By Johnny Punish

Lights, Camera, Algorithms

When I set out to make LEIA 420-1980 — a retro Star Wars-inspired rock parody — I had one rule: no crew, no studio, no problem. I wanted to see if I could create an entire music video using nothing but AI tools and my own creative grit.

Spoiler: I did it.

But the real question is… was it worth it?

This article is an honest look at the time, cost, tools, and learning curve behind AI-powered music videos — and whether I’d recommend this path to other indie artists and DIY creators.

️ The Tools I Used

Here’s the core AI stack that powered LEIA 420-1980:

• Leonardo.Ai / Mage.Space – Image generation for characters and backgrounds (Luke, Leia, Vader, etc.)

• HeyGen – For lip-sync animation and character performance

• RunwayML – Motion generation, video edits, scene transitions

• Canva – Titles, overlays, layout design

• Wondershare Filmora – Final video editing and sequencing

• AI-generated instrumental – Used AI loops and effects to simulate an ‘80s rock vibe

These tools worked surprisingly well together — but they also came with limitations, bugs, and a lot of learning on the fly.

The Real Cost: Time + Money

I originally thought the video would take me a few hours and under $30.

I was wrong.

Actual breakdown:

• Time spent: ~20 hours

• Total cost: ~$60

  • Tool subscriptions, AI credits, and stock add-ons

Much of that time was lost to trial and error:

• What’s the best AI to generate vintage sci-fi characters?

• Why is the lip-sync off by half a second?

• How do I fix weird blinking or awkward motion artifacts?

Each answer meant another hour gone. But now? I could do the same project in 5 hours or less. The learning curve is real — but short, if you stick with it.

Was It Worth It?

If we’re talking pure ROI, that depends on your goal:

✅ Creative Satisfaction:

Absolutely. Bringing a ridiculous concept to life with nothing but AI and coffee? That’s a win.

Financial Return:

Too early to call. The video needs tens of thousands of views to break even or generate meaningful income via ads or streaming royalties. If it caps out at 1,000 views… then no, not worth it financially.

Exposure & Skill Growth:

100% worth it. This project leveled me up in:

• AI animation workflows

• Video pacing & comedic timing

• Working across multiple AI ecosystems without losing my mind

Would I Do It Again?

Yes — but smarter.

Now that I understand what works (and what doesn’t), I could produce future videos much faster and cheaper. I’d also plan distribution and promotion more intentionally from the start to give the video its best chance to fly.

Next time, I might:

• Storyboard in advance

• Pre-test AI voices vs. my own vocals

• Build audience interest before launch

• Budget for small paid promotions

Advice for Other Indie Creators

If you’re thinking about creating an AI music video, here’s what I’d suggest:

1. Start small.

Don’t jump into a 4-minute epic. Try a 30-second teaser or lyric clip first.

2. Expect to troubleshoot. A lot.

AI tools are powerful — but not perfect. They often require creative problem-solving.

3. Track your time and cost.

Treat it like a real production. That way, you’ll know whether to scale up or pivot.

4. Have fun with it.

This tech is wild. Embrace the weirdness. Lean into what AI is good at — and forgive what it still sucks at.

Final Verdict

AI music videos are here. They’re not just a novelty — they’re a new frontier for indie creators, musicians, and storytellers who want to experiment without needing big budgets or crews.

But just like any new tech, the first few tries can be clunky and costly. Don’t expect instant success. Expect to learn.

LEIA 420-1980 may never top the charts. But it gave me something far more valuable: proof that I can create something wild, original, and visually epic — all on my own.

Want to know what inspired it? Read the origin story here: “That Time Luke Kissed His Sister“

Let me know what you think — or if you’ve tried making an AI music video yourself!