Split Edits

What is a J or L cut? What do they do? How can they improve your edit?

The J cut is when the visual cuts after the audio, forming a shape resembling a "J". This allows only the video to be cut later or the audio to be cut earlier. The opposite is known as the L cut, in which the visual cuts before the audio, resembling the shape of a "L." These techniques can improve an edit by mixing audio tracks and visuals to create new sense of continuity. For example, in an L cut in which the audience sees the visual before the corresponding audio track, the reaction of the second (non-speaking) character can be observed. This allows the audience to understand the emotion of the second character towards the speaking character. On the other hand, if the editor uses a J cut, the audience can see the speaking character's emotional state after the character's line.