Why Animators Should Cut on Movement

One of the key principles of cinematography is to cut on movement. What does that mean? It means that if you start an action in one shot, carry it over into the second.  

Let's say you are cutting from a wide shot to a close up, you start the motion in the wide shot, then carry it over to the next shot. This makes the cut feel less abrupt.

Always Cut on Movement

Take a look at the acting shot above by Rich Jeffery.  Rich cuts from the mid shot of the janitor to a wide shot, starting the janitor's downward motion in the first shot, and picking it up in the second. This makes the transition from the mid shot to the wide shot much more fluid and smooth. 

Rules of Cinematography
We have many resources on Editing, Camera and Cinematography at Animation Apprentice. Follow the links below:

Camera Always Follows - Never Leads

• Why Camera Always Follows - Never Leads
• Why Animators Have Too Many Cuts
• Why Animators Should Avoid Jump Cuts
• Understand The 180 Degree Rule - "Crossing The Line"
• Avoid "Motion Sickness Camera" - Keep it Simple
• Don't "Break the 4th Wall" (Stop Looking at The Camera!) 
• Understanding The "Magic Circle" - With Brad Bird
• How to Create a Shot Camera in Maya
• How to Animate a Camera Shake in Maya
• Focus and Depth of Field for Animators in Maya and Arnold

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