What is a Match Cut in Film?

In filmmaking and film editing, many different techniques are used to transition from one scene or shot to another. Probably one of the most commonly used techniques to transition from an action or subject shot onto another shot is the match cut. In fact, a match cut is an incredibly common editing transition that you’ll see in many different films and video projects, but exactly what is a match cut in film and how does it work?

Understanding the Match Cut

The match cut represents a unique method of transitioning from one shot to another while maintaining continuity so that it appears that the film is continuing to progress in standard time.

Match cuts use similar actions, objects, or elements between each shot to “match” the composition in some manner.

Match cuts tend to have some item or element of consistency that helps to build the foundation for continuity editing and a smooth transition from scene to scene or shot to shot.

The goal of the match cut is to establish a logical transition between shots while maintaining a level of coherence or continuity that is consistent with the underlying logic of the current action in the film.

Types of Match Cuts in Film

Sometimes when asked, “What is a match cut in film?” The real question is, what are the different types of match cuts that are commonly used in film editing? The use of match cuts represent a standard editing transition that is utilized for a variety of reasons.

There are actually several types of match cuts, each that fall within one of three categories: Sound Matches, Visual Matches, and Metaphorical Matches.

Each of these types of match cuts is achieved with a slightly different approach, primarily which narrows down to the match that takes place.

For example:

• Sound Matches – this includes matching the dialogue or some other sound from one shot to another so that the sound blends between the two shots or sequences. For example, you might recall seeing a shot transition in which a character is reading a book out loud, and then the next shot is another character reading the same book, such that the sound dialogue of both match.
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• Visual Matches – this includes the use of visual objects of relatively identical composition between the two shots. For example, you might recall seeing a shot transition in which the same exact scene or background is used, but the actors are different. This can also occur when the action of the frame is matched between the two shots so that you go from shot A which shows a close up of a wheel spinning and shot B shows a casino game of roulette.
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• Metaphorical Matches – this is the use of abstract level metaphors or symbolic meanings between the two shots to connect or “match” the transition from shot A to shot B. For example, you might see a match getting blown out in shot A, and then shot B will transition to the sun rising. 

Although there are many different potential answers when someone asks, “What is a match cut in film?” The reality is, match cuts are incredibly useful, unique means of transitioning from one shot to another or from one scene to another while maintaining a level of continuity editing and connection for the audience.

Several types of match cuts exist providing a variety of applications for filmmakers to progress a production through time while maintaining a level of audience connection and recognition.