Match Cut

What is a match cut?

A match cut is a cut between two shots linked by a shared shape, motion, color, or sound. It connects two different scenes or subjects by making one element carry across the cut. The viewer sees a connection or feels a jump in time or place.

The match can be visual or audio.
The first shot and second shot do not need to be in the same location.
The cut should happen at the exact point where the two shots line up.

What are the types of match cuts?

There are three common types. A graphic match cut links the shape, color, or composition of two shots. An action match cut links a movement that starts in one shot and finishes in the next. A sound match cut links a sound or piece of dialogue across the cut.

Graphic match: one object's shape becomes another object's shape.
Action match: a continuous motion carries from shot A to shot B.
Sound match: audio from one scene carries into the next scene.

What is a famous example of a match cut?

The famous match cut in 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) links a thrown bone to a satellite. In the first shot, an ape throws a bone into the air. In the next shot, the matching shape is a satellite in space. The shape and motion of the two objects line up in the frame.

The first shot is prehistoric.
The second shot is in space.
The cut connects the two moments.

How do you plan a match cut?

Plan the end frame of shot A and the start frame of shot B at the same time. Choose one shared element: shape, motion, color, or sound. Put that shared element in the same part of the frame in both shots. Then decide whether the match is graphic, action, or sound.

Draw both frames side by side on a storyboard.
Note the exact position of the matched shape in the frame.
If you match motion, make sure the motion moves in the same direction.
If you match sound, edit the audio so it crosses the cut.

How do you make a match cut with AI video?

Generate the end frame of shot A and the start frame of shot B with the same shape in the same place in the frame. Use start and end frame references to make the two shots line up at the cut. Set the end frame of shot A to the first reference image and the start frame of shot B to the second.

Create the last frame of shot A first.
Create the first frame of shot B to match it.
Put the matching shape at roughly the same spot in the frame.
Generate shot A with the end frame set to that image.
Generate shot B with the start frame set to that second image.
Edit the two clips together at the match point.