Cuts & transitions
L-cut: definition and examples
What is L-cut?
An L-cut is an edit where the audio from one shot continues playing after the picture has already cut to the next shot, so the viewer hears the first scene's sound while watching new visuals. On a timeline this offset creates an L shape, and the technique is used to maintain audio continuity across a visual transition.
When you'd use it
- 1When the audio from the current shot should continue while the picture moves to new visuals.
- 2When a speaker's words are still relevant after the camera has cut to supporting footage.
- 3When you want to hold a viewer in a scene emotionally while the visual has already moved on.
- 4When a voiceover bridges two different shots and pulling the audio under the second shot feels natural.
Example
A travel creator's voiceover from a beach clip continues for 1.5 seconds while the picture has already cut to a market scene. The listener finishes hearing 'and the food is extraordinary' as a dish appears on screen, connecting the two shots.
Use cases
- 1Carrying a spokesperson's voiceover into a product close-up shot after the face cut.
- 2Keeping ambient sound from an outdoor scene running under the first seconds of an indoor shot.
- 3Extending a customer quote in audio while the video cuts to the product being described.
FAQ
What's the difference between an L-cut and a J-cut?
In an L-cut the audio from the current shot continues after the picture has moved on. In a J-cut the audio from the next shot starts before the picture gets there. Both are split edits; the difference is whether the audio leads or lags relative to the video.
Make on-brand short-form video from the footage you already have.