Last Updated 3 months ago
Definition
A Cutaway is a shot that temporarily cuts away from the main action to show a related detail, object, reaction, or secondary action. Cutaways are commonly used in editing to maintain continuity, compress time, cover mistakes, or add narrative context without disrupting the flow of a scene.
In practical terms, a cutaway gives editors flexibility—if something doesn’t quite work in the primary shot, a cutaway can save the scene.
Why Cutaways Are Used
1. Covering Edits & Continuity Issues
One of the most common uses of a cutaway is to hide jump cuts, performance inconsistencies, or continuity errors. By cutting to a neutral or relevant shot, the editor can remove unwanted frames without the audience noticing.
2. Pacing & Rhythm
Cutaways help control pacing. They can speed up dialogue, eliminate dead air, or allow scenes to breathe without staying locked on a single angle.
3. Visual Variety
Cutting away prevents scenes—especially dialogue-heavy ones—from becoming visually repetitive.
4. Story & Emphasis
A cutaway can highlight an important detail:
- A ticking clock
- A nervous hand gesture
- A phone vibrating
- A character’s reaction
These details add subtext and emotional weight.
Common Types of Cutaways
Reaction Cutaway
Shows how a character reacts to dialogue or action, even if they are not speaking.
Insert Cutaway
A close-up of an object or detail relevant to the scene.
Environmental Cutaway
A shot of the surrounding location—crowds, weather, signage—to establish context or passage of time.
Action Cutaway
A secondary action happening simultaneously with the main scene.
Cutaway vs. Insert
Although often used interchangeably, they serve slightly different functions:
- Cutaway: Moves away from the main action to something related.
- Insert: A specific, intentional detail shot of an object or action.
All inserts are cutaways, but not all cutaways are inserts.
How Cutaways Are Planned
Cutaways can be:
- Planned in the shot list or storyboard
- Captured deliberately after principal photography
- Grabbed opportunistically during production (“safety cutaways”)
Experienced directors often shoot extra cutaways knowing they’ll be invaluable in the edit.
Why Cutaways Matter
Cutaways are one of the editor’s most powerful tools. They protect performances, solve continuity problems, and enhance storytelling without calling attention to themselves. A film with good cutaways cuts smoothly; a film without them often feels awkward or forced.
For new filmmakers, the rule is simple: always get more cutaways than you think you need.
Related Terms
- Insert Shot – A specific detail shot used as a cutaway.
- Reaction Shot – A character’s emotional response.
- Coverage – The collection of shots needed to edit a scene.
- Jump Cut – A cut cutaways often help hide.