Glossary · Updated
What is cutaway?
Short answer
A cutaway is a shot that briefly interrupts the main footage to show something related, such as an object the speaker mentions. It adds context, hides a jump cut and rests the eye. Effective cutaways match the words, last a few seconds and return to the main shot.
How is cutaway used in editing?
A speaker talks about a tool and the video cuts to a close-up of it. Cutaways are the basic unit of B-roll.
What mistakes do people make?
- Showing something unrelated
- Holding it too long
- Cutting away on the key word
How does it relate to skills?
Skills like Layers add graphics around the speaker. Real cutaway footage is added later in your editor.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cutaway B-roll?
Yes, a cutaway is a piece of B-roll.
How long should it last?
A cutaway usually lasts a few seconds, long enough to show the point and short enough to return to the speaker quickly.
Do cutaways help pace?
Yes. Cutaways add visual change, cover jump cuts and rest the eye, which helps the pace of a talking video.
What is a reaction cutaway?
A shot of a listener's reaction.
Skills mentioned on this page
Layers
A full motion-graphics edit from one plain clip: words behind your head, plates, charts and cards.
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