Seabreeze creator reveals AI drama episodes can cost hundreds of pounds

Creating a drama series using artificial intelligence might sound like a cheaper alternative to traditional filmmaking, but the reality can be surprisingly expensive. The creator of WLW romance Seabreeze has revealed that individual episodes can cost hundreds of pounds, with technical problems making production more complicated than viewers might expect.

Charley, the writer behind Between Her and Her, has been adapting her original Seabreeze novel into an AI-produced series following the developing romance between Emma and Lily. In an exclusive interview with SoapLandTV, she explained how everything from changing accents to inconsistent character appearances can create unexpected difficulties.

Why AI episodes can cost hundreds of pounds

Although AI allows independent creators to produce stories without conventional filming equipment or large production teams, generating convincing scenes still comes at a price. Charley explained that an episode can easily cost a few hundred pounds, depending on its length and how much editing is required. Every unsuccessful attempt, correction or additional scene can increase the expense, forcing creators to think carefully about what they produce.

One of her biggest frustrations is maintaining continuity between scenes. Characters can suddenly look different, change clothes or speak with completely different accents, even when they are supposed to be the same people. "Continuity is probably the biggest headache," Charley told SoapLandTV.

"I've had characters suddenly change accents, appear in completely different clothes or decide to speak at exactly the same time as someone else." These problems are particularly challenging for a series such as Seabreeze, which relies on believable interactions rather than large action sequences.

Making AI characters feel human

At the centre of Seabreeze are Emma, a 37-year-old artist rebuilding her life after personal tragedy, and Lily, a 39-year-old marine biologist with her own history of heartbreak. Their relationship develops gradually, with much of the attraction expressed through looks, awkward conversations and small gestures. Recreating those moments convincingly using AI is not always straightforward.

Charley explained that producing a believable expression or subtle moment of chemistry can require several attempts, adding both time and expense to the process. She also discovered that adapting her novel into a screenplay was more complicated than simply turning chapters into scenes. Decisions about pacing, dialogue and which moments to include are essential, particularly when every additional sequence has a financial cost.

Why Charley is continuing despite the challenges

The project began after Charley and her wife were both made redundant following more than fifteen years working together. Rather than returning to her previous career in operations, she decided to pursue her long-standing interest in writing. Having already developed Seabreeze as a novel, she was inspired by other WLW dramas on YouTube to experiment with bringing her own characters to screen.

Despite the technical frustrations, Charley remains enthusiastic about what AI production makes possible for independent storytellers. "Some days it feels like an incredible creative tool. Other days I wonder whether the AI characters are deliberately trying to bankrupt me."

For Charley, the technology offers an opportunity to develop original stories without following the conventional route into television production. But her experience also demonstrates that AI filmmaking still demands considerable creative work, patience and financial commitment. With further Seabreeze episodes planned and additional stories already in development, she intends to keep exploring those possibilities.

Follow the making of Seabreeze

For anyone interested in how AI-generated entertainment is developing, Seabreeze offers a chance to see an independent creator's work in action. Charley's episodes are available on the Between Her and Her YouTube channel, where viewers can follow the series as it develops.

Charley also shares updates about her creative projects on Instagram, including news about Seabreeze and her future WLW stories.