ButterCut - Video Editing with Claude Code

Get Started

Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/barefootford/buttercut.git && cd buttercut

Launch Claude Code

claude

Or to bypass permission prompts:

claude --dangerously-skip-permissions

Initialize installation

Once Claude Code is running, tell it:

> Install ButterCut

Claude validates your system environment and installs any missing dependencies, including Ruby, Python, FFmpeg, and WhisperX.

A library organizes your video footage with audio and visual transcripts. Tell Claude to build one:

> I want to build a new library

Claude guides you through setup

•

Library name: Choose a descriptive name (e.g., "wedding", "conference", "interview")

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Video location: Path to your video files directory

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Language: Primary language spoken in your footage

What happens next

✓

Creates library structure in your project directory

✓

Transcribes audio with WhisperX for accurate timestamps

✓

Analyzes video frames to understand visual content

✓

Generates visual transcripts describing what's happening on screen

All processing happens in parallel. Once complete, your library is ready for roughcut creation.

Once your library is analyzed, tell Claude to create a roughcut:

> Let's create a new roughcut

Claude asks about your vision

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Focus: What should this roughcut cover? (Full story, specific section, teaser)

•

Narrative structure: Chronological, thematic, or hook-based opening?

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Target duration: 1-2 minutes, 3-5 minutes, or 6-10 minutes?

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Pacing style: Fast and punchy, conversational, or cinematic?

Example conversation

You: "Just the meetup coverage"

You: "Start with presentations (5 sec clips), then interviews, then my closing reflection. 3-5 minutes, conversational pacing."

You: "Final Cut Pro X"

Claude delivers your timeline

✓

Analyzes transcripts to select the best clips

✓

Makes editorial decisions based on your preferences

✓

Exports to your editor (Final Cut, Premiere, or DaVinci Resolve)

Import the timeline into your editor and refine from there.

How it works

01

Analyze footage

Claude transcribes audio and evaluates visual content across your footage, processing everything in parallel.

02

Describe your edit

Have a conversation with Claude about narrative structure, target duration, and pacing. It asks clarifying questions to understand your vision.

03

Import and refine

Get a timeline file ready for Final Cut, Premiere, or DaVinci Resolve. Open it in your editor and refine from there.

What you get

Export to any editor

Generate timelines for Final Cut, Premiere, and DaVinci Resolve.

Analyze intelligently

Transcribe audio and evaluate visual content across all your footage.

Guide your edits

Answer questions about narrative structure and pacing to match your vision.

Process in parallel

Extract metadata and generate transcripts simultaneously for faster results.

Releases

v0.3.0

December 1, 2024

• Simplify library paths, reducing library.yaml size by almost 50 percent
• Upgrade timestamp precision for smoother and more accurate roughcuts

v0.2.0

November 26, 2024

• Add backup-library and update-buttercut skills for safer library management
• Expand setup documentation with flexible installation options

v0.1.1

November 22, 2024

• Add Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve support

v0.1

November 10, 2024

• Initial release. Build Final Cut XML Timelines with Claude skills for creating libraries and roughcuts.

ButterCut is made in the coldest neighborhood in San Francisco

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