 3.1 handle physics

Pro Tip: Veo 3.1 responds better to "Camera moves..." than "Subject moves..."

Animate Your Storyboard with Veo 3.1 on Atlabs AI

Step 5: The "Director's Cut" (Professional Editing)

The reality: AI video generation requires curation.

Think like a film director: Not every take is perfect. You select the best moments.

Exporting from Atlabs AI

Navigate to: Story→ Export → Premier Pro

What you get:

• All video clips organized

• All still images

• XML file for Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve

• Packaged project assets

This integration saves hours of file management.

What Separates Professional from "AI Slop"

❌ AI Slop Approach:

• Use entire generation because you paid for it

• Include glitches and errors

• Accept whatever AI gives you

✅ Professional AI Filmmaking:

• Be highly selective

• Cut around physics errors

• Use only best seconds of each clip

• Maintain creative control

The mindset: You're the director. Not every take from even great actors is usable. Same applies to AI generations.

Post-Processing: The Film Grain Secret

The problem: AI video can look "glossy" or "too perfect."

The solution: Add film grain using adjustment layer.

In Premiere Pro:

1. Create Adjustment Layer above all clips

2. Effects → Video Effects → Noise & Grain → Noise

3. Set Amount: 3-5%

4. Check "Use Color Noise"

5. Opacity: 40-60%

In DaVinci Resolve:

1. Add Film Grain from Effects Library

2. Intensity: 15-25%

3. Size: Medium

4. Color: Subtle

Why this works:

• Adds organic texture

• Reduces "CGI sheen"

• Mimics real film stock

• Professional post-production technique used in VFX industry

The Letterbox Technique (Creative Device)

What it is: Black bars at top and bottom of frame (cinematic aspect ratio)

How to use creatively:

Normal scenes: Standard letterbox (crop 2.35:1 look)

Levitation moment: Letterbox expands (less crop, more visible frame)

Why this works:

• Visual metaphor for restriction vs. freedom

• Character feels "boxed in" → breaks free

• Subtle but powerful storytelling device

How to create in editing:

1. Add Adjustment Layer with Crop effect

2. Keyframe crop values

3. Office scene: Crop top/bottom 10% (narrow)

4. Levitation: Crop top/bottom 5% (wider)

5. Fantasy scenes: Crop top/bottom 8% (medium)

Color Grading for Visual Contrast

The story is told through color:

Office World:

• Desaturate by 30-40%

• Cool blue/teal tint

• Lower overall brightness (-10%)

• Crush blacks (make shadows darker)

• Flat, lifeless look

Fantasy Worlds:

• Boost saturation by 20-30%

• Warm golden/orange tint

• Increase contrast (+15%)

• Vibrant, punchy colors

• Cinematic, alive look

The transition: Maximum visual contrast = maximum emotional impact

The Final 30-Second Edit Structure

0:00-0:03 → Office exterior establishing (gray, sterile)
           [Melancholic piano music begins]

0:03-0:05 → Close-up at desk (typing, lifeless)
           [Camera slow dolly in]

0:05-0:07 → Portal appears on wall (dramatic reveal)
           [Music swells, portal sound boom]

0:07-0:09 → Shocked expression (close-up reaction)
           [Music builds]

0:09-0:11 → Levitation begins (lifted off ground)
           [Letterbox expands, magical sounds]

0:11-0:13 → Head contact with portal (explosion of sparks)
           [Impact hit, music peaks]

0:13-0:15 → Pirate ship (epic wide, flying through clouds)
           [Epic orchestral music, wind sounds]

0:15-0:17 → Underwater (swimming through coral)
           [Quick cut, bubbles, adventurous music continues]

0:17-0:19 → Knight in castle (medium shot)
           [Quick cut, sword sound, music swelling]

0:19-0:21 → Space float (wide, Earth in background)
           [Quick cut, ethereal sound, music peak]

0:21-0:23 → Plane flying (dynamic angle)
           [Quick cut, engine sound]

0:23-0:25 → Japan rooftops (action shot)
           [Final quick cut, dramatic music]

