Smash cut

What it is

At a peak, cut abruptly to a sharply contrasting image or sound.

When to use it

Shocks, comic reversals, waking from a dream.

When not to

Gentle transitions.

Often confused with

• Dissolve

  A dissolve is gentle; a smash cut is abrupt.

Common generation mistakes

• SymptomThe two shots don't contrast enough.

  FixMake the next shot opposite in volume, brightness or mood.