ArchiveCut / ArchiveCut questions and answers

Questions and answers

What is ArchiveCut?

ArchiveCut is an AI documentary maker for the web. You give it a subject or your own script, you approve the exact narration, and it makes a narrated film from licensed archive pictures, with captions and a credits file.

Does ArchiveCut make a documentary automatically, with no editing?

No. AI drafts can contain mistakes, so nothing is produced until you have read and approved the exact text. In our own tests the first drafts weren’t yet good enough to use without a person reviewing them.

Can I use my own script?

Yes. Paste your script and those exact words become the narration. We check that the scenes and captions hold every word of it, in order.

Where do the pictures come from?

From licensed archives such as Wikimedia Commons and NASA, or from your own uploads. You can swap any picture. It doesn’t download from YouTube or other platforms.

Who owns the pictures, and can I publish the film?

Each picture keeps its own licence, and the credits file lists its creator, licence and source. Some licences need attribution or share-alike. These are licence records, not legal clearance, so check them for how you plan to use the film.

Is what the film says accurate?

You are responsible for what you publish. Figures and claims not found in the sources are flagged for you, but automated checks can miss mistakes, so read the script before you approve it.

What do I get at the end?

A 1080p MP4 with narration, music under the voice and burned-in captions, a caption file (SRT) and a credits file. You can change one scene and export again.

Which languages does it support?

English is tested from start to finish. Hindi narration and captions have been tested, with less review so far. Other languages aren’t ready.

Does it make vertical shorts?

Not yet. ArchiveCut makes widescreen films, 16:9, with up to about 20 minutes as the intended length.

How much does it cost, and when can I use it?

There is no price yet. ArchiveCut is opening to small groups, and the first invitations won’t ask for a card. Ask for a place and we’ll email you when there’s room.