The Art of Cutting: How Editors Create Better-Paced Videos

Video editing isn't all about effects, transitions, or color correction. One of the essential skills that an editor must learn is the ability to create video pacing. It is amazing how cutting, deleting the pause, and switching between shots could transform the whole video.

The perfect video will hold viewer's attention without making it seem too hurried. Here comes the role of video cutting techniques, where each single cut has its own purpose – whether it improves the plot, eliminates the unnecessary parts, emphasizes the feeling or just makes the video flow.

For beginners, good video cutting is always more beneficial than using sophisticated effects. Now, let's have a closer look at the ways professionals do it.

What Is Video Pacing?

Video pacing refers to the speed with which information, images, dialogue, and actions are presented to the audience.

Slow pacing is required in order to create an emotional, cinematographic atmosphere, whereas fast pacing helps create the atmosphere of excitement and even a sense of urgency. There is no better choice - it all depends on the type of video content that you are making.

For example, in a travel video, longer shots can be used for the portrayal of the picturesque landscape. And a gaming video will need fast cuts in an exciting moment.

Pacing Is Not About Making Fast Cuts Only

Beginning editors think that in order to have the good pace of the video, all clips must be very short. This is not always true.

Too many cuts may result in the video looking exhausting and unclear for the audience. If the clips on the other hand stay on the screen too long, the audience will get bored.

The right editing process lies somewhere in between.

Start by Understanding the Story

Before making any cuts, it is essential to know what this scene is all about.

It is necessary to ask yourself:

* What is the message of this scene?

* What moments are important?

* What information is actually needed for the audience?

* What looks like repetition?

* Where should the attention of the audience be?

Let’s say you have a talking head video. The speaker shares three concepts but pauses for several seconds before each statement. It is not necessary to include each pause in the video.

Eliminate unnecessary pauses and preserve the flow of the speaker.

This basic technique can significantly improve the quality of the video.

How Editors Make Better-Paced Videos

Eliminate Unnecessary Moments

The most basic technique of editing is the elimination of all unnecessary moments.

This can include:

* Long pauses

* Repeated sentences

* Mistakes

* Unnecessary movements

* Empty frames

* Repetitive B-roll

There are few small pauses to take out, but not all of them should go. Some pauses are well placed and should be left in.

Cut on Action

Cutting on action introduces a shot change during an action.

For example, a person approaches for a door handle. That shot can be cut to a different angle while they are reaching for the handle. The action carries through the cut, so the viewer does not notice the edit.

This type of technique works well with movies, travel videos, tutorials, and movies.

Use J-Cuts and L-Cuts

Audio can also control pacing.

A J-cut transitions by using the audio from the following shot ahead of the visual transition. An L-cut transitions using the outgoing audio while the visual from the following shot is still on screen.

This causes chats and narrative to seem even more natural as the video user does not see each of the switches as a sharp visual break.

Change Shot Length According to the Moment

Shot duration needs to correspond to the mood.

If you have a slow sunset scene, you might need several seconds to breathe. But an action-filled scene can go along with more abrupt cuts.

Try varying shot duration in relation to one another. See how your sequence plays without stopping and pay attention to the entire sequence rather than single clips. Does it feel good and easy to watch?

Practical Tips for Better Video Editing

Watch Without Editing

After you’ve edited your rough cut, watch the sequence all the way through from top to bottom without making changes to your timeline.

Where does your mind wander? That’s a place that requires a shorter shot, a change in visuals, better audio, or a stronger cut.

Look Closely at the Audio Waveform

With the audio waveform, you’re able to see where there are pauses, breathing, and any gaps in the dialogue. You can also use waveforms to edit interviews, podcasts, tutorials, and talking head videos.

But don’t just look at the waveform. You must listen to the actual audio for better editing.

Use B-Roll to Conceal Unnecessary Cuts

An error can easily be concealed by using b-roll when cutting a segment leads to an obvious jump.

When the presenter talks about the product, you may choose to cut to the product itself or some other shot.

Create a Rough Cut First

Not to worry if your transitions aren’t flawless the first time around.

Start by establishing what your core footage is and the backbone of the narrative. Build on the structure when it’s good by refining the timing, sound, B-roll, and imagery.

This will make the editing process simpler.

Common Editing Mistakes to Avoid

Cutting Everything Too Fast

The tip of fast editing is not necessarily that of gripping editing. Invest your significant moments with time.

Keeping Every Clip

Recording something does not necessarily mean it needs to be included in the final video. Be selective.

Adding Too Many Transitions

You don't have to have fancy transitions most of the time. A simple cut may do the trick all the time.

Ignoring Audio

A music cut may be fine visually but can be unbalanced if the level of the audio jumps. Make sure to check dialogue, ambient sound, music and room tone.

Editing Without Viewing the Entire Video

You may edit clips that individually look good, but the entire video when viewed could appear to be slow and confusing. Always view as an audience member before showing off your masterpiece.

Final Words

It all boils down to your choices.As an editor, you will be expected to make the decision about what needs to be chopped off and where you should take a break and breathe.

Start by doing some basic editing that ensures everything is clear, strong, rhythmic and emotional. After practicing a lot, you will have an idea whether the video is too slow, too fast or just right for the time. This skill in understanding the timing of videos will be among the most important things in your career as a video editor.