Run from source

To install Reelwright Studio, see the downloads page. This page runs Reelwright from a checkout of its source code, as its developers do.

Requires macOS or Linux, Godot 4.7.2, Node 24, pnpm 10 and ffmpeg 6.1 or later.

pnpm install
tools/doctor.sh                  # checks the toolchain; tools/rhubarb/install.sh builds Rhubarb
node core/src/cli/main.ts validate examples/shows/marigold
node core/src/cli/main.ts render examples/shows/marigold --episode ep.lighthouse_cold_open --preview
# → examples/shows/marigold/renders/lighthouse_cold_open/lighthouse_cold_open.mp4
node core/src/cli/main.ts generate characters examples/shows/marigold --pattern pattern.character.marigold_crew --count 6 --seed 7
node core/src/cli/main.ts generate set examples/shows/marigold --pattern pattern.set.marigold_ship --seed 3

Start a show of your own: its own theme from your title and a few words, Reelwright's styles and starting patterns (people, a room, the open air), nothing from the demo. Make its cast, sets and episodes in Studio with no model, or with the showrunner:

node core/src/cli/main.ts init ~/shows/slop-trek --blank --title "Slop Trek" \
  --logline "A garbage scow's crew boldly goes where nobody wants to." --setting "space comedy"
tools/studio.sh --show ~/shows/slop-trek

Or start from an empty folder and ask the showrunner for the whole show, from Claude Code or from Studio:

node core/src/cli/main.ts init ~/shows/starship
node core/src/cli/main.ts claude connect --show ~/shows/starship   # then: cd ~/shows/starship && claude
tools/studio.sh --show ~/shows/starship   # Studio's chat: paste an API key there, or chat using your Claude plan

Claude Code started in the show's folder works on it with your own Claude Pro or Max plan, and what it proposes waits in Studio for you to approve; Reelwright never sees your login. See Using a Claude plan for what Anthropic allows and how it works.