The Wealth
Experiment
Start an experiment

Writing & content · Full playbook

AI Video Production Agency

Produce professional video ads, explainers, and training videos for businesses using AI tools like HeyGen, Synthesia, and Runway

Experience
Intermediate
Planning time
15-25 hours/week
Starter budget estimate
$100-$500

Illustrative planning ranges, not earnings projections. Check the full costs and customer demand for your own situation.

Is this a fit?

Produce professional video ads, explainers, and training videos for businesses using AI tools like HeyGen, Synthesia, and Runway

Skills to bring or develop

  • Video Production
  • Scriptwriting
  • AI Video Tools
  • Client Management

The starting sequence

  1. Master AI video tools (HeyGen, Synthesia, Runway)
  2. Build a portfolio of 5 demo videos
  3. Create service packages and pricing
  4. Outreach to marketing teams and agencies
  5. Scale with templates and production workflows

What the work involves

You're running a production shop, not just pressing buttons in an AI tool. Clients hire you because they don't have time to learn HeyGen or figure out what makes a 60-second explainer actually convert. That means you need a real opinion on script structure, pacing, and what a finished video should accomplish — not just technical fluency. The AI handles rendering; you handle judgment. Expect to spend your first few weeks building a portfolio from scratch (offer two or three free or discounted videos to real businesses), learning which tools fit which deliverable, and figuring out your revision workflow before it breaks on a paying client. This works best if you're comfortable with feedback loops, can write a tight brief, and don't freeze when a client says 'can we make it feel more premium.'

Find your first customers

Treat this customer profile as a starting hypothesis. Talk to people in this role and find out what they already do, what it costs them, and whether they want help.

Role

VP of Marketing / Marketing Director

Company size

20-500 employees

Industry

B2B SaaS / E-commerce / Education

Problems to investigate

  • Turnaround takes 4-8 weeks with traditional agencies
  • Team knows they need video but cant justify the budget
  • Existing videos feel outdated and dont convert
  • Competitors are outpacing them on video content

Channels to test

  • LinkedIn
  • Cold Email
  • YouTube
  • Referrals

First launch approach

Create 3 stunning demo videos in different styles (ad, explainer, training), post them on LinkedIn with behind-the-scenes breakdowns showing AI workflow

Ways to find your first customer

  • Create free 30-second video ad for 5 target companies using their branding
  • Partner with marketing agencies who dont offer video services
  • Join SaaS and e-commerce communities, offer video audits
  • Run a "first video free" campaign targeting Series A startups

Content ideas

  • How to create a product demo video in 2 hours
  • AI avatars are replacing stock footage — heres why
  • The video types every SaaS company needs

Shape the offer & delivery

These are example packages to adapt, not current market rates or promises of sales. Choose one deliverable, set a revision limit, and test the scope with a real buyer before expanding.

Single Video

$500-$1,500 example price

  • 1 video (up to 2 min)
  • AI avatar or stock footage
  • Script + voiceover
  • 2 revisions
  • 5-day turnaround

Video Pack

$2,500/mo example price

  • 4 videos/month
  • Custom AI avatar trained on brand
  • Scriptwriting included
  • Unlimited revisions
  • Social media cuts included

Full Production

$5,000/mo example price

  • 8+ videos/month
  • Multi-format (ads, explainers, training)
  • Dedicated producer
  • Brand style guide
  • A/B test variants
  • Analytics reporting

Build and deliver the offer

Service delivery

Packages

Name

Single Video

Deliverables

  • 1 script (up to 90s)
  • 1 AI-avatar or B-roll-based video, edited
  • 2 revision rounds

Timeline

3-5 business days

Included in this example

  • HeyGen/Synthesia avatar generation
  • Captions
  • Music/SFX licensing

Outside this example

  • Live-action filming

Name

Monthly Video Retainer

Deliverables

  • 4 videos/month (ads, explainers, or training)
  • Content variations for 2-3 platforms each

Timeline

Ongoing, monthly

Included in this example

  • Script writing
  • Platform-specific resizing/captioning
  • Brand kit consistency

Client onboarding

Step

Collect brand assets (logo, colors, voice/avatar preference)

Who handles it

client

Step

Confirm video use case and target platform(s)

Who handles it

client

Step

Draft and approve script before generation

Who handles it

you

Step

Deliver first cut for review

Who handles it

you

Kickoff conversation

  • Confirm target audience, platform, and desired tone
  • Review 2-3 reference videos the client likes
  • Set script approval and revision process
  • Confirm turnaround time and delivery format

Your launch roadmap

Work through the phases at your own pace. Durations and task hours are estimates; client conversations, sales, and other outcomes depend on the response you receive. Growth and exit steps are optional later decisions.

