Cross-Cut
Definition
A Cross-Cut (or "parallel editing") is an editing technique in which the action alternates between two or more scenes happening simultaneously in different locations. Cross-cutting is used to create tension (by cutting between a character in danger and the people rushing to help them), to draw thematic parallels between two storylines, or to show cause and effect between simultaneous events. The technique was pioneered by D.W. Griffith in the early days of cinema and remains one of the most powerful tools in the editor's toolkit.
Contextual Usage
The editor describes the structure of the climax: "I'm going to cross-cut between three simultaneous storylines during the climax — the protagonist trying to defuse the bomb, the detective racing to the building, and the villain watching from a distance. The cross-cutting will build the tension to a fever pitch and make the audience feel the urgency of all three storylines simultaneously."
About this section
The editorial department is where the raw footage is transformed into a finished story. The editor is often described as the "invisible storyteller" — their work, when done well, is completely transpa...
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