Ever notice how certain scenes
just seem to stay with you?
For me, it's this scene
in "Schindler's List."
There's something
about this moment
that completely changed
the way I view things.
It's the scene transition.
But this isn't just
any scene transition.
It's "The Match Cut."
So what is a match cut exactly?
A match cut is any
transition audio or video
that uses the elements
from the previous scene
to fluidly bring the
viewer to the next scene.
Match cuts differ
from regular cuts
because they imply a deep sense
of connection between two
separate events or concepts.
They have the ability to
perform an emotional switcheroo.
Before we break down the
different types of match cuts,
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So there are three types of match
cuts you can use in any project.
Graphic Match Cuts
where shapes and imagery are
matched during the transition.
Movement Match Cuts
where movement is matched.
And Audio Match Cuts
where sounds are matched.
We're going to use StudioBinder
shot listing features
to label the shots
throughout today's video.
Understanding how directors
label their shots and plan setups
will help you build
your own dynamic scenes.
First up - Graphic Match Cuts.
When you use a
graphic match cut,
you combine or replace the emotional
context of imagery in your scene.
Two separate images
suddenly become one,
and you are forced to consider what
the possible connection might be.
You can also use
graphic match cuts
for a seamless passage of time.
It can be with a dissolve
or a straight cut.
You can graphic match cut
across multiple transitions
allowing a single physical object to act
as a visual through-line for your scene.
Graphic match cuts are
like a bucket of water
tossed onto the viewer`s head.
How quickly you
pour is up to you.
So make sure your match cuts
have some motivation
behind them.
The next kind of
match cut is Movement.
The movement match cut
draws a direct connection
between actions
within both scenes.
"Taxi!"
Story-wise
movement match cuts generate
a narrative momentum
that highlight the physical
connections between two scenes.
Here is an example
from "Sherlock"
that connects the separate
actions of Watson and Holmes.
A more specific version
of an movement match cut
is known as a Pass-By Effect.
Where an object passes
in front of the camera
to reveal another location.
Lastly, Audio Match Cuts.
[Music]
This is where you cut
on similar sounds,
but it's all about how you
use your audio match cut.
It's an overlap of matches,
and has a direct connection
to the narrative.
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Here is an example
from "Apocalypse Now."
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In this scene,
we hear a helicopter
at the dissolve
to find a ceiling fan.
[Music]
It makes you think
when soldiers come home they
bring those memories with them.
[Music]
You can use audio match cuts
in conjunction with graphic
and movement match cuts
to supercharge their effect.
Never underestimate
the power of audio.
It's 50% of your project.
So to recap,
there are three types of match
cuts you can use in your projects.
Graphic Match Cuts
which help you replace
or combine the
meaning of an image.
Movement Match Cuts
which help you create a jolt of
energy, as well as narrative momentum.
And Audio Match Cuts
which assist your
other match cuts,
as well as providing new
meaning and momentum.
Nothing will help you achieve a match cut
better than a storyboard or shot list.
StudioBinder makes it really
easy to plan out your match cuts
when building your shot list.
Add more shot specs,
share it with department heads
and take it on set to
act as your checklist.
If you're thinking about
building your own match cuts,
then you're already
becoming a better filmmaker.
Match cuts are just one piece
of the filmmaking puzzle.
Make sure to take a look
at our video on rack focus.
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videos on production.
Remember to click the bell icon
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on future videos.
Game. Set. Match.
[Music]
