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Jump Cuts & How to Avoid Them

Lesson 16 from: Filming Families: The Modern Family Video

Courtney Holmes

Jump Cuts & How to Avoid Them

Lesson 16 from: Filming Families: The Modern Family Video

Courtney Holmes

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Lesson Info

16. Jump Cuts & How to Avoid Them

Lessons

Class Trailer
1

Class Introduction

09:38
2

The Spark That Inspired Me

13:50
3

What Are Family Films?

06:15
4

Gear for Family Films

11:50
5

Camera Settings for Video

02:56
6

Frame Rates & Slow Motion

20:48
7

Picture Profiles & Color Grading

06:47
8

Settings for Audio Capture

14:13

Lesson Info

Jump Cuts & How to Avoid Them

What is a jump cut? When two clips are placed side by side of the same subject from the same camera position where the subject is in different locations. Okay, so, it'd be like if I had two clips, side-by-side, camera is in the same spot, I'm here in the first clip, and then I'm here in the second clip. And we don't see me move from there to there. But I've jumped in space, right? In space. So, jump cuts, they're used a lot in vlogging these days, where people are ... You'll see them a lot in those kinds of things. Jump cuts can be used to signify a transition in time, like time has moved on. I just don't like them for what I do. Doing a lot of slow motion it's jolting to have a jump cut in there, I don't love jump cuts. And so I personally try to avoid them as much as I can. And a lot of that has to do with editing. A lot of it has to do with editing, but a lot of it also has to do with the way you've shot it. So if you stay in the same position too long, and you have two moments in t...

he same position, but there's a gap between the moments that are happening, then you're stuck. You need to go to a different clip, a b-roll clip or something in between them. Otherwise you're having to wait too long for that second moment to happen. You're subject has moved slightly and so you can't do a cut. If you did a cut, then you're gonna end up with a jump cut. So I'll show you what a jump cut looks like. This is an example from a film that I did a while ago, it's one of my favorite films. And I just did it, I just let it happen. 'Cause I was like, I love this too much to not include it, so we're just gonna jump cut all over the place on this one, that's fine. Because, and you'll see what I mean when you watch it, it is an adorable moment, but that just took a long time to happen, and I had to include it. So it's a great example, and you'll see several jump cuts throughout this. [lighthearted guitar music] Did you see that? Okay. (audience laughter) Okay. (lighthearted guitar music) Okay, so she missed it, the first time. And, she missed the goal and so, I was like, "I really want to include this 'cause it's so adorable," the way she goes up with her hands. She's so cute and I really wanted to include this moment, and I knew the only way that I could do it, was to have this series of jump cuts in there. And I was just like, "You know what, I'm just doing it, I don't really care." So, I try to avoid them as a rule, but if they're necessary, it's okay, it's for the clients. Okay? But, the better ... it was also me. I could have shot this better. If I hadn't just stayed in the same spot, then I wouldn't have had all those jump cuts. But, the reason was because I sat there and waited for her to get the soccer in the goal, and I didn't move. What I should've done was stood up and shot down, or stood up and shot down and moved to the left, that's probably what I should've done. But, I didn't and so I ended up with that, and had to just work with it. But, that's an example of what a jump cut is. I don't love having them, but I'll use them if I have to. And, if you're showing this passage of time, it's okay. So that song that I love is called, "Always" by Shawn Williams, licensed through MUSICBED.

Class Materials

Bonus Materials with Purchase

Shot List Worksheet Template
Shot List Worksheet Example
Ideas for Your First Film
Discount Code

Ratings and Reviews

Adam Nicholls
 

Worth a watch! Courtney provides a clear and organised class, she is also very passionate about what she does which is always nice to see. She has a great back story which is fantastic. This course is good for beginners who have some knowledge in photography and want to learn more about video. I would recommend that people do not refer this class to the bible of filmmaking as I feel you can expand further on what Courtney teaches. Some useful tips for beginners but some methods I personally feel can be taught differently. I feel a gimbal is a useful bit of kit if used correctly. You can still use a gimbal when in manual mode providing you follow the basics rules! Obviously if Courtney prefers not to use a gimbal then that's also fine but I wouldn't discourage students from exploring useful filmmaking tools. Slow motion can be achieved with 50/60fps however I feel other frame rates should have been discussed like 120fps. I liked that Courtney engaged with the students as it gets them involved and will help them remember what they have learned during the class. Thank you for taking the time to share some of your knowledge

a Creativelive Student
 

Courtney's work is absolutely amazing and inspiring. I feel lucky that she has chosen to share her process and that this class is available! After watching all the videos and trying my hand at this video thing, I am feeling really encouraged and inspired to do more- both personally and professionally. I appreciate the way that she breaks things down in the video and that she shares her thought process. A really great course!

AShley
 

Courtney’s course completes me! I have storytelling “holes” in my film previously, but this course helped fill those holes to create a flow and a film with emotion. Not only is the course wonderful (and well worth every penny) but Courtney is wonderful as well! I had such an amazing experience at Creative Live!!!!

Student Work

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