# How to estimate credits for an AI film

> Credits buy model usage, so a film's cost is the sum of its generations. Add them up before you start and the plan choice becomes simple.

URL: https://arc.katechon.technology/guides/estimate-credits
Updated: 2026-10-17

## The worked example

One 60-second episode at 720p, made of 6 shots of 10 seconds each, with 5 reference images (say three characters and two locations) and one storyboard frame per shot. Images use Seedream 5.0 Lite at 13 credits each: 11 images × 13 = 143 credits.

Credits for one 60-second episode at 720p, before retakes:

| Video model | Six 10 s clips | Images | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Seedance 2.0 Mini | 564 | 143 | 707 |
| Seedance 2.0 Fast | 1,356 | 143 | 1,499 |
| Seedance 2.0 | 4,506 | 143 | 4,649 |

Video dominates the total. Moving the same episode from Seedance 2.0 to Seedance 2.0 Fast cuts its video credits by about 70%, and Seedance 2.0 Mini by about 87%. A common pattern is to draft on a cheaper model and re-render the final takes on Seedance 2.0.

## What the example leaves out

- Retakes. Budget for regenerating some shots; how many depends on how demanding you are.
- Script writing, the creative assistant and voice, which use credits by length.
- Optional reference-image charges on video generation.
- References are made once per series. From episode two onwards the reference cost mostly disappears.

## Choosing a plan

Divide your monthly credit need by the plan allowances: Starter 1,800, Pro 10,000, Ultra 27,000, Organization 42,000 credits a month. If you are between plans, a top-up from $15 for 2,000 credits covers the gap, and top-up credits never expire.

## Check before you generate

The studio shows an estimate for your exact model, resolution and duration before each generation, and refuses a request that needs more credits than you can spend. Rates on this page come from the same rate card; see the [models table](https://arc.katechon.technology/models) and [pricing](https://arc.katechon.technology/pricing). To price a whole series on any model, use the [AI video cost calculator](https://arc.katechon.technology/tools/ai-video-cost-calculator) or read [what an AI short drama costs](https://arc.katechon.technology/answers/how-much-does-it-cost-to-make-an-ai-short-drama).