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Avatalk Cinematic Introduction — “Hi James”

Cinematic product-vision film produced with a £250 budget — used to secure partnerships, influencer coverage, and support a £40k acquisition.

Project Details

  • Timeline: June 2024
  • Role: Cinematic Director, Writer, Actor, Producer, Editor, Motion Graphics Designer
  • Team Size: 6 people (2 cinematographers, 4 actors incl. myself, plus graphic artist support)
  • Sector: AI Video Avatars / Early-Stage Startup

Project steps

01
Narrative & Concept Development

I wrote the script, designed the protagonist (“James”), defined the emotional arc, and created a structure that balanced explainability with human relatability.

02
Production Planning

I hired two cinematographers, organized a 2-day shoot, built a full shot list, secured two locations (one real, one green-screen), and managed all logistics: props, wardrobe, casting, continuity.

03
On-Set Direction & Performance

I directed the full crew and actors, guided camera language, and acted as the lead character. Each scene was optimized for emotional pacing and narrative clarity.

04
Resourceful Execution (Micro-Budget Strategy)

We used dual Canon cameras, minimal lighting, and green-screen to simulate multiple environments. Practicals, angles, and small set enhancements elevated production value significantly.

05
Post-Production & Motion Design

I edited the full film in Final Cut Pro, color-graded all scenes, designed sound, and composited green-screen shots. Custom motion graphics were created for product explainability.

06
Multi-Format Delivery

I exported versions for investor decks, social media, and partnership outreach—turning the film into a reusable strategic asset.

Context

Avatalk was entering early market introduction, speaking with investors and B2B partners who struggled to understand the product: personalized AI video avatars. Most AI startups release generic animated demos — we chose the opposite path: a highly emotional, realistic, cinematic introduction designed to build trust, legitimacy, and strategic confidence. The film needed to communicate: “We are real. We can execute. This future is inevitable.”

Challenge

We had a ~$200–250 budget, no studio or agency, and a very short timeline. Despite constraints, the film needed to look premium, explain a complex AI product clearly, and deliver emotional resonance. The core challenge: achieve investor-grade credibility and cinematic impact on a micro-budget.

Objectives

  • Position Avatalk as a premium, credible AI product
  • Explain the core concept in an emotional, digestible way
  • Increase investor and partner confidence
  • Create a reusable strategic narrative asset

    • Essential tools

    Final Cut Pro
    Camtasia
    3 Cannon 5D Cameras
    Green Screen

    Key Project Outcomes

    Used in investor outreach; improved pitch clarity

    Supported partnership and media discussions

    Played a role in a ~£40k acquisition process

    Became Avatalk’s north-star internal narrative asset

    Key Project Outcomes

    Used in investor outreach; improved pitch clarity

    Supported partnership and media discussions

    Played a role in a ~£40k acquisition process

    Became Avatalk’s north-star internal narrative asset

    Visual Journey

    Product & Business Insight

  • Emotional storytelling drives adoption faster than UI demos in early-stage AI.
  • A human-centred narrative builds trust better than technical explanation alone.

    • Production & Leadership

  • Constraints sharpen creativity and force clarity.
  • Strong script and shot planning compensate for budget limitations.

    • Personal Growth

  • Demonstrated founder-level ownership under extreme constraints.
  • Validated hybrid identity: product thinker + strategic storyteller + execution engine.

    • Key Learnings

    Product / Startup Leadership

  • Created cinematic AI-vision film that strengthened investor confidence and supported acquisition (~£40k exit).
  • Defined narrative strategy, wrote script, and led 6-person team across end-to-end production.

    • Creative / Content Leadership

  • Wrote, directed, acted in, and produced a cinematic multi-location film on a $250 budget.
  • Delivered editing, color, sound, and motion graphics across multiple formats.

    • Brand & Narrative Strategy

  • Built a high-emotion narrative framework to position a deep-tech product as premium and inevitable.
  • Video became the centerpiece asset for investor and partnership outreach.

    • Execution & Operations

  • Handled casting, scheduling, props, wardrobe, logistics, continuity, sound, and delivery.
  • Demonstrated efficient, resource-driven creative operations.

    • Resume Highlights

    Ready to Explore What I Can Bring to Your Team?

    I’d love to discuss how my multidisciplinary background, strategic mindset, and hands-on execution can support your team’s goals and upcoming challenges.

    Let's Talk