0:25-0:27 → Return to office (portal closing, slight smile)
           [Music resolves, hopeful tone]

0:27-0:28 → Logo reveal: "Atlabs AI. Build Anything."
           [Music ends, final note]

0:28-0:30 → Tagline: "Escape Reality. Create Worlds."
           [Silence, let it land]

0:00-0:03 → Office exterior establishing (gray, sterile)
           [Melancholic piano music begins]

0:03-0:05 → Close-up at desk (typing, lifeless)
           [Camera slow dolly in]

0:05-0:07 → Portal appears on wall (dramatic reveal)
           [Music swells, portal sound boom]

0:07-0:09 → Shocked expression (close-up reaction)
           [Music builds]

0:09-0:11 → Levitation begins (lifted off ground)
           [Letterbox expands, magical sounds]

0:11-0:13 → Head contact with portal (explosion of sparks)
           [Impact hit, music peaks]

0:13-0:15 → Pirate ship (epic wide, flying through clouds)
           [Epic orchestral music, wind sounds]

0:15-0:17 → Underwater (swimming through coral)
           [Quick cut, bubbles, adventurous music continues]

0:17-0:19 → Knight in castle (medium shot)
           [Quick cut, sword sound, music swelling]

0:19-0:21 → Space float (wide, Earth in background)
           [Quick cut, ethereal sound, music peak]

0:21-0:23 → Plane flying (dynamic angle)
           [Quick cut, engine sound]

0:23-0:25 → Japan rooftops (action shot)
           [Final quick cut, dramatic music]

0:25-0:27 → Return to office (portal closing, slight smile)
           [Music resolves, hopeful tone]

0:27-0:28 → Logo reveal: "Atlabs AI. Build Anything."
           [Music ends, final note]

0:28-0:30 → Tagline: "Escape Reality. Create Worlds."
           [Silence, let it land]

0:00-0:03 → Office exterior establishing (gray, sterile)
           [Melancholic piano music begins]

0:03-0:05 → Close-up at desk (typing, lifeless)
           [Camera slow dolly in]

0:05-0:07 → Portal appears on wall (dramatic reveal)
           [Music swells, portal sound boom]

0:07-0:09 → Shocked expression (close-up reaction)
           [Music builds]

0:09-0:11 → Levitation begins (lifted off ground)
           [Letterbox expands, magical sounds]

0:11-0:13 → Head contact with portal (explosion of sparks)
           [Impact hit, music peaks]

0:13-0:15 → Pirate ship (epic wide, flying through clouds)
           [Epic orchestral music, wind sounds]

0:15-0:17 → Underwater (swimming through coral)
           [Quick cut, bubbles, adventurous music continues]

0:17-0:19 → Knight in castle (medium shot)
           [Quick cut, sword sound, music swelling]

0:19-0:21 → Space float (wide, Earth in background)
           [Quick cut, ethereal sound, music peak]

0:21-0:23 → Plane flying (dynamic angle)
           [Quick cut, engine sound]

0:23-0:25 → Japan rooftops (action shot)
           [Final quick cut, dramatic music]

0:25-0:27 → Return to office (portal closing, slight smile)
           [Music resolves, hopeful tone]

0:27-0:28 → Logo reveal: "Atlabs AI. Build Anything."
           [Music ends, final note]

0:28-0:30 → Tagline: "Escape Reality. Create Worlds."
           [Silence, let it land]

Pacing strategy: Quick cuts during fantasy montage (2 seconds each) creates energy and excitement.

