A J-cut is a technique used in split film editing, where the audio from the following scene overlaps with the video from the current shot, so that the audio plays before the audience sees the next shot. Is also known as an audio lead/advance. The name derives from the shape of the audio and video cut together during the era of analogue film.
L-cuts visualised in modern editing software.
An L-cut is another technique used with split film editing. Opposing a J-cut, it works in the way that the audio from the current shot carries over to the next, often used in scenes involving dialogue. It’s name also derives from the shape of the audio and video cut together during the era of analogue film.
In a J cut, the next scene’s audio plays before the image changes. With L cuts, the audio from the preceding scene carries over, and then the visuals shift.
J cuts: When the audio from the next scene plays before the image changes.
An example of when a J cut is used is in the opening scene of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, where the audio plays before the opening scene, meaning that the audience are already intrigued in what is going on before seeing it.
L cuts: When the audio from the first scene carries over to the next scene.
An example of when an L cut is used is in the film Knives Out, multiple times in this scene.
It is used so the new information given to the audience is explained through visuals.
Both J cuts and L cuts are often used in dialogue to make conversations flow and feel more natural.
An Editing technique used for scene transitions or within a scene which the audio of the next scene or shot precedes the image change.
An example of this can be found in Scott Pilgrim’s opening scene, where Kim’s dialogue begins over the ending of a mid-shot, and J cuts into her in the kitchen.
L-Cut
A Variant of a split edit film editing technique in which the audio form preceding scene overlaps the picture from the following scene.
An Example would be this scene from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, where the echoing voice of the receptionist L cuts over our protagonist.
In a J cut, the next scene’s audio plays before the image changes. With L cuts, the audio from the preceding scene carries over, and then the visuals shift.
Using a J-cut or an L-cut is all about keeping the flow of the edit moving without becoming boring. If a J-cut or L-cut is performed properly, then the audience will never notice it taking place. This same theory is really true for any editing technique.
