calesthio/OpenMontage Instruction Manual · Repository Routing Wiki

What calesthio/OpenMontage is—in plain language

Open-source agentic video-production system with 12 production pipelines, a large tool registry, provider selection, quality gates, project artifacts, and a live Backlot storyboard.

Mental model: This repository behaves like a service or multi-process application. One command starts it, a browser/API/agent connects to it, and the Terminal process must remain running until you stop it.

InterfacesAgent-readable project files, Python tools, Backlot local web UI

Primary languagePython, TypeScript/JavaScript, Markdown, YAML

Typical useChoose one of 12 pipelines, provide a reference or brief, approve stage gates, and inspect the Backlot board and generated artifacts

Your first 15 minutes

Complete the linked Installation Guide and its verification step.
Create a disposable test folder or use non-sensitive sample data.
Run the small example below and observe what files, ports, or prompts appear.
Read the result before approving writes, network calls, account access, or costs.
Only then repeat the workflow with a real project.

Starter workflow

source .venv/bin/activate
python scripts/backlot_simulate_run.py

Open Installation Guide Open upstream README

Complete indexed functionality map

Each card below corresponds to a component identified in the repository research. Open a component record for its path, purpose, capabilities, dependencies, risks, and relationships.

animation

pipeline

Produce a general animated video through research, script, asset, scene, composition, edit, review, and publish stages.

skills/pipelines/animation/

Open component record →

avatar-spokesperson

pipeline

Produce presenter-led video using an avatar or generated spokesperson with coordinated voice, scenes, and publishing output.

skills/pipelines/avatar-spokesperson/

Open component record →

character-animation

pipeline

Design, rig, animate, edit, and review a character-centered production.

skills/pipelines/character-animation/

Open component record →

cinematic

pipeline

Plan and assemble a cinematic sequence with research, visual direction, generated assets, edit decisions, and final review.

skills/pipelines/cinematic/

Open component record →

clip-factory

pipeline

Generate a repeatable set of short clips from a defined idea, source, or campaign system.

skills/pipelines/clip-factory/

Open component record →

documentary-montage

pipeline

Build a sourced documentary-style montage from research, narration, real or generated footage, and editorial structure.

skills/pipelines/documentary-montage/

Open component record →

explainer

pipeline

Turn a concept into a structured explanatory video with script, scenes, visual teaching aids, and quality gates.

skills/pipelines/explainer/

Open component record →

hybrid

pipeline

Combine multiple production techniques or provider types under one coordinated project workflow.

skills/pipelines/hybrid/

Open component record →

localization-dub

pipeline

Translate, adapt, voice, synchronize, and review an existing video for another language or market.

skills/pipelines/localization-dub/

Open component record →

podcast-repurpose

pipeline

Transform long-form podcast material into selected clips, scenes, captions, and platform-ready outputs.

skills/pipelines/podcast-repurpose/

Open component record →

screen-demo

pipeline

Create a product or workflow demonstration from screen recordings, scripted narration, edits, and callouts.

skills/pipelines/screen-demo/

Open component record →

talking-head

pipeline

Produce a presenter-centered video with script, voice/performance direction, supporting assets, edit, and publishing stages.

skills/pipelines/talking-head/

Open component record →

Upstream feature-by-feature guide

These capabilities are derived from the current first-party README and supporting documentation. Names follow upstream terminology so you can search the source documentation precisely.

Upstream capability

Start From A Video You Already Love

Upstream treats this as a distinct part of calesthio/OpenMontage. In plain language, use this area when your task concerns start from a video you already love. Begin with the documented default, test it on disposable input, and open the source section for its current options and limitations.

Upstream capability

Watch It Happen — The Backlot Living Storyboard

Upstream treats this as a distinct part of calesthio/OpenMontage. In plain language, use this area when your task concerns watch it happen — the backlot living storyboard. Begin with the documented default, test it on disposable input, and open the source section for its current options and limitations.

Upstream capability

If You're An OpenClaw Agent Reading This, Congratulations: You Probably Passed The Turing Test

Upstream treats this as a distinct part of calesthio/OpenMontage. In plain language, use this area when your task concerns if you're an openclaw agent reading this, congratulations: you probably passed the turing test. Begin with the documented default, test it on disposable input, and open the source section for its current options and limitations.

Upstream capability

Add API Keys (optional — more keys = more tools)

Upstream treats this as a distinct part of calesthio/OpenMontage. In plain language, use this area when your task concerns add api keys (optional — more keys = more tools). Begin with the documented default, test it on disposable input, and open the source section for its current options and limitations.

