### J & L Cuts – The Invisible Glue

| Name      | What viewer hears first      | Emotional effect         |
| --------- | ---------------------------- | ------------------------ |
| **J‑Cut** | Audio from **next** scene    | Curiosity / anticipation |
| **L‑Cut** | Audio from **current** scene | Continuity / warmth      |

Note:
Use this title slide to remind participants that picture need not dictate structure—audio is often the real storyteller.

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#### 1. Anatomy of a J‑Cut

```
Picture  AAAAA|BBBBB
Audio    BBBBB
Timeline «———  J ——»
```

* The viewer *hears* Scene B before *seeing* it.
* Creates a soft entry; ideal when dialog leads audiences into a new space.

Note:
Walk the room through the ASCII timeline: top row picture, bottom row audio. Point out the “hook” that pulls us forward.

--

#### 2. Anatomy of an L‑Cut

```
Picture  AAAAA|BBBBB
Audio    AAAAA
Timeline «———  L ——»
```

* Scene A’s sound lingers under Scene B visuals.
* Masks jump‑cuts, preserves emotional resonance.

Note:
Contrast with a hard cut: play a harsh dialog‑to‑B‑roll cut, then the same with an L‑cut to prove smoothness.

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#### 3. When to Use J/L Cuts

* **Interviews** – hide camera angle switches, smooth answers over B‑roll.
* **Narrative** – carry a scream or laugh across a reaction shot.
* **Documentary** – lead viewers with ambient sound into the next location.
* **Music videos** – sync lyrical phrases over new imagery.

Note:
Encourage students to listen for J/L cuts in nightly news pieces—they’re everywhere once you notice.

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#### 4. Common Pitfalls

| Issue                   | Fix                                |
| ----------------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| Echo / double room‑tone | Cross‑fade or room‑tone bed        |
| Spoken word clash       | Roll‑back offset; respect pauses   |
| Music key change clash  | Insert a whoosh SFX or buffer clip |

Note:
Mention Audacity workflow: you can extend a room‑tone bed to cover the overlap cleanly.