What changes
Cuts maintain continuous action and spatial logic through devices such as cutting on action, eyeline matches, and consistent screen direction.
INVISIBLE-CUT · foundation
Invisible cut
Invisible cutting is continuity editing designed so viewers follow the narrative rather than notice changing shots.
On-set method
- Record overlapping action from more than one angle.
- Cut during a clearly readable movement or matched look.
- Check screen direction and positions across the edit.
Useful for
- Join coverage while maintaining continuous action
- Keep attention on narrative information rather than the edit
Common mistakes
- Repeating or skipping a conspicuous part of an action
- Reversing screen direction without showing a motivated change
05
Practice
Record a person opening a door from two angles and cut during the action so the movement remains continuous.
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Compare
Match on action is one continuity device; invisible cutting is the broader goal of making transitions unobtrusive.
FAQ
Does invisible cutting mean every edit is literally hidden?
No. In continuity editing, “invisible” means the changing shots are unobtrusive enough that viewers stay oriented to the story.
Supporting sources
- Columbia University Film Language Glossary, “Editing”
- Pitzer College, “Language of Film: Key Terms”
- Humanities LibreTexts, Tokyo in Film, §4.3.4 “Continuity Editing”
- Columbia University Film Language Glossary, “180-Degree Rule”
Further discovery
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