Cutaways

Cutaways

A cutaway is when two shots are edited together to show two different events happening simultaneously. There are several ways a cutaway can be used.

A character could be shown chatting to another and then look away or towards something such as an object, scenery or another person. This will be the cutaway.

• In the first shot we see the male character.
• The second shot we see the female character. 
• We then cut away to another shot away from the action.
• And then back to the male character.

It can be used to show actions happening to a different person or location but it will be at the same time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtKWxOgpQPs

Two storylines may be merged together.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvUbv4iwbDs

A cutaway will be used to give the audience a small break from the main action and show a shot of something that will be happening at the same time.