Set the start timecode of the current timeline. Args: timecode: Timecode string (e.g. '01:00:00:00').
AI agents use timeline_set_start_timecode to create or update resources in DaVinci Resolve MCP — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your DaVinci Resolve MCP environment.
This tool creates or modifies project data (timeline timecode) reversibly without destructive deletion or code execution. While it affects video editing state, the change is non-destructive and can be undone or modified. It falls clearly into Write category rather than Execute (no arbitrary code/command execution) or Destructive (modification is reversible).
From the tool's definition The tool description states it 'Set[s] the start timecode of the current timeline,' which modifies timeline metadata. This is a reversible change to project state (timecode can be reset to a different value).
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access timeline_set_start_timecode gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and DaVinci Resolve MCP, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for timeline_set_start_timecode:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"timeline_set_start_timecode": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "timeline_set_start_timecode_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 30,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}timeline_set_start_timecode stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
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Set the start timecode of the current timeline. Args: timecode: Timecode string (e.g. '01:00:00:00'). It is categorised as a Write tool in the DaVinci Resolve MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the DaVinci Resolve MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for timeline_set_start_timecode: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches DaVinci Resolve MCP. Nothing to install.
timeline_set_start_timecode is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the timeline_set_start_timecode rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for timeline_set_start_timecode. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.
timeline_set_start_timecode is provided by the DaVinci Resolve MCP server (samuelgursky/davinci-resolve-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 369 DaVinci Resolve MCP tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
Free to start. No card required.
369 DaVinci Resolve MCP tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 42,500+ MCP servers.