Split Edits

When editing a conversation, one trick that editors use is called a J and/or L cut. The names of these cuts are derived from how they look in the timeline, J making a sort of J shape and L making an L shape. These two different cuts can give the conversation a bit more realism. A J cut is when one clips audio track comes before the clip, making it so that it sounds like the person is talking before they're shown. An L cut is the opposite of a J cut. An L cut is when the previous clips audio persists into the next clips visuals. These simple cuts can improve your edit by giving a more natural feel. J and L cuts can sell the illusion of an actual conversation better than just cutting from one clip to another.