Disclose that a scene is AI-generated when viewers could otherwise mistake it for meaningful evidence of a real event, place, performance or endorsement. This is an editorial recommendation; contractual, publisher and jurisdiction-specific requirements need their own review.
Credit and disclosure answer different questions
Runway says no formal credit is required. That answers whether Runway requires a credit, not whether your audience needs to know that a scene is synthetic.
A provider credit names the tool. A useful disclosure explains the nature of the image: for example, that a location is imagined or that a scene is an illustrative reconstruction. Naming a tool alone may leave the central misunderstanding untouched. The appropriate wording depends on what viewers might reasonably infer from the actual edit.
Use an audience-expectation worksheet
Review each potentially realistic scene with these questions:
- Likely inference: Would viewers think this depicts a real person, event, location, product demonstration or customer experience?
- Importance: Could that belief affect a purchase, reputation, safety judgement or understanding of public events?
- Context: Does the voiceover, headline or placement make the scene appear evidentiary rather than illustrative?
- Clarity: Would a short description of what is synthetic resolve the misunderstanding?
- Placement: Will the explanation remain visible or audible when the scene is viewed separately or shortened?
- Other obligations: What do the client agreement and intended publisher's requirements say, and what needs qualified review?
Record the reasoning, not just a yes/no tick. Do not use disclosure as a substitute for consent, substantiation or other unresolved permissions.
Hypothetical example: an imagined resort
Suppose a Mumbai creator makes a 15-second concept film for a fictional resort proposal. It includes an imagined pool, sea view and guest room, but the project is not built. The proposed caption says “your next weekend escape”.
Evaluate the mismatch between concept and apparent evidence. A viewer could interpret the film as showing bookable facilities. An editorial revision could identify it as an AI-generated concept visualisation and remove language implying current availability. If the client insists on presenting it as real footage, stop publication rather than relying on a tiny end-card disclaimer.
By contrast, an obviously abstract colour animation presents a different audience-expectation question. Still review its surrounding claims and any agreed disclosure requirements instead of applying a blanket rule.
Test the shortest published version
Review the cutdown, caption and opening frame together. If the explanation disappears when the film is shortened, revise that version before approval. Seek qualified guidance for high-stakes or disputed uses.
When comparing access through the AI tools catalog, check access format and save offer terms before buying. Marketplace account/code/token offers are not proof of official subscription equivalence, and their terms do not determine your disclosure decision.
Sources and scope
Runway usage rights establishes that Runway requires no formal credit. Source material checked 29 October 2026; features/policies may change. The disclosure worksheet is editorial advice, not a statement of publisher policy or Indian law.