Critical path (red arrows): 1 → 2 → 3 → 5 → 5b → 8 → 9 → 10 → 10b → 10c → 11 → 12 → 13
Parallel tracks: Track A (3→5→5b→6→7) and Track B (4) run simultaneously. Converge at step 8.
TB generation shortcut (pink arrow): After step 5b, AL starts generating thumbnails in ChatGPT immediately — in parallel with Claude steps 6-7 and FCPX work. This saves ~15 min on the critical path.
Triage + Backup (10b + 10c): After export, mark shorts as Ready or Backup. Store backups on Finder AND in Shorts EO — Backup Base (Notion). Min 2/week archived.
Step 13 — TikTok cover: PostFast publishes TikTok as draft. AL opens TikTok app on iPhone → Profile → Drafts → Edit cover (upload thumbnail from Photos) → Publish. ~1 min per short. IG/LI/X covers handled automatically — no manual step.
Total estimated time: ~2h50 for 20 shorts (includes ~10 min TikTok covers). Step 12 is automatic.
Bottleneck: Step 9 (overlays in FCPX) = 30 min manual.
Future automation: Steps 3-4 → Claude Cowork agent.