Jumpcuts VS No Jumpcuts?

[Symph]

To me it's like this, the GOAL should be to get to the point where you don't need jump cuts, you are so good at what you do that you can just let the camera roll and be entertaining and on point throughout the whole thing. If you can manage to do that, I enjoy it much more because it causes me to gain alot of respect for you, as most people can't do that. But like I just said, most people can't do that, so if you have a tendency to ramble and get sidetracked or have lots of "umms" then I'd rather see you use jumpcuts to fix them than to leave them in there. But I don't think you should use them for "effect" or to be "trendy" UNLESS it is in such a way that you are utilizing them artistically. In other words if you're using them on purpose, not to edit content, it should be so that you can jump from one side of the shot to the other, or so a funny face you make will appear more randomly, you know what I'm saying right? For comedic effect. But if you're just talking, and you jumpcut every sentence, and you do it just because you see other people do it, I would rather see you not.

It just comes off much more professional and shows a higher level of confidence and ability when you can do your entire vlog well without using any jumpcuts. I think that should be most vloggers' goal, but I completely understand you will have to use them until you become confident and consistent in your own abilities.
--- merged: Apr 5, 2012 7:57 PM ---
And I also can't really vote in the poll, none of those options fit my opinion lol. I would need to click the "I think they should be used as an editing tool if necessary but if you can manage to not use them that's better" option.

 

[Michael]

Added that in there for you I agree with everything you have said there especially the comedy thing.

 

[Stef]

I agree with Symphonious on some points. I like jump cuts, I think they add something to videos. I don't think everyone that uses it does it because they can't get their opinions across without it. I feel like it does add an interesting touch to your videos, especially if used correctly. Unless what you're saying is live, being able to talk without editing in a recorded video doesn't really gain my respect. It also doesn't really mean that you're a more confident nor competent vlogger. I feel like jump cutting to the point where your jumping across the screen in different positions, is really annoying though.

A lot more comes into play when determining what makes a video seem more 'professional'. Being able to talk without editing isn't one of them in my opinion. It's a bit of a miniscule talent, if you'll allow me to be blunt. However, you're overall presentation, that includes editing and the general way you come across on screen, does add to the professionalism.

 

[Symph]

I agree with Symphonious on some points. I like jump cuts, I think they add something to videos. I don't think everyone that uses it does it because they can't get their opinions across without it. I feel like it does add an interesting touch to your videos, especially if used correctly. Unless what you're saying is live, being able to talk without editing in a recorded video doesn't really gain my respect. It also doesn't really mean that you're a more confident nor competent vlogger. I feel like jump cutting to the point where your jumping across the screen in different positions, is really annoying though.

I hate it when it's through the whole video. But I've seen people do it brilliantly. Like they say something and then they act like they are asking themselves a question and then answering it so they ask it on one side of the screen, then answer it on the other, you know stuff like that. When the person is just disappearing and reappearing all over the place YEAH that's obnoxious lol.

 

[PixieBlossom]

I'd say if you are using jumpcuts in every video you make. Your using them too much and its just gonna be an annoyance to many viewers. My two cents lol.

I disagree, jumpcutting is a filming style, and if you make videos in that style, every video will have them. Just take a look at the youtubers I mentioned. All of their videos are done in the same style, and it is what their audiance always expects from them.

 

[urbanlamb]

hehe i am going to resort to a wiki on filming for this but for the most part what people do on youtube is known as "discontinuity editing" its very jarring and is usually considered to be very bad editing technique. The definition is accurate I posted.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jump_cut

Real jump cutting uses several cameras and the actions are more matched. Jumping around the screen is not considered very good form. It may be a youtube thing but I personally hate it on a regular basis. I have seen it used well I liked it in the top 10 list that was done because it made sense to use it there. For the most part I have not seen it used well and in most cases they really arent jump cuts just editing things to be choppy. Choppy is fine if it fits otherwise it does ruin the flow for many.

and now im gonna be quiet cause i am getting overly technical and overly critical

here this one won a contest (not mine actually)it does employ jump cutting and its not jarring at all and it flows.

 

[Vicboss]

well for me,i barely use jump cuts. as a wrestler we gotta be able to cut those promos in one take. but for vlogs i'll use jump cuts once in a while... there is nothing wrong with jumpcuts tho. infact some people use it for comedic purposes that would not be there if they did it all in one go. Like Ask a Ninja and MWreviewcaca those two channels use jump cuts too enhance the comedy and it works great for them! now some people use it just to speed things along to keep the video more interesting. which is fine! it is a way to film. even some hollywood movies have used this method and it worked.

 

[Symph]

well for me,i barely use jump cuts. as a wrestler we gotta be able to cut those promos in one take. but for vlogs i'll use jump cuts once in a while... there is nothing wrong with jumpcuts tho. infact some people use it for comedic purposes that would not be there if they did it all in one go. Like Ask a Ninja and MWreviewcaca those two channels use jump cuts too enhance the comedy and it works great for them! now some people use it just to speed things along to keep the video more interesting. which is fine! it is a way to film. even some hollywood movies have used this method and it worked.

Well like Danny from Gradual Report does it for comedy, and I like that too. But what you'll notice is when he's jumpcutting he's becoming a different character in the cuts, and it wouldn't make sense for him to act one way, then quickly act another, without the jump cut there. I get that, and like I said, if you're just editing out pauses and ummms and places where you repeat yourself, I totally get that. But I also watch people that I get the feeling they don't try to do their vlog in one take, they just say it one phrase at a time and string it all together, maybe for ease? Maybe cause they think it's cool, and it's not adding to the video, it's just making it look robot and unnatural and it kind of annoys me personally.

 

[Michael]

Well like Danny from Gradual Report does it for comedy, and I like that too. But what you'll notice is when he's jumpcutting he's becoming a different character in the cuts, and it wouldn't make sense for him to act one way, then quickly act another, without the jump cut there. I get that, and like I said, if you're just editing out pauses and ummms and places where you repeat yourself, I totally get that. But I also watch people that I get the feeling they don't try to do their vlog in one take, they just say it one phrase at a time and string it all together, maybe for ease? Maybe cause they think it's cool, and it's not adding to the video, it's just making it look robot and unnatural and it kind of annoys me personally.

Lol that last bit is how I have been doing it, I will get one part over and then move onto the next bit, well not one phrase but I will say a few things before moving onto the next bit, like I break it down into sections, for example, I might want to mention whos asked the question and read the question out, then I get ready for answering it, compose my thoughts or whatever and then say my answer, thats how I have been doing it and I like it like that because it gives me a chance to remember what I am going to be saying, I am really bad at the whole thought train even in person at times, I go blank a lot FAIL!

 

[Symph]

Lol that last bit is how I have been doing it, I will get one part over and then move onto the next bit, well not one phrase but I will say a few things before moving onto the next bit, like I break it down into sections, for example, I might want to mention whos asked the question and read the question out, then I get ready for answering it, compose my thoughts or whatever and then say my answer, thats how I have been doing it and I like it like that because it gives me a chance to remember what I am going to be saying, I am really bad at the whole thought train even in person at times, I go blank a lot FAIL!

LOL I'm getting bored with this topic. The real point is, I don't know why everyone does it. In your case michael, we both know how much you're stepping out of your comfort zone to speak on cam, so you doing it in pieces may be totally necessary for you, and maybe EVERY person I've EVER seen do it, is the same way and it's necessary for them. But the bottom line is for ME, alot of times it comes across as lazy and not needed. Should I cut people more slack? Am I reading too far into it? Beats me, that's just how I feel about it in some cases.