Hailuo Video-01-Director

An advanced AI-powered video generation model by Hailuo AI (MiniMax) that enables precise cinematic control over camera movements and video production through natural language commands.

Overview

Hailuo Video-01-Director represents a breakthrough in AI video generation, offering professional-grade camera control that bridges the gap between AI-generated content and traditional cinematography. Released in January 2025, this model family includes both text-to-video (T2V-01-Director) and image-to-video (I2V-01-Director) capabilities.

Key Features

Cinematic Camera Control

• 15 Distinct Camera Movements: Professional cinematography tools at your fingertips
• Multi-Movement Combinations: Combine up to 3 camera movements simultaneously or sequentially
• Natural Language Commands: Control camera actions using simple text instructions
• Reduced Randomness: Enhanced predictability ensures outputs match creative intent
• Enhanced Accuracy: Superior prompt adherence with fine-tuned AI processing

Technical Specifications

• Resolution: 720p (up to 1080p available)
• Frame Rate: 25fps
• Video Duration: 5-30 seconds per generation
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Generation Time: 3-5 minutes per video
• Input Methods: Text prompts and/or reference images

Supported Camera Movements

The model supports 15 professional camera movements:

Horizontal Movement

• Truck Left / Truck Right: Camera moves horizontally left or right
• Pan Left / Pan Right: Camera rotates horizontally left or right

Vertical Movement

• Pedestal Up / Pedestal Down: Camera moves vertically up or down
• Tilt Up / Tilt Down: Camera rotates vertically up or down

Depth Movement

• Push In / Pull Out: Camera moves forward or backward
• Zoom In / Zoom Out: Lens zooms in or out

Special Movements

• Tracking Shot: Camera follows a moving subject
• Shake: Handheld camera shake effect
• Static Shot: Camera remains stationary

How to Use

Basic Prompt Structure

Structure your prompts with four key elements:

1. Main Subject: The primary focus of your scene
2. Action: The movement or activity occurring
3. Camera Movement: Specify motions using square brackets [Movement]
4. Atmosphere: Lighting, mood, and style

Prompt Syntax

Single Movement:

[Push in] A detective examines clues in a dimly lit room

Simultaneous Movements:

[Pan left, Pedestal up] A bird soars through a sunset sky

Sequential Movements:

A man picks up a book [Pedestal up], then begins reading it [Static shot]

Example Prompts

Cinematic Drama:

[Push in, Tilt down] Close-up of a tense woman looking left, startled by a sound in a dimly lit 1950s-style kitchen

Nature Scene:

[Tracking shot, Tilt up] A bird flying through warm-toned skies at golden hour

Action Sequence:

[Shake, Pan right] Above an ancient battlefield, the frame reveals a close-up of a female warrior

Product Showcase:

[Truck right, Zoom in] Luxury watch on velvet display, studio lighting with soft shadows

Best Practices

Prompt Optimization

• Keep camera instructions clear and technically sensible
• Use up to 3 movements maximum per bracket for best results
• Place camera commands where the movement should occur in the scene
• Disable prompt optimizer for more precise control over outputs

Camera Movement Guidelines

• Push vs Zoom: Push physically moves the camera creating depth; Zoom adjusts the lens focal length
• Static Shot: Cannot be combined with other movements
• Natural Language: Free-form descriptions work, but explicit commands yield more accurate results
• Sequence Planning: Think cinematically—plan your shots with intention

Quality Tips

• Provide detailed descriptions of lighting and atmosphere
• Specify the emotional tone you want to convey
• Use high-resolution reference images (up to 720p) for I2V mode
• Ensure your image is clear and well-composed for image-to-video

Model Variants

T2V-01-Director (Text-to-Video)

Generate videos purely from text descriptions with full camera control. Ideal for creating original content from scratch.

I2V-01-Director (Image-to-Video)

Transform static images into dynamic video sequences while maintaining artistic style and adding precise camera movements.

Use Cases

Content Creation

• Social media content and short-form videos
• Marketing and advertising materials
• Product demonstrations and showcases
• Educational content and tutorials

Professional Production

• Establishing shots and B-roll footage
• Dramatic reveals and transitions
• Action sequences and dynamic scenes
• Atmospheric and mood-setting content

Creative Projects

• Indie film pre-visualization
• Storyboarding and animatics
• Concept testing and iteration
• Character-driven narratives

Advantages Over Previous Models

Enhanced Control

• Significant reduction in movement randomness
• Every frame adheres strictly to creative intent
• More accurate and nuanced storytelling capabilities

Professional Quality

• Pre-set camera settings optimized for polished output
• Maintains stable framing throughout sequences
• Avoids common AI video issues like floating or aimless movement

Workflow Efficiency

• Faster iteration compared to traditional video production
• Multiple camera angles in a single generation
• Reduced need for re-generation to achieve desired results

Limitations

Technical Constraints

• Maximum 30-second video length per generation
• Limited to 16:9 aspect ratio
• Complex multi-character interactions require careful prompting
• Fast action sequences may lose detail or stability

Production Considerations

• Longer projects require combining multiple clips
• Dynamic lighting changes need careful planning
• Processing time increases with scene complexity
• Older hardware may experience longer generation times

Pricing

API access available through MiniMax platform at approximately $0.50 per video generation. Free trial available with limited features.

Access

The Director models are available through:

• Official Hailuo AI website
• MiniMax API platform
• Mobile applications (iOS/Android)
• Third-party platforms supporting MiniMax integration

Conclusion

Hailuo Video-01-Director represents a significant advancement in AI video generation, transforming it from an unpredictable tool into a reliable creative partner. By enabling precise camera control through natural language, it empowers creators to produce professional-grade cinematic content without extensive technical expertise or resources.

Whether you're a content creator, marketer, filmmaker, or educator, the Director model offers unprecedented control over AI-generated video, bringing your creative vision to life with cinematic precision.