name: fal-ai
description: This skill enables AI video generation from images AND text-to-speech voiceover generation using Fal.ai's API. Use this skill when the user asks to (1) generate videos from images (image-to-video), or (2) generate voiceovers/narration from text (text-to-speech via ElevenLabs). Works seamlessly with the nano-banana skill for image-to-video workflows. IMPORTANT: Check references/ for latest models and pricing - AI models change frequently.
Fal.ai Media Generation
Generate AI videos from images and AI voiceovers from text using Fal.ai's API.
Capabilities:
- Image-to-Video: Generate video clips from static images (see below)
- Text-to-Speech: Generate voiceovers using ElevenLabs voices (see TTS section)
Prerequisites
This skill requires a FAL_API_KEY in the project's .env or .env.local file:
FAL_API_KEY=your_api_key_here
To obtain an API key, visit: https://fal.ai/dashboard/keys
Primary Capability: Image-to-Video
Generate video clips from static images using scripts/image_to_video.py:
python scripts/image_to_video.py image.png \
--prompt "camera slowly pans right, gentle motion"
Parameters:
image (required): Path to input image or URL--prompt, -p: Motion/action description for the video--model, -m: Video model to use (default: kling)--output, -o: Output directory or file path (default: current directory)--duration, -d: Video duration in seconds (model-dependent, typically 5-10)
Model Selection Strategy
Video generation is expensive. Follow this workflow:
- Iterate with cheap models (Wan/Kling) - Perfect your prompts at $0.05-0.07/sec
- Test with Veo Fast - Verify quality improvement at $0.15/sec
- Final render with Veo Standard - Premium output at $0.40/sec
Quick Model Reference (January 2026)
| Flag | Model | Price/sec | 5-sec Cost | Best For |
|---|
wan | Wan 2.5 | $0.05 | $0.25 | Cheapest iteration |
kling | Kling 2.5 Turbo Pro | $0.07 | $0.35 | Best value (default) |
veo-fast | Veo 3.1 Fast | $0.15 | $0.75 | Quality test |
veo | Veo 3.1 Standard | $0.40 | $2.00 | Premium final |
For detailed model comparison, strengths/weaknesses, and latest updates, see references/api_reference.md.
Usage Examples
Basic video generation (default Kling model):
python scripts/image_to_video.py photo.png \
--prompt "gentle breeze moves the leaves, soft lighting"
Budget iteration with Wan:
python scripts/image_to_video.py photo.png \
--prompt "camera zooms in slowly" \
--model wan
Premium render with Veo:
python scripts/image_to_video.py photo.png \
--prompt "cinematic dolly shot, dramatic lighting" \
--model veo \
--output final_video.mp4
Specify duration:
python scripts/image_to_video.py photo.png \
--prompt "waves crash on the shore" \
--duration 10
Workflow with Nano Banana
Generate an image, then create a video from it:
python .claude/skills/nano-banana/scripts/generate_image.py \
"a serene Japanese garden with cherry blossoms" \
--output garden.png
python skills/fal-ai/scripts/image_to_video.py \
garden.png \
--prompt "gentle breeze moves cherry blossom petals, camera slowly pans right"
python skills/fal-ai/scripts/image_to_video.py \
garden.png \
--prompt "gentle breeze moves cherry blossom petals, camera slowly pans right" \
--model veo
Text-to-Speech Voiceovers
Generate AI voiceovers using ElevenLabs voices via scripts/text_to_speech.py:
python scripts/text_to_speech.py "Your text here" --voice george
Parameters:
text (required): Text to convert to speech--voice, -v: Voice name (see casting guide below)--model, -m: TTS model (default: eleven-v3)--output, -o: Output directory or file path--stability: Emotion control 0-1 (lower = more emotion)--similarity: Voice matching 0-1--style: Expression exaggeration 0-1--speed: Speaking pace 0.7-1.2--list-voices: Show all available voices
TTS Model Reference (January 2026)
| Flag | Model | Price/1K chars | Best For |
|---|
eleven-v3 | ElevenLabs Eleven v3 | $0.10 | Latest, audio tags [whispers] etc. |
turbo | ElevenLabs Turbo v2.5 | $0.05 | Fast iteration, low latency |
multilingual | Multilingual v2 | $0.10 | Best stability |
Voice Casting Quick Reference
When the user describes what they're looking for, match to these voices:
Female Voices:
| Voice | Best For |
|---|
rachel | Narration, explainers, tutorials (calm, warm) |
aria | Conversational, podcasts (engaging, social) |
sarah | Corporate, professional (clear, neutral) |
laura | Marketing, launches (upbeat, energetic) |
charlotte | Premium brands (British, elegant) |
lily | Wellness, calm content (soft, gentle) |
Male Voices:
| Voice | Best For |
|---|
george | Documentaries, serious narration (British, authoritative) |
charlie | Casual explainers (natural, relaxed) |
roger | Trailers, announcements (deep, commanding) |
eric | News-style, corporate (professional, clear) |
chris | Brand voices, ads (warm, trustworthy) |
brian | Educational, history (mature, wise) |
For full casting descriptions and parameter presets, see references/tts_reference.md.
TTS Usage Examples
Basic voiceover:
python scripts/text_to_speech.py "Welcome to our product demo." --voice george
Voice casting (run multiple to compare):
TEXT="Introducing the future of productivity."
python scripts/text_to_speech.py "$TEXT" --voice george -o casting_george.mp3
python scripts/text_to_speech.py "$TEXT" --voice eric -o casting_eric.mp3
python scripts/text_to_speech.py "$TEXT" --voice chris -o casting_chris.mp3
Documentary style (authoritative, slower):
python scripts/text_to_speech.py "In the depths of the ocean..." \
--voice george --stability 0.65 --speed 0.95
Conversational style (more emotion):
python scripts/text_to_speech.py "Hey, check this out!" \
--voice aria --stability 0.4 --style 0.3
With audio tags (eleven-v3 only):
python scripts/text_to_speech.py "[whispers] This is a secret..." --voice rachel
Resources
scripts/
image_to_video.py - Image-to-video generation scripttext_to_speech.py - Text-to-speech voiceover scriptrequirements.txt - Python dependencies (install with pip install -r requirements.txt)
references/
api_reference.md - Video model comparison, pricing, best practicestts_reference.md - Voice casting guide, parameter presets, TTS best practices
Notes
- Models evolve rapidly: Check reference docs dates. If >1 month old, research latest models on Fal.ai before generating
- Video is expensive: Always be aware of costs. Iterate cheap, render expensive.
- TTS is cheap: Run voice casting calls (~$0.02 for 3 samples) before committing to full narration
- Queue-based API: Generation takes time. Scripts show progress updates.
- Output formats: Videos = MP4, Audio = MP3
- Duration limits: Video models typically support 5-10 seconds. Check api_reference.md.
