How to make documentary clips from your footage

Build one factual sequence around the speaker's complete point and show relevant evidence.

Start with the moments that tell the story

Bring a selected interview passage, factual inserts and approved source labels. Pick the takes that make the subject clear, including a strong opening and a complete ending. These choices give Shorty a useful starting point for the edit.

Give Shorty the creative direction

Build one factual sequence around the speaker's complete point and show relevant evidence.

Try a 30-second 9:16 edit as a starting point. Include the exact title or closing message you want on screen. Add a reference when you want to show the pace, captions or mood.

Try this editing prompt

Create a 30-second 9:16 video from my a selected interview passage, factual inserts and approved source labels. Build one factual sequence around the speaker's complete point and show relevant evidence. Use my supplied wording for titles. Preserve source context and do not manufacture a causal connection through juxtaposition.

Make the next version more specific

Preserve source context and do not manufacture a causal connection through juxtaposition.

Play the first cut and pick the change that would help the story most. Name the moment, describe the result you want and tell Shorty what to keep. A note such as “hold the final product shot longer” gives the revision a clear direction.

Questions, answered.

What footage should I use?

A selected interview passage, factual inserts and approved source labels. Choose the takes that support the sequence you want.

Can I use a different duration or format?

Yes. The 30-second 9:16 prompt is a starting point. Describe the length and canvas your video needs, then check the rendered result.

Your next video starts here.

Bring the footage. Tell us the idea. Shape the edit.

Start editing