Best Editing Exercise For Cross-Cutting (Challenge)
Jan 11, 2025I’ve been a pro editor for over 20 years, and today I’d like to invite you into my edit suite so I can show you the what, the why, and the how behind the editing technique of cross-cutting. Watch the video above for the full lesson, and read through to the end of this article where you will find an editing exercise.
WHAT?
Cross-cutting, sometimes referred to as parallel editing, is a technique where an editor cuts back and forth between two different scenes. Sometimes the scenes are happening at the same time in different locations, and sometimes they’re happening at different times and in different locations. And sometimes they’re even happening in different dimensions.
WHY?
Cross-cutting is often used to build intensity or create suspense.
In my opinion, one of the very best examples of cross-cutting is from the 1991 film The Silence of the Lambs, Academy Award winner for Best Picture. Editor Craig McKay cuts between multiple characters in multiple locations to create one of the most memorable scenes in film. Check out the famous scene in the video above.
HOW?
So what can we learn from this example?
Well, first we need to understand the context. This scene occurs in Act III of the film, building up to the climax, so this was a perfect time within the story to utilize cross-cutting.
One key to this scene is how the tension is rising in each scene individually, and by cross-cutting them the tension is amplified even more.
Secondly, I want you to listen closely to the soundtrack, paying particular attention to how it changes as it cuts from scene to scene. The exterior scene has no music and the sound effects are very realistic. The interior sequence has a musical score, and the sound design becomes more subjective and intense (like the doorbell for instance).
The soundtrack creates contrast, while at the same time helps weave the scenes together.
EXERCISE
Now it’s time for you to try cross-cutting. I’ve linked two footage collections below that you can access with a free trial of Artlist. First download the clips, and then select a music track to use for one of the scenes (I've also linked below a site where you can download some free, quality sound effects).
To build your scene, choose shots that become increasingly intense. For one scene, create a realistic soundtrack with simple sound effects and no music. For the other scene, use music and more intense sound effects to drive contrast. Like in The Silence of the Lambs, think about using a music track that is almost like a drone, so it’s less jarring to continually cut in and out.
Artlist Sign-up (referral link):
https://artlist.io/referral/3199446/Austen
Footage Collection 1:
https://artlist.io/stock-footage/story/supermarket-robbery/15516
Footage Collection 2:
https://artlist.io/stock-footage/story/police-chase/20749
Free SFX:
Austen is an ADDY award-winning film & commercial editor with over 20 years of experience. He has worked with global brands like Meta, KPMG, SAP, and Christianity Today. His PSA work has championed causes like school safety (with Matthew McConaughey), driving safety, and anti-tobacco. A thought leader in the editing field, his online lessons quickly amassed over 100K views after launch.
