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Understanding Cutaway Shots
Have you ever watched a film and felt a sudden spike of tension, or gained a deep insight into a character's mind without a single word being spoken? This is the invisible art of cinematic storytelling, where editors and directors use precise techniques to guide your experience. One of the most fundamental yet powerful tools in their arsenal is the cutaway shot.
A cutaway is far more than an editing trick to hide mistakes; it is a versatile narrative device used to control pacing, build suspense, provide context, and reveal character psychology. This guide will explore the cutaway shot definition, unpack its purpose with iconic examples, and show you how to master it in your own projects.
A cutaway shot is a filmmaking and video editing technique that interrupts a continuously filmed action by briefly inserting a view of something else. After the cutaway, the scene returns to the main action, which is now enriched with new meaning or context.
A cutaway is the interruption of a continuously filmed action by inserting a view of something else. It departs from the main action to show an object, location, or a different character, providing new meaning to the narrative.
The Narrative Power and Purpose of Cutaway Shots
Cutaway shots serve multiple purposes in filmmaking, from practical editing solutions to deep narrative functions.
Shot Comparison: Cutaway vs. Insert Shot vs. B-Roll
The terminology around shot types can be confusing. The most common point of confusion is the difference between a cutaway shot and an insert shot. While related, they serve distinct functions.
| Feature | Core Purpose | Link to A-Roll | Typical Length | Example |
| Cutaway Shot | Supports the main action (clarify/emotion) | Directly tied; must cut back to A-roll quickly | 2–5 seconds | You talk about a book → cut to book cover → cut back to you |
| B-Roll Footage | Sets context/mood (unrelated to specific action) | Loosely tied; can stand alone (e.g., city skyline for a vlog) | 5–10 seconds | You talk about a café → B-roll of café windows/chairs |
| Insert Shot | Highlights a tiny detail in the main scene | Hyper-specific to the A-roll's space (e.g., a key in a lock) | 1–3 seconds | You unlock a door → insert shot of key turning in lock |
Case Studies: Iconic Cutaway Shots in Film & TV
Analyzing how master filmmakers use a technique is the best way to understand its power.
Juxtaposition & Power in The Godfather (1972):
In the famous restaurant scene, Michael Corleone coldly tells his girlfriend Kay a story about how his father's violent methods helped launch Johnny Fontane's career. As Michael details the intimidation, the film cuts away to a shot of Johnny Fontane cheerfully singing on stage, creating a chilling juxtaposition between the brutal cause and the glamorous effect.
Externalizing Emotion in Se7en (1995):
At the film's climax, Detective Mills has the killer, John Doe, at gunpoint after a horrifying revelation. For a split second, as Mills processes the horror, the film cuts to a lightning-fast, almost subliminal flash of his wife Tracy's smiling face, externalizing Mills' internal rage, grief, and psychological break.
Visualizing Fantasy in Dumb and Dumber (1994):
Lloyd Christmas is driving and fantasizing about his crush, Mary Swanson. The film transitions to an elaborate, over-the-top fantasy sequence where Lloyd is a suave socialite on a date with Mary, providing a hilarious contrast to his grim reality.
How to Plan, Shoot, and Edit a Cutaway Shot
Creating effective cutaways starts long before the edit. Here's a simple workflow for your next project.
Step 1: Plan Your Cutaways (Pre-Production)
Plan Your Cutaways (Pre-Production): Read your script and identify opportunities where a cutaway could enhance the story. Are characters discussing an object? Plan a shot of it. Is there a moment of high tension? Plan a shot of a clock or a nervous gesture. Create a shot list specifically for your B-roll.
Step 2: Shoot for the Edit (Production)
Shoot for the Edit (Production): On set, always capture more B-roll than you think you need. Shoot establishing shots, close-ups of relevant props, and reaction shots of your actors, even when they aren't speaking. This footage is gold in the editing room.
Step 3: Edit Your Cutaway with Filmora (Post-Production)
Edit Your Cutaway with Filmora (Post-Production): With a user-friendly editor like Wondershare Filmora, adding a cutaway is straightforward and powerful.
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Let's see the result. Although there is no audio in the file, consider that the groups are talking about the party they joined yesterday.
5 Common Cutaway Shot Mistakes to Avoid
FAQ
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Where can I get footage for cutaways?
The best source is the B-roll you shoot yourself during production. Alternatively, you can use stock footage. Video editors like Filmora often have integrated stock media libraries, providing a vast selection of clips you can pull from directly. -
When should you use a cutaway shot?
Use one when you need to break up a long take, hide a jump cut, increase suspense, show something a character is describing, or give the audience a peek inside a character's mind. -
What is the main purpose of a cutaway shot?
The main purpose is to enhance storytelling by providing visual context, revealing a character's thoughts, building tension, or smoothly hiding edits to maintain continuity. -
What is the difference between a cutaway and an insert shot?
A cutaway shot cuts away from the main action to something outside the immediate frame, while an insert shot is a close-up of an object or detail within the scene that the character is interacting with. -
Is a reaction shot a type of cutaway?
Yes, a reaction shot is a type of cutaway that shows a character's response to the main action, providing emotional context and depth to the scene.
