[FAQ]

I’m working on improving my video editing skills, especially for interview and dialogue-heavy videos. I keep hearing that using “J-cuts” and “L-cuts” is a key way to make conversations flow better and look more professional.

Could someone give me a simple explanation of what these two types of cuts actually are? I’m trying to understand how they specifically help make a scene feel smoother and less jarring than just using simple, straight cuts between speakers.

[Jeff Bullas]

J-cuts and L-cuts are fundamental editing techniques that create a much smoother and more natural flow in dialogue scenes by separating the point at which the audio and the video transition. They are a key differentiator between amateur and professional-looking video editing.

First, let us define an L-cut. An L-cut is when the audio from the current shot continues to play over the vision of the next shot. If you imagine the clips on an editing timeline, the shape resembles the letter ‘L’ because the audio track extends out under the next video clip. A common example is when we see a person finish speaking, but we continue to look at their reaction for a moment while the audio of the other person’s reply begins. This is very effective for showing a listener’s non-verbal reaction to what is being said.

Second, a J-cut is the opposite of an L-cut. This is when the audio from the next shot begins playing before you cut to the vision of that shot. On an editing timeline, this forms a ‘J’ shape, with the audio track starting before its corresponding video clip. For instance, we might be watching someone listening intently, and then we hear the beginning of the other person’s response before the vision cuts to show them speaking. This is a very effective way to smoothly introduce a new speaker or a new thought.

These techniques make dialogue more professional and engaging for one primary reason: they mimic how we experience conversations in real life. We often hear things just before we turn to look at them, and we continue to see someone’s reaction after they have finished speaking. Standard “hard cuts,” where the audio and video switch at the exact same moment, can feel abrupt, jarring, and robotic.

J-cuts and L-cuts create a more seamless and cinematic flow. They guide the viewer’s attention more effectively and help to make the editing feel invisible, which is often the goal. By allowing you to show both the speaker and the listener’s reactions within the flow of the dialogue, you add significant depth and emotional context to the conversation.

In summary, J-cuts and L-cuts are about letting the audio and video transition at different times. Mastering these two simple cuts is one of the most effective ways to make your dialogue scenes feel more professional, natural, and immersive for your audience.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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