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.yaml and check that every video entry has both:

• transcript populated (audio transcript filename)

• visual_transcript populated (visual descriptions filename)

If any visual transcripts are missing:

• 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