Amazon's Nova Reel: Longer AI-Generated Videos with More Control

04/07/2025 Artificial Intelligence

Amazon has significantly **boosted** its AI video model, **Nova Reel**, now capable of generating videos up to two minutes long. This marks a considerable step forward from its initial release in December 2024, solidifying Amazon's presence in the rapidly expanding generative video arena.

The updated model, **Nova Reel 1.1**, introduces the ability to create "multi-shot" videos with a consistent visual style throughout. AWS Developer Advocate Elizabeth Fuentes highlighted this improvement in a recent blog post, emphasizing the model's ability to produce longer, more coherent narratives.

Users can now input prompts of up to 4,000 characters to generate videos composed of six-second shots, culminating in a total runtime of two minutes. This expanded capacity allows for more detailed storytelling and creative exploration.

Introducing "Multishot Manual" Mode

A standout feature of Nova Reel 1.1 is the new "Multishot Manual" mode. This innovative mode allows users to exert greater control over video composition by referencing a specific image alongside a prompt. By incorporating visual cues, the model can generate shots that closely align with the user's artistic vision.

According to Fuentes, with a 1280x720 resolution image and a prompt limited to 512 characters, Multishot Manual can produce videos with up to 20 shots. This offers a fine-grained level of control for users seeking precise visual outcomes.

It's important to note that Nova Reel is exclusively available through AWS platforms and services, including Bedrock. Access requires a special request, ensuring that users are aware of the model's capabilities and limitations.

Ethical Considerations and Copyright Concerns

As with all generative AI systems, the development of Nova Reel raises important ethical questions, especially regarding the source and usage of training data. These models are trained on vast datasets of videos, learning patterns to generate new content. The legality of using copyrighted material without permission is a major concern.

Amazon has yet to disclose the specific sources of Nova Reel's training data, nor has it offered a clear opt-out mechanism for creators who wish to exclude their content from being used in training. However, Amazon has pledged to protect AWS customers from copyright infringement claims related to media generated by its models, adhering to its standard indemnification policy. This provides a layer of security for users but doesn't fully address the underlying ethical issues.