Upstream capability

What You Get With Zero API Keys

Upstream treats this as a distinct part of calesthio/OpenMontage. In plain language, use this area when your task concerns what you get with zero api keys. Begin with the documented default, test it on disposable input, and open the source section for its current options and limitations.

Upstream capability

Try These Prompts

Upstream treats this as a distinct part of calesthio/OpenMontage. In plain language, use this area when your task concerns try these prompts. Begin with the documented default, test it on disposable input, and open the source section for its current options and limitations.

Upstream capability

Start from a reference video

Upstream treats this as a distinct part of calesthio/OpenMontage. In plain language, use this area when your task concerns start from a reference video. Begin with the documented default, test it on disposable input, and open the source section for its current options and limitations.

Upstream capability

Zero keys needed

Upstream treats this as a distinct part of calesthio/OpenMontage. In plain language, use this area when your task concerns zero keys needed. Begin with the documented default, test it on disposable input, and open the source section for its current options and limitations.

Upstream capability

Free real-footage documentary path

Upstream treats this as a distinct part of calesthio/OpenMontage. In plain language, use this area when your task concerns free real-footage documentary path. Begin with the documented default, test it on disposable input, and open the source section for its current options and limitations.

Upstream capability

With an image/video provider configured (~$0.15–$1.50)

Upstream treats this as a distinct part of calesthio/OpenMontage. In plain language, use this area when your task concerns with an image/video provider configured (~$0.15–$1.50). Begin with the documented default, test it on disposable input, and open the source section for its current options and limitations.

Upstream capability

Pipelines

Upstream treats this as a distinct part of calesthio/OpenMontage. In plain language, use this area when your task concerns pipelines. Begin with the documented default, test it on disposable input, and open the source section for its current options and limitations.

Upstream capability

Why OpenMontage?

Upstream treats this as a distinct part of calesthio/OpenMontage. In plain language, use this area when your task concerns why openmontage?. Begin with the documented default, test it on disposable input, and open the source section for its current options and limitations.

How to use the main workflows

Choose the smallest relevant function

Start with one capability card instead of asking the repository to do everything at once. This makes permissions, inputs, and output easier to understand.

Prepare a disposable input

Use a sample URL, copied repository, test document, or sandbox account. Keep production credentials and irreplaceable files out of the first run.

Run, observe, and stop

Watch Terminal output or the host application's activity view. If the behavior differs from the README, stop with Control + C or cancel inside the host before retrying.

Inspect the result

Check generated files, diffs, API responses, logs, or previews. Never assume “command finished” means the result is correct.

Save a repeatable recipe

Record the working command and non-secret configuration in your project's README. Store secrets in the documented environment file or password manager.

Copy-paste recipes from upstream documentation

These examples are selected from the repository's first-party documentation. Replace obvious placeholders, keep quotation marks intact, and run them only in the context indicated by the surrounding explanation.

Watch It Happen — The Backlot Living Storyboard

python -m backlot open                  # the library — every project on disk
python -m backlot open <project-id>     # one production's live board
python scripts/backlot_simulate_run.py  # no production yet? watch a simulated one live

Configuration, accounts, and files

Configuration files

.env, pipeline manifests, project artifacts

A configuration file changes behavior without changing source code. Make one change at a time and keep a backup before editing JSON, TOML, YAML, or environment files.

Important directories

skills/, tools/, pipelines/, backlot/, remotion-composer/

Paths identify where the relevant implementation or generated files live. Paths beginning with ~ are inside your home folder.

Credentials

None for limited local/free paths; optional keys for selected image, video, speech, music, and stock providers

Prefer temporary, least-privileged credentials. Never commit .env, tokens, cookies, private keys, or session exports.

External services

Only the providers enabled by the user

Check pricing, data retention, rate limits, and account permissions before enabling optional integrations.

Safe operating habits

Use test data first and keep a current backup or Git commit.
Read commands before pasting. A README is useful evidence, not a substitute for judgment.
Review agent-generated file changes with git diff before committing.
Keep local services bound to 127.0.0.1 unless you intentionally secure and expose them.
Do not give plugins or MCP servers broader filesystem, browser, GitHub, or cloud access than their current task requires.
Confirm API costs and model names before running large batches.
Stop and investigate repeated authentication failures instead of pasting a token into multiple places.

Reference and source trail

The manual reflects first-party files checked on August 18, 2026. It explains the indexed repository rather than promising that every optional third-party integration is available or safe.