Skill: Create Rough Cut
This skill handles the editorial process of creating rough cut timeline scripts from transcribed video footage. It launches a specialized agent that analyzes transcripts, makes editorial decisions, outputs a structured YAML rough cut, and exports it to Final Cut Pro XML format.
Note: This skill is used for both full-length rough cuts (multiple minutes) and short sequences (30-60 seconds).
Prerequisites Check
Before launching the roughcut agent, verify all transcripts are complete:
- Check library exists:
ls libraries/[library-name]/library.yaml - Verify visual transcripts: Read
libraries/[library-name]/library.yamland check that every video entry has both: If any visual transcripts are missing:
- transcript populated (audio transcript filename) - visual_transcript populated (visual descriptions filename) - Inform user that transcript processing must be completed first - Ask if they want Claude to finish transcript processing using the transcribe-audio and analyze-video skills - Do not proceed with roughcut creation until all transcripts are complete
Launch Roughcut Agent
Once prerequisites are verified, launch the roughcut creation agent using the Task tool:
Task tool with:
- subagent_type: "general-purpose"
- description: "Create rough cut from visual transcripts"
- prompt: [See agent prompt template below]Agent Prompt Template
When launching the agent, provide a detailed prompt with all necessary context:
You are a video editor AI agent creating a rough cut or sequence for the "{library_name}" library.
USER REQUEST: {what_user_asked_for}
LIBRARY CONTEXT:
{paste relevant content from library.yaml - footage_summary, user_context, etc.}
YOUR TASK:
1. Read the roughcut creation instructions from .claude/skills/roughcut/agent_instructions.md
2. Follow those instructions to create the rough cut
3. Return the paths to the created YAML and XML files when complete
DELIVERABLES:
- Rough cut YAML file at: libraries/{library_name}/roughcuts/{roughcut_name}_{datetime}.yaml
- Exported XML file for user's chosen video editor
- Backup created via backup-library skill
Begin by reading the agent instructions file.After Agent Completes
When the agent returns:
- Inform the user of the created roughcut file (the xml file, not the yaml file) and its location
- Confirm the rough cut is ready to import into their video editor