What are Flat-Line Cuts?
Edits lacking energy or punch, resulting in a flat pacing.
How to Spot Flat-Line CutsUniform cut lengths with no variation.
- Audience “dropping off” during playback—low engagement.
Causes of Flat-Line Cuts
- Over-reliance on straight cuts without rhythm.
- Ignoring action/beats in the footage or soundtrack.
Fixes for Flat-Line Cuts
- Vary clip durations: mix quick cuts (1–3 sec) with medium moments (5–8 sec).
- Cut on action or beat: align transitions to movement or audio markers.
- Use J- and L-cuts to maintain audio continuity and dynamic flow.