01 · Foundation 1 week · suggested pace

Master AI video tools and build demo portfolio

  1. Learn HeyGen for AI avatars, Synthesia for training videos, Runway for B-roll generation, CapCut for editing

    Target deliverable: Tool proficiency across all 4 platforms

    Tool examples: HeyGen, Synthesia, Runway, CapCut

    Planning allowance: 12 hours · AI can assist; review the output

  2. Produce 5 sample videos: product ad, explainer, training video, testimonial-style, social media cut

    Target deliverable: 5-video demo portfolio

    Tool examples: HeyGen, Runway, CapCut, ChatGPT

    Planning allowance: 10 hours · AI can assist; review the output

  3. Create 3 service tiers with clear deliverables, turnaround times, and revision policies

    Target deliverable: Service packages PDF and pricing page

    Tool examples: Google Docs, Canva

    Planning allowance: 3 hours

02 · Launch 2 weeks · suggested pace

Land first paying clients through outreach and free samples

  1. Create unsolicited 30-second video ads for 10 target companies using their public branding, send via LinkedIn/email

    Target deliverable: 10 free sample videos sent

    Tool examples: HeyGen, LinkedIn, Loom

    Planning allowance: 15 hours · AI can assist; review the output

  2. Post daily content showing AI video creation process, before/after comparisons, and cost savings

    Target deliverable: 14 LinkedIn posts published

    Tool examples: LinkedIn, ChatGPT, CapCut

    Planning allowance: 7 hours · AI can assist; review the output

  3. Follow up on free samples, conduct discovery calls, send proposals

    Target deliverable: 2-3 paying clients signed

    Tool examples: Zoom, Calendly, Google Docs

    Planning allowance: 8 hours

03 · Scale 2 months · suggested pace

Systematize production and grow client base

  1. Build reusable templates for each video type: scripts, avatar settings, brand presets, export specs

    Target deliverable: Template library for 5+ video types

    Tool examples: HeyGen, Notion, Google Docs

    Planning allowance: 10 hours · AI can assist; review the output

  2. Define a small, measurable version of this task. Use your own customer evidence and actual costs to decide what to do next.

    Target deliverable: Referral program active with 3+ testimonials

    Tool examples: Email, Loom, Notion

    Planning allowance: 5 hours

  3. Partner with 5 marketing agencies to white-label video production services

    Target deliverable: 2-3 agency partnerships signed

    Tool examples: LinkedIn, Email, Zoom

    Planning allowance: 10 hours

04 · Exit 60 days · suggested pace

Prepare your AI video production agency for sale, acquisition, or hands-off operation

  1. Create comprehensive standard operating procedures covering every repeatable process in your AI video production agency — client onboarding, delivery workflows, billing, and support. A buyer needs to run this without you.

    Target deliverable: Complete SOP handbook with video walkthroughs

    Tool examples: Notion, Loom, Google Docs

    Planning allowance: 12 hours · AI can assist; review the output

  2. Record the questions this step raises for your business, location, and circumstances. Confirm requirements and assumptions with current official sources and a qualified professional before acting.

    Target deliverable: Valuation estimate with supporting financials

    Tool examples: Google Sheets, ChatGPT

    Planning allowance: 6 hours · AI can assist; review the output

  3. Organize all financial records, contracts, customer data, IP documentation, and legal documents into a virtual data room that a buyer or their advisor can review.

    Target deliverable: Organized virtual data room

    Tool examples: Google Drive, Google Sheets

    Planning allowance: 10 hours

  4. Identify every area where the business depends on you personally. Delegate, automate, or document each one. Test by taking 2 weeks off and measuring impact.

    Target deliverable: Owner dependency scorecard (before/after)

    Tool examples: Notion, Zapier, Slack

    Planning allowance: 20 hours

  5. Create a teaser document (blind profile) for your AI video production agency and either list on marketplaces (Acquire.com, Flippa, Quiet Light) or reach out directly to 5-10 potential acquirers.

    Target deliverable: Teaser document + 5-10 buyer conversations started

    Tool examples: Acquire.com, Google Docs, Email

    Planning allowance: 8 hours · AI can assist; review the output

Checking a task saves its checkmark in this browser. It does not run an AI agent or confirm a business result. Reset removes this guide’s checkmarks. Saved work does not sync between devices.

Tools, budget & effort

These are tools named in the original playbook, offered as examples to evaluate. Check current capabilities, pricing, licensing, and data handling with the provider before subscribing. Start with the tools you already have.

