Adobe’s AI experiments let you walk around in photos and interview your characters

Adobe is pushing the boundaries of generative video with a new experimental tool called Project Screen Test, which was recently showcased at their annual Max conference. According to The Verge, this feature allows users to interact with AI-generated characters through conversation rather than relying solely on static text prompts. It is a fascinating step toward making digital personas feel more alive and responsive during the creation process.

The core innovation here is the shift from descriptive writing to interactive directing. Instead of spending hours tweaking a prompt to get a character’s voice just right, creators can now talk to the character. This dialogue helps shape the personality, tone, and behavioral nuances in real time. It essentially turns the character design phase into a casting audition, where the creator interviews the AI to find the right fit for the role.

This approach addresses a major pain point in current generative AI workflows. Text prompts often struggle to capture the subtle, unpredictable qualities that make a character feel human. By allowing for back-and-forth interaction, Adobe is trying to bridge the gap between rigid algorithmic output and organic human performance. It suggests that future AI tools will prioritize conversational interfaces over command-line inputs.

The implications for video production are significant. If creators can refine a character’s personality through dialogue before filming, the need for extensive post-production editing or reshoots could decrease. This could streamline the workflow for indie filmmakers, marketers, and content creators who need high-quality, consistent characters without a massive budget. It moves AI from a content generator to a collaborative creative partner.

This experiment also highlights Adobe’s strategy of showcasing wilder, more experimental features at Max. These tools often serve as proof-of-concept for technologies that will eventually trickle down to their main creative suite. While Project Screen Test is currently an experiment, it points toward a future where video editing involves less manual adjustment and more intuitive, conversational control over digital assets.

The broader trend here is the move toward 3D explorable scenes and more immersive digital environments. Adobe is not just improving 2D image editing; they are laying the groundwork for interactive, spatial media. This aligns with the industry’s growing interest in virtual production and real-time rendering, where characters and environments are dynamic rather than static.

What this means for you: If you are creating video content, start thinking about your characters as entities you can interview. This mental shift can help you define their traits more clearly before you even start generating visuals. Try using this prompt with an AI assistant to simulate a character interview: "Act as a character named [Name]. I am a director trying to understand your backstory. Ask me three questions to help me define your personality, tone, and motivations for this video project." This workflow can help you build a richer character profile before you commit to visual generation.