AI-Generated Ad Created with Google’s Veo3 Airs During NBA Finals, Slashing Production Costs by 95%

Understanding the Target Audience

The target audience for the AI-generated ad comprises marketing professionals, business executives, and creatives interested in the intersection of AI technology and advertising. Their pain points include high production costs, lengthy timelines for ad creation, and the need for innovative approaches to engage consumers. Their goals are to streamline advertising processes, reduce costs, and enhance creative output. They are interested in advancements in AI, creative workflows, and case studies showcasing successful applications. Communication preferences lean towards data-driven insights, practical examples, and clear, concise language.

Ad Overview

A groundbreaking AI-generated commercial for the event-betting platform Kalshi was created using Google’s generative video model, Veo3, and aired nationally during the NBA Finals. The ad was produced by AI filmmaker PJ Accetturo in just 3 days, resulting in an estimated 95% cost reduction compared to traditional commercial production, totaling $2,000.

The “Gemini-to-Veo3” Workflow

The ad production utilized a streamlined 4-step process: rough script / AI-powered prompt generation with Gemini / video generation with Veo3 / final editing in standard software like Adobe Premiere. This approach signifies a shift towards smaller, highly skilled creative teams leveraging AI to produce high-volume, brand-adjacent content efficiently.

AI-Powered Creative Workflow: From Script to Screen in Days

Accetturo’s process showcases effective human-AI collaboration. The workflow includes:

• Write a Rough Script: Establish a foundational creative idea.
• Use Gemini for Prompts: Flesh out the script into a detailed shot list and generate specific prompts.
• Generate with Veo3: Feed prompts into Veo3 to generate raw video clips.
• Edit in CapCut/Premiere: Assemble and polish the final AI-generated clips using industry-standard software.

Co-Writing with a Machine

For the Kalshi ad, the creative process started with key dialogue snippets. Accetturo collaborated with Gemini to develop “10 wild characters in unhinged situations” to deliver the lines. “I co-write with Gemini,” Accetturo explains, “asking it for ideas, picking the best ones, and shaping them into a simple script.” This partnership allows for rapid ideation, fusing human creative direction with AI’s expansive imagination.

Prompting is the New Directing

The prompts serve as the essential translation layer between script and screen. Accetturo emphasizes the importance of detailed prompts to maintain character, setting, and tone consistency. For example, a prompt might describe a scene in a crowded Miami strip, capturing the essence of the character and the atmosphere.

Tips, Tricks, and the Bottom Line

Accetturo shares insights for working with Veo3, such as running prompts in “fast mode” and iterating quickly. If a generation isn’t satisfactory, he suggests refining the original prompt in Gemini and trying again. Notably, achieving continuity across shots may require highly detailed descriptions.

“This took about 300–400 generations to get 15 usable clips,” Accetturo notes. “One person, 2-3 days. That’s a 95% cost reduction vs traditional ads.”

The Future of Advertising and the Creative “Moat”

Accetturo asserts that this advancement does not eliminate the need for creative professionals. “Just because this was cheap doesn’t mean anyone can do it,” he states. “Brands still pay a premium for taste.” He envisions a future where small, agile teams produce engaging content quickly and affordably, with the most valuable skill being creative instinct, particularly in comedy writing.

“The most valuable skill in entertainment and advertising is comedy writing,” he concludes. “If you can make people laugh, they’ll watch the full ad, engage with it, and some of them will become customers.”

Conclusion

The Kalshi NBA Finals ad represents a significant milestone in media creation, illustrating the rapid integration of AI technologies in advertising.