Module 1: Pre-Production
1.3 Character Sheets & Seeds
Solving the Consistency Crisis: How to make the same character look identical in every shot.
Introduction: The Consistency Crisis
We are now at the most critical step of Pre-Production. In Lesson 1.2, you defined the *look* of your film. Today, we define the *people.*
If you are a novice AI user, you have likely faced the **Consistency Crisis.** You write a perfect prompt for your protagonist, generate an image, and it’s beautiful. But when you write the prompt for the *next* scene, the character looks completely different. Their face has shifted, their hair is wrong, or their ethnicity has changed. Your film will feel amateurish if your actors don’t remain consistent.
Standard AI image generators have no permanent memory. They create every image from scratch. If you don’t use advanced workflow tools, the AI just takes a new “guess” at your character’s face every time.
The AI Character Sheet
Before we try to put our character into a dynamic scene (like “running from an explosion”), we must generate their **Character Sheet (or Model Sheet).**
This is a single image or set of images that captures the character from multiple angles, in neutral lighting, with a consistent outfit. It defines their “Visual DNA.” We need this master image to serve as a constant reference point for the rest of the production.
Step 1: The Multi-Angle Prompt
We use a very descriptive prompt to generate a character sheet with neutral lighting and angles. We avoid complex environments (use simple studio lighting).
A highly detailed, photorealistic character sheet for [character name], [age], [ethnicity], [detailed physical description, e.g., grizzled beard, scar, short brown hair]. Wearing [outfit]. Neutral expression, three angles of face: front view, profile view, 45-degree angle. Studio lighting, soft volumetric shadows, high resolution 35mm photograph, 24fps film look, cinematic composition. –ar 3:2 –style raw
Advanced Mastery: CREF and Seeds
Once you iterate and generate a character sheet that you absolutely love, you must anchor that character using two tools: **Seeds** and **Character References (CREF).**
1. The Seed
Every AI image generation starts with a random numerical seed. When you reuse that specific number, you force the AI to use the same stylistic genetic code for the next image.
Used For: Overall artistic consistency, lighting, color, and texture across the whole scene.
2. The CREF
**Character Reference (–cref)** is Midjourney’s specific consistency tool. You take the URL of your finished Master Character Sheet and append it to your next prompt, telling the AI: “Make whatever you are drawing match this specific face.”
Used For: Perfect facial consistency and identity preservation.
The 4-Step Consistency Workflow
This is the standard professional workflow for AI Filmmaking. Follow this exactly for the highest quality results.
Generate and Pick the “Genesis” Sheet
Use the Multi-Angle Prompt above. Iterate until you have one character sheet image that perfectly matches your protagonist. (We call this the **Genesis** image).
Find the SEED and Image URL
Once you pick the master image (let’s say it is Upscale #1), in Midjourney, react to that upscale with the **✉️ (envelope icon)**. The bot will send you the **Seed Number** and the unique **Image URL**. Save both!
Draft the New Scene Prompt
Write a prompt for a complex scene (like “Subject running through a rainy street”). Use the descriptive words from your Visual Style Guide (Lesson 1.2).
Combine: Apply CREF & Seed
This is where the magic happens. Take your new scene prompt, then append your specific Character Reference link and your exact Seed number.
[Your Descriptive Scene Prompt]… cinematic lighting, high contrast volumetric shadows, gritty 35mm film grain, 24fps cinema look [Visual Style Guide] –cref https://images-cdn.fantasyflightgames.com/filer_public/51/80/51807b45-7dc3-4530-93da-609c7075caad/genesys_character_sheet.pdf –seed [your exact seed number] –ar 16:9 –style raw
Lesson Assignment
Your task is to generate and lock the visual identity of your film’s protagonist. **You must use Midjourney for this assignment, as DALL-E does not natively support CREF/Seeds for consistency.**
- Draft a descriptive prompt and generate your perfect **Genesis Multi-Angle Character Sheet**.
- Submit the best upscale of your final Character Sheet as an image file.
- Also, submit the **Seed Number** and the unique **Image URL** of your Genesis Character Sheet.