Revolutionizing Advertising: AI-Generated NBA Finals Ad Cuts Costs by 95% Using Google’s Veo3

A Groundbreaking AI Commercial During the NBA Finals

An AI-generated commercial for Kalshi, an events-betting platform, aired nationally during the NBA Finals, marking an unprecedented use of AI in advertising. This commercial was created using Google’s generative video model, Veo3, showcasing the rapid advancements in AI technology.

Dramatic Cost and Time Efficiency

PJ Accetturo, an AI filmmaker, produced the entire 15-clip ad in just 3 days at an estimated cost of $2,000, which is about a 95% reduction compared to traditional commercial production expenses. This demonstrates the incredible efficiency AI brings to video production.

The Gemini-to-Veo3 Creative Workflow

The production followed a streamlined four-step process:

Writing a rough script to outline the creative concept.
Using Google’s Gemini to generate detailed prompts and a shot list from the script.
Feeding those prompts into Veo3 to generate raw video clips.
Editing and assembling the clips using standard video editing software like Adobe Premiere.

Collaboration Between Human Creativity and AI

Accetturo emphasized the importance of human creativity alongside AI capabilities. He co-wrote the script with Gemini, using it to generate ideas and refine dialogues involving "10 wild characters in unhinged situations." This collaboration enabled rapid ideation and creative diversity.

The Art of Prompting

Prompting serves as the new directing method. Each shot from the script was converted into detailed prompts for Veo3, ensuring consistency in characters, settings, and tone. For example, one prompt described a lively scene of an elderly man strutting confidently on a Miami strip, complete with detailed clothing and expressions.

Tips for Working with Veo3

Use "fast mode" for quick iterations.
If a clip isn’t perfect, re-prompt Gemini for specific changes.
Employ phrases like "screaming at the top of their lungs" or all-caps text to produce yelling from AI characters.
Maintain detailed descriptions in each prompt to simulate continuity despite current model limitations.

The Future of Advertising

This project highlights a shift towards small, agile creative teams leveraging AI to produce high-quality, brand-aligned content rapidly and affordably. Despite AI’s role, professional taste, directorial expertise, and especially comedy writing remain crucial skills that differentiate top creatives in this evolving landscape.

Accetturo believes that making people laugh is key to engaging viewers fully and converting them into customers, underlining the enduring value of human creativity in the AI era.

The Kalshi NBA Finals ad represents more than a commercial; it is a glimpse into the future of media production.