Batch queue

Compile a manifest of independent shots into VideoClaw’s durable Cinema task queue. New batches do not submit provider jobs during compilation.

Compile the manifest

{
  "schemaVersion": 1,
  "route": "runway-useapi",
  "defaults": { "seconds": 8, "aspectRatio": "16:9", "resolution": "720p" },
  "jobs": [
    { "id": "skyline", "prompt": "A neon city skyline at night, slow drift" },
    { "id": "forest", "prompt": "A quiet pine forest at dawn", "keyframe": "/refs/forest.jpg" }
  ]
}

vclaw video batch-submit --manifest batch.json --project overnight

The project is required. The response reports mode: "durable-queue", submitted: false, providerCalls: 0, a receipt and projected task status. --out can override the output directory. --route can override the manifest route with runway-useapi, dreamina-useapi or seedance-direct.

--enqueue is an optional explicit spelling of the default. --execute is retired and rejected; --confirm-spend is rejected on this compilation path.

Run queued work

Inspect vclaw schema --json for the installed cinema-work-quote, cinema-authorize and cinema-work contracts. Quote the returned tasks and obtain the required authorisation before running them. Route requirements differ: compilation itself is never evidence of a completed render or permission to spend.

Use the durable task and receipt state to resume. Do not re-submit an ambiguous provider request or create replacement jobs outside that queue. The production workflow describes the current production path; shared queue covers provider-account coordination.

Standalone batch manifests do not consume the shared film-plan contract. For planned productions use storyboard authoring and the shared execution compiler described in the filmmaking workflow.

Existing legacy batches

The monitor and status commands remain for existing batch-queue.json runs:

vclaw video batch-monitor --out runs/old-batch --once
vclaw video batch-status --out runs/old-batch

The monitor polls pending legacy jobs, downloads completed clips and updates batch-status.json. --interval and --max-minutes control its polling loop. Already completed clips are reused. Automatic replacement submission has been retired; enqueue a new explicit task through the durable workflow when a replacement is needed.

These commands do not turn a newly compiled durable receipt into a legacy provider submission. Use cinema-work for new queued tasks. Inspect actual media before treating a completed task as an accepted shot.