# video-clip

> Extract video clips using ffmpeg. Cut segments from interviews, Zoom recordings, or any video. Use when asked to cut video, extract clip, trim video, or mentions ffmpeg/video editing.

- Author: Baz Hand
- Repository: bazhand/ai-agent-skills
- Version: 20260126213349
- Stars: 0
- Forks: 0
- Last Updated: 2026-02-06
- Source: https://github.com/bazhand/ai-agent-skills
- Web: https://mule.run/skillshub/@@bazhand/ai-agent-skills~video-clip:20260126213349

---

---
name: video-clip
description: Extract video clips using ffmpeg. Cut segments from interviews, Zoom recordings, or any video. Use when asked to cut video, extract clip, trim video, or mentions ffmpeg/video editing.
license: MIT
context: fork
compatibility: Requires ffmpeg (brew install ffmpeg)
allowed-tools:
  - Bash
  - Read
  - Write
---

# Video Clip Extraction

Cut precise segments from videos using ffmpeg. Handles Zoom recordings, interviews, and social media clips.

## Prerequisites

```bash
brew install ffmpeg
```

## Quick Start

### Precise Cut (Recommended)

Re-encodes for exact timestamps. Use for final cuts:

```bash
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -ss 00:09:01 -to 00:09:56 \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 18 \
  -c:a aac -b:a 128k output.mp4
```

### Fast Copy (Preview Only)

Instant but may have black frames at cut points:

```bash
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -ss 00:09:01 -to 00:09:56 -c copy output.mp4
```

**Warning**: Fast copy cuts at nearest keyframe. Use re-encode for precise timing.

## Naming Convention

```
[project]_[speaker]_[clip-name]_[duration].mp4
```

Example: `serially_massimo_credibility-challenge_55s.mp4`

## Workflow

1. Get video duration: `ffprobe -v error -show_entries format=duration input.mp4`
2. Identify timestamps from transcript
3. Add ~1s buffer on each side for editing headroom
4. Cut with re-encoding for precision
5. Validate: extract frames at start/mid/end, check for black screens

## Validation

Extract frames to verify content:

```bash
# Extract frame at 1 second
ffmpeg -i clip.mp4 -vf "select=eq(n\,25)" -vframes 1 frame_check.jpg
```

## Common Issues

| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|-------|-------|-----|
| Black frames at start | `-c copy` keyframe issue | Use re-encode mode |
| Wrong speaker on camera | Zoom "active speaker" view | Check timestamps in original |
| Audio/video desync | Copy mode timing | Re-encode both streams |

## Batch Cutting

Cut multiple clips from same source:

```bash
# Create clips directory
mkdir -p clips

# Cut multiple segments
ffmpeg -i source.mp4 -ss 00:05:00 -to 00:05:45 -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 18 -c:a aac clips/clip1.mp4 -y
ffmpeg -i source.mp4 -ss 00:12:30 -to 00:13:15 -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 18 -c:a aac clips/clip2.mp4 -y
```