Cutaway

컷어웨이

The edit briefly leaves the main action for a related shot, then returns.

Also known as: Cutaway shot
···
html
<div class="frame">
  <div class="shot main"><i class="person"></i><i class="table"></i><b>MAIN ACTION</b></div>
  <div class="shot insert"><i class="object"></i><b>DETAIL INSERT</b></div>
  <div class="timeline"><span>A</span><i></i><b>INSERT</b><i></i><span>A</span><em></em></div>
</div>
css
.frame{position:absolute;inset:0;overflow:hidden;background:var(--bg)}
.shot{position:absolute;inset:0 0 22%;display:grid;place-items:center;overflow:hidden}
.main{background:linear-gradient(145deg,#d7e2d4,#93b3a9);animation:main 3.6s steps(1,end) infinite}
.insert{background:linear-gradient(145deg,#e6c68e,#cc805f);opacity:0;animation:insert 3.6s steps(1,end) infinite}
.person{position:absolute;left:21%;bottom:0;width:24%;height:66%;border-radius:45% 45% 0 0;background:var(--accent-2)}
.person:before{content:"";position:absolute;left:30%;top:-31%;width:40%;aspect-ratio:1;border-radius:50%;background:#d39a72}
.table{position:absolute;right:9%;bottom:9%;width:38%;height:21%;background:#71533d;transform:skewY(-8deg)}
.object{width:clamp(48px,26vmin,145px);aspect-ratio:1;border-radius:50% 50% 13% 50%;background:var(--accent);transform:rotate(35deg);box-shadow:0 0 0 18px rgba(255,255,255,.22)}
.shot b{position:absolute;left:6%;bottom:7%;font:700 clamp(9px,2.3vmin,13px) ui-monospace,monospace;letter-spacing:.13em;color:var(--fg)}
.timeline{position:absolute;left:7%;right:7%;bottom:6%;height:12%;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;color:var(--fg);font:700 clamp(8px,2vmin,11px) ui-monospace,monospace;letter-spacing:.08em}
.timeline i{position:absolute;left:20%;right:20%;height:2px;background:var(--line)}
.timeline b{position:absolute;left:50%;transform:translateX(-50%);background:var(--bg);padding:0 5px;color:var(--accent-3)}
.timeline em{position:absolute;left:50%;top:0;bottom:0;width:2px;background:var(--accent);animation:cursor 3.6s linear infinite}
@keyframes main{0%,39.9%{opacity:1}40%,59.9%{opacity:0}60%,100%{opacity:1}}
@keyframes insert{0%,39.9%{opacity:0}40%,59.9%{opacity:1}60%,100%{opacity:0}}
@keyframes cursor{from{left:0}to{left:100%}}

It briefly leaves the main action for a related detail, like cutting from someone at a table to the object in their hand. The insert adds information or a reaction.

Cut away from the main shot, place the supporting shot for a moment, then return to the original. Match the action or eyeline across the shots to make the return feel natural.

A cutaway is an editing structure, not a transition effect. Unlike cross-cutting between simultaneous actions, it inserts a shot that supports the main scene's context.

When to use

Use it to show an object being discussed or another person's reaction. Decide where to return so the audience does not lose the main thread.

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