The basic editing cuts in video have at their heart the purpose of presenting raw footage in a way that conveys whatever the original message or story was supposed to be.
At the heart of this are the various cutting techniques, each serving a unique purpose in shaping the narrative, pacing and overall perception of the video by the audience.
This is a guide to the purpose of each of the essential cutting techniques with a brief explanation of the effect they have on both the project itself and audience perception.
Cut on Action
The cut on action technique is a fundamental principle in video editing that enhances the fluidity of a scene.
It involves cutting from one shot to another during a continuous action creating a seamless transition that maintains the viewer’s focus and preserves the illusion of uninterrupted movement.
This technique is particularly effective in action sequences, dance performances or any scenario where motion is a crucial element.
By cutting on the peak of an action, such as a jump, swing or kick, the editor can maintain the energy and momentum of the scene while concealing the actual cut.
Here’s a video demonstration of this type of cut:
Jump Cut
A jump cut is a abrupt transition between two shots of the same subject often filmed from the same camera angle.
This technique deliberately omits a portion of the action creating a jarring and disorienting effect for the viewer.
While jump cuts were initially considered a mistake in traditional filmmaking they have become a stylistic choice in modern video editing particularly in music videos, documentaries and experimental films.
Jump cuts can convey a sense of urgency, emphasize specific moments or create a disjointed and fragmented narrative allowing the editor to manipulate the viewer’s perception of time and space.
They are also commonly used in YouTube videos where the presenter is relating a story or information and it’s purpose is to hold attention.
Cross Cut
Cross-cutting is a powerful technique that intercuts between two or more parallel storylines or events happening simultaneously in different locations.
By alternating between these separate scenes the editor creates a sense of suspense, tension and narrative momentum.
This technique is commonly used in action films, thrillers or any genre where multiple plotlines converge.
Cross-cutting allows the viewer to follow multiple narratives simultaneously, heightening the dramatic impact and keeping them engaged as the storylines ultimately intersect.
L Cut and J Cut
The L cut and J cut are complementary techniques that involve offsetting the audio and video tracks during a transition.
In an L cut, the audio from the next scene is introduced before the video cuts creating a subtle overlap.
Conversely, in a J cut the video from the next scene appears before the audio transitions.
These techniques are particularly effective for maintaining continuity and smoothing out abrupt cuts especially in dialogue-driven scenes or when transitioning between locations.
By overlapping the audio and video, the editor can create a more natural and seamless flow guiding the viewer’s attention and enhancing the overall viewing experience.
They work becuase we as humans do not simultaneously see what we are hearing or hear what we are seeing in real life.
We hear the car coming then turn to see the car.
This closer approximation to real life as experienced is why these cuts work so well.
Fade Cut
A fade cut is a transitional effect that gradually transitions from one shot to another by fading out the current shot and fading in the next.
This technique is commonly used to indicate a change in time, location or mood within a scene.
Fade cuts can create a sense of mystery, nostalgia, or a dreamlike quality, depending on the context.
They are often employed in montages, flashbacks or to signify the passage of time providing a gentle and visually appealing transition between different segments of the video.
A variation on this is a “fade through” effect where the original scene fades to (usually) black then the next scenes fades in from the brief blackness.
This variation has the effect os clearly indication time has passed or that the previous scene has completed with some finality.
“Fade throughs” can also use white instead of black or even a flash of bright light to indicate some kind of significant change.
Match Cut
A match cut is a sophisticated editing technique that creates a visual connection between two seemingly unrelated shots by matching their compositional elements such as shape, movement or spatial orientation.
This technique is designed to create a seamless transition and maintain visual continuity, even when cutting between vastly different scenes or locations.
Match cuts can be used to create metaphorical connections, reinforce thematic elements or simply provide a visually striking and engaging transition for the viewer.
The most famous of these is probably Stanley Kubrik’s 2001 A Space Odyssey, where the primitive human throws a bone into the air then there is a cut to a scene of a spaceship in space which has a similar shape.
Smash Cut
A smash cut is an abrupt and jarring transition from one shot to another often without any visual or auditory cues.
This technique is designed to create a sense of disruption, shock or sudden change in the narrative.
Smash cuts are frequently used in action sequences, horror films or when depicting dramatic shifts in tone or perspective.
By abruptly changing the scene the editor can grab the viewer’s attention, heighten tension or convey a sense of chaos or disorientation making it a powerful tool for creating impactful and memorable moments.
Here are some examples of Smash Cuts
Cutaway
A cutaway is a brief shot that temporarily shifts the viewer’s attention away from the main action or subject, typically to a related but different perspective or element within the same scene.
Cutaways are often used to provide additional context, establish the environment or capture reactions from secondary characters or objects.
They can also serve as a visual break or breather during intense or dialogue-heavy scenes, allowing the editor to maintain the viewer’s interest and prevent stagnation.
Split Screen
The split-screen technique involves dividing the frame into two or more separate panels each displaying a different shot or scene simultaneously.
This technique is commonly used to depict parallel actions, contrasting perspectives or to show a character’s inner thoughts or memories alongside the present action.
Split screens can create a visually striking and dynamic composition, allowing the viewer to absorb multiple narratives or viewpoints simultaneously.
This technique is often used in music videos, experimental films or when depicting communication between characters in different locations.
Montage
A montage is a series of short, rapid shots that are edited together to convey a specific idea, emotion or passage of time.
Montages are often set to music or accompanied by voice-over narration and they can be used to compress a lengthy sequence into a condensed and visually engaging sequence.
Montages are commonly employed in films, documentaries, and music videos to depict events like training sequences, travel or the progression of a relationship over an extended period.
They can evoke a powerful emotional response or convey a wealth of information in a concise and impactful manner.
Mastering these cutting techniques is essential for any aspiring video editor, as they provide the tools to shape the narrative, control the pacing and create a captivating visual experience for the viewer.
Although not strictly speaking a cut in themselves, montages they act in a similar manner in that the take the viewer from where we were to where we are now.
Finally here a video with a full guide to what we have covered previously:
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