  • HeyGen
  • Synthesia
  • Runway
  • CapCut
  • ChatGPT

Tools to evaluate

Item

HeyGen or Synthesia (AI avatar generation)

Why consider it

Named directly in what's-included on both packages — this is the core production tool

Item

Music/SFX licensing (Epidemic Sound or Artlist)

Why consider it

Also a named inclusion — unlicensed music risks copyright strikes on client-facing deliverables

AI Avatar & Talking Head Video Generation
  • HeyGen
  • Synthesia
  • D-ID
AI Video Generation & B-Roll Creation
  • Runway
  • Pika Labs
  • Kling AI
Project Management & Client Communication
  • Frame.io
  • Bonsai
  • Notion

Make the numbers your own

Include setup, subscriptions, selling, fulfillment, revisions, support, and your time. Use your actual inputs and compare a cautious case with a better case.

Open the experiment calculator →

AI roles & prompt templates

Assign a clear job, provide approved inputs, and review the result. These are role and prompt ideas; this page does not run AI or connect your accounts.

Video Virtuoso

Write a 90-second script for this client's video

Ui Designer

Check this video draft against the client's brand kit for consistency

Copy a prompt, then add your context

Replace the bracketed placeholders. Use information you have permission to share, ask for sources, and check every factual or numerical claim.

Write a client-ready video script for a 60-second explainer ad
You are an expert video scriptwriter specializing in short-form business explainer videos. Write a 60-second video script (approximately 150 words of spoken dialogue) for the following:

Business name: [CLIENT BUSINESS NAME]
Product/service: [WHAT THEY SELL]
Target audience: [WHO BUYS FROM THEM]
Main problem they solve: [CORE PAIN POINT]
Key differentiator: [WHY CHOOSE THEM]
Call to action: [WHAT SHOULD VIEWER DO NEXT]

Format the script with:
- A hook in the first 5 seconds that names the viewer's pain point directly
- A clear problem-agitate-solve structure
- Natural spoken language (no jargon, short sentences)
- On-screen text suggestions in [BRACKETS] after each spoken line
- A single, specific CTA at the end

Do not use hype words like 'revolutionary' or 'game-changing'. Write as if a trusted friend is explaining this to another friend.

Review requirements: Separate supplied facts from assumptions. Do not invent market data, customer results, testimonials, or source citations. Flag missing information and suggest a small validation test. Mark numerical examples as scenarios. Keep the final decision with me.
Generate a project scope and pricing proposal for a new video client
I run an AI video production agency. A potential client has reached out with the following request:

Client industry: [INDUSTRY]
Videos they want: [E.G. '3 product demo videos, each 90 seconds']
Their stated deadline: [DEADLINE]
Their rough budget mention (if any): [BUDGET OR 'UNKNOWN']
Primary platform for the videos: [YOUTUBE / LINKEDIN / WEBSITE / ADS]

Write a professional project scope document I can send as a proposal. Include:
1. Project overview (2-3 sentences restating what they asked for)
2. Deliverables list with specific specs (resolution, length, format, number of revision rounds)
3. What I need from the client before I can start (brand kit, product info, spokesperson approval, etc.)
4. A realistic production timeline broken into phases
5. A pricing table with three tiers: Basic, Standard, and Premium — with realistic price ranges for AI-assisted video production ($500-$5,000 per video depending on complexity)
6. Payment terms recommendation (e.g. 50% upfront, 50% on delivery)

Tone: professional but plain. No fluff. Client should be able to sign off on this.

Review requirements: Separate supplied facts from assumptions. Do not invent market data, customer results, testimonials, or source citations. Flag missing information and suggest a small validation test. Mark numerical examples as scenarios. Keep the final decision with me.
Create a cold outreach email sequence targeting small business owners who need video content
Write a 3-email cold outreach sequence for my AI video production agency targeting [TARGET NICHE — e.g. 'SaaS companies with under 50 employees' or 'local real estate agents'].

My agency produces: explainer videos, video ads, and training videos using AI tools (HeyGen, Synthesia, Runway). Turnaround is 3-5 business days. Prices start at $[YOUR STARTING PRICE].

Email 1 (Day 1): Cold intro. Lead with a specific observation about their business or industry video problem. Under 100 words. One soft CTA (reply to learn more).

Email 2 (Day 4): Follow-up. Add social proof or a specific result (e.g. 'a client in [their industry] saw X after using our videos'). Under 80 words. Ask a yes/no question.

Email 3 (Day 9): Final bump. Honest, no pressure. Leave the door open. Under 60 words.

