The key techniques
L-Cut
The picture changes while the sound of the previous shot continues. Ideal for showing reactions or B-roll in an interview while the person keeps talking.
J-Cut
The sound of the next scene starts before the picture changes. It pulls the audience into the new scene.
Jump Cut
A jump within the same shot. Compresses time and feels modern, typical for vlogs and social media.
Match Cut
Two shots are linked by shape, movement or color. Creates elegant, often surprising transitions.
Cutaway
A short cut to a detail or a reaction. Hides cuts in an interview and adds information.
Cross-cutting
Two storylines alternate. Builds tension and connects events.
Cutting on action
The cut happens in the middle of a movement. The eye follows it and doesn't notice the cut.
Smash Cut
An abrupt change, for example from loud to quiet. Creates shock or comedy.
From footage to film
A clean edit starts with order: review the footage, mark the best takes, transcribe the interviews. Only then do you build the story. The offline edit is about order and rhythm, the online finish about color, sound and graphics.
- Start with the strongest moment, not the introduction
- Cut interviews as audio first, then add pictures
- Lay in music early: it sets the rhythm
- Leave pauses: not every gap needs filling