Common Production Challenges & Solutions

Challenge 1: Character Consistency Breaks

Problem: Fantasy scene shows character with wrong hat orientation or missing glasses

Solution:

• Iterate the specific image before animating

• Reference Master Character more explicitly in prompt

• Add: "Maintaining exact appearance from reference including backwards baseball cap and rectangular glasses"

Challenge 2: Physics Glitches in Video

Problem: Character body splits, explodes, or morphs unnaturally

Solution:

• Don't force it, cut around the glitch

• Use only clean seconds

• Generate 2 variations, pick better physics

Challenge 3: Blank Computer Screens

Problem: Generated office scenes have screens turned off (looks wrong)

Solution:

• Add to prompt: "Computer screens turned ON showing work content"

• Iterate Master Image to fix, then regenerate office scenes

Challenge 4: Wrong Costume Interpretation

Problem: "Ninja costume" covers character's defining features

Solution:

• Don't prompt costume if it hides character

• Instead: "Running across rooftops" (let character stay recognizable)

• Keep signature elements visible

Challenge 5: Portal Doesn't Look Magical

Problem: Portal looks flat or unconvincing

Solution:

• Add specific details: "Swirling energy, particle effects, glowing purple and blue, rippling surface like water"

• Reference style: "Like Doctor Strange portal" or "Like Stargate portal"

Pro Tips from a VFX Professional

Tip 1: Think Like a Director, Not an AI User

The mindset shift:

• You're not "using AI" you're directing AI

• Not every take is perfect, even from great actors

• Be selective, maintain creative control

• Have taste, have an eye for detail

Tip 2: Master Character is Everything

Spend 30-60 minutes perfecting it. This investment saves 3-4 hours later maintaining consistency.

Tip 3: Storyboard Before Animating

Always. No exceptions. Seeing the full narrative prevents costly video generation mistakes.

Tip 4: Cut on Musical Beats

Sync every transition to music. Viewers feel this subconsciously even if they don't notice it.

Tip 5: Film Grain Isn't Optional

Add it to everything. It's the difference between "AI video" and "professional commercial."

Tip 6: Audio is 50% of Impact

Never settle for default AI audio. Layer custom sounds. This is where amateurs fail and professionals shine.

Tip 7: Export XML for Editing Software

Use Atlabs AI's export feature. Getting organised project files with XML saves hours of manual import.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a CGI ad without 3D software?

Yes. Atlabs AI with Nano Banana Pro and Veo 3.1 generates 3D-style imagery from text prompts, eliminating need for Blender or Maya. Zero 3D expertise required.

How do you keep characters consistent?

Image-to-Video workflow is the key:

1. Create perfect Master Image in Nano Banana Pro

2. Use Iterate feature until every detail is right

3. Upload Master Image as reference for every new scene

4. Use Image-to-Video in Veo 3.1, never Text-to-Video

What's the best AI tool for CGI filmmaking?

Atlabs AI because it:

• Aggregates top models (Nano Banana Pro + Veo 3.1)

• Provides timeline-based workflow

• Includes storyboard feature

• Exports XML for professional editing software

• One platform for entire production

How long does rendering take?

Nano Banana Pro: 30-60 seconds per image
Veo 3.1: 3-5 minutes per video clip
Total project: 4-6 hours including editing

Can I use this for client work?

Yes. Output is broadcast-quality. Ensure contracts clarify AI-generated content usage and verify you own commercial rights to all outputs.

What if a generation doesn't work?

Be selective. Think like a director:

• Cut around glitches (use only good seconds)

• Generate 2 variations, pick best

• Don't force bad takes just because you paid for them

• Professional filmmaking requires curation

Do I need expensive editing software?

Not required but recommended:

• DaVinci Resolve (FREE, professional-grade)

• Premiere Pro (paid, $20.99/month)

For basic edits, free tools work fine. For professional finishing (film grain, color grading), paid tools are worth it.

Ready to Build Your CGI World?

The power of generative AI allows you to escape reality and execute ideas that were previously impossible due to budget constraints.

By mastering Atlabs AI, Nano Banana Pro, and Veo 3.1, you transform from dreamer into director.

What You Get with Atlabs AI

✓ Nano Banana Pro for photorealistic character creation with industry-best iteration
✓ Veo 3.1 for cinematic animation with professional physics
✓ Storyboard feature for planning complete narratives visually
✓ Timeline editor for professional post-production
✓ XML export for seamless integration with Premiere Pro/DaVinci Resolve
✓ All-in-one workflow from concept to final commercial

Zero 3D software. Zero crew. Zero limits. Just imagination.

Start Your CGI Filmmaking Journey on Atlabs AI – Free Trial

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