Published: September 23, 2024 | Last Updated: September 25, 2024
A jump cut is where two consecutive shots of the same subject show a noticeable shift in position, time, or angle, creating a jarring or disjointed effect. It typically occurs when there is minimal change between the shots, resulting in the subject appearing to “jump” or shift abruptly within the frame. This sudden transition disrupts the visual flow, drawing attention to the cut rather than maintaining smooth continuity.
Jump cuts are usually seen as a break in continuity. Traditional editing – especially continuity editing – often avoids them because they can disorient the viewer or break immersion in the narrative.
Using Jump Cuts Intentionally
Sometimes, jump cuts are deliberately used for stylistic purposes. For example, in films by French New Wave directors, jump cuts were often used to create a sense of urgency, disorientation, or the passage of time.
A jump cut can create energy, rhythm, or a sense of fragmented reality when used intentionally. That’s also why jump cuts are popular among Vloggers and YouTubers.
Editing Jump Cuts the Right Way
If done unintentionally, jump cuts can appear amateurish or distracting. Therefore, you must understand when and how to use jump cuts to control the pacing and tone of their scenes.
Here’s a good video with tips on how to edit jump cuts to make them work for you:
How to Avoid Jump Cuts
The best way to avoid jump cuts is to work with more than one camera and follow the 30-degree and 180-degree rules of filmmaking. That way, you can get scene coverage from several angles and edit out those “uuhs” and “uhms” by changing the camera angle.
You can cut to B-roll footage (fx in an interview) or a reaction shot (in a dialogue scene fx).
Suppose you’re shooting a corporate interview with a single camera, and using library shots or B-roll footage of the corporate headquarters or whatnot doesn’t make sense. In that case, you can create a B-roll consisting of the close of your subject gesticulating while talking after the interview. I’ve had luck using this to avoid jump cuts many times.
Summing Up
A jump cut occurs when two consecutive shots of the same subject show a small but noticeable position, time, or angle shift. This causes the subject to “jump” within the frame, creating a disjointed, abrupt transition.
Jump cuts are typically used intentionally in movies to disrupt the visual flow, often to show the passage of time, create a sense of urgency, or disorient the audience.
However, in the traditional approach to filmmaking, jump cuts are avoided if the goal is to maintain continuity. Still, they can be used creatively to convey certain emotions or stylistic effects. And, when done correctly, they can be a great way to make your YouTube videos pop.
Up Next: What is Kinetic Editing?
