Why Your Content Feels Boring (And How to Fix It Now)
The editing trick filmmakers swear by - and why it makes your content flow like butter.
Welcome to The Craft - where filmmaking techniques meet the creator economy.
The Problem With Jump Cuts
Most creators edit by stacking clips back-to-back: cut → cut → cut. It’s functional. But it often feels jarring, mechanical, and flat.
Filmmakers learned long ago there’s a better way: J-cuts and L-cuts.
⚡ What Are J-Cuts and L-Cuts?
J-Cut: The audio from the next clip starts playing before the video cuts. (Think of hearing someone speak before you see them.)
L-Cut: The audio from the previous clip continues under the new video. (Think of someone finishing a sentence while the shot has already changed.)
These cuts create overlap - which means flow.
🎧 Why They Work in Shortform
Natural Feel: We hear things before we see them all the time in real life. J/L cuts mimic that.
Momentum: Overlapping audio keeps energy moving forward, instead of “resetting” with each cut.
Professional Polish: Even subtle use makes your edits feel cinematic instead of stitched together.
📸 Practical Tips
In talking head videos, bring in your next line of VO before you cut the visual.
Use L-cuts in storytelling - let the emotion of a line carry over a new shot.
Keep it subtle. Overdo it, and you’ll confuse rather than guide your audience.
🛠 Tool Spotlight
DaVinci Resolve — A free editing app with features that rival Hollywood’s top suites. From J- and L-cuts to full-scale color grading and sound design, Resolve gives creators pro-level tools without the price tag. If you’ve only used basic apps before, this is the one to level up with — and anyone can download it today.
📈 Why It Matters
Attention spans are short, but that doesn’t mean your cuts should feel rushed. J-cuts and L-cuts make content smoother, more watchable, and more professional - all without adding gear, budget, or complexity.
Stay cinematic,
Alex