There’s a certain charm to the stretch between Thanksgiving and the end of the year. But as the holiday hustle picks up, another conversation is taking shape: how can artificial intelligence (AI) support video storytelling without dimming the warmth, humor and humanity that make our stories resonate?
That’s where Andy Seiler, founder and CEO of Cuemotion and Good Life Network, entered the chat with AMA Lincoln’s recent roundtable. The discussion brought insight, practicality and a few real-life cautionary tales to help us understand where AI enhances storytelling…and where human creativity still leads the way.
AI: The Gift That Keeps Giving (When Used Wisely)
AI isn’t here to replace storytellers. Think of it like the helpful assistant keeping everything running smoother (like Santa’s elves). Tools like DaVinci, Adobe or Avid Media Composer can help clean up messy audio, isolate voices from layered interviews, pull keywords from transcripts or find the golden moments from among hours of footage and more.
AI tools can save time, reduce busy work and leave more room for the creative decisions that actually move people. But they’re not perfect. A dramatic sneeze might get highlighted instead of a heartfelt line, and sometimes an AI-driven edit feels a little too…algorithmic. Which is exactly why humans are still in charge. AI may polish the story, but people are the ones who shape it.
The Heart of Every Story
Even with all the AI bells and whistles, Andy reminded us that authenticity is the real hook. Viewers connect with stories about small businesses, neighborhood traditions or someone launching something new in their community, not because the footage is flawless, but because it’s real.
Think about your favorite holiday commercial. Odds are, it wasn’t the perfect shot that stuck with you. It was the burnt pie, the tangled lights or maybe the off-key caroler trying their best.
AI can organize, clean and enhance, but it can’t generate those beautifully imperfect moments that feel human. That’s why creators still need curiosity, empathy and a willingness to notice the little things – the spark in someone’s answer, the accidental laugh, the unrehearsed charm.
Keeping the Season Bright: Trust Safety and Ethics
With great tools comes great responsibility. Andy didn’t shy away from the serious side of AI. This isn’t just about fun edits or faster workflows. It’s also about using AI in a way that helps build trust while ensuring safety and ethics.
Real risks are emerging, and they’re not theoretical:
- Voice cloning
- Identity theft
- Deepfakes
- Fraudulent calls mimicking loved ones
- AI-generated content used without disclosure
Creators must understand these dangers so they can protect themselves, their clients and their audiences. Some practical safeguards came up in discussion:
- Establishing verification methods (like code words)
- Clearly labeling AI-generated material
- Educating teams about both the power and risks of AI
- Advocating for legislation that keeps up with rapid tech shifts
Transparency isn’t just smart; it builds trust, which is the foundation of every meaningful story.
Human Creativity is the Tree-Topper
One of the biggest takeaways? You can absolutely use AI to maintain your brand voice – even training it on your past writing or content – but it shouldn’t become a creative crutch. Overreliance on AI can flatten tone, dilute originality and make everything feel a little too “same-same.” AI is great, but it can make things too easy. And creativity needs friction to resonate well.
The sweet spot is using AI to:
- Streamline workflow
- Support brainstorming
- Enhance clarity
- Reinforce voice
…while keeping human intuition and originality at the center.
So, What’s the Real Magic Here?
At the end of the day (and year), the stories that stay with us are told by humans. The laughs, the chaos, the emotional beats, the accidental brilliance…all of that comes from people.
AI can help bring a story together faster. Yes, it can help sharpen, polish, organize and optimize. But it can’t replace the spark that happens when someone shares something real. And honestly? That’s good news.
Because whether you’re filming a small business owner, documenting a long-standing family tradition or capturing a musician practicing by the glow of holiday lights, the magic is already there. AI just helps it shine a little brighter.
Key Takeaways
- Balance innovation with authenticity: AI speeds up the process, but human voices and genuine stories create connection.
- Leverage community and collaboration: Local stories and third-party perspectives often resonate the most.
- Educate and safeguard: Understanding AI risks and ethical considerations is essential.
- Use AI as a tool, not a crutch: Let it support creativity, not replace it.