The Journal

Field notes from the edit bay.

How development, marketing, and production teams use AI to make the video a film needs before — and around — the shoot.

Trailers· 7 min read · Jun 2026

How Studios Make a Movie Trailer Before the Film Exists

Teaser-first marketing, concept trailers, and how AI lets a team cut a trailer for a film that hasn't been shot.

Sizzle· 6 min read · Jun 2026

What Is a Sizzle Reel? The Video That Sells a Series

The reel that wins the room — what goes in it, how it differs from a trailer, and how to build one fast.

Development· 8 min read · Jun 2026

Proof of Concept Films: How to Win the Greenlight

Why a proof-of-concept can be worth more than a perfect script — and how to make one without a full budget.

Pre-Viz· 7 min read · Jun 2026

AI Pre-Visualization: Plan the Shoot With Moving Images

Previs, animatics, and tech-vis are moving from storyboards to motion. Here's what changes on set.

Budget· 6 min read · Jun 2026

How Much Does a Movie Trailer Cost in 2026?

From six-figure trailer houses to AI concept cuts — a realistic breakdown of what trailers cost now.