Rules: No subject lines with 'quick question'. No fake urgency. No emoji. Plain text format only. Write like a real human who respects the recipient's time.

Review requirements: Separate supplied facts from assumptions. Do not invent market data, customer results, testimonials, or source citations. Flag missing information and suggest a small validation test. Mark numerical examples as scenarios. Keep the final decision with me.
Audit a finished AI video for quality issues before client delivery
I just finished producing an AI-generated video for a client and need to do a quality check before delivery. Act as a harsh but fair video production reviewer.

Here is information about the video:
Video type: [EXPLAINER / AD / TRAINING]
AI tools used: [E.G. HEYGEN FOR AVATAR, RUNWAY FOR B-ROLL, ELEVENLABS FOR VOICE]
Video length: [LENGTH]
Client industry: [INDUSTRY]

Give me a quality audit checklist covering:
1. Audio issues to listen for (AI voice artifacts, pacing problems, unnatural pauses)
2. Visual issues to look for (avatar lip-sync errors, unnatural blinking, background inconsistencies, text readability)
3. Brand alignment checks (does it match their colors, tone, and audience expectations)
4. Platform fit checks (correct aspect ratio, caption readiness, thumbnail potential)
5. Legal/compliance flags (any claims that could be misleading, any music or footage that needs licensing verification)
6. The 3 most common reasons clients reject AI videos and how to check for each before sending

Format as a numbered checklist I can print and use for every project.

Review requirements: Separate supplied facts from assumptions. Do not invent market data, customer results, testimonials, or source citations. Flag missing information and suggest a small validation test. Mark numerical examples as scenarios. Keep the final decision with me.

Build a personal AI team plan →

What a working week could look like

This is an example cadence. Include time for customer conversations, review, and admin; reduce the scope to fit your available hours.

What

Chief of Staff check-in — review yesterday's output, name one thing to improve today

When

Daily · 15min

What

Client outreach — personalized messages to 3 target businesses with a specific video idea for them

When

Mon & Wed · 1h

What

Production block — scripting, AI generation, and edit review for active projects

When

Tue, Thu, Fri · 3–4h

What

Portfolio and tool audit — update reel with best recent work, test one new AI feature or workflow

When

Sat · 1h

Problems to plan for

Use these playbook prompts to question your plan. Pricing, channels, and delivery models should be tested with your own customers.

Skipping the script approval step and going straight into AI video production

Build a mandatory script approval checkpoint into every contract. Client signs off on the written script (and optionally a storyboard) before a single frame is rendered. State explicitly in your proposal that post-production script changes incur a revision fee.

Underpricing because you're comparing your rate to offshore video editors, not to the value delivered

Price based on the client's outcome and market rate for the deliverable, not your hours. Your AI efficiency is your margin, not your discount.

Using AI-generated stock footage or music without verifying licensing

Use only explicitly commercially licensed music (Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or Pixabay commercial tier). For AI-generated video, use tools with clear commercial output licenses (Runway and Pika both offer commercial plans — read the terms). Add an IP indemnification clause to your client contract.

Taking on every type of video project instead of specializing in one format or niche

Pick one video format (e.g. 60-second explainer ads) and one client niche (e.g. SaaS companies or real estate agents) for your first 90 days. Get fast and good at that one thing. Expand only after you have a repeatable workflow that takes you under 8 hours per project.

Delivering videos without a written contract or revision policy

Send it before any work starts — no exceptions.

Your first small test

  1. Choose one customer. Find five people who have the problem described in this guide.
  2. Show one useful sample. Ask about their current process, priorities, and objections.
  3. Offer a clearly scoped pilot. Agree on deliverables, a price to test, and what success means.
  4. Record the evidence. Track responses, costs, hours, and what the buyer actually used. Decide whether to continue, change, or pause.

Explore related ideas

Adapted from Ashley’s Waymaker side-hustle playbooks, imported October 15, 2026. This is a published snapshot, not a live connection to your Waymaker account. Source examples are planning material, not verified customer outcomes. Explore Waymaker.

Free download · The Experiment Scorecard

Know if your side idea is actually working.

A 6-page scorecard for testing one income idea: the signal ladder, a four-week evidence log, the true-cost check, and a clear continue / change / pause decision. Download it now, with no signup required. You can also request occasional notes from Ashley’s experiments.

Download the free scorecard

Follow at your own pace

Keep a place
in the experiment.

Read the latest field note, or add the free feed to your RSS reader for new articles and build walkthroughs.

Email signup is not available yet. The journal, feed, and downloads are ready to use.