The Source Clip Checklist: How to Film Footage That Transfers Well
In motion transfer, the source clip is the skeleton of everything that follows. Genjutsu AI takes a short video and uses it for two things only: the motion and the camera movement. The appearance comes from reference images you supply. That split is useful, but it also means one thing very clearly: if the movement in your clip is muddy, the result will be too. No reference image can fix a shaky, dark or confusing source.
This is a field checklist for filming source clips that give the model something clean to work with.
Know the hard limits first
Before you film, know what the tool accepts:
References: up to 20 images for appearance.
Output: 480p, 720p or 1080p.
A clip shorter than 4 seconds will not be accepted, and anything over 30 seconds needs trimming. Plan your action so the interesting part fits comfortably inside that window.
1. One subject, one clear action
Motion transfer works best when it is obvious what is moving. A single person turning, waving, walking past the camera or dancing a short phrase is easy to read. A crowded scene with several people crossing paths gives the model a harder job. If you need two subjects, keep them apart in the frame.
2. Light the subject, not the room
Even, frontal light helps more than an expensive camera. Avoid strong backlight that turns the subject into a silhouette. Daylight from a window, with the subject facing it, is often enough.
3. Keep the full movement in frame
If an arm leaves the frame mid-gesture, the motion information for that arm disappears. Leave space around the subject. For full-body actions, film wider than you think you need.
4. Decide on camera movement on purpose
The source clip also supplies camera movement, so treat it as part of the design. A slow push-in, a steady pan or a locked-off shot all transfer. Random handheld jitter also transfers, which is rarely what you want. Use a tripod, a gimbal, or brace your elbows against your body.
5. Contrast between subject and background
A subject in dark clothing against a dark wall is harder to read than the same subject against a plain light background. You do not need a studio; you need separation.
6. Match your references to the pose
Reference images define the appearance. If your clip shows a full-body walk, include references that show the full body, not only the face. If the action involves turning around, a reference from the side or back helps. Up to 20 images are allowed, so cover the angles your clip actually shows.
7. Test small, then commit
Render a test at 480p, which costs 3 credits per second, before rendering at 720p (7 credits per second) or 1080p (11 credits per second). If a generation fails, the credits are refunded automatically, so a failed attempt does not drain your balance.
8. Remember what is public
Videos generated before your first purchase appear publicly in the Community section. If your test footage includes people who have not agreed to be shown, use other footage until you have purchased credits.
Is the clip 4–30 seconds and MP4 or MOV?
Is the subject well lit and fully in frame?
Is the camera movement intentional?
Do the reference images show the angles the clip shows?
If all four answers are yes, you have given the model the best possible start. Credits come in one-time packs with no subscription, and they do not expire, so you can come back to a project whenever new footage is ready. Try it at genjutsu.app. 
