Sign up now and get a free Tip Sheet for Videographers!

Video Editing: Welcome to Splitsville, Baby! (page 2)

Simple Split

Yes, split edits are that simple. Now that you understand the technique, you're ready to look at the transition between the clips in your timeline in a whole new way. Instead of thinking about a transition to incoming audio-video clips in one step, train yourself to look at it as having three distinct possibilities: (1) standard edit where the audio matches the video, (2) delaying the audio transition with respect to your video or (3) letting the audio from your incoming clip lead your audience into the incoming video.

The reason split edits are so effective is that they provide a higher density of change to the viewer. Instead of one edit where the audio and video cut at exactly the same point, the split edit gives the audience a chance to absorb a new juxtaposition of elements: established audio with new video following or established video with new audio fading in. These may seem like small distinctions, but, like adding a spoonful of sugar to a cold glass of iced tea, a split edit is another sure way to sweeten your communication with your audience.

Well, I guess it's time for me to split!

Contributing Editor Bill Davis owns and operates a video production company in Arizona.

Sidebar: J-cuts and L-cuts

Split edits have been around so long they even have their own hip edit jargon you can use to impress your peers. If you cut just the video track and replace the downstream pictures with other images leaving it's original audio in place, but allowing room for new video material, you've made a "J-cut." Allow the audio to come in before the video and you have an "L-cut." See the figure for a graphical representation of what we're talking about.

Page: 1 2
  • Sponsors

Rate This Article

Rating: 1 (Poor) - 5 (Excellent)

1 2 3 4 5
How would you rate the author of this article?
How Would you rate the overall value of this article?
How would you rate the graphics?
How would you rate this article's method (i.e interview, tutorial, narrative) for explaining this topic?
How would you rate the depth and length of the article

Related Information

  • PC Audio EditingPC Audio Editing PC Audio Editing is an essential guide for anyone wishing to make audio production for issue as recordings, or for broadcast, using a Windows PC and material acquired both in the studio and via portable equipment.
    By Roger Derry
  • Introduction to Digital Video Editing: The Guide to Getting Started With Computer Video (DVD)Introduction to Digital Video Editing: The Guide to Getting Started With Computer Video (DVD) You'll learn important information about digital video editing software. You’ll learn the tools you need to get started in digital video editing including valuable tips and techniques for creating titles, editing sequences and editing audio.
  • Sound Success (DVD)Sound Success (DVD) Learn about the many types of microphones and how to use them wisely. Key insights for recording indoor and outdoor audio. Editing techniques to sweeten your audio by adding sound effects at the edit bay.
  • Advanced Editing -- Guide to Advanced Computer Video Editing (DVD)Advanced Editing -- Guide to Advanced Computer Video Editing (DVD) The editors and experts at Videomaker have created this DVD to introduce you to the video editing software, and techniques you need to know to edit like a professional including tips for creating video titles, and how to adjust color when editing.
  • Composition 201Composition 201 It's time to learn the advanced techniques in Composition!
  • Video Glossary of Terms - 21 pgsVideo Glossary of Terms - 21 pgs Confused by the alphabet soup of video production terminology? Videomaker’s extensive Glossary of Terms provides definitions for hundreds of commonly and not so commonly used terms in the field of videography.
  • How Did They Do That? - 6 pgsHow Did They Do That? - 6 pgs Ever wonder how they do those special effects? Learn how!
  • Music and Sound FX Libraries Buyer's Guide - 5 pgsMusic and Sound FX Libraries Buyer's Guide - 5 pgs Punch up your video with an outstanding soundtrack, and get the information you need to find the perfect music for your productions.
  • Editing Scoping Out Your VideoEditing
    Scoping Out Your Video     Many editing software programs offer a variety of colorful scopes to help enhance the hue, color, and brilliance, among other editing tweaks. But how do they work?
  • Audio Monitors Buyer's GuideAudio Monitors Buyer's Guide If you are listening to your edited masterpiece on the speakers that came with your computer, you are in need of an upgrade.
  • Sponsors