Cut
Definition
A Cut is the most fundamental and common editing transition, in which one shot ends and the next shot begins instantaneously, without any transition effect. The cut is the basic building block of film editing and, when used skillfully, is invisible to the audience. Different types of cuts include the match cut (where the action or composition of two shots is matched to create a seamless transition), the jump cut (a jarring cut between two shots of the same subject from slightly different angles), and the cross-cut (alternating between two simultaneous actions in different locations).
Contextual Usage
The editor and director review a scene together, and the director says, "The dissolve between these two shots feels too soft. I think a straight cut would be more impactful here — it should feel like a sudden, jarring shift in reality."
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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