How to Create a Depth Map Using AI + FREE Tool Download
Shows AI filmmakers how to extract depth maps to retain precise motion and composition consistency when transforming live-action or graybox footage into stylized scenes.
What this lesson covers
Curious Refuge demonstrates how to create depth maps from reference footage using fal.ai or a free local Mac application. The video then shows how to input the resulting depth map into Magnific with Seedance 2.5 to guide motion and environment changes.
Key takeaways from the creator
AI-extracted notes, not independently verified product claims. Timestamp links let you check each point in the original video.
- 0:16 ↗
Depth maps serve as black-and-white representations of spatial depth that help AI tools adhere accurately to original reference footage during environment transformations.
- 0:41 ↗
Depth maps can be generated in cloud aggregators like fal.ai using models like VDA Large in roughly 60 seconds.
- 1:27 ↗
Local depth map generation can be executed for free on macOS via packaged open-source command scripts.
- 2:17 ↗
In Magnific, a depth map can be combined with Seedance 2.5, a keyframe style image, and original reference footage to control motion and facial likeness.
Workflow outlined in the video
- Upload raw or graybox reference footage to an online aggregator such as fal.ai.
- Select the VDA Large model (or Depth Anything) and render the depth map video.
- Alternatively, run a local macOS depth-mapping script and drag and drop the reference footage into the tool.
- Open Magnific and select Seedance 2.5 as the video generation model.
- Upload the generated depth map video, a target style starting frame, and the original video reference.
- Craft a prompt specifying image one as the starting frame, the depth video as motion reference, and detailing the desired scene output before rendering.
Before you use this workflow
These notes describe the source video at its publication date. Model access, pricing, connectors and interfaces may have changed. Check the original source and the provider’s current documentation before installing an add-on, connecting an account or spending credits.
ReelStack has not independently tested this workflow. Preview one representative shot and check motion, continuity and output quality before applying it to a full production. No result, cost saving or model capability is guaranteed.
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