Writing Effective Motion Prompts
The motion prompt is separate from your image prompt. It describes movement not appearance.
Motion Prompt Structure
[Camera movement]. [Subject action]. [Environmental motion]. [Speed/Style].
Camera Movements
| Movement | Description | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| Static | No camera movement | Dialogue, focus |
| Pan | Horizontal rotation | Reveals, following |
| Tilt | Vertical rotation | Height reveals |
| Dolly | Moving toward/away | Intimacy, drama |
| Tracking | Following subject | Action, walking |
| Crane | Vertical movement | Establishing |
| Zoom | Lens zoom in/out | Emphasis |
| Handheld | Slight shake | Realism, tension |
Speed Modifiers
- "Slowly" / "Gradually"
- "Smoothly" / "Steadily"
- "Quickly" / "Rapidly"
- "Gently" / "Subtly"
Combining Movements
Simple:
"Slow push in on the character's face"
Complex:
"Camera slowly dollies left while tilting up, following the character's gaze toward the sky"
Subject Motion Keywords
Facial:
- "Eyes dart nervously"
- "Slight smile forms"
- "Blinks slowly"
- "Expression hardens"
Body:
- "Shifts weight"
- "Turns slowly"
- "Gestures while speaking"
- "Breathes deeply"
Full movement:
- "Walks confidently"
- "Runs frantically"
- "Dances gracefully"
- "Falls backward"
Environmental Motion
Don't forget the world around your subject:
- "Curtains billow in the breeze"
- "Steam rises from the cup"
- "Shadows shift as clouds pass"
- "Water ripples gently"
Pro Tips
- Start simple - Basic motion often looks better than complex
- Match the mood - Slow for drama, fast for action
- One focus - Don't try to animate everything at once
- Physics matter - Describe realistic movement