What's it called · Film & video 07

Smash cut

An abrupt edit to a shot with a strongly contrasting mood or action.

Compare the sudden change from sleep to a large alarm clock with 'Plain cut', which stays in the bedroom.

Often confused with

• Cut: An instant edit between shots that does not require a contrast in mood or action
• Sound cut-out: An audio technique that abruptly leaves silence instead of changing to a contrasting shot